SPECIAL OFFERS How can you choose your ice skates correctly
At the professional zone of the spectrum of winter skating, are positioned sports such as hockey, figure skating and short trek. At the other zone are the happy days spent with the family on the local rink. Ice skates can offer something not only for those of us with a passion for racing but for those who just want to relax.
However, in order for ice-skating to be satisfactory, the choice is of great importance.
Learn the different options that exist in front of you when you decide to buy ice skates. The choice is important for every beginner, because through the right ones, you will progress in the world of winter slides much faster and certainly more comfortable.
There are three main types of ice skates. To guide you in the choice, let's see what they are, and then what are the differences between them:
- Hockey;
- For figure skating;
- Hybrid.
The differences:
| Purpose | Boot | Blade | Suitable for |
| Hockey | Hard and protected on the outside, padded and comfortable on the inside | Short and slightly curved, allows quick reinforcement | Seekers of high speeds |
| For figure skating | Leather and not very comfortable, but protecting the ankle or made of artificial soft material, which is comfortable. | Toothed front for performing pirouettes and others | Those wishing to make figures on the ice rink |
| Hybrid | Soft shoe, similar to that of inline skates | It can be with a hockey knife, as well as a winter one for figure skating | Beginners looking for a comfortable and stable ride |
Choose the right size
It is good to know that the sizaes of winter ice skates are not the same as ordinary shoes. Even if you know the number of your shoes, there may be a discrepancy between those of the skates. It is possible that the sizes of different manufacturers also differ. Therefore, even if you have tried other people's ice skates and ordered your own in the same size, you may be surprised.
The ice skate shoe is specific and it is very narrow, so carrying a simple shoe on the ice rink can be useful. It is important when choosing not to take ones that are too wide for you, especially if you opt for figure skating, where you need full control over the skate.
The optimal option for the boot is the following:
When you put on your ice skate, after you have completely loosened the ties, you must have a precise place so that you can put one toe behind the heel. It is also highly recommended to try skating with the same socks you will be skating, because otherwise the thickness of the sock can hinder you if it is not judged.
Children's adjustable winter skates
A huge part of winter skating fans are children. Every parent knows how quickly children change the number of the shoe, and as we have already learned, the comfort of skating while ice skating is extremely important. To avoid buying new ones every few months, manufacturers have come up with the best option.
Special models are sold, whose shoe has an adjustable length. Usually such winter skates can be in the range of four to six sizes. This way, parents can not worry that next year they will be smaller and will go to the market for new ones.
However, adjustable skates are only suitable for recreational skating. They are not at the level of the professional, so we recommend that you buy adjustable, if they will fight only for pleasure.
For hockey
As the name suggests, these are the ones used to play hockey. The truth is that they are equally good for both free skating and sprinting on the rink.
Hockey skates have a protective outer layer that protects the player's legs during a match. Despite the firm appearance, this type are always well padded, which makes them surprisingly comfortable while skating. For this reason, they are a suitable choice for any beginner looking for comfortable skating.
The boot is designed to support and protect the ankle. The blade is shorter than those for figure skating, which makes them very maneuverable and gives great control to the rider. With such a blade, accelerating the ice becomes very easy and effective, but not particularly suitable for long rides.
Unlike figure skating skates, ice skating skates do not have a serrated leading edge, which would prevent beginners from accidentally sinking their teeth into the ice and falling accordingly.
For figure skating
They are for everyone who admires the figures on the ice. Characteristic with its teeth on the front edge of the blade, the purpose of which is to drive into the ice, thus giving rise to each figure, jump or other number. The presence of 3 to 4 teeth is quite sufficient.
Manufacturers make shoes from genuine leather and artificial material, and leather is often considered the more expensive and more professional alternative. Nevertheless, the figure skating boot is usually the hardest, but also strengthens the ankle the most. The boot, which is made of synthetic material, is usually more comfortable and soft, but also supports the ankle less. These are quite specific winter skates.
Hybrid winter ice skates - the best of both worlds
Hybrids are something like Frankenstein in the world of skating - no, they don't get their name because they're ugly, but because there are so many different combinations.
They can use a hockey skate shoe with a figure skating blade to provide us with increased comfort while performing our figures. This type is suitable for children who want to engage in figure skating.
Another common combination consists of a boot used to make roller skates - they are typically softer and more comfortable. Such a boot can be found with both blades - hockey and serrated.
The choice of winter skates is something that we should not overlook in order to make our skating as satisfying as possible. You already know the most important information that will help you in this endeavor.
