Have you ever wondered how the pros and the NHLers manage to get around the rink with such large and cumbersome shoes? The answer is wideskates.
Wideskates are a relative newcomer to the hockey world, but they’ve been gaining a lot of popularity ever since their inception. A wide skate will increase your stride length by 12-14 inches, giving you a massive jump – perfect for breaking down walls and charging up the ice.
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The Growth Of Wideskate Culture
You might be familiar with the term “culture shock”. When a group of people from one country move to another, they often experience a lot of culture shock. This is because their original culture doesn’t necessarily match the new culture they’re adapting to.
With regards to hockey, this is what we call “learning to walk again” after a long layoff. When a player stops skating, they stop being able to leverage their body’s natural ability, and it can take them time to get back on track. In the meantime, they have to learn to rely more on their sticks and their brains instead of their body.
This is why we see lots of wideskates around the NHL, especially in the playoffs. When a team makes it to the post-season, they’re usually in desperate need of some extra length. The wideskate provides this length exactly, and it also eases the transition for the player.
If we compare this to other sports where players wear specialized equipment that limits their mobility, we can see that hockey is one of the more progressive sports when it comes to alternative footwear.
The Benefits Of Wideskate Culture
So, what makes wideskates so special? Let’s take a look.
Wideskates allow players to maximize their stride length, which gives them a massive advantage on the ice. Maximal stride length increases puck control, as you’ll have more time to pull off tricks and dekes. It also improves your balance throughout your whole body, allowing you to become a more efficient skater.
It’s important to note here that while some players may enjoy these massive shoes, others may experience some issues with them. If you want to improve your skates, you need to have the right equipment. One wrong pair of skates can ruin your whole day, so make sure you’re equipped properly. This is why we suggest you get a pair of wide skates that fit your body type.
The Main Differences Between Regular Skates And Wideskates
Let’s discuss the main differences between regular skates and wideskates. First of all, let’s start with the most obvious one – width.
In hockey, width is measured in inches, and a wide skate will have a measurement of at least 10″, so you can see that these shoes are not that wide. Now, the most distinct difference between a regular skate and a wideskate is the shape of the toe box. For a standard skate, the toe box is almost flat and, as a result, the foot is almost parallel to the ice when you take a step. This makes it easier to turn and stop on a dime.
However, if you want to move quickly, you need to get your toe out ahead of the skate, as this will increase your turnover. This is why most wideskates have a pronounced arch or a crescent-shaped toe box. It allows for more mobility while stepping and turning, giving you an advantage on the ice.
The shape of the skate determines how it will feel when you step into it. If you’re looking for comfort when skating, go for a flat shape, otherwise you might prefer a pointed toe or a classic hockey shape.
Choosing The Right Place To Practice
When you decide to invest in a pair of wideskates, the next step is to find a good place to practice. This is essential if you want to get the most out of them.
It’s important to find a place that’s at least 20×20, with a floor that is hard and smooth. With these dimensions, you will be able to get enough space to do everything you need without feeling cramped. Another important factor is that the surface needs to be cleaned regularly so that the ice is always in good condition and free of any dirt or debris. This ensures that you have a skating surface that is safe and enjoyable to practice on.
The Importance Of Form
The last thing you want is to be practicing at a gym, where there are a lot of unexpected variables that you cannot control. For instance, if there are a lot of people there who are much stronger than you, then it will be very hard to keep your balance and coordinate muscle movements while controlling the puck.
On the other hand, if you’re practicing at a private residence, you have more control over the variables. You can choose a spot that is close to your house so that you don’t have to travel too far to get to the rink. You can also make sure that the floor is safe by taking a look at it yourself before allowing your dog or a child to practice there.
Do’s And Don’ts
Like any other athletic shoes, wideskates have their Do’s and Don’ts. Here’s a short list of things you need to keep in mind if you want to be able to enjoy your new shoes:
- Make sure you’re getting a pair that fits you perfectly. You don’t want to end up with cheap knockoffs that are only good for trash-talking or showing off at parties.
- The Do’s: Be sure to do the following things to ensure proper functioning of your wideskates:
- Wash them frequently with wet wipes or dry them completely after every wash. This will keep the leather soft and looking new.
- Don’t overuse any chemical cleaners as they will eat away at the finish on your shoes eventually. Instead, handwash them with soap and water once or twice a month.
- The Don’ts: Be careful not to do the following things because they will eventually break down your wideskates and cause you serious injury or inconvenience:
- Overuse boots and other similar shoes that have hard plastic or metal parts. These will eventually wear out and can cause serious injuries when stepping or skating on them. Instead, wear the wideskates exclusively and save the boots and similar shoes for use only when you absolutely have to.
- Put your wideskates in the freezer for 30 minutes before and after washing them to extend their life. If you put them in the freezer, they will become soft and pliable, making it easier to shape them to your feet. Just make sure you bring them back to room temperature before you wear them again.
- Avoid being on your feet for a long time because this will eventually cause damage to your body’s largest muscle groups. Instead, take breaks during the day to prevent strain and aches. A good idea would be to walk during peak hours or before/after work hours to prevent muscle fatigue. If you want to increase your energy levels on the ice, then you need to be sure that your wideskates are working properly. In case they are not, it could be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade.
- The Importance Of Hydration
Your body is made up of 60% water, and it is vital that you drink adequate amounts of it in order to stay healthy. In case you’re not drinking enough fluids, it will be hard for your body to stay warm which, in turn, will make you feel sluggish and prone to injuries. To best avoid this, you should drink a lot of water throughout the day, especially before and after practicing. This will help keep you hydrated and, as a result, allow you to maintain healthy agility levels while on the ice. After all, it’s not what you eat that makes you strong, but rather your active lifestyle and the water that you consume.
Drinking enough fluids is important for other reasons as well, such as keeping your head cool while playing hockey. If you don’t drink enough fluids, this can cause your hair to lose its shine and luster. So, make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water per day to maintain healthy hydration levels. If this seems like a lot to drink, then you should reconsider whether or not you’re drinking enough fluids. Not to mention that it’s also important to stay hydrated while on the phone, as your voice tends to dehydrate you over time. So, make sure you drink at least six glasses of water per day if you’re regularly using your phone.