What should I focus on when buying ice skates?

Now is the time: it's time to buy new skates! Whether it's because you're wearing old ones or new ones, it's a new pair of skates, and buying your own skates requires you to consider a few things before trying them out.

Just like any sporting goods, for choosing a sporting goods first you need to consider how you will use the skates.

This passage is going to talk about the followings of ice skate:

(1) Before Choosing - What is the primary purpose of your skates?

(2) Different types of skates

(3) 7 Tips for Buying Your Own Skates

(1) Before Choosing - What is the primary purpose of your skates?

One of the most important things to consider before buying your own skates is their purpose.

What do you plan to do on your skates?

Are you a field hockey player or a figure skater? Maybe you're a speed skater? Whatever your favorite sport on the ice is, you want to buy a pair of skates that will best meet your needs.

Now, let's look at some of the differences between these different kinds of skates.

(2) Different types of skates

Figure Skating Skates

Think about how figure skaters move on the ice: jumping, gliding, spinning, stretching, turning. Figure skaters need a pair of skates that can perform a wide range of movements.

Therefore, figure skates must be very flexible. However, they also need to hug the feet and ankles tightly.

They are usually made of leather because it is both mobile and tight. However, some beginner figure skates may be made of vinyl or other materials.

It is also essential that figure skating blades must be very sharp. Figure skaters need to make fast turns. Accuracy is critical in figure skating, where one tenth of a point can determine the winner of a race.

Skates designed specifically for figure skating have toe picks on the front. These toe picks (or tines) allow the skater to jump and spin with more control.

Ice Hockey skates

Field hockey players have different priorities than figure skaters - and they have different skates to match.

Hockey skates are typically worn more loosely on the foot than figure skates. They are usually more streamlined - lighter, narrower and flatter - so they don't interfere with game play.

Hockey skates don't have the same toe as figure skates, and they have narrower blades. However, they provide more support for the foot because their blades are rounded at the back and front of the foot.

Whether the skater is moving forward or backward, the curved blades on ice hockey skates help skaters improve speed, agility and maneuverability.

(3) 7 Tips for Buying Your Own Skates

Okay, now that you know a little about the different types of skates, here are seven tips for buying your own skates.

Consider the primary purpose of the skates (hockey, figure skating, speed skating, recreation, etc.). This detail is the most important, as it narrows down which type of skates you need to buy.

Consider your skill and experience level. Some skates are better suited for advanced skaters, while others are best suited for beginners. As your skill level increases, you can try other skates.

Consider the size of your feet. Are your feet fully grown? If not (or if you're buying skates for a child who still grew up like a weed!), it's time to choose skates specifically for your child.

Choose shoes that fit. Skates should fit snugly, but you don't want them to be too tight or too loose. They really do need to be "just right". Your ankles should feel supported, but they also need to be a little flexible.