Tying your skates: effect on stroking?

[sampaguita]

I find that when I tie my skates tight all the way to the 2nd hook, then tie it loose for the 3rd and 4th, I am able to bend my knees more easily, but it's much harder to stroke. If I tie it tight all the way to the 3rd hook, then tie it loose only for the 4th, it's harder to bend, but I am able to glide faster. However, I notice that my weight is more on the heel, and although basic stroking is more effortless (as far as getting speed is concerned), moves like progressives are more difficult to balance.

So what is the proper way to tie your skates?

[Qarol]

I don't like anything loose. But I have to be careful not to go crazy and tie everything too tight or I get crazy pain in my feet. It's an art form...and a fine line for me...between too tight and too loose.

And I usually have to re-tighten after about 30-45 mins of skating.

[shariskate]

I second that.  I need mine tight, tight, tight.  Probably tighter than I should be wearing them because I do sometimes get bruises.  But if mine are loose at the top then I don't feel I have enough side to side support.

[AgnesNitt]

You could try Katstrapz.

[SynchKat]

The right way is what works for you.

I like my skates tight and then I bend to loosen them.  I don't like to retire them so if they loosen I just appreciate the fact I can bend even lower. 

How broken down are you skates?  That affects the stability.  Paleo you will eventually figure out what works best for you and find a happy medium.