How to choose skates? Professional advice. How to choose hockey skates: features and nuances Which skates are better to buy for hockey

Skates are the most important piece of equipment for any hockey player. If you have not chosen the right skates for yourself, you most likely will not enjoy the game.

Skate selection:

One of the most difficult things for beginner hockey players to figure out which skates to choose? Unlike ordinary shoes, skates should fit well to the foot, the boot should fit snugly on the leg, while not causing discomfort or pain.

The worst thing you can do is buy skates that are too big for you. Skates that are too big are almost impossible to use. The more space you have in your boot, the more likely you are to get blisters and even spurs on your feet. Contrary to what our mothers taught us all, wearing an extra pair of socks is one of the worst mistakes. Many hockey players and skaters never wear socks when skating. Although this allows you to better feel the ice when skating, but the skates are quickly saturated with sweat during such skating and not only become a source of an unpleasant “flavor”, but also wear out faster as a result. It is recommended to wear thin woolen socks.

How to choose the right size skates?

The first and most important rule in buying skates is to never buy them without trying them on. If you are buying skates online, try to find your chosen model in the store first, try it on and choose the right size. Of course, when trying on skates in a store, it's best not to mention that you'll be buying them online so the salesperson won't be so disappointed with your visit.

Once you have determined your size, try on half a size smaller if possible. the boot of the skate should be as tight as possible. If, after putting on the skates, the boot seems too short for you, do not rush to take it off. Put the skate on the "heel" and lightly tap on the floor. The foot should move back and the heel should fit snugly against the heel, now lace up the boot. If the heel moves freely and does not press tightly against the heel counter (heel), try on a skate that is smaller or less full. In a boot of the right size, the foot should not move forward or move from side to side. The boot should sit snugly on the leg, while not causing discomfort, the toes should only slightly touch the inside of the toe of the boot, but not press or interfere.

The size of children's skates is selected taking into account the growth of the foot during the season, a maximum of 1 size more.

Adviсe:

  1. Socks. When choosing skates, wear socks that you will use when skating. It is recommended to wear thin socks, thanks to which the boot molds faster and more accurately to the leg and takes on the unique shape of your foot.
  2. Shoes. Loosen the lacing of the boot to the third hole from the bottom. Pull out the tongue, tilt it forward and put on the boot. The foot should feel comfortable, being on the insole, and “fill” the entire boot, leaving no empty areas of instep and toes.
  3. Heel. Before lacing up your boot, slide your foot back in the boot. The tongue of a properly laced boot should hold the foot in a rearward position and prevent the foot from moving and moving in the heel area. If the foot moves freely in the heel area and is not held close to the back of the skate, this means that it is necessary to try on either a smaller skate or a skate of lesser fullness.
  4. The front of. Stand up straight, with closed legs. In this position, the toes should only lightly touch the front of the inside of the boot and, when applied, should touch more intensively, but not press or interfere.
  5. There are skates with a thermoforming option, you can read more in.

Used Skates, used (used).

There is a fairly large market for used skates. Even if you're not worried about contracting exotic forms of foot fungus, there are plenty of other reasons to buy a new pair of skates rather than used ones. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. The biggest reason to buy a new pair of skates is simple. Everyone has different shapes of legs. If the skates have been used for several months, they have already taken on the shape of someone else's foot and they will never sit on your foot the way they should.
  2. Another important factor is the blade of the skate. How many more times can you sharpen your skates before you have to replace the blades? Often skates are sold because the blades are worn down and need to be replaced, and on some skates replacement is not cost effective.
  3. Also, on used skates, the boot wears out and loses its rigidity. Durability is one of the main factors in hockey skates. Without the right level of stiffness, you won't be able to get a good ride.
  4. Of course, if you can get a pair of good skates that have only been used for a couple of hours and cost half as much as new, this is definitely a good buy. Buying used skates for kids is also justified. But still pay close attention to the condition of the boot and the wear of the blades.

How often do you go out on the ice? Is it always justified to buy expensive inventory?
In hockey, skates are divided into 3 conditional categories: “elite pro” (top models in which players from professional clubs, including the NHL and the Russian Super League, play, the price is from 20 to 40 thousand), “pro” (high-class professional skates, but for less money: they cost about 10-20 thousand) and the so-called "amateur" category (the cost of such products is low, however, they serve accordingly).

There are no universal skates and cannot be by definition. This must be remembered before visiting a specialized store. Even if you have a decent amount of money, spending money on very expensive models does not make sense. Better think about how often you can pay attention to playing hockey. If we are talking about visiting the hockey rink only once a week, buying such chic and very popular skates in the world as, say, the Bauer Vapor SFL XX is pointless. Yes, you will stand out on the field with expensive equipment, but nothing more.

Another thing is if you can play hockey 4-5 times a week, and even in a team. In this case, good skates will serve you well - in particular, they will make the game easier. If you are a novice hockey player, then on “decent” skates you will learn to draw figures much faster: that is, in the shortest possible time you will become one with the skates. On the ice, this feeling often plays a major role. Ideally, experts say, to have skates of the “pro” category. Of the most popular models in this segment, we note Easton Air SBX, Easton Ultra Lite Pro, Graf Supra 709, CCM 652 Super Tacks, CCM Vector 6.0 and some others. In addition, on solid skates, accelerations and various turns are much more efficient due to the lightweight design of the skates.

Experts recommend that before buying skates, pay special attention to the glass used in the design (the segment of the skate between the blade and the boot itself). His most popular model today is TUUK Custom+. It is good in all respects - except, perhaps, one: in a big frost it can crack.

As for the level of inclination of the skate, it is generally accepted that models with a high heel are intended mainly for attackers, and with a low one - for defenders. By and large, the way it is, however, we would not elevate this statement to the rank of an axiom: each player has his own leg anatomy, and this must be remembered. That is, to approach the issue of choosing skates purely individually.

Well, in conclusion, we would like to offer you our JAM services for and.

Thank you for your attention, we hope you enjoyed it 😉

Updated: 04.10.2018 16:29:03

Expert: Sergey Vorontsov


*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

When you watch hockey players breaking through the ice, you catch yourself thinking that high-speed attacks and powerful jerks ensure the effectiveness of the game. All this is provided not only by the excellent physical preparation of the athlete, but also by the right equipment, where skates are the most important element. The design of hockey skates must provide predictability in any situation on the field.

Despite the fact that hockey skates look the same at first glance, except for differences in colors, there is still a difference. Among the models there are hockey skates similar in design, but absolutely unsuitable for a serious game. Models are made of artificial leather or synthetics, and all protection is reduced to the presence of a hard toe. These boots will not prevent injury or protect against being hit by a puck.

To help readers make their choice, our experts spoke to experts and players about what requirements hockey skates should meet. Based on the information received, a rating was compiled, including the 6 best models of skates for hockey players.

How to choose hockey skates

  1. Skill level. Move away from the tasks at hand. As a beginner, it is better to buy skates for beginners. The initial models, for example, from Graf, are perfect. Those who want to actively skate or play hockey at an amateur level should look at inexpensive semi-professional hockey skates, which are made of durable materials and will protect their feet from puck blows, blades of other people's skates, and cold. Models for beginners and amateurs are not suitable for professionals, because due to insufficient rigidity they will quickly become unusable and will not provide the necessary level of protection for active / aggressive skiing. Such athletes need to choose advanced hockey skates from completely different price categories.
  2. Rigidity. This parameter is responsible for ensuring reliable fixation of the ankle joint, which, in turn, minimizes the risk of injury. Pay attention to the materials used to make the boots. They must be of high quality and durability. Even the tongue in hockey skates will be much firmer than those of walking models. It is worth remembering that the more professional hockey skates, the stiffer they are, but lighter in weight.
  3. The presence of thermoforming. Such boots have special foam or plastic inserts that remember the shape of the athlete's ankle due to heating, softening and subsequent hardening. With thermoforming, the process of addiction passes faster without the appearance of corns and chafing. After warming up the skates in a special oven, the owner puts them on for 10-15 minutes so that all the contours are remembered. Do not store boots with thermoplastic material near heaters / heaters, and it is not recommended to exceed the ambient temperature above 45 degrees.
  4. Air chambers with pumping. They are located inside the ridge and encircle the ankle joint. Outside of each boot is a pear for pumping air. If you press on it, then air will begin to flow into the chamber, which will provide a more reliable and stronger fixation of the lower leg.
  5. Lace-up fasteners. A special loop is fixed between the instep and the upper part of the boot. Such a system makes it possible to lace up the upper and lower parts separately, choosing the required level of tightness for each. A similar design is needed only in semi-professional and professional hockey skates.
  6. Cup. Must be frost-resistant if you plan to skate on open ice arenas at temperatures below 10 degrees. It is then that any plastic from which the glass of the skate is usually made becomes brittle and can easily crack. For indoor skating rinks, ordinary glasses are also suitable.
  7. Blades. Can be replaceable or installed once and for all. For beginner models, the blade is relatively soft and is a strip of stainless or carbon steel. You will have to sharpen such skates often if you ride actively for a day or two, and if measured, then it should be enough for at least a week. For semi-professional and professional blades made of steel are also used, but much more rigid with perforations to reduce the weight of the product, and less likely to need sharpening even after many hours of riding.
  8. Mounting blades in a glass. Screws on the side allow you to change the blade without removing the boot. It is also possible to adjust the height of the heel with a screw, fixing the depth in one of three positions. The disadvantages of such fastening include arbitrary unscrewing of the screws during sliding. The heel screw deflection used by some manufacturers facilitates access and eliminates the need to remove the skate.
  9. Slip. Expensive professional models have a minimum of steel. Usually this is only the lower part, which is in direct contact with the ice. All other elements are made of durable plastic and aluminum. The T-Blade system with a six-gram steel edge allows you to increase the speed of sliding, as friction increases the temperature, which leads to the melting of ice. There is also a custom Thermablade system on the market with batteries in cups to heat the blades. At one time, NHL players practiced such hockey skates, but due to mixed reviews, it was decided to refuse, although they are still on sale.

Rating of the best hockey skates

The Best Hockey Skates for Beginners

In first place in the rating category are hockey skates with a comfortable wide last EE. The low profile sole is made of nylon and the blades are made of HRC50 stainless steel. Anatomical insole with perforations for better ventilation. It has a microfiber liner and a reinforced EVA tongue. The glass is frost-resistant, so the skates can be used on open ice arenas.

Advantages

  • shoe with shape memory;
  • interior lining made of synthetic fabric;
  • high quality tailoring;
  • price-quality ratio;
  • wide size range - from 39 to 46;
  • acceptable cost - 6500 rubles.

disadvantages

  • not found.

The second line goes to hockey skates from the well-known company Bauer. The model is characterized by maneuverability, high dynamic performance and a good degree of protection. The glass of the boot is lightweight, but despite this it can withstand increased loads. It is frost-resistant, suitable for riding in open areas. Improves foot support with built-in ankle caliper. The boot sits on the foot tightly, thanks to the anatomical block (anatomical heel support). The blade is non-removable, made of stainless steel with a water-repellent additive.

Advantages

  • thoughtful form;
  • reliable fixation of the ankle and heel;
  • light weight;
  • completeness R;
  • acceptable cost - 5 thousand rubles.

disadvantages

  • require frequent sharpening (after 3-4 skating);
  • weak plastic.

The best semi-professional hockey skates

The first are hockey skates with individual adaptations. The sidewalls of the boot are made of a thermoformable composite, which guarantees the maximum exact repetition of the shape of the athlete's foot. The anatomical FORM-FIT+ insole provides stability to the foot. The thick felt tongue has reinforced foam overlays. The anatomical heel support guarantees a secure fit of the boot. Effective ankle support enhances stability for fast acceleration.

Advantages

  • cups with quick-change blades;
  • fast response to movements;
  • lightweight Clear injected TPU outsole;
  • quick-drying Hydrophobic microfiber lining.

disadvantages

  • high cost - 15500 r.

In second place are ice hockey skates with reinforced sidewalls for better protection. There is a possibility of partial thermoforming of the boot. The semi-professional model provides a great fit, according to users. The blades are made from high quality carbon steel.

Which skates are best

Today I will explain what equipment is useful for playing hockey, which ones are for a simple trip to the rink.

You will meet:

  • hockey;
  • walking;
  • figure skates.

Choosing the best ice skates for figure skating for adults and children

These samples are designed for dancing and tricks on ice, but in this segment there are universal models that serve for simple amateur skating.

There are several key features here:

  • thin and high boots with heels and lacing;
  • lack of fleece or fur insulation;
  • the presence of anatomical foam inserts or stuffing with thermoforming. All this provides a secure fit and a snug fit to the leg.

If you plan to ride on an indoor ice rink, you can safely take copies without insulation. But in a good minus on the street, the legs can freeze, moreover, putting on a warm sock is not an option. If you do this, the foot will hang out. In this case, it is better to stop on pleasure skates.

Pay attention to rigidity. If the upper part of the shaft does not lose its shape when pressed, the product is rigid, if it yields under pressure, it is soft. High stiffness is essential for jumping, which will prevent injury and damage to the foot. Fans should stop at the soft version, it will be more comfortable.

The blade should be long and straight. Stability depends on the radius of curvature (degree of bending). The larger it is, the higher the stability. But, the smaller one is more comfortable when turning and turning. There should be sharp teeth on the front part, they are necessary for stops and performing complex figures.

The material is high carbon steel or alloyed, low carbon steel. In the first case, the blade is lighter, does not rust for a long time, and does not dull for a long time. In the second, careful care is required and, of course, they are heavier.

pleasure skates

Another popular name for this type is fitness skates.

A number of features:

  • low, soft boot;
  • there is an inner insulated boot (it is convenient to remove and dry);
  • the model is equipped with either lacing or Velcro, clips;
  • there are instances with foam anatomical inserts, which is a plus in terms of comfort and fixation.

The blade should be straight, with a large radius of curvature. This gives stability, but less maneuverability, however, this is not so important in terms of mass skating. Please note that there are models with and without teeth. In the first case, they are higher and smaller than those of figured counterparts and cannot accidentally catch on the ice. Good-sized skates fit tightly around the foot, but do not put pressure on the toes.

How to choose hockey skates

These models are designed for technical riding, running rather than sliding, and designed for play. By design, they consist of several parts. This is a shoe, a plastic cup, a blade. For beginners, non-separable skates will do. Professional options allow you to replace the blade, as it wears out quickly, unlike a glass and a boot.

A number of features:

  • long and hard boot;
  • long lacing for fixation on the leg;
  • Synthetic foam interior + soft liner for comfortable running.

Hockey skates are divided into classes: professional, semi-professional, amateur. In the latter case, the boots are quite soft, and protection for the toes in the form of a plastic toe is possible, but, as a rule, there is no other protection. This is the best option for beginners.

Semi-professionals are better protected. Rigid tongue protects the foot from the pressure of the laces and protects from impacts. The sides are reinforced with stiffeners.

Inside may be:

  • thermoformable liner;
  • air chambers with pumping.

The blade has a smaller radius of curvature, which is optimal for running on ice. The material is alloyed, carbon steel with additives for maximum rigidity. Check the smoothness of the blade along the entire length, the absence of dents, damage. I note that the height of the blade affects its durability. Higher specimens will survive more sharpening and last longer.

  • SK (Sports Collection)- positions itself as a Russian manufacturer of sports accessories, in fact - is a subsidiary of the Korean company MX. It produces fairly high-quality skates in the budget and middle price segment - up to $ 200;
  • MaxCity- Russian brand, but production facilities are located in China. Focused on the budget price segment, but the product quality is acceptable;
  • bauer is a Canadian sports equipment company. Mainly focuses on accessories for hockey. At the moment it is a division of Nike, so their products are quite expensive, but the quality is high.

Skates for children

Children's Two-Way Magic Skates Size 28 – 31

One of the simplest walking children's skates. Focused on inexperienced children who are just starting to learn ice skating. For better stability, 2 cast alloy blades are installed on each boot.

Sizes - 28 - 31, more recently, the line also includes a teenage version - up to 34. Unisex, available in 3 color variations: white, black, pink. Material - faux leather, inside - faux fur. Tightened with laces (at the top - hooks). The outsole is soft PVC. One of the main advantages of the model is no need to sharpen blades, but at the same time grip with ice is quite rigid.

For children - a good option, as it improves the stability of the foot, but for any tricks, and even more so for professional activities, they are definitely not suitable. But the price is attractive - about 1600 rubles.

Pros:

  • cheap skates;
  • 2 blades for each shoe;
  • comfortable shape.

Minuses:

  • low cost of materials used;
  • too hard hitch with ice;
  • the sole is too soft.

Hockey skates Bauer Supreme S140 size R 26 – 32

Children's hockey skates for boys, size R (size 26 - 32). It can be conditionally considered a semi-professional model, as there are replaceable TUUK Super blades(TUUK LIGHTSPEED Pro glass), there are inserts for the ankle, an anatomical design is used. But the manufacturer positions the skates as amateur.

The sole is made of dense plastic, the material of the boot is nylon, the inside is synthetic without insulation, the lining is microfiber. Complete stainless steel blades. In total, it turned out to be a pretty good model for training sessions, but made of cheap materials.

I advise you to buy such skates for the season, then take a new one. For these purposes, they are ideal. It is worth noting that the manufacturer gives a guarantee for this model for only 1 month. The average price is from 3 to 3.5 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • good design;
  • replaceable blades;
  • There are inserts under the ankle to prevent injuries.

Minuses:

  • cheap materials;
  • not the best fixation of the foot;
  • complete blades - short-lived;
  • too rigid, so the child "grows" out of them pretty quickly.

MaxCity Desire Girl Sliding Skates for Girls

Amateur sliding winter skates for girls with adjustable size from 30 to 33. By the way, there is a similar model for teenagers and even adults with a similar design (color - only pink).

The position of the foot is fixed with laces and Velcro. Material: nylon, synthetic lining. The sole is plastic, the blades are not replaceable made of carbon steel, they can only be replaced together with the entire roller frame.

In fact - the simplest budget model for girls, but with an adjustable size. They are not suitable for serious activities at all, but as a walking tour they can be recommended. The average price in stores is from 2.5 to 3 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • adjustable size;
  • Attractive design created especially for girls.

Minuses:

  • low quality materials and plastic;
  • the foot is not tightly fixed;
  • the blades change only with the frame and it is not so easy to find them on sale.

Hockey skates

MaxCity Detroit Hockey Skates with Stainless Steel Blades

Hockey skates for men, model - for beginners. Size - 39 - 47. Sole - plastic, material - combined synthetics(fabric and artificial leather). Fixation - laces, no hooks.

Stainless steel blades, change with plastic frame. The lining is made of ordinary felt. There is a fixation for the ankle, but quite soft, but does not rub even with long sessions. The main drawback of the model is that the toe and artificial leather are scratched very quickly, so the skates lose their original appearance quickly enough.

The blade is of good quality, but sharpening is difficult. Not hot, feet do not sweat. The average price is 2.5 thousand rubles, but quite often they are sold at a promotion of 1.5 - 2 thousand rubles (in the manufacturer's partner stores).

Pros:

  • inexpensive skates;
  • durable blade;
  • feet in skates do not sweat at all.

Minuses:

  • the frame looks unreliable.

Skates for adults SK (Sports Collection) Profy Next Z

Hockey skates for men, professional model. Suitable for both regular ice skating and training sessions. Size - 39 - 47. Material - artificial leather, inside - synthetics, sole - heavy-duty plastic.

Blades are nickel-plated steel, hardness 420J. Easy to sharpen, hold the edge well. There is a rigid fixation of the ankle, the insole is EVA, with an anatomical shape to support the heel. The first thing you feel when you put on these skates is that they are very comfortable, soft, but firmly fix the foot.

The leather is well stitched, the toe is lined with felt. The only downside is that it gets too hot when riding for a long time. We can recommend this model as a better and more comfortable variation of the MaxCity Detroit skates. But also the price is higher - 4.6 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • reliable, albeit artificial leather;
  • strong blade, sharpens well;
  • anatomical shape of the sole and insole;
  • replaceable blades (for MAXTech frame)

Minuses:

  • When you ride for a long time, your feet sweat.

Hockey skates SK Profy Z 5000 for beginners

Hockey skates for men for beginners. Size - 39 - 47. In all respects, they are similar to SK Profy Next Z, but the quality of the leather used is lower. Inside - faux fur, sole - plastic, insole - EVA with an anatomical shape Comfort Insole.

The blades are made of simple stainless steel, they sharpen easily, but the sharpening does not last long. Fixation - laces, no additional hooks. Ankle inserts are available, but quite firm. On the one hand, the likelihood of injury is minimal, but When you ride for a long time, your ankles start to hurt.

The sock is closed by the condensed skin with felt. Blades replaceable under the MAXTech frame. These skates are suitable not only for hockey, but also for regular ice skating. Not massive, not rigid, but one should not expect super strength from them. The average price is 2.5 - 3 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • inexpensive model;
  • attractive design.

Minuses:

  • leather is not of the best quality;
  • Blades don't hold an edge well.

Figure skates for women

Skates SK Princess Lux 100% Leather for figure skating

Figure skates for women are positioned as semi-professional. Size - 37 - 42. Material - genuine leather, inside - the same finish, including the insole. The outsole is impact-resistant plastic.

Blades replaceable CK Classieal Steel made of stainless steel with the addition of carbon. Fixation - laces, there are also hooks. The skates are quite rigid (class 5), it is almost impossible to damage the foot in them. Based on the reviews - this model is often recommended to buy a trainer for training sessions. Skates are inexpensive, with a simple design, but reliable and durable.

The only caveat is not the most durable fastening of the blades, because of which, over time, an inconspicuous backlash appears, but in this state it is already undesirable to use skates. But this is true for almost all models with a glass for mounting type CK Classieal Steel. But are inexpensive - only 3.5 thousand rubles, which is very democratic for skates made of genuine leather.

Pros:

  • genuine leather is used;
  • replaceable blades;
  • low cost.

Minuses:

  • not the most reliable fastening of CK Classieal Steel blades;
  • many skates will seem too hard, not suitable for long workouts.

SK Ladies Velvet Classic figure skates in imitation leather

Figure skates for women, amateur. Size - 38 - 43. They are analogous to Princess Lux 100%, but made of artificial leather, and the blades are not replaceable and coverage height is lower.

Rigidity - medium (class 3). Inner lining - synthetic fabric, insole - thickened soft felt. Fixation - laces, there are hooks. The outsole is polyvinyl chloride. Blades - stainless steel, can be sharpened, but the hardness is quite low(the manufacturer does not specify the characteristics).

I can recommend this model to those who are just starting to learn figure skating. Quite qualitatively sewn, the blades are securely fixed and easily withstand even aggressive skating. The main advantage of this model is their the price, which is only 2 - 2.5 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • low cost;
  • reliable, although artificial leather is used;
  • the skates are warm, but the feet practically do not sweat.

Minuses:

  • blades are non-removable;
  • PVC sole, which is not resistant to mechanical damage;
  • there is no tight fixation of the ankle.

Figure skates SK Fashion Jeans for beginners

Figure skates for teenagers. Positioned as a model for beginners. Size - 32 - 36, in fact, it will be convenient for children from about 8 to 13 years old. Material - artificial leather, inside - artificial fur, sole - PVC.

The blades are fixed, made of stainless steel. Fixation - laces, there are additional hooks. Available in two color variations - dark gray and blue, with an imitation of jeans. Rigidity - above average (class 4). Even though this budget model, but quite reliable, qualitatively stitched.

The sock is not closed with an additional layer of leather, so it scratches quickly enough. Their main plus is a cool "youth" design. The rest is nothing special. Suitable for beginners, not for professional use. The average price is from 1.8 to 2.5 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • modern design with denim imitation;
  • reliable firmware.

Minuses:

  • skates quickly lose their original appearance;
  • the toe is not reinforced with an additional layer of leather;
  • fixed blades;
  • the blades backlash appears quite quickly.

Skates for men

SK Freestyle skates with faux fabric trim

Pleasure men's entry-level skates. Size - 39 - 46. Material - combined artificial fabric with synthetic leather inserts. The interior is synthetic. Fixation - clips and Velcro.

Blades or alloy steel, removed together with a plastic frame, the hardness is not declared by the manufacturer. The main advantage of these skates is their convenience - the foot sits tightly in them, with Velcro you can adjust the fixation force. The disadvantage is short-lived, which primarily concerns the plastic frame with the blade.

Among the reviews, it is often mentioned that synthetics begin to literally exfoliate after 5 - 10 exits to the ice. Manufacturer's warranty is only 30 days. These skates can be recommended to those who buy them for the first time "just for skating". The price is 2.2 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • comfortable, well fixed foot;
  • fixation with Velcro and clips, which is ideal for pleasure skates.

Minuses:

  • short-lived blade frame;
  • low quality synthetics used.

Bauer Flow skates with removable blades

Pleasure skates, there is a version for both men and women. Size - 38.5 - 47. Material - combined synthetics with artificial leather inserts. Fixation - laces and Velcro.

Removable blades with Tuuk glass, made of high carbon steel. Rigidity - medium, there is a fixation for the ankle. Although they are positioned as skates for beginners, they are also suitable for active skating, performing simple tricks.

Considered by many to be the best recreational skates in their price range. for infrequent use. But I can assure you that they will not be suitable for long riding sessions, since the protruding ankle braces are very rigid and made of steel covered with loose artificial leather. Accordingly, they begin to rub and even dense high socks do not save from this. The average price is 4.7 thousand rubles.

Pros:

  • reliable materials, albeit synthetics, which is the norm for Bauer;
  • convenient fixation and adjustment of lacing;
  • durable removable blades that do not lose sharpening even after 6 months.

Minuses:

  • a rigid fixator (caliper) of the ankle, because of which it rubs the ankle;
  • high cost for its characteristics.

Tips for choosing the best skates for you and an overview of them are shown in the video:

To determine your size, you will need to measure your foot and compare the results of measurements with the size table:

  1. In a seated position, place your foot on a blank piece of paper
  2. Make sure you don't put pressure on your leg.
  3. Mark the extreme boundaries of your foot: the edge of the heel and toes (usually this is the big toe or next to it)
  4. Measure the distance between the extreme points of your foot and write down the result in centimeters
  5. Check the result with the data from the table, if the length of your foot does not exactly match the numbers in the table, choose a size that is larger than the result of your measurements.

Please note that the length of the right and left foot may differ. To obtain the most accurate result, repeat the measurement for the second leg and use the highest value obtained to check with the data in the table.

Determining the size of children's and teenage skates

If you are buying skates for children or teenagers, then as the foot grows at this age, it is recommended to choose skates ½, max 1 size up. The feet stop growing at the age of about 15-15.5 years, therefore at the age of 14-15.5 years we recommend choosing a size of skates a maximum of ½ size larger.

Size charts

The presented skate size tables are common to all models, both professional and amateur, including goalkeepers. With the help of them, you can understand what size suits you, focusing on the size of the shoe or the length of the foot in centimeters.

6 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 9,5 10 10,5 11 11,5 12 12,5 13 14 15
39,5 40 41 41,5 42 43 43,5 44 44,5 45 46 46,5 47 47,5 48 49 50
40,5 41 42 42,5 43 44 44,5 45 45,5 46 47 47,5 48 48,5 49 50 51
6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 9,5 10 10,5 11 11,5 12 12,5 13 13,5 14,5 15,5
7,5 8 8,5 9 9,5 10 10,5 11 11,5 12 12,5 13 13,5 14 14,5 15,5 16,5
25,5 26 26,3 26,7 27 27,5 28 28,5 28,7 29 29,5 30 30,5 31 31,5 32 32,5
13Y 13.5Y 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 5 5,5
31 32 32,5 33 34 34,5 35 35,5 36,5 37 37,5 38
32 33 33,5 34 35 35,5 36 36,5 37,5 38 38,5 39
13.5Y 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 5 5,5 6
1 2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 5 5,5 6 6,5 7
20,5 21 21,5 22 22,2 22,5 23 23,5 24 24,3 24,7 25
6Y 6Y 7Y 8Y 9Y 10Y 10.5Y 11Y 11.5Y 12Y 12.5Y
21 22,5 24 25 26 27 27,5 28,5 29 30 30,5
22 23,5 25 26 27 28 28,5 29,5 30 31 31,5
5.5Y 6.5Y 7.5Y 8.5Y 9.5Y 10Y 10.5Y 11Y 11.5Y 12.5Y 13Y
6Y 7Y 8Y 9Y 10Y 10.5Y 11Y 11.5Y 12Y 13Y 13.5Y
13,5 14,5 15,5 16,5 17 17,5 18 18,5 19 19,5 20

Please note that each manufacturer has its own table of sizes and sizes for skates of the same manufacturer. may not match with the size of the other. In addition, size charts may differ even between different lines of the same brand. You can always find the exact size chart on the skate model page.

Completeness of skates

The fullness of the skates indicates the width of the skate boot. For most skate models there is a choice between D and EE widths, but there are also models with only one width - R.

  • D- standard width, suitable for standard width feet
  • EE- about 0.5 cm wider than D, suitable for wide feet
  • R- standard fullness, most often found in models of skates of the lower price category

Trying on skates

It is recommended to try on skates while sitting, as this position is closest to the position of the body during skating, and the weight of the whole body does not press on the legs. When standing under the weight of the whole body, the leg becomes slightly longer and wider, and the longitudinal arch (deflection) of the foot decreases, which distorts the actual size of the leg and can lead to choosing the wrong size. For trying on, use socks in which you plan to skate, or similar in thickness.

The best fit for a skate is when the foot is as close to the skate as possible in both length and width. This ensures the best performance and durability of the skates themselves.

Perfect fit

Stand on laced skates, the heel should be comfortably located inside the skate, be as deep in it as possible and fit snugly against it. The toes should slightly touch the cape of the skate. Bend slightly into a skating position, with your fingers slightly away from the toe of the skate. The better the fit of the skates, the more balance and control you will have while skating.

If the skates are too big and you feel that your foot slips a lot inside the boot of the skate, this will negatively affect the performance of the skate and can cause calcium deposits on the bones (osteophytes). If the skates are too small, they will pinch your leg and be uncomfortable to ride.

Do not sharpen or shape skates until you are sure of the correct size. Once sharpened and shaped, skates cannot be exchanged or returned.

Now that you know everything about how to choose the right size hockey skates, you can safely go to the Ice hockey online store and not worry that they will not fit you. In any case, you will always have up to 30 days for the return and exchange of skates purchased in our store.