Ice skates are an expensive part of your sporting activity, so it's very important to know how to buy the ones that work best for you. Before buying new skates, it's a good idea to rent them. That way, if you find that skating isn't what you really want to do, you won't have spent a lot of money.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Beginners: Skaters with Basic Knowledge
Step 1. Blades and booties are sold separately
Step 2. Choose the right boots
For beginners it is not necessary to have boots with a lot of padding on the tongue or extra hooks. Three hooks should suffice.
Step 3. Make sure the blades don't have too big a tip
It is sufficient to have a tip with 3 or 4 teeth.
Step 4. The boot must fit you well
Check that the heel of the boot fits snugly around the ankle. The ankle must control the foot in turns and turns when you learn how to do it. The boot should also fit the foot well from heel to toe.
Step 5. Take some time to fit the boots to your foot
It can be difficult and you won't feel comfortable at first. The best way is to wear them for a short time every day. Wearing them around the house or while watching TV (with shields) also helps make them softer.
Method 2 of 2: Intermediates: Skip all levels
Step 1. Make sure you have good support around your ankle
The boot must also prevent lateral movement. Remember, however, that it should allow for flexion and pointing of the foot, as well as flexion of the ankle. The front of the boot should be roomy enough to move your toes, but it should be snug around the instep and heel.
Step 2. Choose blades as needed
There are different types of blades:
- The dance blades are shorter on the heel side.
- Advanced freestyle blades have a large, tangled tip.
Step 3. Get the blades fitted correctly to the boot
The blades are screwed in, so make sure the screws are intact. The blades must be firmly under the physical center of the boot. This is very important because this ensures that the blades will glide smoothly over the ice without braking you. Check the consequences of different ways of mounting the blades:
- Blades mounted too far in - the foot will tend outward
- Blades mounted too far out - the foot will stretch inward
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Blades mounted well centered - the foot will stand naturally straight
Select a Good Pair of Ice Skates Step 9 Step 4. Get the blades sharpened
It is very important that the blades are sharp. Have them sharpened by someone who specializes in figure skating, Not in hockey. You will know when to sharpen them: when they feel 'slippery' on ice or give way when you turn.
Select a Good Pair of Ice Skates Step 10 Step 5. Get the skates waterproof
When you first buy your skates, the store will either apply waterproofing protection or tell you to do it yourself. This will keep the insole waterproof and prevent it from absorbing water, avoiding breaking and decomposing it.
Select a Good Pair of Ice Skates Step 11 Step 6. Purchase the blade guards as well
As you walk around the track, wearing always the parasols. They come in different colors and combinations to suit your personality, and protect the blades from pressure. They are usually plastic.
Select a Good Pair of Ice Skates Step 12 Step 7. Keep the skates dry after use
As soon as you step off the rink, clean your skates, use an old cloth to wipe the water off your boots and blades. Put something "absorbent" on the blades to protect them. This will make the skates last longer.
Advice
- If you have a trainer, MAKE SURE he has checked and approved your skates. Even if you don't have a coach, have a good friend (more advanced than you) or just a qualified coach you don't know approve of them. You can simply say, "I'm doing this jump _, do you think skates are okay?" You NEED someone else's opinion. This story is 100% true. A friend of mine was about to buy a pair of skates, but she didn't have a trainer. So he bought a $ 600 pair of skates because he thought they were all the same. She didn't notice how HUGE the tip was (she was a beginner). So he wasted money just because he didn't ask anyone for advice. Even those who sell you skates know how to advise you. Make sure you don't fall into the same mistake as my friend!
- Girls and women usually wear white booties, while boys and men wear black ones. There are many other colors on the market, but they are usually not good for professionals.
- Ankle boots are usually about 1 size smaller than sneakers. Get help from someone who knows skating well.
- When shopping for skates, wear socks or what you would normally wear.
- Anyone who helps you put on skates will ask you if your foot hurts at any point. Don't be shy by not telling the truth. You will regret being shy when you feel pain later on. Even if there is minimal pressure, ask for an opinion.
- To store your skates, wipe the ice / water off the boot AND the blades immediately after exiting the rink. The "soft blade covers" are covers made of sponge or other soft material that protects and dries any residual water.
- Don't buy shoes that are too big for your foot as you risk falling and hurting your ankle.
- If you feel that you have fastened your skate too loose, I recommend that you go off the track and tighten it.
Warnings
- Remember to change your skates periodically, otherwise you may have problems.
- If you suspect any orthopedic problems, consult a specialist. If you need orthopedic insoles, you will most likely need to wear them while skating. Some booties are made to fit insoles into them, so ask someone at the store if they know anything about them.
- If you buy used skates, make sure they have enough ankle support.
- Remember that you cannot walk on concrete without a guard.
