Why are the laces on your skates breaking? How to prevent it
Ice Hockey and a Common Problem – Damaged Laces
If you play ice hockey regularly, you surely know the situation where your skate laces only last a few practices or games. They fray, tear, snap, or lose strength – and you're constantly replacing them. Why does this happen, and what can you do about it?
Reasons Why Laces Wear Out
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Friction from Skate Hooks
Skates often have sharp metal hooks that can fray or eventually cut the laces during tightening. This is the most common reason for fast wear. -
Low-Quality Material
Cheap laces made from thin or slippery material simply don’t last. Weak stitching, low tensile strength, and poor ends lead to frequent replacement. -
Overtightening
If you lace your skates too tightly, the laces wear out faster. This is especially true if you're using thin or smooth types. -
Moisture and Drying
Wet laces lose strength, and repeated drying weakens the material. This is a common issue in locker rooms and gear bags where equipment often doesn’t dry properly.
How to Prevent It?
1. Use High-Quality Waxed Laces
Waxed laces fray less, hold better, loosen less, and last significantly longer. They resist moisture and thanks to the wax, they get cut by hooks far less often.
✅ Recommended:
Howies Waxed Laces – Top Quality for Every Hockey Player
Find them at -> https://www.howieshockeytape.cz/textilni-voskovane-tkanicky/
2. Check Hooks and Skates
Each time you re-lace, check if the hooks are sharp or worn. Any sharp edges can be filed down or adjusted by a skate technician.
3. Dry Properly
Don’t leave your gear sealed in a bag. Laces that stay damp degrade quickly. After each practice, take your gear out and let it air dry properly.
4. Avoid Cheap Replacements
Laces from hardware or general sports stores won’t last like professional hockey ones – saving money here doesn’t pay off.
Ice Hockey with Howies: Long-Lasting, No Compromise
Howies laces are specially designed for ice hockey players. They endure repeated lacing, harsh conditions on the ice and in the locker room, and they tighten great. If you're tired of constantly replacing broken laces, switch to quality with Howies.