- Walking models are designed for everyday riding. They are stable, but they are not very maneuverable. So you won't be able to surprise your friends with virtuoso skating - you risk getting injured. These skates are similar to "curly" skates, but their boot is lower, softer and warmer (sometimes with insulation in the form of a foam rubber boot that can be pulled out and dried).
- On skates for figure skating, the blade is rounded to the toe and to the heel. The sharpening must be with a "groove" (recess) in order to roll on the "edge". They are ideal for riding with dance and trick elements. For casual recreation, the skating rink is also good. High ankle boots (not insulated), lace-up, with a heel, serrated blade. For a beginner skater, learning to ride them is more difficult due to the fact that the lower tooth will cling to the ice and prevent sliding.
- Hockey like armor. The boot is hard, with insulation inside. Ideal for rink regulars. They are agile, fast. If you like speed - these are just right.
- A distinctive feature of speed skating models is elongated runners and a low boot. They are designed for super fast movement. But don't even dream of agility. They skate on these skates only with the correct riding technique: tilting the body forward and bending the legs.
Hockey or figure skates - we'll figure it out in more detail
Hockey skates are the best for mobility. Their blades allow you to run on ice, not slide. The boot has protection - a plastic toe cap that absorbs shocks and protects the ankle from puck or club plaque.
Skates can withstand sudden accelerations and stops. They are comfortable, they fix the leg tenaciously. When picking for the game, look at the design of the blade and keep in mind the important points:
- a straight blade is better for defenders, it is more stable;
- for attackers - curved, it is more maneuverable;
- goalkeeper skates have a wider blade and a taller boot.
Do not buy skates by eye. Before choosing, be sure to measure and take into account even a trifle - the width of your foot, leg lift and comfort in wearing. Lace up and walk for 2-3 minutes, wait, balance to feel the degree of comfort. If you press a little - refuse to buy. Crushed feet will quickly freeze and prevent you from enjoying the ride.
With a successful choice of "figured" skates, it is easy to perform dance steps - jumps, sheepskin coat and other elements.
The blade design provides stability when jumping. And it makes it possible to accelerate and slide on the ice, and not run like in hockey models.
| Hockey skates | Figure skates |
| rigidly fix the foot | give freedom of flexibility to the ankle, they are comfortable to stand on toes |
| they are easy to develop speed and maneuver | you can only accelerate in one direction, moving in a straight line or along a circle with a large radius |
| choose half a size larger so that your foot is not constrained when accelerating or decelerating | choose end-to-end to fit the leg |
Which skates are better to buy for beginners
It is easier to learn to skate on good-quality skates and they will last longer. And such a trifle as the fastening of the runners will do you a "disservice".
- If the blade is on the screws, then the steel is massive. It will be easier for you to keep your balance.
- Riveted runners - skates are cheaper at cost, but not durable.
- Male and female models are designed for the structure of male and female legs.
- Unisex models are versatile in design, but lose in convenience.
- Childrens with size adjustment are a bargain for "growth".But such a shoe does not fix the baby's leg well. The risk of injury increases significantly.
Fixation elements are also important when choosing skates for skating:
- The clips allow you to adjust the pressure on the leg without undoing the other clips. The disadvantage is the fragility of the structure. They are not used in ice hockey skates.
- Laces are a reliable fastening method. The lacing evenly distributes the pressure on the leg. The tension force can be adjusted.
- Lace up according to all the rules:
- weaker - in the toes for good blood circulation;
- tighter - in the area of the leg rise to lock the heel and protect the ankle
- and again weaker in the area of the upper hooks - so that the leg does not dangle and is not pressed anywhere.
- Hooks - they make it easier to adjust the tension of the laces.
- Velcro - secures laces that sometimes come loose or come loose.
Note: "The instep hurts - 9 adaptive ways to tie the laces correctly"
Whichever skates you choose, they need to be carefully stored and sharpened correctly. Determine the degree of sharpening along the cross-section of the blade. Blunt have the shape of the letter "P", sharp - similar to the letter "M".
