Hockey skates have been a part of British culture for hundreds of years. The traditional flat ice surface of a hockey rink is a setting that has been featured in many a film and TV show, and has even been the location of a royal wedding. It is therefore little surprise that the sport is popular worldwide, with over 100 million players participating in some form each year. Naturally, given their popularity, there is a diverse array of skates available on the market. Which one you should get depends on a number of factors, the most important of which is your height.
While many people enjoy being tall, it doesn’t come without its downsides. Being the centrepiece of any social gathering, your presence at the top of the pecking order can make you the object of derision or unwanted attention. Being the tallest in the room is often seen as a sign of dominance, especially amongst men. For those who fall into either of these categories, a short skate blade may be the perfect alternative.
Thankfully, there are a number of advantages to being short. Short people are often seen as more approachable and likeable, and also as less threatening or domineering. A bonus of being small is that you are often perceived as being lighter, and therefore faster than your taller counterparts. This may not seem like an advantage, but in reality it can be. Even if you happen to be the best skater in the world, if you are the shortest by a few inches, you are going to struggle to pull off the various flips and tricks that you could potentially pull off if you were a little bit taller. This is one of the main reasons why speed skates are usually shorter than all other skate varieties. With the exception of classical skates built for grand exhibitions, the shorter design allows for better acceleration.
Another advantage of being short is that it is much easier to find a sports store that stocks a range of shorter skates. If you are planning on purchasing a pair of hockey skates, make sure that the shop you visit has a small range of sizes in stock so that you don’t have to worry about finding a match once you get there. You should also research the best way to store your skates so that they don’t end up getting damaged. Most importantly, try to find a pair that fits you perfectly, and that feels comfortable to spin on. Once you have found them, you can rest assured that you have the perfect companion for any sport or activity in which you might choose to participate.
Table of Contents
Features & Design
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pair of hockey skates is the actual features of the product itself. Obviously, you are looking for a pair of skates that are going to perform well, but you also want to make sure that they are comfortable and have the right size for your feet. With the exception of in-line skates, most hockey skates are designed as a flat surface with two metal ends. The two ends offer some flex and give the skater the ability to lean forward or backward while skating. This is important as it allows for increased stability while maintaining mobility.
In-line skates are also worth mentioning here. These are designed with an eye fixed on speedskaters who want to increase their performance. In-line skates are shorter than other varieties, with only one end being as long as the other two combined. This, coupled with the fixed-gear construction, makes for a faster but less stable product. While in-line skates are popular amongst professional speed skaters worldwide due to their increased speed, they are also the most likely of all skating varieties to cause injuries. If you are planning on taking up the sport professionally, opt for traditional flat-water hockey skates instead.
Looking at the design of the product is also important. Many people prefer a design that is more streamlined, and therefore faster. This could be anything from the way the blade curves or the materials used to make the product to the shape of the boot. The best way to find the perfect match for your feet is by trying on a few different designs and comparing them to one another, preferably by using a foot model or dummy feet. This will also help you identify which design is going to be the most comfortable to wear, and allows you to make the right choice for your feet.
Size
Not all sports stores that sell hockey skates are created equal. Some stores sell only a select few products, and it is therefore important to make sure that the shop you visit has a good range of sizes in stock, especially if you are planning on ordering a larger item than what is on display. While the ideal customer for a hockey shop is someone who is 5′ 10″ and above, many stores only stock smaller sizes, and therefore you might find yourself having to wait a while for your item to be built. Big feet are also an issue when ordering online as many sites only offer an option of one size, which usually fits a size 10 person perfectly. With the exception of size, everything else being equal, smaller sizes are usually preferred as they are lighter and therefore faster than their larger counterparts. This is because a smaller person can reach higher speeds and perform more tricks than a taller person. While this might not seem like a perk, often those who prefer smaller sizes get annoyed when they are matched with someone of comparable size, as they feel that it makes them appear smaller than they really are.
Comfort
When it comes to buying skates, comfort is king, or at least queen. It is important to find a pair of skates that you can feel confident wearing for an hour or two, and preferably longer. Most people who buy skates wear them only once or twice a week, perhaps on a Friday or Saturday night. This is why it is important to find a model that is comfortable and has the right cushioning. The right padding can help to reduce the strain on your joints and muscles as you use them throughout the day. Most importantly, make sure that the pair of hockey skates you purchase is going to feel good when you skate with them.
Repairs & Maintenance
Hopefully, you do not need to buy a new pair of skates every month, but if you do then it is important to make sure that they are as good as new. The best way to do this is by having them serviced or maintained by a professional. It is also important to do this every year at least, as often the bearings can go out of alignment due to heavy use. This can lead to serious injury, and even if it does not, it will most certainly make the product feel less than new. There are several reputable companies out there that offer one-hour repairs along with spares if you run out of parts. Even better, many of these companies will come to your home or place of work and fix your pair there and then, avoiding the cost of taking them to a bike shop.
Durability
Bikers and joggers are the two main groups of people who purchase gear, and the products that they use are usually made from hard plastic with a rubber lining, and metal parts. Naturally, these products are going to wear out over time, and therefore it is important to make sure that the product you buy is going to be durable, otherwise you are wasting your money. If you are planning on using your pair of skates every day then ensure that they are built with stronger materials and thicker leather so that they last as long as possible. If you are going to use them occasionally then pick a pair that has a metal plate in the sole to increase the lifespan of the product.
It is also worth considering the weight of the product when it comes to durability. Naturally, the lighter the better when it comes to most sports equipment, and therefore it is important to look for a pair of skates that are light even for its size. This will help you maintain your speed for longer and will also make it easier to maneuver around. Naturally, if you are planning on using them for racing then look for a pair of speed skates as these are the strongest and lightest varieties of skates. They are also typically used for long-distance racing and competitions. If you are planning on using them for recreational purposes then traditional flat-water hockey skates are the perfect choice as they are strong enough but light enough not to slow you down.
Value For Money
Finally, it is important to look for a reliable company that you can trust. Look for a store that is established and has a good reputation. It is also worth looking for alternative places to buy the product. If you have tried to order from a smaller company and had problems, it is worth looking for a larger one to see if better service is on the menu. The best way to find the right sports store for you is by searching for reviews online or reading through user comments on popular blogs. This will give you an idea of what other customers think and whether or not they are happy with the service they received.