How to choose skates that are comfortable for you. How to choose skates? Professional advice What kind of skates do hockey players have

One of the most popular ways to spend time in winter is ice skating. Many people, going to the skating rink, rent equipment. This is reasonable if you ride infrequently. But if you spend a lot of time on the rink, then you should consider purchasing your own pair. This is where a lot of problems arise: which skates to prefer, but what to look for when buying, how to choose the size and what is the rating of the best skates for ice skating? All these questions concern the future owners of sports equipment.

Surely, many paid attention to the fact that the shoes of athletes differ depending on the sport. The skates of figure skaters, speed skaters and hockey players are very different. And this applies not only to the appearance, but also to the very design of the skates.

Skates are produced in three main types: for hockey, for figure skating and for speed skating. In some classifications, it is also proposed to separate children's models and pleasure skates, which are used for amateur skating in parks. To understand the question of which models are suitable for a novice athlete, let's look at the features of each type of ice skating shoe.

Hockey skates

This sport is quite traumatic and very aggressive. Therefore, shoes for him are made with the maximum possible protection of the athlete's limbs. It should also protect against blows with a club, an opponent’s skate, hitting a puck and other troubles. Therefore, hockey skate models are made rigid from special synthetic materials. They are equipped with rigid inserts in places that need to be protected more than others.

The toe of such skates is always made of hard plastic. Such a hard boot has several advantages: it supports the ankle and foot well and keeps the legs in the right position.

There are other requirements for hockey models. They must provide high speed to the athlete and not limit his ability to maneuver. In this regard, hockey models have a short radius of curvature and are made without teeth on the blade. This protects against clinging to the ice during sharp and dangerous turns. A smaller area of contact between the athlete and the ice provides high maneuverability, but at the same time it complicates the task of maintaining balance.

Summing up, it can be noted that hockey skates are the best choice for a beginner only if he intends to continue playing this sport. For already trained athletes, hockey skates are quite suitable. They make it possible to develop high speed, do not limit the freedom of maneuver.

Read more about hockey skates in one of the episodes of the Galileo program:

Figure skates

These models are distinguished by a long straight blade that protrudes about 2 cm beyond the heel. There are sharp teeth in the front of the blade, which make it possible to perform various tricks and jumps. But at the same time, the teeth cause a lot of inconvenience to beginners who are not yet able to stand confidently on the ice. They catch all the irregularities of the ice of street rinks and are the cause of many falls. Otherwise, it is figure skates that are considered to be the best option for beginners.

The boot of such skates is made of leatherette or genuine leather. This material allows you to avoid numerous injuries due to the rigid support of the ankle. But such material makes the boot too thin, it is simply cold to ride on the street in a big frost on such skates. To some extent, thermal underwear helps to solve this issue. Figure skate boots are usually made high and laced throughout. This allows you to easily control the degree of fixation of the joint.

pleasure skates

These models do not have any manufacturing standards. The appearance of such skates can be similar to figure skates and hockey skates. Distinctive feature walking options - a soft insulated boot. The blade of these skates resembles curly ones, but the teeth will not be as large and sharp or may be completely absent.

If the blade is more like a hockey blade, then their degree of rounding will not be too large. Pleasure skates are designed for leisurely skating and enjoying the process, not for learning difficult pirouettes or puck racing.

Walking shoes are very comfortable. They are softer than sports models. The clasp can be classic lacing or like roller skates - buckley. In the latter case, there will also be plastic parts on the soft boot. Such boots are usually insulated so that you can ride in severe frosts. On the other hand, a soft boot does not fix the ankle so well and makes it impossible to perform complex maneuvers.

Children's skates

For kids, skates are equipped with a blade of increased width, which gives additional stability. Some models even have double blades. Such models are recommended for children under the age of 5 years. After the baby gets used to the rink, it is recommended to replace the children's model with a regular one. Parents often buy sliding skates for their children. Outwardly, they look more like amateurs, but their boot is made of plastic. They can vary by 3-5 sizes.

If the child will not just ride for pleasure, but develop in sports, then it is better to immediately purchase the right skates. They can be larger in size, but not more than 1 size. Otherwise, the boot will hang on the foot, which creates the conditions for injury.

What skates do you choose?

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28.11.2017

How to choose skates

If you have decided on the type of skates, it's time to go to the store to try on and buy. It is very important to buy skates after trying them on. This is the only way to decide whether this pair suits you or not. Don't forget to bring a pair of thick woolen socks with you to wear when you're outdoors.

Criteria for choosing figure skates

Traditionally, figure skates are considered to be female models. Before buying, be sure to put on a pair and walk around in them for a few minutes. Rate your feelings. The boot should not be very tight, at the same time, the foot should not hang out in it. Shoes that are too loose do not fix the ankle well and reduce stability.

The back of the boot should press the heel, and the ankle should be tightly covered by the shaft. If all these conditions are met, and at the same time you feel comfortable in boots, then you have found your pair of skates.
Video tips for choosing figure skates from a trainer:

What are the best walking skates to buy?

If you are going to skate for pleasure and do not intend to play sports professionally, then recreational skates will be an ideal option. These models are suitable for both children and adults. In addition, they use bright and beautiful designs. Many recreational skates have an insulated boot that can be pulled out to dry if necessary.

The criteria for choosing recreational skates are the same as for figure skates. You should feel comfortable in them, and the boot should fit your foot snugly.

What skates to buy for hockey

Hockey skates are more suitable for men. At the same time, they are all divided into amateur, semi-professional and professional models:

In amateur skates, the boots are soft, they are suitable for beginner athletes. Of the protection elements in these models, only a plastic toe is provided, which protects the fingers. Also, there is no additional adjustment of the boot.
Semi-professional skates are bought for ice hockey by people who often play and want to improve their level. It provides better protection with a rigid tongue and reliable support on the sides, which is provided by stiffening ribs. Some models of the semi-professional class have special features for adjusting the boot to the anatomical features of the foot.

When choosing hockey skates, you need to consider that they do not fit standard shoe sizes. Therefore, they must be measured. In a suitable boot, the foot should be comfortable. The back of the boot should press the heel tightly, but the fingers should not be pressed to the toe, but only lightly touch it.

Boots for hockey skates also differ in the width of the block. Therefore, if the boots fit you in length, but not in width, then you should just try on another pair.

How to choose skates for a child

Toddlers who are just starting to get comfortable on the ice are ideal models with two blades. These skates are stable and the child will feel confident on them. Then you can purchase a regular model with one blade. It is best to choose figure skates for children that allow you to fix the ankle well.

When trying on, be sure to put on thick woolen socks for your child. Ideal when an adult's finger can hardly be inserted between the boot and the heel. Too tight shoes will be uncomfortable when riding, and in free shoes, the risk of injuring the ankle increases.

The value of what size children's skates start with is Russian size 28. At the same time, keep in mind that for beginners it is permissible to buy skates 1 size larger than necessary. For young hockey players, skates must be bought a size larger than necessary. For ordinary pleasure skating, children can be advised sliding models that change along the length of the boot by 3-5 sizes.
Video tips for choosing children's skates:

Rating of quality skates for men

After considering the main types of skates, their features and selection rules, it will not be superfluous to find out which popular models are currently leading the market. This will help you make a choice and take into account which company is better to buy skates.

Bauer Supreme One.4

These skates belong to models for hockey, they can be recommended for athletes of any level. The boot is made of high quality nylon, and the inner lining is made of microfiber with water-repellent properties. In these skates, the athlete feels confident on the ice, thanks to the tight fixation of the leg and reliable protection on the sides. Ultra-light foam inserts provide protection and support to the ankles.

For an optimally comfortable position of the foot while skiing, a special heel support and tongue are provided. Additionally, it is worth noting a high-quality sole made of pressed plastic, as well as a glass with a high-quality metal blade.

Bauer Supreme One.4

Advantages:

little weight;
boots have fairly good stiffness;
durable;
create excellent security;
tightly fit the leg;
the tongue has an anatomical shape.

Flaws:

The laces need to be changed as they are of poor quality.

Cost: from 8990 rubles.

Bauer Vapor X400

This model is designed for beginner hockey players. It can be purchased by owners of foot sizes from 26 to 46, including those with D and EE fullness.

The upper of the boot is made of nylon, the inside is made of synthetic fabrics, which together guarantees good moisture removal. The sole is plastic, the blade is made of stainless steel.

Bauer Vapor X400

Advantages:

Comfortable fit due to the presence of an anatomical tongue and ankle inserts;
Blades are replaceable;
The foot in the boot does not sweat.

Flaws:

With increased use in the cold, cracking of the sole is sometimes noted.

Cost: from 4500 rubles.

Skates are positioned for men, although the size range allows you to try them on woman's leg. You can choose a pair of sizes from 32.5 to 46th. The NSX series is created by Bauer for those who are new to hockey.

The boot is made of composite material, the interior is synthetic. The sole is plastic with attached stainless steel blades.

Skates can be used both on closed ice and on a street rink, thanks to a frost-resistant glass.

Advantages:

The presence of anatomical inserts and, as a result, a comfortable fit on the leg;
Ankle support;
Reinforced toe;
The boot is anatomical.

Flaws:

They are produced for one fullness, which means that they will not suit the owners of a wide foot and a high rise;
The laces included in the kit have excessive elasticity, "pull" and the ability to dig into the palms with intensive lacing.

Cost: from 5700 rubles.

GRAF Super 103 Sakurai

These ice hockey skates are designed for boys and teenagers. The upper part of the boots is made of high quality combined synthetic fabric. The inner part is made of microfiber and provides soft support for the foot. The bow has reinforced protection against low temperatures. The insoles fit snugly to the feet and have the ability to adapt to the anatomical features of the wearer.

GRAF Super 103 Sakurai

Advantages:

warm and comfortable lining;
reliable leg support;
insoles have an anatomical structure;
protect well from frost.

Flaws:

Need help tying shoelaces.

Average price: 3890 rubles.

For those new to figure skating and middle-class professionals, this model of figure skates is the most acceptable. Boots in this model are entirely made of genuine leather. Over time, they take the form corresponding to the athlete's foot.

For comfort, special softening inserts are made on the inside of the boot. The lining absorbs moisture well. The lacing is designed with a special cutout designed to prevent the formation of wrinkles and creates the most correct positioning of the foot while riding.

Advantages:

leather boots;
convenient anatomical structure;
anti-corrosion coating of blades;
have a long service life;
suitable for male and female athletes.

Flaws:

it takes time for the boots to adapt to the shape of the foot.

Average price: 2450 rubles.

Rating of the best women's skates

These skates are for girls. The top on both sides is made exclusively of genuine leather. This contributes to better heat retention. The blades are made according to certification standards from high-quality stainless steel with anti-corrosion treatment, they retain sharpening for a long time. The boot has an elongated shape and perfectly supports the child's ankle during skiing, which is useful for preventing injury.

The boots are decorated with a stylish pattern, which is sure to be appreciated by young skaters. The lacing at the top is finished with hooks for perfect leg support. The medium-hard last allows you to feel comfortable when riding even with a thick toe.

Princess Kid Sports Collection

Advantages:

comfortable model;
Beautiful design;
natural materials;
excellent leg support;
Blades made of quality material.

Flaws:

must be carefully tried on when buying.

Average price: 3230 rubles.

This is a walking model for women, it is lightweight, which allows you to unload your legs. This model is cute appearance in white and grey. The boots have soft padding and provide good ankle support. All this creates convenience and comfort when riding.

The boots are laced up with laces and there is also a Velcro strap at the top of the boot.

Advantages:

light weight;
nice appearance;
comfort and warmth while riding.

Flaws:

require careful handling.

Average price: 5200 rubles.

A significant advantage of these skates is the use of leather as a material for interior and exterior decoration. The absence of insulation makes this model more suitable for ice skating. The sole is made of plastic, the blade is stainless steel.

The manufacturer positions these skates as for professionals. The size range is wide, from 25 to 42.

SK (Sports Collection) Princess Lux 100% Leather

Advantages:

Foot comfort due to natural, non-hardening material;
Feet in skates do not sweat;
Good fixation on the ankle.

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 gives not only excellent physical training athlete, but also properly selected 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

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 strikes, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Lace-up fasteners. A special loop is fixed between the rise and top 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.
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.
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 perforation to reduce the weight of the product, and less likely to need sharpening even after many hours of riding.
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.
Slip. Expensive professional models have a minimum of steel. Usually this is only Bottom 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.

Flaws

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.

Flaws

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.

Flaws

high cost - 15500 r.

In second position 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.

To determine your size, you will need to measure your foot and correlate the measurements obtained with the size table:

In a seated position, place your foot on a blank piece of paper
Make sure you don't put pressure on your leg.
Mark the extreme boundaries of your foot: the edge of the heel and toes (usually thumb or the next one)
Measure the distance between the extreme points of your foot and write down the result in centimeters
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 toes 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 slides 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 your 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 of 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.

In this article, we will tell you what parameters to choose skates for, how to select the size, try on and get the most out of skating.

Sport or recreation?

First you need to understand the purpose for which skates are bought. They can be divided into hockey and conditional hockey. If the former are designed to withstand all the harsh conditions of a hockey match (puck hits, falls at high speed, impacts, constant load), then the latter only resemble the skates that are in the arsenal of hockey players. For relaxation and measured skating, skates made of inexpensive materials are quite suitable - leatherette, synthetics, a blade made of not the most durable steel. The boot itself, as a rule, is quite comfortable: it will not be able to protect against all the dangers of the hockey field, but it is great for infrequent walks on the ice at your pleasure.

Thus, depending on your goals, inexpensive skates up to 10,000 rubles, and professional skates, the price of which reaches 45-50 thousand rubles, may suit you.

Features of hockey skates

Real sports skates are much more expensive, and the question may arise: why such a difference in cost? It's all about the materials and technologies used, which are indispensable when creating competitive equipment:

Boot stiffness: the higher it is, the stronger the ankle joint is fixed, which saves the athlete from serious injuries. Boots with high rigidity are often made of nylon with the addition of foam and plastic elements. The tongue of a hockey boot must also be durable, despite its softness.
Air chamber with pumping - Reebok's invention, originally designed for sneakers. It encircles the ankle joint just above the bone inside the boot, and with the help of a pump, air enters the chamber. At the same time, the shin is covered even more strongly and is securely fixed in the boot, due to which the shin is covered more strongly and is fixed more reliably.
Thermal forming- thanks to the use of a special material (plastic or foam), the boot becomes softer when heated, adapting to the anatomical features of the foot and taking the necessary shape, which it keeps in a cool environment. Of course, thermoforming cannot fit any skate to any foot - it only helps to adapt to the boot faster, minimizing scuffs and calluses during initial use.
Lacing stopper- a special loop between the instep of the boot and the upper part of the lacing. It allows you to lace up the upper and lower part of the boot separately. On "economy class" boots, the lacing has to be tightened entirely, often squeezing the leg. Thanks to the lock, we can firmly fix the lower leg, which is enough for confident riding.

Also, manufacturers of professional skates are trying to bring every detail to perfection - they reduce the weight of the boot, increase the protective characteristics using lightweight and high-strength materials - carbon and kevlar, tongues with thermoforming and springs appear that give off part of the momentum during the push. Because of all these "bells and whistles", flagship skates (such as [LINKS]) cost up to $1,000.

Don't forget about the blade: it determines the sliding of the skate on the ice, speed and maneuverability. The blade is attached to the boot with a glass. His most popular model is the TUUK Custom+, which is good in everything, but not designed for very low temperatures. For indoor skating rinks and moderate outdoor temperatures, this is not critical, but you can opt for the TUUK Lightspeed, built specifically for the cold.

Selection and fitting

Before trying on a skate, it is important to determine the size. If you are no longer a beginner and have ever chosen your pair of skates, then you probably know: in general, skates should be half a size larger than the size of ordinary shoes (according to the North American system). But you should not use only this rule: the main thing is how comfortable the foot feels in the boot - tight and, at the same time, without pain.
Here are a few simple tips that will help you correctly assess whether the skates will fit during the fitting:

Let's check the stiffness of the boot. Squeeze the lacing loops at the top of the boot with your thumb and forefinger. If the loops are easily pressed against each other, then the skates are only suitable for walking on ice. If you feel resistance, but still can crumple the boot - it is suitable for a beginner hockey player. In professional hockey boots, the edges will not even budge after such an action.
Put on your shoes and slide your foot back, pressing the heel firmly against the back. The toes should lightly touch the boot, but not rest against it. Otherwise, you need to try on a boot a size larger.
It often happens that a hockey boot fits in length, but is quite wide or narrow. Then pay attention to the completeness - it is presented for each model in several versions. Find a boot that fits snugly but doesn't squeeze your foot.
Put on the socks you intend to ride in. Every millimeter matters. If the foot fits too tightly, then you will not avoid calluses and pressure, and your toes will freeze.
Do not make a decision while sitting: be sure to go skating around the store. Only in this way will you be able to understand whether the leg is well fixed and whether it will be comfortable to control the skates.

Another important tip regarding the size: if you choose children's or teenage hockey skates, never buy "for growth": a boot of the wrong size can not only discourage the boy from playing hockey, but also lead to serious injuries on the ice, because the child will not be able to feel confident on the ice.

Skate Size Chart

Remember that hockey skates have their own sizing system. So that you do not get confused in the numbers, we have prepared a table of correspondence between the sizes of skates from all well-known manufacturers.

Adults/SR

Russia	38.5	39	39.5	40	40.5	41	41.5	42	42.5
CCM REEBOK	5.5	6	6.5		7	7.5	8		8.5
GRAF BAUER	6	6.5	7	7.5		8	8.5		9
EASTON	5.5	6		6.5	7	7.5		8	8.5

Adults/SR (continued)

Russia	43	43.5	44	44.5	45	45.5	46	46.5
CCM REEBOK	9	9.5	10	10.5	11	11.5		12
GRAF BAUER	9.5	10	10.5	11	11.5	12		13
EASTON	9	9.5		10	10.5	11	11.5	12

Junior/JR

Russia	32.5	33	33.5	34	34.5	35	35.5	36	36.5	37	37.5	38	38.5
CCM REEBOK	-	1	1.5		2	2.5	3	3.5	4	4.5	5	5.5
GRAF BAUER	1	1.5	2		2.5	3	3.5	4	4.5	5	5.5		6
EASTON	-	1	1.5	2	2.5		3	3.5	4		4.5	5	5.5

Baby/YTH

Russia	26	27	28	28.5	29	29.5	30	30.5	31	31.5	32
GRAF BAUER	Y08	Y09	Y10		Y11		Y12		Y13		-
CCM REEBOK	Y8		Y9	Y10		Y11		Y12		Y13
EASTON	Y09		Y10	Y11		Y11.5	Y12	Y12.5		Y13	Y13.5

We hope that now you know all the criteria for choosing skates and are ready to see our range in

There are no trifles in ice hockey - each element of the equipment is important and the effectiveness of the player's actions and the degree of his protection from damage depend on the correct choice of it. But, whatever one may say, the most important thing is the foundation. The basis of the basics of a hockey player is skates.

Let's hear the opinions of professionals on this matter. And for starters, a word to the founders of hockey. (Simultaneous translation)

Now the opinion of the Russian players.

A recently remarkable defender, and now a hockey analyst, shares his advice - Alexander Khavanov.

I would like to immediately note that I cannot give a universal recipe for choosing skates that would suit everyone. This process is individual, people are all different and everyone's feet are different. But, of course, there are a number of things that make sense to focus on when visiting a store.

Size matters
There is a rule that everyone who has ever bought a pair of skates knows about. It states that skates must be half a size (in the North American sizing system) larger than the leg. To be honest, I would not advise taking this advice as an unconditional guide to action. The main criterion all the same is how comfortable the foot is in the boot, and this is again determined by the preferences of each person and his habits. I have skates, as they say, back to back. There are players who choose skates that are even smaller than their feet,
with a view to spreading them later. The point here is that the longer the blade, the less maneuverability. In order to increase their mobility on the ice, people deliberately use smaller skates. As for children who are just starting to learn to skate, in my opinion, those parents who take skates for growth, several sizes larger, are wrong. This is a sure way to spoil a child's skating.

Hard or soft
It is very important to know in advance what you want from skates. Accordingly, the worst thing is to choose skates without knowing what you want to get from them. There are a great variety of skates on the market now, and there are plenty to choose from. But this is a difficult and responsible process in which different nuances are important. There are skates with high and low rise, soft, hard and very hard, with high and low heels. It's easy to get confused here. The owner of a high instep, of course, must also take skates with a high instep - everything is more or less obvious here. With rigidity, not everything is clear. On the one hand, a hard boot is better at preventing injury. On the other hand, it does not give the freedom of action that a soft boot provides. Therefore, professionals whose feet are ready for specific loads mainly use soft skates. A new, insufficiently prepared person, going out on the ice in such, can twist his leg. Therefore, I would advise beginners to choose stiffer skates, reducing the risk of unnecessary injury, as they say, out of the blue. I would not strictly distinguish between skates that are better suited for defenders and attackers. It again depends on who is comfortable in what. It is believed that they should differ in the degree of protection of the legs. Of course, anyone needs protection. But no matter how hard the boot is, a direct hit by the puck will still hurt, unless, of course, you wear skates nine sizes larger. So, I repeat, first of all, you should pay attention to how well the skate fits your foot.
Three couples per season
I kill three pairs of skates in a regular season - two are enough for the regular season, one more for the playoffs. The main sign that it's time to change skates is that when they wear out, they stop holding their feet. Which, of course, can lead to injury. For people who do not play hockey professionally, a pair of skates, of course, will be enough for a long time - you can skate on one for several years. But in time to notice that the shoes are worn out, it will still not be superfluous.
Thermal forming is not a panacea
Almost all skate manufacturers are now actively using materials, thanks to which the skates take the shape of the player's foot when heated. This is useful thing. But still, I think that it is correct to break the skates so that they work like your leg, so that they, as they say, “bend” under your foot, is even more important. It is initially inconvenient for any person to be in skates. And if they interact well with the foot in dynamics, the inconvenience is greatly reduced. Na it usually takes at least a week to break in the skates normally. Almost all professional skates are equipped with an anatomical felt tongue with a molded liner, an antimicrobial non-slip insole, an improved system for attaching and fitting the blade to the glass.

Adviсe:

1. Find out the unique features of your foot structure that can influence the formation of excessive pressure points and lead to discomfort during operation.

2. Examine your old skates - they can tell you a lot. The wear of the insole will tell you if the size was correct. High wear areas indicate points of excessive pressure resulting from incorrect selection of skates. For example, the insole in an improperly fitted skate has a footprint that does not reach the edge of the insole.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Heel. Before lacing up your boot, push your foot vigorously 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.

6. Front. 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.

7. First steps. Walk/sit for 10-15 minutes. This will help to make sure that you are comfortable again. correct selection size and model of skates. If the heel does not "slide" forward in the boot and does not move from side to side, if the boot fits snugly on the foot, but not uncomfortable, and if the toes only slightly touch the toe of the boot, this means that the size is chosen quite correctly.

Steel nuances
When sliding on ice, the main role is played by the blade.
The principle of sliding of the skate is as follows: from the friction of the sharp edges of the blade, the ice melts under them, and the skate slides along a kind of “water cushion” (that is, actually on wet ice), due to which the sliding speed greatly increases.
Before buying skates Special attention on the glass used in the design (the skate segment between the blade and the boot itself). His most popular model today is TUUK. Custom +. It is good in all respects - except, perhaps, for one: it can crack in a big frost.
If you go out on the ice in a severe cold, preference should be given to a frost-resistant model - the TUUK series lightspeed.

hockey skate size
To understand how to choose the right skates, you need to consider that hockey skates have their own sizing system, so your shoe size will not be equal to the size of the skates.
Each manufacturer hockey equipment provides its size matching table. Thanks to these tables, you can choose the right size skates by matching your shoe size and country of residence. But do not forget that the tables vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Let's look at how to choose skates that suit your length. Put the boot on your foot, slide your foot back so that the heel is firmly pressed against the back of the skate. In this position, the toes should lightly touch the toe of the boot. If your toes touch the toes, you should take the skates one size larger.
Sometimes it happens that the length of a hockey boot fits your foot perfectly, but the width is either too narrow or too wide. In this case, you need to move on to choosing skates with the same size, but a different thickness (this will be discussed below).
The question often arises: how to choose skates for a child? Given the height of the foot, it is recommended to choose skates half a size larger. Half the size will be equivalent to the thickness of one finger between the back of the boot and the heel of the foot. If you do not want to harm your child, then you should not buy skates more than half a size. A large boot will dangle on the foot, which will lead to poor balance, falls and injuries to the foot or ankle.
Below we provide size matching tables for the most popular hockey skate manufacturers in our country.