There is no question that hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world. In North America alone, there are over a million registered players between the ages of 4 and 17. In the U.S., the National Hockey League (NHL) is the most popular professional sports league with a reported 16.8 million followers on social media channels like Twitter.
With the right equipment, dedication, and strategy, almost anyone can become a good hockey player. However, one element that can stand out above all else is safety. To avoid injury or mishap on the ice, players need to take special care of their skates. This is where most of the accidents occur, as the area around the ankle is the most sensitive part of the body when it comes to injury.
If you are a hockey player and you start to feel pain or discomfort when wearing your skates, it could be a sign that you are putting yourself at risk. If this is the case, then it’s important to take steps to stop this type of behavior before it’s too late. Thankfully, there are simple strategies that you can follow to make sure that your ankle is safe and happy on the ice. Here are the top five ways to stop lace bite in hockey skates:
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Wear Properly
Simply put, proper wearing of your hockey skates depends on a number of factors. One of the most essential things to consider is the fit of the skate. If you wear a shoe that is too big, it will cause the boot to sit too high on your ankle and create excessive pressure. This in turn could lead to discomfort or pain. On the other side of the equation, if you wear a shoe that is too small, the fit will be sloppy and could lead to accidents due to poor maneuverability and balance. Your shoe should be able to hug the entire length of your foot snugly without any wiggle room. This way you will feel secure and comfortable enough while on the ice knowing that your feet are properly protected and there is no room for slopiness or misalignment. Shoes that are either too big or too small can cause problems for your ankles if you are not careful, so make sure you measure your foot carefully before purchasing them.
Get A Professional Measurement
Shoe size is not the only factor that can affect the comfort of your feet while playing hockey. The height and width of the boot you are wearing also play an important role in how you experience your skating. If you are a professional hockey player and you know that you will be skating on hard surfaces, then you should opt for a pair of hard-weather boots. These types of boots are designed to withstand high temperatures as well as high winds, which can easily cause damage to your skin or clothing. Some of the more popular brands that make these types of products include Hunter, Dr. Martens, and Vans.
If you are a recreational hockey player or a kid who just started skating, then you should opt for a pair of light-weather boots or flats. These types of boots are constructed from thinner materials, so they are more prone to being damaged. Thinner materials also make the boot more susceptible to being worn out faster. While this is not always a bad thing, you should know that your shoes will not be maintained properly if you are not careful enough, which could potentially lead to accidents. If you are still in high school or in elementary school, then you can get a pair of athletic shoes to practice your skating in.
Use The Right Laces
Do you ever wake up in the morning and your shoelaces are mysteriously untied? Do you find yourself constantly struggling with tying your shoe laces while you walk around the house? Do you find that every few weeks you have to go through this same routine all over again? If so, then it’s time for you to switch to a different type of lace. The standard skate laces that you will find in most shoe stores are not designed for playing hockey. For better results, you need to go for either flat or Velcro straps. The flat laces are much easier to tie and they are also supposed to be easier to untie as well. Some of the popular brands that make this type of lace include Dr. Martens and Reebok.
Reebok has a history of making some of the best hockey equipment and apparel, and they have continued this tradition with their innovative and trendy gear. From their track suits and jogging pants to their hockey pants and sweaters, they always put their players’ comfort first and put the needs of the game second. This is why they are one of the preferred brands when it comes to hockey.
Take Care Of Your Skates
Your hockey skates are an essential part of your hockey equipment, and just like any other athletic gear, they need to be maintained properly in order to protect your joints and keep you playing. The most important thing for your skates is lubrication, and for this you can use either machine oil or shaving cream. When applying the oil, make sure that every area of the skate is easily accessible. If you are unable to apply the oil easily, then it’s time for an adjustment. Shave the area near the base of the skate where the boot connects to the blade, and be careful not to cut yourself while shaving. Once you have lubricated the entire area, then it’s time to wipe off any excess oil with a clean, soft cloth.
The last step in maintaining your skates involves sharpening the blades. This is a simple process that can be done with the proper equipment and a few minutes of your time. Simply take the blade out of the shoe and hold it over a grinding wheel or on a rough surface. Keep in mind that too much sharpening can cause the blade to become less efficient and more prone to breakage.
Adjust Your Puck Handle
If you are a goalie and you start feeling fatigued after a string of games, then it might be time to adjust your equipment. For most hockey players, the handle of the puck is one of the most important parts of the equipment. When choosing a hockey handle, make sure to get one that is comfortable in your hand and easy to maneuver. The last thing you want is a cumbersome handle that causes you additional strain while playing. Adjusting your puck handle is an important step in keeping your body healthy and happy on the ice. You should do this at least once every month to ensure that your hands remain relaxed and that your performance does not suffer.
There are several factors that you need to keep in mind when choosing safety equipment for skating. From the fit of the boots to the type of laces used, paying attention to these aspects can help ensure that your skating experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.