Playing / public skating is the best way. Wearing them around can help too but it's probably not needed. Modern skates are stiff, but the baked interiors help make the break-in process easier though. I wouldn't stress about it, just play. If after a bunch of ice times they are too uncomfortable go to a hockey shop and talk to them, they might be able to help.

Try not to be overly nervous - I know easier said than done but you will do great and everyone else is learning too. Pointers for brand new players - first have fun! Besides that know your surroundings/area when you’re on the ice (head up), keep your stick down and try to skate to open areas. Since you’re a fan and know the game a lot of things will come easier for you compared to others!

As for the skates - you can wear them around house to get used to them but idk how much that will truly help. As others have said getting them on the ice is most important part and this will also strengthen your ankles which will help your skating/stride. Good luck and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Cheers!

Skate in them, that’s the only way they’ll pack into your feet

Skate. In. Them.

Wear them.

If you bake your skates they shouldn't need to be broken in.

Don't switch skates right before tryouts unless you absolutely have to.

I once had three games the same day I bought new skates.

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I bought them, baked them, then five hours later was on the ice with them.

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Edit: I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS. I GOT LUCKY.

Would get them baked and then it’s just going to be reps and a few uncomfortable sessions in them right away. Wouldn’t recommend trying to break them in during a 3 set!

Bake them and hit up a few public skates. You can do it in a game (I did it once), but it’ll be painful and awkward to skate in them (unless they’re Trues).

if you work a lot, I think top-end skates are worth every penny, both bauer and true offer full custom options.

Not too complicated. Look up a brand/model that fits your foot. Don't just go with the most expensive (made this mistake before). If you picked the right model then the last should already fit your foot fairly well. Baked them and skate them.

Top end skates are so moldable now that there shouldn't be any "break in" period like old skates.

First, are you sure you have the right sized skates? Hockey skate sizing typically isn’t the same as shoe sizing. Also, did you buy lower end skates? It may take a while if so.

They need sharpening

Make sure whoever sharpens them does a cross grind on new blades. Even the new Bauer water cut blades are not flat. Then I recommend a 5/8" radius, also know as 'Cut'. This will let him learn to stop easier.

If you can find someone who still knows how to hand sharpen have them do it. The 'Autosharp' machines out there don't do what they advertise, and nothing beats a hand sharpening done right

Since no one else has said it, take them to a skate shop, where you buy sticks and pads and whatnot and have them sharpened. There are different depths and cuts, but it really doesn’t make that much of a difference.

yep, you gotta go sharpen them after you buy. if the place you bought them had a sharpener, usually they’d have done the first one for free. mail order, obviously not.

Most rinks have a guy on site ready to go with the blade sharpener. Ask around, someone will point you in the right direction.

While you're here asking this, have any other questions? We were all new at one point so we get it.

Use them. Use them. Use them.

I switched from Bauer Vapor X90 skates to Supremes after nearly 4 years in my Vapors and the change took about 5 games and 5 open skates to get used to. The transitioning aspect still feels a bit funky at times on my off foot, but it'll come in time as I get used to the edge catching differently than what I was used to for years.

Stick with it, fall, get up, apologize to goalie for falling and giving a breakaway at him, the usual.

Stick with it and tough it out - The 3x’s are way nicer and hold up well. Stiff boots for sharp turns! Definitely skip the top eyelet…game changer for my comfort.

Go to stick and pucks and open skates.

Nothing else then using them

I bought the same skates (x3’s) a couple weeks ago and am having the same problem. Prayers up for us both

Rules 1-10: Learn how to pick skates that fit or find someone that does.

11. Brand doesn't matter as long as the skates are of decent quality - you should be able to find plenty of heavily discounted models from CCM, Bauer, or True.

Edit (it won't let me edit the post): I will try getting waxed laces

I also have foot pain while in skates after a while forgot to say this in the post.

Genuine question: Why am i getting downvoted as a beginner asking genuine questions that i want help with? What is wrong with asking questions?

Yes, look at a mid tier skate, make sure you have the correct size. You can also find deals on last years or older models. Also try wax laces to keep them tighter longer.

You can get the new True Hzrdus 7x skates half off at a lot of retailers right now for $250. I would recommend them if that is within your budget.

How big are your feet? Considering your size, there's a good chance you fit in Junior sized skates and that means top of the line skates for up 50% off the senior version.

I'm sure it helps with breakin, I'm just worried it will change the shape and cosure of the glove. I would think the clamps will leave depressions in the inner protection and possibly flatten any curvature of the finger and palm plastic.

Heat, clamp, freeze, unthaw, done! Other like methods but it generally works well enough on a glove that having troubles.

This is why I just wear Brians gloves

Always had issues trying to make my previous CCM and Vaughn gloves close in the past

This is what I did with my glove. Works so much better than the other methods. Just have to make sure you line it up so the closure is proper. I also only used 1 clamp in my glove

Clips have been recommended before but my preference these days is to not use anything other than something to heat the glove (oven or skate oven), an object to put in the palm crease/break (like a puck) and skate lace to wrap it up. Adding shit like hot water method, weights, and all sorts of other voodoo just increases the risk of me messing the glove up.