Hockey skates

For recreation or for play

For recreational skating, choose skates from the lower end of a range: they have a softer boot that moulds to the foot faster and forgives mistakes. Training and game models are stiffer and transfer push-off power better, but they need strong legs and regular skating. A skate that’s too stiff blocks a beginner’s ankle flex and tires rather than helps.

Size and fit

Measure your foot and choose the size by the length in centimetres given for the model, not by your shoe size. A well-fitted hockey skate meets three conditions:

• your toes lightly touch the toe cap when you stand straight,
• when you bend your knees, your heel moves back and your toes have room,
• your heel doesn’t lift as you stride.

Skates that are too big are the most common mistake: the foot slides, blisters form and edge control disappears. With a wide foot, look for the width marking next to the size.

Sharpening

New hockey skates must be sharpened before you first go on the ice. When sharpening you choose the hollow depth: a deeper one grips the edge harder, a shallower one gives more glide. How to match the hollow to your weight and skating style is covered in the guide how to choose ice skates.