Hockey Skates Are Required

I recently bought another pair of skates, switching from a Reebok to CCM. Why you ask? Why I would switch hockey skates, the one thing connecting you to the ice? The steel that allows you to stop? Because, they didn't feel right. No, I am not picky, well, I am, but I need to say I am not. Now of course that doesn't mean you need to be picky, but you want the right kind of hockey skate for your foot. If they don't fit right, your not going to play your best game.

For me, the issue was that my foot arch was protruding out from the tongue of the skate. That is not good, the first stick or puck to that area and I am bruised for a while. Now when I bought these skates years ago, I didn't really understand why this was a problem. Now of course I do, after getting a puck there, I will tell you it stung.

Now, on to hockey skates....

Skate "Fit"

Fitting hockey skates is not like picking out your favorite sneakers, slipping them on and saying yes, here is my $74 and change. It's a fine process, one that shouldn't be taken lightly. Fitting hockey skates should be snug, but not uncomfortable. There should be no pain.. .I mean none, if you get pain, pick another skate. If your feet get numb, another warning sign your getting pinched in the wrong places. They aren't going to feel like those Air Jordan's you just purchased.. but they should feel good. And they shouldn't be loose, that leads to blisters and not the fit you need.

The best recommendation I can give, don't get them baked, take them home and wear them for a while with your hockey socks. Move around with them, try them out, get used to the feel. Trust me, your going to get that "feeling" if they aren't the right boot for your feet.

There are still basic principals when it comes to skates, these include;

• Fit based on foot type
• Break in time
• Durability
• Weight
• Feel

Baking

Baking your skate is the process of heating up your skate in a special oven at the store, once ready put them on your feet so they conform to your feet. What occurs is the materials inside get warm, when they are warm they are pliable. The process is simple, heat up skates, put on skates, wait 15'ish minutes, take off skates, tie up skates after, let them sit overnight to cool. That's it, you just cut down your break in time by half.

You don't have to bake your skates. Where break in happens in 5+ skates, without baking it's 10+ skates. And the more expensive the skate, the longer the break in time due to the boot being harder with more expensive skates and softer with cheaper skates

Skate Holders

The skate runner is the piece of plastic holding the steel blade that attaches to the skate boot.
For the lower priced skate models, they can come in a one piece runner. Keep that in mind when your trying to save a few dollars you adults. The first shot at your skate could blow your skates away, they generally aren't repairable. Most other skates are two piece runners which are repairable. It shouldn't matter if your playing rec hockey.

Skate Runners

This is the actual blade at the bottom of your skate. These are made of steel and tend to be very durable compared to other components of your skate like laces or the actual boot.

Some manufacturers are including "slotted" blades, the purpose of this is to shave off a small amount of weight. While this may help a professional player who has multiple pairs of skates, for you it makes no difference. The next time you opt for a replacement blade, go with a solid piece of steel. It's going to get the runners to last longer.

Black steel is a combination of carbon (lighter) and stainless steel. Back to my previous paragraph, it may not make a difference for you. But the black would sure look cool on your skates. The largest factor is their unknown durability and higher cost. Adding carbon to this mix is interesting...

When replacing skate runners, please bring it to your local store. They will provide the best recommendations on your replacement blades. Sizing is extremely important so asking for help is recommended. In most cases, they would likely install or help for a small fee.

Replacement time depends on how often you sharpen your skates. Expect about a year + for two times a week and at least 2 sharpenings a month.

Skate Materials

Most skates now are still made of the same materials from long ago, leather and plastic. Newer skates are now made with.. texalium glass, carbon composite, thermo-formable foam and anti-microbial hydrophobic liner... Yes, sure, sounds good... There are some really smart people out there, reducing weight without affecting performance is a great thing.

When your at the store tying on skates, don't go for the skates that are already "soft" or "Broken In" in the boot. These types of skates are not made with quality materials. They may last you years depending on usage. A higher quality skate may also mean you never have to buy any again.

Skate Boot Components

• Quarter package - the boot shell, which holds the padding and support inserts. The quarter package is stitched with precision to target specific areas for optimal flexibility and support in the boot
• Ankle padding - foam inserted into the quarter package for comfort and support
• Heel support - anatomically shaped "pocket" built into the quarter package which helps secure the foot inside the skate boot
• Tongue - protective coverage for the top of the foot and front of the ankle
• Outsole - rigid underside of the skate boot to which the holder/runner is mounted
• Footbed - removable, padded insert in the bottom of the skate boot upon which the foot rests
• Liner - surface material inside the boot which contains the padding and provides a secure, comfortable fit

Skate By Foot Type

I found this wonderful table for more information on this subject. This lays it out quite nicely for those to ready. Thank you HockeyGiant.com.

Personally I find this chart to be true. Keep that in mind for your foot type and hockey boot type.

https://www.icewarehouse.com/lc/skates/how-to-find-your-skate-size-at-home.html

Hockey Skate Sizing

A proper fit for hockey skates should fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes. Your toes should barely touch the toe cap, while having no more than 1/4 inch of space in the heel. When you're finished lacing up your skates, they should feel snug with the foot resting flat on the footbed

When sizing children, follow the same method while allowing 1/2 size extra for growing room. Most skates use this formula (1 to 1.5 sizes down from shoe size).

The one exception to all of this are Mission skates. They fit true to size.

Skate Cost

The more money you spend does not necessarily mean your getting the best skate. Especially for you casual skaters, an extra $30 at the store can go a long way when it comes to the durability and quality of a hockey skate.

Generally, expensive skates are made with new materials to reduce the amount of weight but still offer the same or better performance. This does not equate to longer durability. Most skates will last the same amount of time, it all depends on usage. The cheaper materials do tend to break down faster, most anything at or above $150 is in similar company.

Performance vs. Recreational Skates

As previously noted, depending on your level of competitive play, durability and weight, will decide on what skate you choose. I am sure whatever you choose will be the best and correct choice for you and your feet.

Conclusion

Keep in mind, choose the best fit for your feet. Personal comfort and durability are important factors when choosing a skate. And just because Patrick Kane uses Bauer, that doesn't mean you should to.