How to choose figure skating blades

Figure skating and hockey are active sports that are popular among both children and adults. During classes almost all muscle groups work. That is why ice skating helps to improve health, improve well-being and mood.

Winter sports are characterised by a high risk of injury. Especially prone to sprains and bruises - as children are just learning to skate. That is why it is recommended to carefully select sports equipment, taking into account individual parameters.

When choosing skates you should focus not only on the price category and size grid. For convenient and comfortable skating on ice, it is also necessary to take into account the shape of the boot and the blade, the material and other features.

When buying new figure or hockey skates, you should also look for additional sports equipment, and in addition, in some cases, thermoforming, sharpening or other preparatory measures are required.

Types of skates

In specialised stores you can easily pick up skates for professional sports in sections as well as for playing on ice, a leisurely walk. The right choice of equipment is the key to comfortable riding.

In the case when the skates for a child or an adult were chosen incorrectly the shoes can put a lot of pressure on the skin and cause irritation. Also, because of them, he will not be able to perform the correct movements on the ice since the legs do not have fixation and strong support.

That is why, first of all, you should decide on the purpose of the classes. For example, if your child likes to play figure skating or hockey it is better to choose special shoes for him. Pleasure skates are suitable for regular ice games.

Each of these types has its own characteristics. For example, sharp teeth can be found on the toe of figure skates. With their help athletes and amateurs perform various elements on ice.

Separately, skating skates are distinguished which are actively used only in professional sports. A long and strong blade and a short boot are the main distinguishing parameters. At the same time, the cost of speed skating is significantly different from other types.

Figure skates

Figure skating is a separate sport that involves performing difficult tricks on ice. That is why there are several sharp teeth on the toe of the blade, allowing you to perform various elements. Both a beginner and a real professional can buy figure skates for skating.

Main differences:

• a rigid type of boot that allows you to jump on ice or dance;
• the lack of a special warm lining which is why it is recommended to engage in them in indoor skating rinks in order to prevent hypothermia;
• thin shoe with a low heel;
• lacing for a secure fit;
• waterproof due to the use of protective equipment.

The main material from which figure skates are made is genuine leather.

At the same time, they are very stable on ice and have a large radius of curvature. Thanks to the listed features they can be used to perform complex elements on ice. Outwardly, they are strong and durable boots with sharp blades that are securely fixed to the ankle.

Hockey skates

For everyday ice skating, walking or figure skates are great. However, active games require shoes that will reliably protect the child's feet from strong blows with a stick or puck. For active children and future hockey players, it is best to choose hockey skates. Often they are designed for running on ice.

The boots are stiff but there is a soft lining inside for a comfortable ride. Also, on the sides there are inserts designed to protect against blows with a puck, stick or against the side of the site.

Lacing has 2 levels - upper and lower. Thanks to this feature, you can more precisely control the degree of fastening. Models that use continuous lacing may squeeze the foot or loosely fix it.

Hockey skates are suitable for both lovers of outdoor winter games and athletes. For outdoor activities you should choose models that have a warm lining inside. In the case when the training takes place indoors, for convenience, it is best to take ordinary shoes.

Blade types

Winter shoes for ice skating also differ in the type of blades. At the same time, 2 types of fastening are distinguished: direct and through a glass. Curly and some walking models are fixed using the first type. In this case, the blades are directly connected to the boot.

The glass mount has a plastic holder that connects the blade on one side and the boot on the other. Often a similar type is used in skates designed for running on ice (hockey).

Figure skating shoes have sharp teeth in the front area. At the same time, they are located low and, with inept handling, can constantly cling to the ice. In addition, their blade is long and designed to create a strong support.

Some models of recreational ice skates also have teeth on the front end. However, they are located slightly higher. That is why they do not interfere with riding.

The appearance of blades designed for running on ice also has its own characteristics. For comfortable and fast movement of ice only the middle part touches. At the same time, the front and rear ends of the hockey skates are slightly raised.

Special attention should be paid to the material from which the blade is made. It must be wear-resistant and not succumb to spontaneous destruction (corrosion). Chrome steel blades work best.

For young children who are just learning to skate it is best to choose skates that have 2 blades. They are much more stable than classic models and allow you to quickly learn winter sports.

Tips for choosing ice skating blades

You can find many models of ice skating shoes at the sports store. However, when choosing, consider the following recommendations:

• tight ankle, hard leather on top and soft lining inside;
• shoes should fit snugly to the foot so that a child or adult can feel comfortable on the ice;
• the dimensional grid of the skates does not correspond to the usual one; when choosing, it is necessary to focus on the size features of the manufacturer's shoes;
• for skiing, you should choose socks that retain heat;
• for children, sliding skates are perfect, the size of which can be adjusted.

In this case, the foot in the boot must be firmly fixed with velcro or with lacing. The toes should not dig into the toe and the heel should not dangle in different directions. Trying on boots should be immediately in warm socks that are designed for ice skating.

It should be noted that the skates differ not only in length, but also in width. This feature applies to hockey models. There are standard, narrow and wide sizes.

Skate Care

Sports shoes, like other equipment, need proper care. Here are some tips to help protect your skates from damage:

• shoes must be in a special case;
• each time after riding, carefully remove drops of water and snow from the blade to prevent corrosion;
• after active games on ice, shoes should be dried;
• skating is necessary only on ice;
• heat shrink helps prevent blisters and calluses from getting used to new shoes;
• sharpening skates is necessary only in special workshops; if you try to remove the old layer on your own, you can damage the blades.

There are models that have removable blades. Due to constant processing, the blade wears out and becomes thinner. In this case it can be easily replaced with a new one.

Skating shoes must be properly sized. You should not take shoes for a child several sizes larger due to the fact that when riding, he can damage the ankle due to the fragile fixation of the limb.