Choosing well-fitting skates and tying them correctly can greatly improve the performance and comfort of both casual and advanced skaters. Skating professionals often discourage skaters from wrapping laces around the ankle of the boot. In certain situations however, wrapping or tying laces around the ankle may actually prove advantageous to the skater.
Speed Up the Breaking-In Process
According to USA Hockey, tying skates around the ankle can cause the skates to break down too fast. By wrapping the laces at the ankle, you put extra pressure on the leather in this area, which may reduce the strength and stiffness of the skate. This is not always a negative. It can work to the benefit of someone who wants to break down the leather, creating a crease around the ankle that allows the skater to flex the ankles more naturally. New ice skates feature a stiff construction and typically require a breaking-in period. During this period, tying skates around the ankle can help soften the leather more quickly, allowing the skater to move more comfortably. For skaters who don't have a second pair of skates to wear during the break-in, getting new skates broken in and conformed to the feet quickly can reduce discomfort and minimize lost training time. Once you notice this crease, stop tying the skates around the ankle and simply tie the laces at the top of the hooks instead.
Temporary Support
New skaters often tie laces around the ankle in an effort to gain additional ankle support and stability. If you're wearing skates that are the correct stiffness for your skill level, you should not need extra support from laces tied around the ankle. In fact, wrapping laces around the ankle when you already have stiff skates can cut down your ability to flex your ankles, which can negatively impact your skating skills. In this instance, the laces reinforce the stiffness of the leather, making them too stiff.
A need for added support typically means that you need to buy stiffer skates. Given the relatively high price of new ice skates, skaters often find themselves wearing broken-down boots until they can afford to order new ones. In this case, wrapping laces around the ankle can give a small amount of added support so you can continue skating while you wait for your new boots.
Avoid Tripping Over Laces
Skaters renting skates often are faced with laces that are much too long for the boot. This results in excess lace that could pose a tripping hazard if not addressed. Because people renting skates are not able to cut the laces, they may wrap the laces around the ankle to keep them safely out of the way.
Accommodate Poorly Fitting Skates
Many casual skaters start the sport wearing hand-me-down skates or boots purchased at sporting goods stores or yard sales. These skates may not fit as snugly as skates purchased from an ice rink pro shop, leading to blisters and discomfort for the skater. Tying the skates around the ankle may help hold the foot more firmly in place in boots that are too large or too wide, which leads to improved comfort and an easier time on the ice.
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