How to choose skates that are comfortable for you

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Everything about what to buy for regular trips to the rink, and what - for playing hockey.

We will not disassemble expensive specialized skates: professional athletes do not need advice. Let's focus on skating for amateurs: figure skating, walking and hockey skating.

How to choose figure skates

These skates are designed for tricks and ice dancing, but universal models, unlike specialized ones, are also suitable for ordinary amateur skating.

Features of boots

Figure skating boots are tall and thin. They have heels and laces. As a rule, figure skates do not have fur or fleece insulation, but they are often supplemented with padding with the possibility of thermoforming (the material heats up and adjusts to the features of the leg) or anatomical foam inserts that provide a snug fit to the leg and secure fixation.

For those who choose an indoor skating rink, figured boots without insulation are not a problem. But if you are going to ride outside in cold weather, your feet may freeze. It is no longer worth relying on a warm sock and buying skates for the size: the boots may not provide the necessary fixation and the leg will dangle. Better to give preference to walking skates.

Figure skate boots are distinguished by their rigidity. The hardest models are designed for jumping, as they are able to protect the skater's legs from damage when landing.

To test the stiffness of the boot, squeeze the top of the boot with your fingers. If the skin does not give in and does not lose shape, these are hard boots. If it gives way under pressure - soft.

It makes no sense for amateurs to choose very stiff boots. Such models are more expensive, and for normal riding, the rigidity will be more of a hindrance than an advantage: it will be uncomfortable to ride.

Blade features

The blades of figure skates have a fairly long straight part. It provides easy glide on ice.

The stability of figure skates and the comfort while sliding depends on the radius of curvature of the blade, or, in other words, the degree of its bend. The larger the radius and, accordingly, the area of contact of the blade with the ice, the more stable the skates.

The smaller radius of curvature of the blade provides convenience when turning and rotating. Therefore, if you are not going to spin on ice, it is better to choose skates with a larger radius.

Another feature by which you can always distinguish figure skates is the sharp teeth at the front of the blade, designed to perform complex shapes and stops.

The teeth of universal figure skates will not be useful for beginners, but they will not hurt either: they are located above the ice level and cling to the surface in rare cases.

Also pay attention to the blade material. High-carbon steel is used in the production of more expensive models. These skates are lighter, and the blades resist corrosion better and stay sharp longer.

Low carbon and alloy steels are harder and faster to rust. These skates require more careful maintenance.

How to measure figure skates

Put on your skates, lace them up completely, and walk for 2-3 minutes. The boots should not be tight, otherwise you will disrupt blood circulation and your feet will quickly freeze. They should not dangle: in such skates, despite the tight socks, the leg will be poorly fixed, stability will decrease.

The heel should be pressed against the back of the boot, the boot should be tightly wrapped around the leg. If, subject to these conditions, you are comfortable in your chosen skates, then they are suitable for you.

Who are figure skates suitable for?

Universal figure skates are suitable for both regular skating and for performing simple figures (if you are a self-taught beginner skater and are not going to do jumps and difficult rotations).

Simple models of figure skates are cheaper than walking ones. Therefore, if you want to skate on a warm indoor ice rink and do not want to spend money, universal figure skates are your option.

Well, if you are going to ride on the street and will not perform even simple figures, it is better to consider walking models.

What skates to buy

• Women's figure skates for beginners Nordway SOFIA, 1 799 rubles →
• Women's figure skates for any level of training Nordway ALICE, 3 499 rubles →
• Men's figure skates for any level of training Nordway LAVAL, 3 499 rubles →
• Children's figure skates for beginners Nordway Alice, 3 299 rubles →

How to choose walking skates

Boot features

The shoes of walking skates (also called fitness skates) are lower and softer than those of curly skates, due to which it is more comfortable to ride in them. In addition, the skates are complemented by an inner insulated boot. In some models, it can be taken out and dried, which is quite convenient.

As for the lacing, there are classic options with laces, and models with clips and Velcro for faster and more comfortable putting on the skates.

Also among the walking skates there are models with anatomical inserts made of synthetic foam. Thanks to these inserts, the skates provide even more comfort and hold the foot well while skating.

Blade features

Unlike figure skates, the blade of recreational skates is more straight, with a large radius of curvature. Due to this, the skates are more stable, but less maneuverable. However, for mass skating, maneuverability is not needed.

There are models with or without teeth. Pleasure skates have fewer teeth than curly skates, and they are located higher, so that they cannot accidentally catch on the ice.

Warm, soft and stable skates, which often have a striking original design, are ideal for mass skating.

Like curly skates, walking skates should wrap tightly around the leg, but not put pressure on the toes.

What skates to buy

• Women's fitness skates for beginners Nordway LILY, 2,499 rubles →
• Women's fitness skates for beginners with a fastener-clip Nordway LEA, 2 999 rubles →
• Women's fitness skates for any level of training Roces RFG1, 3 799 rubles →
• Men's fitness skates for beginners Nordway FH-ONE, 2 999 rubles →
• Men's fitness skates with a clip-on Roces ICY-RX, 4 499 rubles →
• Children's sliding fitness skates YUMA GIRL, 3 999 rubles →
• Children's sliding fitness skates Nordway Marvel Avengers, 2 999 rubles →

How to choose hockey skates

Hockey skates are designed to be skated using a special technique required for the game. This is more of a run than a regular slide for mass skating. Therefore, it is better to choose such skates for the game.

Hockey skates are made up of three parts: a boot, a plastic cup to which the blade is attached, and the blade itself.

Models for beginners, as a rule, are non-separable: the glass and the blade form a single whole. More professional models allow you to change the blade, as it wears out faster than the boot and glass.

Boot features

The boot of hockey skates is stiffer and longer than that of walking skates. On the leg, the ridge is fixed with lacing, also quite long. This ensures a good hold while riding.

Inside, the hockey boots are padded with synthetic foam and padded for comfort while riding.

Depending on the class of skates (amateur, semi-professional, professional), the boots are supplemented with different inserts to protect the foot from impacts with a washer or a hockey stick and elements for adjusting the boot under the foot.

We will analyze two types of skates: amateur (for beginners) and semi-professional (for advanced hockey players).

Hockey skates

The shoes of amateur hockey skates are quite soft and comfortable to learn in. The sock is often complemented with a plastic toe cap to protect the toes.

Aside from the toecap, hobby skates have no impact protection: they have a padded tongue and inexpensive synthetic sides.

Also, in amateur skates, there is no additional option for adjusting the boots. At the same time, they have a relatively low cost, which makes them an attractive option for beginners.

Semi-professional ice hockey skates

Such models are intended for people who often play hockey and want to improve their level.

Skates of this class are better protected: they have a stiff tongue, which simultaneously protects the foot from impacts and protects from the pressure of the laces, and reinforced side protection with stiffening ribs.

Also in semi-professional skates there are thermoformed inner boots. When heated, the special foam material becomes more plastic and adapts to the anatomical features of the hockey player's legs.

Some models have pumped air chambers. At the push of a button on the boot shaft, the air chamber in the heel inflates or deflates, allowing you to find the most comfortable position.

These skates are worth buying if you plan to develop your playing skills and possibly participate in amateur competitions.

Blade features

The blades of hockey skates have a smaller radius of curvature than the blades of curved and walking skates. So only the middle part touches the ice, and the toe and heel are raised off the ground. In such skates it is convenient not to slide, but to run on the ice.

The blades of amateur ice hockey skates are usually made of alloy steel with added chrome, nickel and manganese for stiffening.

When choosing such skates, pay attention to the quality of the blades: they should be smooth along the entire length, without cracks, dents or other damage.

The blades of semi-professional skates are made of carbon steel. They differ in the amount of carbon, weight, stiffness and height.

The amount of carbon in steel affects the stiffness of the blade and the ability to keep sharpening for a long time. The more carbon, the harder the blade. However, brittleness also increases with stiffness, so that a blow with a puck or other skate can break blades that have more than 0.9% carbon.

The height of the blade affects its durability. When sharpening, the blade shrinks, so taller models will last longer and survive more sharpening.

As for the weight, it can be reduced due to the height of the blade or special aluminum inserts. On the other hand, such inserts can reduce the strength and durability of the blade.

How to measure hockey skates

Hockey skates do not fit normal shoes. Different manufacturers have their own dimensional grids with which you can decide which skates you will measure.

When you find the right size and put on your boots, slide your foot so that the heel is firmly pressed against the heel.

Your fingers should touch the toe, but not rest against it, otherwise you will be uncomfortable while skating.

You should not buy skates that are one size larger with the expectation of a toe: the boot will not fix the leg well, and it will be uncomfortable for you.

Hockey boots are divided not only by size, but also by the width of the last. So if the skates fit you in length but not in volume, just try on the others.

In terms of width, hockey skates are divided into:

• D or R (regular) is the standard width that suits most hockey players.
• C or N (narrow) - a narrower boot, about 0.6 cm narrower than the standard one.
• E or W (wide) - the boot is about 0.6 cm wider than the standard one.

The width of the leg can be determined at home or in the store - there should be special rulers. If there are no rulers, you can just try on the skates and orient yourself according to your feelings.

So, you have selected your skates. How to make them last as long as possible? Here are some golden rules.

What skates to buy

• Ice hockey skates for beginners CCM SK 9040 SE, 5 499 rubles →
• Hockey amateur skates Nordway NDW300, 2 999 rubles →
• Hockey amateur skates Nordway NDW500EE, 3 999 rubles →
• Hockey skates for professionals Graf PK3300 COBRA 3000, 18 999 rubles →
• Children's ice hockey skates for beginners Nordway NDW350, 2 699 rubles →

How to care for skates

1. Wipe the blades with a dry cloth after each ride. This will help prevent corrosion.
2. Carry your skates with the blade covers, otherwise they may damage each other or cut things in the bag.
3. Wear covers when skating on hard surfaces, otherwise you will quickly ruin the sharpening of the blades.
4. Do not try to sharpen skates yourself, take them only to specialized workshops.
5. Remember to dry your skates. Take out the insoles (or inner boots if walking skates), unlace the boots, and place them in a well ventilated area.
6. Do not dry your skates on a radiator: leather boots may lose their shape.

That's all. If you have any tips on how to choose or care for your skates, write in the comments.