Toe guards for roller skates

[zanthess]

Hope I'm posting this in the right place.

I've just gotten into roller derby, training right now. I recieved some cash from family to go out and buy a nice pair of speed skates, and on top of that I got some toe guards.

Within two practices the traditional guard was so loose I could push it to the side, and the thought of ruining my skates drove me to thinking all hours of the night to come up with a custom pattern.

I know there are a lot of designs out there, but I wanted to make one that only had one layer of leather under the toestop to make sure it doesn't unscrew.

Anywho... here's a pic of what I have so far, with a side-by-side comparison.


Top view of both skates.


Side-by-side comparison of coverage. Derby girls skid a lot on their toes when falling/getting up/etc. and it's not just on the toe!


Just showing the underside with only one layer of leather, connected up to the side of the guard, so there's no way this thing is slipping anywhere!

I've never worked on leather/suede before, and this was a pain in my side!!!

Any suggestions as to thread/needles would be most appreciated. I used the singer brand needles on my machine and they were horrible.

[SkyyAngel]

I don't know anything about derby skates but for sewing leather there is a special leather needle that should help loads. It cuts through the leather as it sews. You could also check out  Tandy Leather Factory for other supplies. They have the sewing machine needles for around $2-3 a pack I think.

[zanthess]

Thanks!

There's one near me that I plan on checking out in the next few weeks. I guess I need some heavier-duty leather needles than what Singer carries

[Radmom]

I think those are great...Question 1. Are those Chicago speed skates? That was I used back in the 80's. Skates get kicked really easy anyway just from normal use.

It takes great strides to keep them pristine looking. I would suggest making a couple of more guards, as those might not last to many play sessions.

None of the rinks anywhere near us had Roller Derby when I was a tween in the very early 80's. It was a dying out 70's fad. I am actually glad to see it making a come back.

Have someone load a video on you tube so we can see ya:P Most of all have a blast. Watch R.D is rough stuff...I pray you can take a beating.

[zanthess]

I think those are great...Question 1. Are those Chicago speed skates? That was I used back in the 80's. Skates get kicked really easy anyway just from normal use.

It takes great strides to keep them pristine looking. I would suggest making a couple of more guards, as those might not last to many play sessions.

None of the rinks anywhere near us had Roller Derby when I was a tween in the very early 80's. It was a dying out 70's fad. I am actually glad to see it making a come back.

Have someone load a video on you tube so we can see ya:P Most of all have a blast. Watch R.D is rough stuff...I pray you can take a beating.

Riedell has come up with a boot made specifically for derby, and they included the stripes to give it a more classic look.

I'm surprised that no one else has really come up with a boot guard, considering my pair of skates ran nearly $300.

This is also just a prototype I made in suede. The "real" ones will be made of top grain leather, and made a bit thicker. I'm thinking of adding a thick racing stripe on the toe to reinforce it.

Just wanted to see if I could even come up with a custom design with darts and such, which I've never done.

[sin esperanza]

You are my hero!
I just got started with derby too and got a pair of very pretty speed skates.  the thought of getting scuffed toes has been keeping me up at night.  Would you be willing to post a tutorial on how you made these?  Pretty please?!  
x

[aericina]

How are these holding up?  When you said you had some previously that wouldn't stay, what brand were they?  I have a pair of red Sure Grips and they don't rotate, but they sure do make my toe stops fall out all the time.

[zanthess]

They work quite well!

I'm currently working on another version that uses very limited stitching. The second most common complaint I hear from other rollergirls is that it doesn't last very long. I had to do a lot of stitching, which just isn't cost effective.

My newer design is based off of this one, but only has stitching on the inside of the foot, and in only one area. Less of a chance for failure. I want to make them fancy, but simple is best!

I'll try to post it when I'm finished. It even has double the front toe coverage.

[BlueFireBliss]

I added homemade leather toe guards to my skates too.  But, I didn't sew anything. I took a rectangle piece of leather and I simply cut one large hole for toe stop bolt-hole and 4 to 6 little holes to put my laces through. No sewing!

[Check picture on profile, b/c this is my first post and I'm not allowed to post.)

You can kinda see where I put the laces through the leather. It's under all the duct-tape.

If you're wondering about the brand of skates....  The boot and plates are 18 years old, but Labeda skates do make derby skates these days.  I've been doing derby for about a year, but I was a rink rat when I was younger.

[enchantedwhimsies]

yup, those are great. i have the regular kind and your skates will still get messed up from slides and stuff. have fun skating!