You wake up one morning and decide to go for a run – or a bike ride – or even a stroll. But something happens and you end up in the middle of a light drizzle without your running shoes on. You stop for a second to take off your socks and feel the wetness on your foot. You rub it with your hand but it doesn’t go away. You walk a bit more slowly than usual, not wanting to ruin your shoes. Soon enough, you’ll realize that your socks aren’t doing any good and you’ll have to stop again to take them off and put on some dry socks. Then you’ll remember that you still have your other pair of shoes in the closet. Even if they aren’t exactly what you need now, at least they’ll keep your feet dry and warm on those chilly mornings!
Something similar could happen to your hockey gear, except that you’ll have to replace your shoes much more frequently. But no matter what shape or size they are, hockey shoes are an essential part of your equipment. They’ll keep your feet comfortable at all times and will let you perform at your best. Here’s an overview of what hockey shoes are and how to choose the right pair for your needs.
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Key Points To Keep In Mind
Hockey shoes are often thought of as just there to keep your feet warm during those cold winter months. While this is true, the shoes your teammates let you wear during the warm summer months are just as important. The wrong shoes could lead to injuries from excessive jarring as well as heat stress. Let’s keep these points in mind:
Comfort Is Key
When choosing your hockey shoes, it’s important to keep your feet comfortable. This means avoiding shoes that are too tight or too loose, as well as making sure that the shoes fit your feet comfortably. If you have large feet, be careful about choosing a smaller size as they may feel a bit cramped. It’s also worth considering how you plan on using your shoes, whether you’ll be walking or jogging on the treadmill or playing outdoors. If playing outdoors, make sure that the shoes you choose are suitable for the surface. For example, if you frequently play on grass, avoid sticking to asphalt as this could become problematic in the long run.
Look For Durability
It’s important to choose a pair of shoes that you know will last you the entire season. This is especially important if you play a rough game, as you don’t want to be replacing your shoes every couple of weeks. The best way to accomplish this is by looking for durability. You could test the longevity of a shoe by putting it on and taking it off repeatedly. This will help you determine how well it holds up under regular wear and tear. Check out this great article on the best hockey shoes for the long haul.
Protection Is Also Important
Just because your feet are in the air doesn’t mean they’re not in harm’s way. When a puck is shot at you or skates past you, it could accidentally hit your foot and cause injury. It’s important to choose a pair of shoes that provide some protection for your feet, especially if you play a rough game. This could be in the form of shock-absorbing technology or a solid rubber outsole.
Make Sure You Wear The Right Laces
When putting your shoes on, you’ll want to make sure that your laces are tied securely. This will keep your feet secured in the shoe and prevent accidents such as falling out or getting twisted. Wear the right kind of socks with your shoes and ensure that they’re lined up evenly on your feet to avoid any rubbing or irritation.
Watch Out For The Backside
Just because your shoes are on the front doesn’t mean that they’re covering up everything. Make sure you’re not getting into any accidents by looking at the backside of your shoe, as well. This includes checking for any hooks, lace holes, or other clothing items that could become caught in the shoe. You could possibly damage yourself if not careful enough when putting your shoes on or removing them, so always make sure that you’re safe first before you start having fun.
Try On A Few Before You Buy
When going for a hike or ride with your family, try on a few pairs of shoes to see which one fits best. You don’t need to buy a whole new pair of shoes just because you had one fall off. It’s better to try on a few pairs and see which one you like best, so you don’t end up buying a pair that you’ll immediately regret. If you have toddlers or young children with you, this is a great opportunity for them to try on some shoes as well and learn about proper footwear choices. It’s also a good idea to bring an old pair of shoes along just in case you have a pair of socks that don’t quite match.
Choosing the right pair of hockey shoes can be difficult. Fortunately, with a little bit of research and careful consideration, it’s possible to find a pair that will last you the entire season and allow you to play at your best. In addition, make sure to wear them often so that they become habit forming and you don’t have to think about your feet constantly. Also, be careful when putting your shoes on and take them off as often as possible, as this is the best way to ensure that they stay comfortable and in good shape for the entire season. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to find a pair of shoes that will serve you well for many years of hard work and fun on the ice or in the gym!