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Hockey skates are the defining piece of equipment for the sport – but they’re much different from traditional footwear. Over the course of a hockey player’s life, it’s not uncommon to go through several different pairs of skates, both due to outgrowing them and because of wear and tear. While hockey skates are essential to playing the game, they’re also one of the more expensive equipment items to outfit the hockey player with. Here’s a look at five tips for those inevitable times when new skates are needed.
Buy skates according to your level:
It doesn’t make much sense to buy a top-of-the-line skate for a young player who is only likely to outgrow it within a year or two. Yes, youth-sized skates are generally cheaper than adult-sized ones, but it still makes no sense to pay top dollar during a child’s developmental years. So opt for a middle-of-the-pack model hockey skate during these years and hold off buying the best skates until the feet stop growing.
Don’t buy your shoe size:
Skates aren’t meant to be grown into and usually aren’t sized the same as shoes. In fact, you’ll likely wear a skate 1-2 sizes smaller than your shoe.
Get your skates properly fitted:
Along the lines of the last tip, always make sure you always get fitted properly for your new skates by a store associate (it’s why buying skates from a hockey-specific store is recommended). They can help determine whether you are buying the right size.
Skate padding by positioning:
All skates are designed differently. For instance, some have a more heavily padded boot than others. Generally, if you play defense and are more likely to be blocking shots, you should choose a skate with better protection. Forwards can get away with wearing a lighter, less padded skate, as they’re less likely to be blocking shots.
Have your skates molded on-site:
Consider shopping at a hockey store that will help you break your new skates in. While it’s true the best way to break in new skates is simply by skating in them, most hockey shops will heat mold the inner lining to your foot for better comfort from the start. It’s much more convenient having the skates heat molded at the store than tinkering with your own oven and attempting it at home!
Following the above 5 skate buying tips can not only equip you with the right size and type of skate, but make the break in process much easier too.
