Skates: sizes, how to choose the right one

To become a master in hockey or figure skating, first of all, you need to ensure yourself a confident skating, that is, a sportsman on skates should feel comfortable. For this it is necessary to choose the right skates for your foot size.

Dimensions of hockey skates and their impact on the quality of the game

Nothing should hinder and distract the hockey player from the game, and, of course, he should not even remember what is now not in ordinary shoes or sneakers. A universal recipe, how to choose skates, does not exist. This is an individual matter, and one should be guided mainly by the sensation of the one under whose foot they are picked.

Skates, the sizes of which are correctly matched to the player's leg, become, as it were, a continuation of his body. Between the athlete's foot and the inside of the ice shoe there should be no "bumps", but there should not be too much squeezing. There are some principles when choosing skates for yourself, which you should pay attention to when buying them.

Foot size and boot size

If you navigate the North American dimension system, then the most suitable will be that pair of skates, which is half the size of the size of the foot of the practitioner. But this, of course, should not be taken as an unconditional guide to action. Because the main criterion of choice is how comfortable you feel your feet in fully laced shoes.

Habits, preferences and goals also play an important role. Someone chooses skates, the size of which is close to the leg. And someone - even half the size. This is done to increase mobility and maneuverability, since the smaller the size of the skates, the shorter the length of the blade. After all, as you know, a long blade reduces maneuverability. And remember: never buy skates for children, 2-3 sizes larger. This not only increases the risk of injury, but also can completely ruin the child's skating. Given that each manufacturer has his own skate size chart, you can choose the right one by comparing your country of residence with the size of your shoes. To find out the last, you need to measure the length of the foot and find in the table the size corresponding to the received indicator.

When it is better hard, and when - soft

There are plenty of skates for sale today, and therefore, when choosing a pair, try to focus not only on the size of the figure skates or ice hockey skates, but also on some important nuances. Skates are with a low or high heel, there are high or low lift, and the choice in this case is due to the individual structure of the athlete's legs. In addition, you should pay attention to the rigidity of shoes.

To prevent injury, it is best to choose a hard option. However, a rigid shoe will not give you the freedom of action that a soft one can provide. Professional athletes usually choose a soft option, because the muscles of their legs are already well trained and ready for specific loads. The newcomer is not well prepared, and therefore in soft shoes can turn his leg.

The smallest size of skates and sliding models for kids

The first skating for a child can be the most joyous event. Moreover, in our time to buy skates for babies is not difficult. Models for the youngest "future stars" are so wonderful and convenient that it's all too much to look at. The smallest size of skates is about 22-23, but the point is that the toes grow very fast in babies. And to take skates on the growth, as mentioned above, is not recommended. Designers skates thought about this and created skates that can change their size.

There are four types of sliding skates. They are divided into separate types, depending on the way they are expanded, that is, they are push-button, bolt, screw and lever. How these mechanisms operate is easy to understand. The most convenient to recognize screw, because thanks to this method, the size of the sliding skates can be changed smoothly, and the shoe under the legs of the baby to fit literally to a millimeter.

Nuances when choosing sliding skates

Of course, buying sliding skates is best after all with the baby, because these models require fitting. It is necessary that the child himself answered if it is convenient for his legs in the chosen pair. If you take the child with you to the store there is no possibility, or if you want to surprise him, then measure the length of the child's foot in advance. Then you can determine the size of the table size skates. And agree in this case with the sellers about the opportunity to exchange goods, in case you still made a mistake with the size and skates do not fit your baby.

When choosing skates for a child, be sure to pay attention to which part of the boot is parted. For very young, choose the ones in which the sock opens, because when the heel is moved, the center of gravity shifts, and the baby can fall. In general, it is best to give preference to plastic sliding skates, as they are comfortable and light, and will last for several seasons. In such models plastic are only shoes, and the blades of the skates are made of strong carbon steel.

Skates for figure skating

Skates for figure skating are different from other types of skates in the form of blades. The peculiarity of these very blades is that they have sharp teeth in front. Thanks to them, the skater can take steps and jumps, and also move on his socks. At the same time, the blade itself is not smooth at all, but curved, which helps in the performance of movement, sliding, rotation, which is what distinguishes such skates. Dimensions are also very important, but their choice is focused on the same criteria as when selecting models for hockey.

When choosing, pay special attention to the edge of the skates. Here such a criterion as "inexpensive" does not fit absolutely. This is because poor-quality steel is quickly worn and does not glide very well over the ice. And if you want to raise a great figure skater or figure skater, then take care that your child was provided with only high-quality sports equipment.

General recommendations when choosing skates

Study the individual characteristics of your foot, as these are important criteria for choosing the right model. Look carefully at your old skates. Dimensions and their correct or incorrect choice in the past will tell you the look of the old insole. How well the foot is printed on the insole, evenly distributed throughout the insole, or somewhere beyond its edges - all this try to be taken into account when choosing a new pair.

Socks and lacing

Try on, you should do in those socks in which you will ride. This refers to the thickness and density of socks. It is recommended to wear socks thin, as the inner part of the boot with such a faster formed and adjusted to your unique shape of the foot.

So, the ice boots are bought, and you are ready to go out on them to the ice. During footwear, loosen the lacing lower, and slide the heel back vigorously. The tongue of the shoe with proper lacing will hold the foot in this position, not allowing your heel to move in the back of the boot. The leg should be tightly fixed, but in no case compressed. Now you are completely ready to skate.