Punching out new boots - too much, too early?

[jjane45]

I've been skating in my new Jackson competitor boots, and got the insides of the ankle punched out after 2 hours of practice because it. hurt. too. much. Skated another 2.5 hours including a dance class, it definitely settled better (with tighter lacing too) but left inside ankle still hurts, in a slightly higher spot than what was punched out [tears].

Would the boots become too loose down the road if I ask to punch it out again in areas of pain? Should I tough it out for now and let new boots break in a bit more? I won't come back to my pro shop until a couple months later and have to decide quickly... thanks for your help!

[sarahspins]

I would punch them as soon as you know you have a problem - I tried to 'tough it out' with a pair of boots once and I had to have surgery to fix the damage it caused, so I definitely wouldn't recommend that

I think it's unlikely that punching the ankles would have any effect on overall fit.  If you were punching for a heel spur or something in the heel counter area that might be different.

[AgnesNitt]

Just throwing some stuff out here.

Where in your ankle, other than the 'insides' does it hurt?  At the bony protrusion? Above that?  How does it hurt? Pinching? Rubbing?  Crushing?

If it's around the bony protrusion, you might want to try one of these. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/picture-of-the-ankle 
  http://www.amazon.com/Silipos-15005-Malleolar-Gel-Sleeve/dp/B00777MVP6

If it's rubbing in in a single spot, you could try this... http://www.drscholls.com/Products/RoundCallusCushions 

You've been skating a long time. What about a gel sleeve?

Honestly, I don't see how lacing them tighter is going to improve the situation. You could try skipping the first pair of hooks, and lace up from there. I've done that. It's not the best solution permanently, but it gave me an opportunity to skate in the boots and get some ankle bend while I was breaking them in. I'd warm up that way, then relace before a lesson.

[jjane45]

I did not make it to the pro shop tonight, so will have to deal with what I currently have! thanks sarahspins, I remember you mentioned it, eeek.

Thanks agnesnitt, for lack of better description, it's a piece of muscle that is close to the arch of the foot, distinctively swollen after skating for both feet. I meant to say after punching out it improved enough that I could lace more tightly (so it's safe enough to turn or do a small jump), but the pain position moved up somewhat on the left foot. manageable, but still sucks.

I am flying home soon and will have the gel sleeve. if break in is too painful in the same spot I will switch back to old boots until I can get someone to punch these out.

more comments much appreciated!!