How to Heat Mold Powerslide Boots
Thermo Forming of Boots
SHMR-Technology
SHMR stands for Super Heat Moldable Resin. This cutting-edge technology is utilized in contemporary race shoes. The shell constructions differ entirely from boots that use thermo sheets. We employ a special heat moldable epoxy that binds the various layers of carbon fiber. Race shoes with SHMR-Technology can be heat molded at ANY part of the shell because the epoxy is present throughout the shell and between each carbon fiber layer. Another benefit is that the epoxy can be heat molded multiple times without losing its effectiveness. The molding temperature for racing shoes with SHMR-Technology is approximately 80-90 degrees Celsius, which is relatively low. Additionally, SHMR slightly reduces the weight of the shell.
The following racing shoes feature the new SHMR Technology:
- Powerslide: Double X, Vision, Vision Junior, Infinity, C8, PH9
- Core Racing: Vi-Pro, Icon, Triple X2
Thermo Sheets
This „old school“ technology is still prevalent in most heat moldable speed boots. Thermo sheets are thin layers of heat moldable composites placed between the carbon layers of the shell. Typically, thermo sheets are used around the ankle area of the boot. The boot can only be molded in the area where the thermo sheet is applied and ONLY there, as carbon fiber itself is not heat moldable.
Disadvantages of thermo sheets: The material becomes brittle after several heating cycles, limiting the molding process. Thermo sheets are NOT used in Powerslide or Core Racing shoes.
How to heat mold my skates?
The entire range of Powerslide and Core Racing carbon boots is fully heat moldable thanks to our superior SHMR technology, also known as Super Heat Molding Technology.
Please follow the steps below for the best results.
Our boots can be heat molded using your oven or a heat gun.
Attention! The boot can be heat molded at any part of the shell. We recommend keeping the frame assembled to the boots and fitting your boots while sitting. Never put your full weight on the skates during the heat molding process!
- Remove the wheels and open the laces and buckles
- Pre-heat the oven to 80 °C - 90 °C
- Place the boot in the center of the oven
- Leave the boot in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the shell in the cuff area becomes soft
Caution: Do not place your foot in the hot boot or you might burn your feet!
Metal buckles or metal eyelets may also burn your fingers!
- Let the boot cool down slightly and test the temperature with your finger before stepping in
- Tighten the laces and buckles
- Ensure your leg is in the correct skating position
- Wait for the boot to cool down
- You can use the plastic end of a screwdriver to press out any part of the boot causing discomfort
- Repeat the process with the other boot
You can heat mold your boots as many times as needed if the result isn’t perfect.
Caution: Keep a safety distance of about 20 cm from the upper leather when using the heat gun to avoid burning the material.
Which speed boots are heat moldable?
Almost all manufacturers offer heat moldable speed boots. Please ask your local dealer or the manufacturer if they use so-called “thermo sheets” on the carbon fiber boots or a similar technology like that used in Powerslide and Core Racing shoes. Remember, carbon fiber itself is not heat moldable. The boot is not heat moldable without a layer of this material. An exception is the new SHMR Technology used in the Powerslide and Core Racing carbon fiber shoes.
How often can I repeat the heat molding process for my boots?
You can do it as often as needed with the SHMR technology.
Boots built with thermo sheets begin to weaken after several heat molding cycles. We recommend heat molding only as often as necessary. It might be worth considering custom boots if you cannot resolve fit issues even through heat molding.
Why does it take longer for Powerslide and Core Racing shoes to get soft?
The quality of the epoxy used in the shell production is key! Poor-quality epoxy softens at lower temperatures, making the shell easier and faster to soften. Most skaters think this is beneficial, but the opposite is true. We use only high-quality epoxy for ALL our Powerslide and Core Racing shoes. This means higher temperatures are needed to liquefy the epoxy, thus taking longer to soften the shell.
Shoes with shells that soften at very low temperatures might accidentally start to heat mold just by being stored in a car exposed to direct sunlight.