Your ice skates are the most important piece of equipment you can have when it comes to playing hockey. Having the right skates can mean the difference between a good and a bad game. You need to consider several factors in choosing a good pair of skates one of which is your budget, as well as your experience level and the size and shape of your feet in general.
Beginning hockey players will typically do well with skates that can be found in most department stores or general merchandise types of stores. You will however miss out on a few of the extras that make a difference like tapping into the knowledge of a trained sales staff and getting skates sharpened and/or adjusted. The beauty of specialty shops is that you can try on different kinds of skates, ask questions about the differences, and learn more about selecting the right skates to meet your ice needs while you shop for the perfect pair of skates. You'll also find a decent selection of hockey equipment to meet other hockey needs you might have.
A general rule of thumb is to never buy a pair of skates that you don't know extremely well without first trying the skates on. If you happen across an outstanding deal online then it's wise to find the same brand in local stores and at least try the skate on before you decide to buy. This will help you see how well the skate fits before you spend a single penny on the skate or its shipping. Of course, you can rely on the online seller's return policy if the skates don't fit, but this is going to take up valuable time. Unfortunately, if you're relatively new to skating you may not even realize that the skates don't fit as well as needed until you've used them several days on the ice.
It's not easy to choose a skate size by judging your regular shoe size since the stress on your feet varies when skating vs. walking. The only way to really find out what kind of skates are right for your feet is through experience.
Therefore skates that have been heavily used are not really worth buying. Used skates will never be a perfect fit for you though as they are broken in by the person who wears them in the beginning. Unless the skates are a rare and exceptional bargain in near pristine condition it may be better to go ahead and purchase new skates.
Trying on a pair of skates for the first time is an experience you're likely to remember for quite a while. Your skates will not feel natural, much less comfortable; the first time you put them on. Since this isn't a natural activity for most people it should take a while to feel as though it is. Your skates should feel a little tight at first. Once they've been properly laced you will notice that they feel even tighter. As you break them in, they will begin to feel more comfortable. If the skates aren't painful to the point of limiting mobility or cutting off circulation it's wise to allow them the opportunity to be broken in naturally.
You may not realize the fact that ice hockey skates are unlike any other type of skates and thus not interchangeable. Hockey is a rough sport that you must be aware of the risks in. Your skates have to be able to withstand getting hit with hockey sticks and pucks, not to mention collisions with other players' skates. It's this that makes hockey skates important to be durable and made for the sport.
Hockey skates really must become extensions of your feet, as when you're on the ice, they are what give you speed, agility and flexibility. While it's important to choose a good pair, don't worry if you find this a little difficult at first.
Finally, finding the perfect pair of skates is one of your most important challenges as a player, especially if you aren't familiar with the brand you like the most. Try tons of skates if that's what it takes, don't be afraid to ask questions whenever you need to. Since this is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will be purchasing it's imperative that your shop around while keeping these tips in mind.
Beginning hockey players will typically do well with skates that can be found in most department stores or general merchandise types of stores. You will however miss out on a few of the extras that make a difference like tapping into the knowledge of a trained sales staff and getting skates sharpened and/or adjusted. The beauty of specialty shops is that you can try on different kinds of skates, ask questions about the differences, and learn more about selecting the right skates to meet your ice needs while you shop for the perfect pair of skates. You'll also find a decent selection of hockey equipment to meet other hockey needs you might have.
A general rule of thumb is to never buy a pair of skates that you don't know extremely well without first trying the skates on. If you happen across an outstanding deal online then it's wise to find the same brand in local stores and at least try the skate on before you decide to buy. This will help you see how well the skate fits before you spend a single penny on the skate or its shipping. Of course, you can rely on the online seller's return policy if the skates don't fit, but this is going to take up valuable time. Unfortunately, if you're relatively new to skating you may not even realize that the skates don't fit as well as needed until you've used them several days on the ice.
It's not easy to choose a skate size by judging your regular shoe size since the stress on your feet varies when skating vs. walking. The only way to really find out what kind of skates are right for your feet is through experience.
Therefore skates that have been heavily used are not really worth buying. Used skates will never be a perfect fit for you though as they are broken in by the person who wears them in the beginning. Unless the skates are a rare and exceptional bargain in near pristine condition it may be better to go ahead and purchase new skates.
Trying on a pair of skates for the first time is an experience you're likely to remember for quite a while. Your skates will not feel natural, much less comfortable; the first time you put them on. Since this isn't a natural activity for most people it should take a while to feel as though it is. Your skates should feel a little tight at first. Once they've been properly laced you will notice that they feel even tighter. As you break them in, they will begin to feel more comfortable. If the skates aren't painful to the point of limiting mobility or cutting off circulation it's wise to allow them the opportunity to be broken in naturally.
You may not realize the fact that ice hockey skates are unlike any other type of skates and thus not interchangeable. Hockey is a rough sport that you must be aware of the risks in. Your skates have to be able to withstand getting hit with hockey sticks and pucks, not to mention collisions with other players' skates. It's this that makes hockey skates important to be durable and made for the sport.
Hockey skates really must become extensions of your feet, as when you're on the ice, they are what give you speed, agility and flexibility. While it's important to choose a good pair, don't worry if you find this a little difficult at first.
Finally, finding the perfect pair of skates is one of your most important challenges as a player, especially if you aren't familiar with the brand you like the most. Try tons of skates if that's what it takes, don't be afraid to ask questions whenever you need to. Since this is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will be purchasing it's imperative that your shop around while keeping these tips in mind.
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The optimum place to locate skates is at your nearby winter sports store. You may also purchase top hockey skates online together with plenty of other ice hockey equipment, sticks and safety wear.
