How to Prevent Lace Bite in Hockey Skates

Lace bite is one of the most common reasons hockey players cut a practice short. The good news: it is usually preventable with the right lacing, a sensible break-in and a thin layer of gel between the tongue and your foot.

What is lace bite?

Lace bite (also called skate bite) is pain and pressure across the front of the ankle and top of the foot, right where the skate tongue and laces press down. It often shows up with new skates, after a long layoff, or when skates are laced very tight to get more support. Read more in our complete lace bite guide.

Common causes in hockey

• Stiff new skates. Modern hockey boots and tongues are stiff until they break in.
• Over-tightened top eyelets. Cranking the laces at the ankle concentrates pressure on the tendons at the front of the ankle.
• A thin or worn-out tongue. Older skates often lose tongue padding.
• Tongue sliding to one side. A tongue that shifts puts the lace knots right on the foot.

Five ways to prevent it

1. Lace for the zone. Snug through the forefoot and the eyelets that lock your heel, slightly looser at the very top. Many players skip the top eyelet or lace it over-under to ease pressure.
2. Break skates in gradually. Start with short sessions and build up. Follow your skate maker’s instructions if your skates are heat-moldable.
3. Keep the tongue centered. Straighten the tongue every time you lace up.
4. Add a gel lace bite pad. A thin gel layer under the tongue spreads the lace pressure across a wider area instead of concentrating it on one spot.
5. Don’t play through sharp pain. Rest and let irritation settle. If it doesn’t, see a professional.

How the Bunga Lace Bite Preventer works

The Bunga Lace Bite Preventer has a rectangular gel pad attached to a thin, elastic sleeve. You wear it with the gel over the front of the ankle, right where the tongue and laces press, and the sleeve holds it in place while you skate. Hockey players who want a ready-to-go set can choose the Bunga Hockey Box, which includes lace bite pads and a carry case.

Shop lace bite protection

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If pain is severe, keeps coming back or you notice swelling or numbness, see a medical professional.