How Should Hockey Skates Feel? [Ultimate Guide!]


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Hockey skates are a crucial part of any hockey player’s equipment collection. They ensure your feet are always in the right place to hit the ice and allow you to effortlessly change directions on a whim. Most hockey players wouldn’t say no to having a full set of quality skates, but sometimes the sound that they make isn’t that great and it would be nice to have a pair that fit perfectly but that don’t screech every time you turn them. Thankfully, there are several tweaks you can make to the design and components of your hockey skates to get the smooth and silky-smooth skating experience you deserve.

The Vibration Issue

Hockey skates are made up of three basic elements โ€“ a blade, a shoe, and a sole โ€“ and it’s the sole which is causing you the most problems. The vibration that comes from the blades is transferred to your feet through your shoes and it’s something you have to get used to, particularly on rough surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. As a general rule of thumb, the faster you skate (in a straight line), the more vibration you will feel. This is why it’s essential that you get a pair of over-engineered hockey skates โ€“ and even then, the vibration can be somewhat overwhelming. If you are a speed skater, you can even feel it in your teeth! Most hockey players will tell you that the faster you go, the smoother the game will feel, but this is rarely the case. In fact, the opposite is usually true. A faster pace often results in more erratic behavior and an increase in collisions as everyone is busy trying to keep up with the speed of the game.

Thankfully, there are several things you can do to mitigate the effects of the vibration. First of all, you can get a pair of insoles that can cushion your feet while on the ice. Most hockey players prefer a soft pair of sneakers for this purpose, but you can use any shoe you want as long as it has the right fit. Second, you can get some antispasmodic medication or a pain reliever which will help reduce any irritation that may arise from the constant vibration. Last but not least, you can always switch to inline skates, which do not produce as much vibration as regular hockey skates. However, make sure you are properly fitted before doing so, as the maneuverability of inline skates is usually worse than that of a pair of normal hockey skates; this, of course, depends on the model you have.

The Noise Issue

Noise is another issue that you need to be careful about. Even though most people aren’t that noise sensitive when it comes to entertainment, you need to keep in mind that other people, especially those who are driving or who have children with them, may have a problem with the noise your skates make. In fact, many residential areas have regulations that limit the decibel level of noises that can be produced by all types of vehicles, including motorcycles and inline skates. If you aren’t that loud, then this should pose no problem for you, but if you think there is even the slightest chance you may be disturbing some people, then you should consider lowering your stride or switching to inline skates.

The Feel Issue

This one is pretty self-explanatory. You need to have confidence in the gear you are using and you should feel secure enough pushing off the ice with each stride. If you are looking for a smooth and effortless skating experience, you should go for a pair of over-engineered hockey skates as these will provide you with the best feel possible. Also, make sure to invest in a good pair of socks as the last thing you want is your feet feeling cold on the ice. Lastly, you can improve the feel of your skates by keeping your feet relaxed and not gripping the skate’s blade, as this will keep the vibrations going in the right direction and prevent the foot from feeling like it is moving through molasses. Also, make sure to warm up your muscles before each practice and game session so that your feet won’t feel like they are in their death throes the entire time you are on the ice.

Hopefully, this article has given you enough information to make the right choice regarding your hockey skates. Whatever model you decide on, make sure to wear the proper attire when playing sports on an asphalt surface and always check the regulations in your state, as they may restrict the kind of gear you can use. Also, try to avoid causing too much vibration as it will annoy you and others around you, including the other skaters on the ice. Finally, be careful when selecting your pair of skates as there are several issues you need to be careful of before deciding to buy them. Not all hockey skates are made equal and you should always try to go for a pair that is over-engineered, has a good balance between speed and control, and has the perfect fit.

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