Modifying the Tongue

[jlspink22]

So the only complaint about my DDs skates during the break in process, is the bottom of the tongue where it is attached to the boot.

I was thinking of trying to shave the rubber/foam down a bit but not sure that is a great idea. I think its rubbing on her sock seam (already use very thin/tight like trouser socks).

Any idea?

[Casey]

So the only complaint about my DDs skates during the breaking them in process, is the bottom of the tongue where it is attached to the boot.

I was thinking of trying to shave the rubber/foam down a bit but not sure that is a great idea. I think its rubbing on her sock seam (already use very thin/tight like trouser socks).

Any idea?

In certain socks, one of my boots would irritate my toe at the base of the tongue, and rub it raw if I skated long enough.  There wasn't enough of anything in there to feel with my hand.  I used a bandaid around the toe for a while, then ultimately, used different socks.  In my opinion, material of the socks matters a lot.  Polyester is really a horrendous material, and I found nylon to be too slippery and just felt weird, though I didn't have too much problem with it actually.  I likewise didn't like the feeling of skating without socks.  Thick cotton socks didn't cut it either - they would really hurt my ankles once they got sweaty.  I ultimately found the best results using these:  http://www.maggiesorganics.com/organic-cotton-knee-high-sock-tri-pak-3-pair/

[jlspink22]

This was the second time she wore them on the ice and the first time we were able to pull the laces a bit tighter so I bet its the darn sock.... and its entirely frustrating to me when I can't fix the problem for her.

[davincisop]

I would recommend trying a bunch of different sock styles. My first coach when I started years ago had me buy nylon socks (with a seam at the very end along the toes (not on top) and round makeup sponges to pad any areas that irritated (mainly the bone spur on the side of my foot, still do this to this day). I've not been able to use any other types of socks because they're all too thick, but Mondor makes a good nylon sock and it's available in kids' sizes.

[jlspink22]

She's got tiny feet. So I bought a pair of these to try:
http://www.smartknitkids.com/Products/seamless_socks.html

And she has these now:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K1KQLA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Which are the right thickness but they stretch out quickly....

I think I will  pick up some pantyhose nylon type knee highs and see if those may work....

I think youth sized mondor may be too large....

[davincisop]

http://www.amazon.com/Mondor-Knee-High-Skating-Socks-Pairs/dp/B00IV1SZBQ

These are what I have, but adult. Someone posted a question about whether they'd fit a girls' size 2 and they said yes. Not sure your daughter's size, but it might work.

[lutefisk]

Alternatively, your boot fitter may be able to modify the tongue.  When I was in break-in mode with my current Jacksons, the outside edge of one of the tongues rubbed me the wrong way.  My fitter tweaked a little.  For a while after the tweaking session I used a foam pad between that edge and my socked foot.  Now I have dispensed with the foam pad.

[sarahspins]

You can also get that area punched - not as drastically as you would for an ankle pocket, but just enough to stop the pressure on the toes.

[jlspink22]

Alternatively, your boot fitter may be able to modify the tongue.  When I was in break-in mode with my current Jacksons, the outside edge of one of the tongues rubbed me the wrong way.  My fitter tweaked a little.  For a while after the tweaking session I used a foam pad between that edge and my socked foot.  Now I have dispensed with the foam pad.

I have to get the rest of the screws put in anyways (blades are on tight no worries just need additional screws), so if it does not resolve by the time I get there (another week or two) with new socks, I will have him take a look. Otherwise fit is fine, I was hoping it was just the foam needed to compress more.

[irenar5]

Does the tongue bend and hit her toes?  If that is the case, then the tongue needs to be secured to the boot.  You can do it either by making an "eyelet" in the tongue, threading the lace through it and lifting it away from the toes (worked on one of my skates).
The second way is to stitch the tongue down to the boot further along the holes, so that it does not move at the toes.  Works very well, but it is a pain to thread a new lace through!

[jlspink22]

Does the tongue bend and hit her toes?  If that is the case, then the tongue needs to be secured to the boot.  You can do it either by making an "eyelet" in the tongue, threading the lace through it and lifting it away from the toes (worked on one of my skates).
The second way is to stitch the tongue down to the boot further along the holes, so that it does not move at the toes.  Works very well, but it is a pain to thread a new lace through!

I tried some pantyhose on her last night (super thin), and she wont let the seam near the end/tips of her toes, its not "right" (sigh). If I pull the tongue out and up and then more up before I tie the skates it is not as bad she says. IT is bugging her right where they put that silver Riedell bar at the bottom lace.

[davincisop]

Would she be willing to try the socks on the ice? I know it feels weird at first, but after a few moments you don't notice it.

[jlspink22]

Would she be willing to try the socks on the ice? I know it feels weird at first, but after a few moments you don't notice it.

I'll try later tonight again and see what she says. She seems to "forget once she gets moving"... I hope.

[Christy]

If you're not sure if the problem is the tongue or the sock would it help to put some tape over the tongue to soften it? Then if the problem is the tongue it shouldn't hurt as much whereas if the problem is the sock it will probably feel the same.