It will be convenient in skates if you choose them taking into account the purpose, the anatomical features of the leg. There are models created for different sports. Adults and children's skates have design features. The difference concerns the boot itself, the mount and the blade.
Ice skating is one of the favorite pastimes of Russians. Many companies offer rental of all the equipment you need, but this option is suitable for beginners or those who cannot spend a lot of time on a hobby. The rest are faced with a choice: how to choose skates that will be really comfortable.
Choice based on purpose
There are four main types of skates:
- hockey;
- walking;
- curly;
- speed skating.
They differ in what degree of load they can withstand. The differences concern not only the appearance, but also the design, the specifics of sharpening the blades.
Hockey
The hockey look is tougher. He must reliably fix and protect the leg from blows from the puck, club. Their design features take into account the fact that athletes run on ice more than skate. The boots themselves are longer, equipped with special padding and pads. This variety has three subtypes:
- amateur;
- semi-professional;
- professional.
The latter are suitable for those who train on a regular basis, are carefully designed, but they can be uncomfortable with normal ice skating.
Curly
They have a high solid boot that perfectly fixes the leg when performing various curly elements. If you plan to perform tricks and jumps, then preference should be given to the tougher variety. The blade has a long, straight part which helps to glide better on ice.
Walking
They are the softest and most comfortable ones. Fixation on the leg takes place using Velcro or clips. Structurally, they differ in that the skates better allow you to maintain stability, but the maneuverability of this type is worse. The teeth on the blade are higher. This reduces the likelihood of accidentally snagging the ice.
Speed skating
They feature a low boot made of multilayer carbon fiber or fiberglass. They have an increased blade length and a large radius of its rounding. Speed skating species have a movable part in contact with ice. This increases the length of the skater's push.
Children's ice skates
This is a separate species that allows the child to remain stable on ice. For the smallest, models with two runners will be comfortable. They allow you to stand firmly on the ice, not to be afraid of skating.
How to choose skates by boot type?
Most often, skates with high and thin boots are chosen for amateur training. These types have a heel and lacing. Pay attention to the presence of insulation. He can be:
- from fur;
- fleece;
- foamed materials.
There is an option without insulation. It is suitable for practicing all year round in an indoor ice rink. For a more comfortable ride, attention should be paid to the presence of padding with the ability to adjust to the peculiarity of the leg. This happens when the material is heated from the body. Models are also available with anatomical foam inserts. They provide a snug fit and a secure fit.
Skates without insulation are not suitable for skating outdoors. There will be a desire to put on a warm sock, but it will not provide full fixation, the leg will dangle.
Choice of laces
Various colors and materials of laces can be found on sale. Children are interested in colored or luminescent options. It is better to give preference to the usual cotton types. Synthetics are untied too often, especially in the cold.
A good option is a combination when there is additional fixation at the top. And the rest is adjusted by the lace. It's easy to check how much lacing and fastening suits you: you need to sit down in your shoes and do not fall backwards.
How to choose a blade for fun riding?
Different steel can be used for production:
- Stainless. These blades contain chromium, which increases corrosion resistance.
- Alloyed. Contains various additives that provide strength and reliability.
- Carbonaceous. It contains a small amount of carbon. The higher the number, the harder the blades are.
The metal from which the blades are made determines the hardness of the skates. The harder the blade, the better it is. These skates will last for many seasons. Pay attention to the curvature. If the skates are placed on a flat surface, the blade will only touch the side parts, the ribs.
In the central part there is a small groove. This parameter affects the rolling speed, the ability to make turns and rotation. The best option is the average bend amplitude. Buy better models that have a protective coating that extend the life of the skates. However, it does not last long.
How to choose the right skates in the store?
It is best to make a purchase in a regular store, where there is an opportunity to make a fitting. Skates usually do not match the size of regular shoes, different manufacturers have their own dimensional nets. With their help, it will be easier to determine the required parameters.
At the time of buying:
- Move your leg so that it is pressed as tightly as possible against the back.
- The finger should touch the sock, but not rest against it, otherwise you can forget about comfort.
- Do not buy shoes that are one size larger with socks in mind, as the shoe will not fix your foot well.
The boot can be made either from genuine leather or from a substitute. The main parameter is the high-quality finishing of the upper and the insole. The latter must be removed to dry. The tongue should be reinforced, made of two layers of material. It must be equipped with lace holes. This allows you to securely fix the leg.
If you plan to go in for sports professionally, it is not advisable to buy specialized skates right away. First, get simple views that fit comfortably on your leg. When the technique of skating improves, the coach will recommend in which form the preference should be stopped.
In conclusion, skates will last for many seasons if properly cared for. Buy covers immediately. Available for both boots and blades. The latter are subdivided into fabric, rubber or plastic. Fabric covers absorb moisture well, therefore they provide protection against corrosion. Hard rubber or plastic protects the blades when moving on non-icy surfaces. Special boot covers will protect your shoes from scuffs and cuts.
