The most important piece of gear you can own when it comes to playing hockey are the skates you put on your feet. Getting the wrong pair of skates can affect your speed and agility while getting the right ones will make it easy for you to perform your best. You need to consider several factors in choosing a good pair of skates one of which is your budget, as well as your experience level and the size and shape of your feet in general. What follows are some tips on finding the hockey skates that are best for you.
It’s not easy to find the right fit in a hockey skate. Like any other spcecial fitting footwear like mens skate shoes, womens high heels or childrens football boots. A proven method for making your skates fit well is to use a process called skate baking. Baking is a process of physically putting the skates in an oven and wearing them until they cool off. As the skate cools on your foot it is able to move from a softened state to a form fitting state. You can burn yourself or ruin a good pair of skates if you aren’t careful and try this at home although there are instructions for home preparation undoubtedly available. To err on the side of caution it’s best to let the pros at the shop down the street do it with their specialized oven. It’s like getting a custom pair of skates formed just for you.
It is possible to cut costs and save money by purchasing used skates but be careful when pursuing this option. The blades on skates must be regularly sharpened, and after a certain amount of use, the steel is simply worn out and must be replaced. A set of replacement blades can easily equal the cost of a brand new pair.
When you think about it this way, it isn’t a good idea to pay for skates that have been used hard. You should also understand that new skates can be broken in to your foot but used skates were broken in by someone else and aren’t likely to feel comfortable on your feet as a result. You’ll probably discover that unless the deal is too good to pass up it’s probably a better idea to pass it up.
It’s a different experience than most others you will have been through when you try on hockey skates for the first time. These skates will feel neither natural nor comfortable when you put them on for the first time. Remember, skating is not really a “natural” activity for us, and it’s something we have to train ourselves to do so it feels natural. Your skates should feel a little tight when you try them on. Once they’ve been properly laced you will notice that they feel even tighter. Remember that they will expand a little after they’ve been broken in. As long as they’re not painful and you can move around in them effectively, you have to give them a chance to feel really natural and comfortable.
Hockey skates really must become extensions of your feet, as when you’re on the ice, they are what give you speed, agility and flexibility. Choosing a good pair is important but it may take a little time. Keep these things in mind and you’ll have a much better time. For hockey players this is only one of many skills that will need to be developed over time.
Alan Taylor is a hockey instructor from Los Angeles. He wasn’t always a fan of the sport but before opening his hockey warehouse he ran a beach store specializing in surf clothing and aqua gear, in particular Xcel wetsuits for water skiers. He has now run his own hockey shop for 8 years which has been the highlight of his life.
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February 10, 2012
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