Hockey skates – how to choose? How to correctly determine the size of the required hockey skates The best hockey skates rating.

An African returns to his homeland after studying in Russia. His relatives ask him:
- Well, how do you like the famous Russian winter?
- The one with grass and leaves is still tolerable, but the one with snow is just some kind of nightmare...
(joke).

Winter with leaves is over, and that “nightmare with snow” is about to begin, forcing most skaters to forget about rollers until spring and choose some other way to spend their free time. Some people go on skis, some on a snowboard, and some change boots with wheels to boots with blades and go out on the ice. This article is addressed to those who are interested in the latter option.

Actually, what can a simple roller skater do at the skating rink? Rides are no longer needed - unfortunately, no one creates many kilometers of ice tracks, all that remains are sorcerers/tags, hockey, and just for a ride. As with roller skates, there are different types of skates suitable for different types of skating, the most versatile of which are hockey skates. I want to talk a little about them, their differences, features, and choices.

If you look at hockey skates with the eyes of a non-specialist, then they are all similar, like twin brothers, but when models for $50 and $500 are displayed in the same window, which do not differ much in appearance, anyone will ask the question “what’s the difference?” . With rollers it’s clearer - externally you can evaluate the material and type of boot, the diameter and stiffness of the wheels, the material and method of manufacturing the frame, but here everything looks the same...

Let's take a closer look at the skates and start with the boot.

Walking skates.

There are hockey skates and “hockey” skates - they look similar, but are not intended for hockey, designed for infrequent, quiet, recreational skating. Shoes for recreational skates are made from inexpensive synthetic materials, “young leatherette skin” - artificial leather, artificial leather, etc. The only rigid part in such a boot (not counting the sole) is perhaps the plastic toe - it is designed to protect the toes from possible blows or accidental damage from the blades of other people's skates. Otherwise, boots of this type are quite soft, they hug the foot comfortably when lacing, and the tongue is also soft. All this allows you to leisurely ride for a long time without experiencing discomfort. Considering the listed qualities and low cost, such models are popular in skate rental shops.

Entry-level hockey skates typically cost less than $100 per season. The differences between younger models of hockey skates and recreational skates generally boil down to greater rigidity of the boot and, accordingly, better fixation and support for the leg. This rigidity is achieved through the use of more durable materials (mainly nylon), and special plastic or foam inserts in the construction of the boot. The plastic toe is already able to withstand being hit by a puck, and the tongue of the boot, although still soft, is denser than that of recreational skates.

The next price group (from $150) is distinguished by an even more “advanced” boot, on which both an entry-level blade and a more serious one can be installed - this allows you to choose a model that best meets the requirements for cost and characteristics. I’ll write about the blades below, but boots in this category can use a wide variety of technological features, such as thermoforming along the leg, special foam inserts that take the shape of the ankle and speed up the adaptation of the boot to the leg, air chambers with pumping, tongue protection (hard shield, protecting against impacts and preventing the laces from digging into the instep), reinforced side protection, special quick-drying and moisture-wicking materials, composites, metal mesh in the outer trim, ventilated sole, etc. Also, the rigidity of the boot has been increased once again and its weight has been reduced as much as possible. I will dwell in a little more detail on some points from this list.

Thermoforming. Its meaning is to match the shoe as closely as possible to the shape of the owner’s foot. It is not a means to adapt any skates to any foot, but serves to finally adjust boots that are known to fit, and reduce the time of getting used to them, without bumps, calluses, and other similar troubles. To do this, the design of the boot includes a layer of thermoplastic material (plastic or foam), which softens when heated and hardens again when cooled.

The process goes like this: after preliminary fitting, the skates are placed in a special oven, where they are heated for several minutes so that the thermoplastic material in them softens.

After warming up, the boots become soft and flexible to the touch, like walking boots. They are taken out of the oven, put on shoes, laced up, and the owner sits in them while the thermal layer cools down and “remembers” the new shape (10-15 minutes). The result is a boot that does not require lengthy break-in and getting used to, fits well, does not press, and does not rub. The molding process is, in principle, reversible and repeatable, and in special cases it is possible to mold not the entire boot, but a separate area, for which there are special tools.

Thermoformable skates require compliance with certain care rules, for example, they cannot be dried near heating or heating devices, and in general, after molding, heating the boot above 40-45 degrees should be avoided.

Air chambers with pumping. They are used by Reebok in skates of the PUMP series. PUMP technology was first used in sneakers from this company in 1989. Inside the boot, above the bone of the joint, there is an air chamber covering the shin, and on the outside of the boot there is a miniature “frog” pump, when pressed, the inner chamber is inflated with air, covering the shin more tightly and fixing the heel.

Lacing lock. A loop of a special design, located at the border of the instep and the top of the lacing, allows you to fix the lace. This makes it possible to tighten the upper and lower parts of the lacing differently, independently. For example, the instep is weaker, so as not to put pressure, and the top is stronger, for better fixation of the lower leg, or vice versa. Used in mid- and high-end models of CCM and Reebok skates.

In the price group over $300, the “arms race” continues, and everything there is already quite “grown-up”, minimum weight, maximum protection, Kevlar, carbon, padded anatomical and thermoformable tongues, tongues with a replaceable “spring” that return part of the energy during repulsion, metal inserts in the sole, etc. to fully moldable composite boots, the sky's the limit.

The price limit for production models reaches ~$1000 per pair (Bauer Supreme Total One / Vapor X:60).

Blades.

On modern hockey skates, they are a structure of a direct metal blade (runner), secured in a plastic holder (holder), which is called a “cup”.

The glass is attached to the sole of the shoe with rivets or screws. The blade can be fixed in the glass once and for all, or it can be removable, but there is no general unified standard for the system for fastening the blade in the glass - different companies have different designs.

So, about the glasses: the plastic of the glasses for recreational skating and for hockey, of course, differs in properties. A hockey cup must withstand impacts from pucks, sticks, and other people’s skates, so it is made from special, impact-resistant types of plastic, while the manufacturer is looking for a compromise between the strength and weight of the structure, so cups in the middle and highest price categories are usually “decorated” with additional holes to reduce weight.

Today, the skate blades themselves have also ceased to be simple pieces of iron, and have acquired a set of useful (and not so useful) properties.

The simplest blades on recreational skates are a strip of not very hard, usually stainless steel, tightly fixed in a glass. Moreover, despite the inscription “Stainless” (stainless) on the blade, the instructions for the skates recommend wiping them dry after skating, and to dry, do not forget to remove the covers and wipe them again, and if you don’t do this, don’t be surprised if you notice blades have rust stains.

An important blade parameter is hardness. It depends on how often you have to sharpen your skates. For example, for comparison, if blades made of soft, budget stainless steel can withstand 1-2 days of active, dynamic skating before the next sharpening is necessary, then on blades in the middle price range you can skate in the same mode for a week every day. Soft blades have only one advantage - they will never refuse to sharpen them.

In addition to stainless steel, inexpensive skates also have blades made of carbon steel; they are usually better in hardness, but such skates are certainly contraindicated to be left after skating, damp, with covers on, in a backpack until the next weekend.

Skates for rental points at skating rinks with synthetic (plastic) ice are also sometimes available for sale - in large sports stores and entertainment centers you can find these, instead of ice there are white sheets of plastic resembling fluoroplastic. Conventional blades on such a surface become dull within a few minutes of skating, and you don’t have enough time or sharpening wheels to sharpen them again after each client, so for this “ice” they make blades from high-carbon steel, with a hardness close to a file (~ 60 HRC). The good thing is that the sharpening on such blades when skating on regular ice will last a long time, and the sharpener will not know what he got into his hands until he starts sharpening. Outwardly, such blades do not reveal themselves in any way, and skate models with them are labeled “S.I.” (Synthetic Ice). The bad thing is that such skates are produced exclusively for rentals, and therefore there will be no technological miracles in their boots.

Entry-level hockey blades are not much different from the previous ones - structurally they are the same non-removable blade, only the quality of the steel is better. These blades usually already have some sort of brand name for identification, as opposed to the bland "High Quality Steel" or "Stainless Steel Blade". The blade material is stainless or carbon steel, the properties of which may differ markedly between different manufacturers. According to statistics, inexpensive Graf blades (Cobra Pro-2000) require sharpening less often than analogues from CCM/Reebok and Bauer.

Removable blades have settled in the middle price category. They no longer skimp on materials; high-quality stainless and carbon steel is used, so the main differences between blades from different companies come down to the system of fastening them in the glass. I'll tell you more about this.

The simplest and most common fastening system is with two screws on the side. It is simple, convenient, usually does not require special tools, and allows you to change the blade if necessary without removing the boot from your foot. The downside of this design is the possibility of self-unscrewing and loss of the mounting screw while riding, so you need to periodically check the tightness of the screws, tighten them, or use a thread locker. This mount is used on the blades of CCM/Reebok, Easton, Torspo, and Mission skates.

Speaking of Mission, mid- and top-end models of skates from this company are equipped with Pitch 3 cups/blades, the rear mounting screw of which has additional functionality. It is an eccentric that allows you to change the depth of installation of the rear part of the blade into the glass, in other words, change the height of the heel, choosing one of 3 options -1/0/+1.

This makes it possible to customize the blades to suit your riding style, as well as “try on” other boot/blade combinations.
Here are the approximate combinations of the Pitch 3 blade settings on the Mission boot:
PITCH -1 = Bauer + Tuuk
PITCH N = Graf + Tuuk / CCM + ProLite
PITCH +1 = Graf + Cobra

In another mounting option, the blade clings to the glass with a special hook in the front part, and in the back it is fixed with a screw passing vertically through the rear post of the glass. The screw is accessed from inside the shoe, for which, of course, you need to remove it and remove the insole. This fastening system is used in TUUK blades.

And the Graf company slightly improved this design by installing the screw at an angle back, so that it passed through the rear post of the glass all the way through, and you did not need to remove your skates to access it.

The blades of the upper price category differ from the previous ones mainly in weight - they are as lightweight as possible. This is done by cutting holes in the blades (perforations),

In addition to blades of the usual design, there are also quite exotic options, the most famous of which is the T-Blade system, which has been on the market for several years.

A special feature of the system is the minimal use of metal; for example, the steel part of the blade weighs only 6 grams and has a thickness of 1 mm. All other parts of the design, with the exception of a few fasteners, are made of composite materials and plastic, making the T-Blade more than 20% lighter than the lightest traditional blades.

In short, the design is an openwork composite or plastic “glass”, to which, using several screws and two equally openwork and plastic fastening strips, a composite “blade” is attached, on the working edge of which the above-mentioned 6-gram strip of high-quality hardened steel is fixed. The steel is so strong that the quality of sharpening during skating is maintained 3-5 times longer than on conventional blades, and when the blade becomes dull, all that remains is to unscrew it and replace it with a new one, sharpened during production, and the sharpening is always absolutely the same and perfect. The sharpening profile is selected upon purchase. Re-sharpening of the blades is not provided and is useless - there have been attempts to do this, but due to the minuscule thickness of the metal, the steel strip becomes very hot during sharpening, and the composite of the blade melts.

By the way, another property of these blades is related to heating - according to test results, they glide 35% better than conventional ones. This is explained by the fact that when rolling and rubbing against ice, a thin steel plate manages to heat up 3-4 degrees above the ambient temperature, due to which the ice melts more easily and, accordingly, glides better. Also, due to the flexibility of the blade, the skates hold better in turns and allow you to maneuver more sharply. Despite the apparent flimsiness of the design, the manufacturer claims that the blades can withstand being hit by a puck in 30-degree frost.

Skates with T-Blade blades have been produced at different times by many well-known manufacturers of hockey and sports equipment, such as CCM, Bauer, Graf, Botas, and K2.

And since we’re talking about unusual blades, I’ll mention another design called Thermablade. As the name implies, the principle of its operation is also related to temperature. Outwardly, these are ordinary blades, but just hold them for a couple of seconds by the heel post of the glass in certain places, and a light lights up inside the post. This is an indicator that the blade... has turned on. Yes, a lithium battery is located inside the glass (a compact charger and a stationary docking station are included in the delivery package) and a control circuit, and a heater is mounted on the metal blade. It warms up the blade slightly and it glides easier.

Thermablade was tested by NHL players for some time, then the tests were stopped, the reviews from the test participants turned out to be contradictory, some liked it, some did not, and in the end they refused to use it, although they did not ban it.

Selection and fitting.

Whatever the skates are, no matter how much they cost, their defining property, as in any shoe, is comfort and lack of discomfort, because no one needs even the best skates if it’s impossible to skate in them. In addition to the appropriate size and last, an important parameter is the stiffness of the boot, which in professional models can be comparable to the stiffness of a piece of 8 mm plywood, and putting on such skates on an unprepared foot is a sure way to damage that foot. You can evaluate the stiffness of the boot even without removing it from the display case; just squeeze the opposite upper lacing loops with the thumb and forefinger of one hand. If the boot easily “folded” and the loops touched, then this is a walking boot, if for the same result it took some effort, then this is an initial hockey model, but if you couldn’t squeeze the boot loops until they touched, then you have a mid-level model in your hands, and if, despite all the efforts, the edges of the boot haven’t even really moved from their place, then the skates are really serious. I don’t claim that this is an ideal way to determine the properties of a boot, but so far it hasn’t let me down, and it’s definitely more accurate than using the price of skates.

For beginners, as well as those who skate on fitness rollers and choose their first ice skates for training, recreation, and relaxing skating, it makes sense to pay attention to recreational and beginner hockey models. The younger Graf models (Super 101/103/105) have proven themselves well in this category.

For regular, dynamic skating, or amateur hockey, I do not recommend recreational skates - they do not provide adequate support for the leg during sharp maneuvers, and if they can withstand them, it is only while the boot is new, and then it begins to sag, break, and lose its rigidity. The “leather” back can bend or tear, while the plastic back, which looks exactly like a more expensive model from the same company, can easily break.

Also, during active skating, the tightness of the boot weakens, and it will need to be re-laced periodically, each time tightening it tightly, thus trying to compensate for the insufficient fixation of the leg, which makes the blood circulation of the foot difficult, and on an open skating rink it can freeze, especially the toes; even warm socks will not help . It also happens that when the laces are tightened too tightly, the boot tongue becomes too soft and thin - the laces can cut into the instep of the foot, press and rub. If, during a game of hockey, such a shoe is hit with a puck from the heart, then it will also not be able to protect the foot. In general, for sorcerers and neat yard hockey, it is better to start your choice with inexpensive hockey skates. In this category, compared to competitors in terms of price/performance ratio, the Reebok 1K model from the 2007-2009 seasons looks attractive (the version of the 2010-2011 season just hasn’t come into my hands yet, so I can’t say anything about it, but it looks simpler, and the number of holes lacing decreased, there were 10 pairs instead of 11, which means something could have been changed in the design of the boot).

UPD: the 1K, 2K, 4K models of the 2010-2011 season have really changed, and now they are no different from their competitors (except for PUMP in 4K).

Freeskaters, slalom skaters, people accustomed to hard boots, or those who like to actively play hockey, entry-level skates may seem too soft, and they will have to choose from more expensive models. In this category, the models of the Flexlite line from Bauer seemed to me to be hockey-like, but at the same time closest to roller skates in terms of feeling on the feet.

In any case, no matter what I advise here, be guided by your own feelings, sit down in the store and try on different models, different companies, different sizes close to yours, choose what will be more convenient, without focusing on the inscriptions, color, type of blade, etc. - the main thing is the boot. For comparison, it can be useful to try on a model that is obviously more expensive to feel the difference and understand whether you need it.

When trying on, it is useful to know that starting from the middle price category, some manufacturers (for example, Graf) produce separate models of skates with different last options, designed for different feet: normal, with a high instep, with a low instep, or flat feet.

The fitting technology is the same as with rollers: put on the shoe, press the heel well into place, and then lace up. You need to measure on the sock you plan to skate in, and it is chosen depending on the temperature “outside” - on a closed skating rink, your feet will be warm even in a thin sock, but outside there are people who like to skate even in minus 20 degrees. Taking into account cold weather, the boot should not squeeze the foot, limiting blood circulation, and the toes should not rest against the toe of the boot from the inside, otherwise the feet will freeze. Just sitting passively in skates while trying on is pointless and in most cases unpleasant - your legs become numb. In laced skates, you need to walk around, trample, assessing the sensations in your feet, and how well the boot fixes and supports the ankle, and whether it limits mobility where it is needed. Keep in mind that, unlike rollers, hockey boots do not have a hinged café, and the forward tilt of the shin is due to the flexibility of the boot and is limited by the height and degree of tightening of the lacing. If you want to take off sharply, maneuver, and accelerate quickly, do not lace 1-2 pairs of upper holes, but keep in mind that you will lose a little lateral support. Pay attention to whether the upper loop of the lacing cuts into the front of your shin when you tilt your foot forward, and if you notice this, you need to either loosen the lacing or choose a skate model with a thicker/dense or protected tongue. By the way, when trying on, take care of your hands - after trying on 5-6 pairs of skates, lacing can easily tear off the skin on your fingers. You can ask for a lacing hook at a specialty store.

- hockey players use these to avoid damaging their hands, and sometimes similar hooks are tied to benches for trying on skates.

It makes sense to choose a blade for those who skate actively and often, but for recreational skating any blade is suitable. The detachable design of the blade is generally interesting only for people who actively play hockey and those who often sharpen skates - in case of breakage or wear (from frequent sharpening), the blade can be quickly replaced with a new one, or, for example, with another one that is compatible with the mounting a model from the same company, lighter or differing in some other properties. It’s the same with a burst or broken glass, although there are options here depending on how the glass is attached to the shoe - anyone can handle the screws, and if the glass is riveted, it’s not easy to replace it at home.

You need to select a glass based on the purpose for which the skates are purchased - there are no special requirements for the glasses of recreational models, so don’t be surprised if you decide to jump over backpacks on such skates (a popular pastime for roller skates at the skating rink), turning sharply on your heel, or after being hit by a puck, you will find that such a glass has burst under the heel, or an extra hole has formed in it.

A separate topic for glasses is frost resistance, because in the cold even the most durable plastic can become as fragile as glass, so if you plan to expose the blades to impacts (jumping, hockey) at temperatures below minus 10 degrees, it makes sense to pay attention to this parameter. Among hockey glasses, the TUUK (Bauer) models for outdoor skating rinks are famous for their high frost resistance and durability (the popular TUUK Custom+ is not one of these - they are for indoor spaces), but according to reviews, the new Graf Ultra Light 5000 and Cobra NT-3000 are no worse. Another reason why you may be puzzled when choosing a glass is the different heel heights of different companies. The reputation of the most versatile and comfortable glasses is also maintained by TUUK products, which is why skate manufacturers, for example Graf, standardly equip some of their models with these glasses/blades.

The use of T-Blade blades is justified primarily on high-quality, clean, especially artificial ice, where their high performance and service life will be fully demonstrated, and of course, with the availability and reasonable cost of new blades. You can find them in Moscow stores; when purchasing, you need to know the length of the blade and the sharpening radius (these numbers are part of the marking of each blade). For skating on open ice in some Central Park of Culture and Culture, where asphalt is periodically visible from under the ice, the choice of such blades is, to put it mildly, questionable.

Closing the topic of blades, we can add that in skates made by no one knows who and no one knows where, no one knows what can be used as a material for the blades, and no one knows what will happen to such a blade when skating, but it could happen to it, for example, like this:

Sharpening

In fact, this is a separate science, but for those who choose their first skates, there is absolutely no need to delve into its intricacies - at public skating rinks and at ordinary sharpening points, skates are sharpened “standardly”, and if you sharpen in a specialized store (for example, immediately when purchasing skates ) , just warn the master that you are a beginner, and there is no need to be shy, otherwise you will be slowed down for a week by a multi-meter T-stop and a turn, until the sharpening becomes a little dull, instead of mastering the familiar “Power” from roller skates and the traditional “Parallel” for skates.

Good luck with your choice and enjoy your ride.

(c) _Ro_, November 2010, especially for the site

This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Skates for skating on ice are presented in a wide variety: for figure skating, for hockey or amateur ones, they differ in the design of the last, the shape of the blade; different models can be synthetic or leather, in one size or sliding. To ensure that the choice does not become a problem, the experts of the EXPERTOLOGY portal have compiled a guide to the correct selection of skates, as well as a rating of the best models in individual categories.

Choosing skates: brief instructions

Before you go to the store, you should determine what skates you need to purchase. To do this, you need to decide on several factors:

Purpose of shoes. There are special skates for hockey and figure skating, for regular walking and sprinting.

Size: for an adult, you should choose skates in size or +1 for warm socks. For children, there are both one-size boots and sliding ones. The choice depends on the intended purpose and duration of use.

Price matters: cheaper skates, as a rule, fail faster (the leatherette wears out, the blade becomes dull - on budget models it is made of soft alloys), products made from higher quality materials are more expensive and last longer. But this is not always a trend, so you need to look at the characteristics and reviews of each specific model.

Attention should be paid materials for manufacturing: the blade can be made of an alloy of different hardness, it is attached to the boot in a permanent or bolted way. The latter is more preferable from the point of view of possible blade replacement. The plastic used must be durable and impact resistant. You can find out about the properties of the polymer in the technical description of the product, since it is almost impossible to determine the strength by eye.

Brand They don’t always determine the quality of skates, so it’s useful to get acquainted with reviews: users usually present the product not only on the positive side, but also describe shortcomings, if any. When compiling the rating of skates, the portal’s experts took into account a maximum of factors: product quality, comfort of lasts and skating, reviews, price and demand.

Rating of the best skates

Best hockey skates

Hockey is a fairly extreme sport: skating occurs at high speed, there is a need for maneuvering, and the puck often hits your legs. Skates must withstand all such loads, while maintaining a presentable appearance and performance, and also ensure the safety of the hockey player.

The Bauer Nexus N8000 hockey skates are designed for intermediate and advanced players: they provide the most reliable protection and support for the foot during intense skating thanks to the outer nylon trim with the tough Tech Mesh material used to create professional sportswear.

Soon after purchase, the boot takes on the shape of a hockey player's foot due to the internal lining made of thermoformable material at the front of the last. Comfort and additional protection of the metatarsal bone are also provided by an improved tongue made of thick felt, and soft pads that remember the shape of the ankle are responsible for the safety of the ankle, correct placement and support of the foot is provided by the insole with a Form-Fit+ stabilizer.

The Bauer Nexus N8000 skates are equipped with reinforced “NHL” Tuuk Lightspeed Edge cups made of durable plastic, in which Tuuk LS1 stainless steel blades are fixed. Changing complete blades is rarely required, but if necessary, it can be done in just a few seconds.

Advantages

Reinforced, maximally protected block;

Suitable for professional hockey;

Lightweight design;

Anatomical internal part;

Blades included;

Size range from 38.5 to 46;

Reliable, abrasion-resistant blade;

Flaws

• High price: about 20,000 rubles.

CCM Tacks Professional Hockey Skates pioneered a whole line of similar products for beginners and advanced players with a stick on the ice. The reinforced frame with sublimated inserts and structural support ensures safety while riding and playing. The nylon lining inside the boot and the anatomical insole create a soft and comfortable fit for the foot; a dense multi-layer tongue under the cord bandage protects the front of the foot from impact. Durable plastic glasses of regular size SpeedBlade are equipped with stainless steel blades. The size range is designed for athletes of different builds: 39 - 47 (fullness D and EE).

Advantages

Anatomical last;

Professional appointment;

Complete protection of the leg from dislocations and impacts;

Slowly grinding blade;

Durable plastic boot;

Flaws

• Overcharge.

Third place in the hockey skate rating was awarded to the budget model SK Senator Grand GT for optimal quality and low price (from 3,000 rubles). Composites of high strength and abrasion are used for production; the blade is made of stainless steel.

The skate boot is made using proprietary Anthropometric Shoe technology, which takes into account the structure of the foot and the characteristics of professional hockey skating, which ensures a high degree of comfort for the athlete. LCT technology creates envelopment of the leg and strong fixation of the ankle, which contributes to proper load distribution and minimization of injuries. The size range (size 35...47) allows the use of SK Senator Grand GT skates by both teenagers and adult athletes.

Judging by the reviews, the boots are really comfortable and suitable for use on winter and artificial surfaces, and most importantly, in terms of quality and comfort they are close to expensive professional models.

Advantages

Abrasion and impact resistant boot materials;

Low price approx;

Stainless steel blade;

Lightweight boot;

Flaws

• There are no expressed ones.

Rounding out the rating of hockey skates are the most inexpensive ones presented by MaxCity Detroit. You can buy them for less than 3,000 rubles. The cost is partly determined by the purpose - these skates are semi-professional, suitable for training in a hockey club for a beginner athlete or for amateur games with a puck and a stick on any surface.

The boot's construction is made of impact-resistant PP polymer, the sole is made of injected ABS, and the blade is made of dull-resistant stainless steel. It is noteworthy that the skates are equipped with a water-repellent Cambrelle lining, meaning you can skate even on March ice. The material does not allow water to pass inside, but allows the released moisture to evaporate along with excess heat, which helps maintain normal temperature and humidity inside the boot for comfortable long workouts. The disadvantages include the complete artificiality of the boots - unlike membrane fabrics, leatherette is subject to abrasion and upon contact with a puck, stick, or when an athlete falls, the surface loses its presentable appearance.

Advantages

Low price;

Comfortable fit on the leg;

Wear-resistant materials;

Wide range of models (sizes 39...47);

Flaws

• Not high quality artificial leather.

The best skates for figure skating

Figure skating requires skates that are both stable, comfortable and agile, because athletes need to not only move at high speed, but also perform tricks and pirouettes. The rating includes 4 models of figure skating skates.

Swiss skates GRAF Prestige are intended for skaters of average skill level, because the boot is made of materials of medium hardness. They can withstand significant loads corresponding to the sports category (double jumps, spins, etc.).

Boots of a classic look are produced in black or white with an external finish of genuine leather that is resistant to damage. The multi-layer sole is also made of premium leather with a rubberized top layer that protects the foot from outside water and the boot itself from getting wet and deforming.

A special feature of GRAF Prestige skates is a thermoformable internal space; finishing materials adapt to the curves of the athlete’s leg after the first wear and remember the shape, which creates a high level of comfort when using them.

Advantages

Classic design;

The skates are suitable for both intermediate level skaters and promising beginner skaters;

Thermoformable interior;

High quality leather used;

Flaws

High price: about 10,000 rubles;

No blade included.

Jackson Freestyle Figure Skating Skates are designed for beginner and intermediate level skaters. The boots are moderately rigid to support the ankle while learning the first tricks and pirouettes; they are made of natural soft leather with a polyurethane coating that protects the skates from impacts and scratches, as well as getting wet.

The inner lining of the boot is made of material that remembers the shape of the foot and Microfibe, which subsequently creates comfort for the athlete. The tongue is made of leather, and the heel and sole are made of a combination of natural cork and leather. The fittings are reliable and do not fail when tightening the laces.

The only noticeable drawback of the skates is their high cost; they will cost approximately 14,000 rubles, for which they received second place in the rating.

Advantages

Natural materials;

Moderate rigidity of the last for beginner athletes;

Thermoformable interior lining inside the boot;

Flaws

• In the category of skates for beginner skaters, the cost is high.

In third place in the ranking are the Wifa Prima Set skates, used by professional athletes in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years of training, that is, mainly in the initial stage of acquiring skill. They protect the foot from all sides: all-round support for the foot, a soft inner lining that wicks away moisture, support for the joints when mastering double jumps.

The main material used to assemble the boot is genuine leather, which is resistant to wetness and abrasion, making the product one of the lightest in its class. Jackson Ultima MARK IV stainless steel blades with active bottom teeth made in Canada or John Wilson Excel from England.

Wifa Prima Set skates are produced in five colors: classic black and white, suede pink, blue, gray.

Advantages

Medium rigidity of the boot with all-round support for the foot;

Genuine leather in construction;

Blade selection;

Different colors;

Flaws

High price: about 13,000 rubles;

There are no adult sizes in the line, only 24…32.

The rating of figure skates is completed by the SK Le Fleur 100% Leather model; the line includes models for athletes of children, teenagers and adults. The name speaks for itself - the boot is made entirely of genuine leather, but not of the highest quality - during intense training, the sole of this material can get somewhat wet, causing discomfort, judging by user reviews.

And yet the model deserves attention: the skates are assembled with dignity, correspond to the professional class for entry-level or intermediate levels, can be used for walking, the average price of adult boots is about 3,500 rubles. The design is simple, but convenient and comfortable for the foot and movement, which is why SK Le Fleur 100% Leather is preferred by many fans of figure skating on artificial and natural ice.

Advantages

Low price;

Genuine leather at low cost of products;

Simple classic design;

Sizes for children and adults;

Flaws

• The quality of the leather is not the highest or the protection of the material from water from the sole is not sufficiently thought out.

The best skates for beginners

To get acquainted with ice skating, you need special skates with a design of sufficient rigidity to ensure the safety of your feet when moving.

Classic skates for entry-level skaters and amateurs taking their first steps on the ice. The design is thought out in such a way that the protection of the foot is maximum; the reinforced side parts of the last, as well as a thick toe, are responsible for this. The blade of the skates is made of coated alloy steel, so they are practically not subject to abrasion and rust. The heel is lowered for ease of maneuvering at first.

The outside of the boot is made of genuine leather with water-repellent impregnation Waterproof coating boots, the sole is made of durable plastic, and the inside of the boot is made of sports synthetic fabric, which prevents the foot from sweating and wicks away moisture, and the insole is let down - some users note it as the only weak point GRAF Topas, however, such reviews are rare.

Advantages

Comfortable last made of genuine leather and sports textiles that provide optimal humidity and temperature for the foot;

Stainless alloy steel for making the blade;

Classic design;

Increased boot rigidity to support the foot;

Flaws

• The high price is about 8,000 rubles, but justified by the quality.

Jackson Artiste Mark IV took second place among skates for beginners. They are not inferior to the leader in quality, but their cost is significantly higher - about 12,000 rubles.

The distinctive and main feature of the skates is the Mark VI blades, which are distinguished by increased stability, ideal for a beginner, as well as an active toe with teeth.

The design of the skate with a low heel is adapted for beginner athletes: the sides of the last are reinforced to fix the ankle, the inside is made of thermal memory material, and the outside is made of genuine leather. Jackson Artiste Mark IV comes in children's, youth and adult sizes. Users did not find any shortcomings in the skates, nor did experts.

Advantages

Comfortable shoe with support;

Stable blade with a pronounced serrated toe for confident braking;

Waterproof leather outside;

Flaws

• Overpriced.

These skates are designed for beginners who enjoy regular ice walking. They are equipped with an ankle support for support, secured with lacing on reliable fittings and additionally with Velcro. There are no teeth on the blade, so it is difficult to trip on them. The inner lining of membrane materials provides comfort for the foot, but there is no thermal adaptation, so the skates must be measured and adjusted with lacing.

The design of the boot and blade made of high-carbon steel is reliable; you can skate in skates at any speed and even perform simple tricks, while the cost of a pair is reasonable - about 4000-5000 rubles depending on the size from teenagers to adults.

Advantages

Low price;

Glass made of durable plastic;

Vapor-permeable boot finish;

Ergonomic design;

Comfortable shoe with support;

Flaws

• There is no adaptation of the interior trim to the foot.

Rounding out the rating of skates for beginners are the K2 F.I.T Ice, an analogue of the wheeled skates of the same brand, just as convenient and comfortable. A special feature of the design is the presence of support for the leg, while the soft last with Thinsulate lining, the legs do not get tired, nothing presses or causes discomfort. The lacing does not require quick tying with brackets, but there are 2 straps for securing the boot with plastic clips.

The boots are made of genuine leather of strong hardness 5, corresponding to figure skating skates with reliable fixation of the leg while learning simple pirouettes in the first years of mastering the skill. The inside is lined with fur for good thermal insulation and ventilation, the sole is made of waterproof and frost-free PVC (a type of polymer).

Classic lacing ensures a perfect fit of the boot to the foot and its fixation, and the internal suede lining prevents the foot from sliding on the insole. The blade is stainless steel, which retains its sharpness for a long time.

Skates SK (Sports Collection) Princess Kid were developed by a domestic company taking into account the structural features of children's feet size 25...30, so it is comfortable for amateurs and athletes of any skill level to skate in them. On top of that, the skates are inexpensive - about 2,500 rubles.

Skates are intended for walking, but are quite successfully used in amateur and even professional hockey in the early stages. A distinctive feature of the model is a sliding mechanism for adjusting the size within 29...32, that is, one pair is enough for 3-4 years. The boot's construction is strong and durable with a nylon exterior, and the frame can be replaced if necessary.

Inside the boot there is a vapor-permeable membrane fabric that removes excess moisture and prevents the foot from sweating. Fixation to the ankle is carried out with laces and straps with clips.

You can buy a pair of skates quite inexpensively - about 1,900 rubles in black-blue or black-red colors.

Advantages

Sliding model;

Low price;

Stainless steel blades that maintain sharpness for a long time;

Insulated “breathable” lining inside;

Possibility of frame replacement;

Wear-resistant materials;

Flaws

• There are no expressed ones.

Not long ago I had to help choose men’s professional ice hockey skates at the expert level, and I was faced with the problem that the network provides very little information on professional and semi-professional models. As for hockey skates for beginners, there is simply a dime a dozen materials, but with professional models things are not so rosy. Therefore, I had to familiarize myself with the equipment of our team, as well as the national hockey teams of countries such as Canada, Finland and the USA. In this article you will find a rating of professional models of ice hockey skates, the main characteristics of such skates and information on the approximate cost of professional models.

Rating of professional hockey skates

As for the Russian national ice hockey team, our most popular brands are Bauer, CCM, Reebok, Graf, Easton and Mix. These brands are listed in order from the most popular and common to the least popular. In 2015, our team competed in full equipment from CCM. Of course, each brand has models of different levels for beginners, amateurs and professionals.

Bauer. An American brand that is most widely represented in Russia compared to other hockey brands. Adult hockey skates from this company are represented by several lines, namely Nexus, Supreme and Vapor. The Vapor line is especially popular among our team.

Top models in each line: Bauer Vapor 1X, Bauer Nexus 1N and Bauer Supreme 1S. Each of these models costs about fifty dollars. But, oddly enough, other skates from these lines have proven themselves best.

1. Bauer Vapor X500. The professional and relatively inexpensive Bauer Vapor X500 model is very popular and has excellent performance characteristics. Its cost is about ten thousand rubles. These skates are ideally designed for fast and fast skating. Their features are due to their characteristics. First, there is a standard fit in the toe area and a tapered V fit in the ankle and heel area. This allows players to accelerate and turn very quickly in these skates. Second is the composition of the upper and lower parts of these skates. Upper: Quarter Package construction - nylon with thermoformed X-rib design, hydrophobic microfiber lining, ankle padding with anatomical foam ankle pads, anatomically shaped tongue (2-piece, 40 oz felt, with metatarsal guard), EVA sockliner molded for comfort, thermoformable skate upper, heel support - patent-pending integrated anatomical heel/ankle support. Bottom: outsole (transparent integrated TPU), blade holder (TUUK LIGHTSPEED EDGE), blade (TUUK Super stainless steel). These skates are designed for foot sizes D and EE.

2. Bauer Nexus N8000. Incredibly comfortable, highly durable and ultra-light skates. They feature the following upper features: Professional Grade Nylon Tech Mesh, HYDRA MAX Mesh Lining, Lightweight Memory Foam Ankle Cushions, 3-Piece Tongue (48 oz., Felt, Metatarsal Guard), FORM Footbed -FIT+ with heel stabilizer, thermoformed forefoot. Bottom: Outsole (Pro TPU with graphic design), blade holder (TUUK LIGHTSPEED EDGE), blade (TUUK LS2 stainless steel). These skates are designed for foot sizes D and EE.

3. Bauer Vapor X900. The fit of these skates is completely similar to the Bauer Vapor X500 described above. Upper: Quarter Package construction - 3D Curv ® composite upper with X-rib design, HYDRA MAX mesh lining, lightweight anatomical ankle pads, anatomical FORM FIT tongue (contains 48 oz. and 40 oz. felt and molded polyethylene shin guard). metatarsal), FORM-FIT insole with support and moisture control, thermoformable skate upper, anatomical heel and ankle support. Bottom: Lightweight, full composite sole, blade holder (TUUK LIGHTSPEED EDGE), blade (TUUK LS3 stainless steel blade). These skates are designed for foot sizes D, EE.

4. Bauer Nexus N5000. The most inexpensive skates from this rating. They are much inferior to the models listed above, as they are not equipped with a thermoformable boot. However, it's a great value for the money and has a lot going for it. Upper features: Quarter Package construction - lightweight mesh, brushed nylon lining, ankle protection with comfortable foam ankle pads, molded felt comfort tongue, EVA footbed , molded for comfort. Bottom material: sole (TPR), blade holder (TUUK LIGHTSPEED Pro), blades (TUUK Super stainless steel). These skates are designed for foot size R.

CCM. CCM is Canada's oldest hockey equipment brand. Since 2015, it has been an official partner of the Russian national hockey team. For over a hundred years, this brand has been producing professional hockey equipment of the highest quality.

Ice skates from CCM are represented by three lines: Ribcore, Jetspeed and Super Tacks. The rating includes some successful models.

1. CCM Ribcor 48K Skate. Professional skates with a thermoformable boot and protective coating on the blade costing about 30 thousand rubles. Thanks to the protective coating, the blades last longer than conventional stainless steel blades. The lightweight, three-layer tongue provides a comfortable fit and secure protection. These skates are designed for foot sizes D, EE.

2. CCM Tacks 5092.Professional hockey skates with a thermoformable boot made from a synthetic blend with a synthetic fabric interior, stainless steel blades and extra ankle support. These skates are designed for foot sizes D, EE.

Easton. A fairly old family brand with a fairly young hockey division, which has been operating since 1986. In 2016, Bauer bought Easton, so it is now a subsidiary of Bauer.

1. Easton Mako M8. Very comfortable fit and very light professional skates. These skates are designed for foot sizes D, EE. Thermoformable boot is made of combined synthetics. The skates feature patented Extendon technology, a water-repellent lining, a lightweight tongue with safety laces, an ORTHOLITE sockliner, and a CXN stainless steel blade.

When choosing professional skates, it is not enough to simply study the ratings of the best skates. It is important to be able to make the right choice taking into account the fullness of your legs, choose the right size, and also take into account the characteristics of your playing style. You can read about this in the next article in order: ““.

One of my favorite winter activities is ice skating. Many people spend their evenings at the skating rinks. Fans of ice entertainment will sooner or later have to think about purchasing their own skates. And there are a number of reasons for this. However, beginners are concerned about the question: “How to choose skates for beginners?” After all, this is a purchase for several years.

Why you should buy your own skates rather than rent them

• Hygiene. Only the skater's foot will be in the boot, therefore there is no risk of fungal infection.
• You won’t have to sweat in plastic bags, which are offered in many rentals instead of a hygienic sock.
• The skates will be fitted exactly to size and will wear to the wearer's feet over time.
• There will be no connection to rental ice arenas. Often small free sites are equipped in courtyards and parks. However, there is nothing to do there without your skates.
• If you visit the skating rink frequently, you can run up an impressive amount of money for using shoes.

The main reasons are clear. The only benefit of rental: here a beginner can decide what he likes (or fits his leg) best. Even a little experience will help you solve the question: “Which skates should I choose for beginners?”

Types of skates

Probably everyone noticed that the shoes of figure skaters are not the same as those of hockey players. The skates of the latter are very different from speed skating, etc. Each sport has its own shoes. Depending on the type of load, different blades are used, sharpening methods, even the appearance of the boot is strikingly different.

There are 3 main types of skates: hockey, figure skating and speed skating. Also, this list is often supplemented by amateur (or recreational) and children's. Which skates are best for beginners? To answer this question, you need to consider the features of each type of ice shoe.

Hockey skates

Everything here is aimed at protecting the feet. Everyone knows that hockey is a rather aggressive and traumatic sport. Here there are frequent hits with a stick or on the board, and sometimes the puck hits the leg. Shoes should protect the player from all these troubles. Therefore, comfort is often sacrificed for safety. Hockey skates are quite hard, they are made of synthetic materials and have hard inserts in the most exposed areas. They always have a reinforced toe (it is made of plastic). On the other hand, a hard boot provides good support for the foot and ankle and fixes the foot in the correct position.

Another requirement that the game places on shoes is speed and maneuverability. Therefore, the blades of skates are shaped like an arc and there are no teeth on them. This allows you not to cling to the ice even during very sharp turns. The smaller the area of ​​contact with the ice, the more maneuverable the player. However, it will be more difficult to maintain balance.

How to choose skates for beginners to play hockey? If you plan to skate on outdoor skating rinks, then you should not buy professional shoes. It is designed for temperatures down to -5. In severe frosts, the outer layer may crack. For street games, it is better to choose models from semi-professional and amateur collections. These shoes can withstand 20-degree frosts without the slightest damage. In addition, they are insulated, unlike professional ones. They have a warm insole inserted into them, a edging is sewn on, and there are inlays that protect the feet from frost. You can ask the store clerks which skates are best for beginners.

Let's summarize. This is not the most suitable option for beginners, since it is quite difficult to maintain balance in hockey skates, so at first there will be a lot of falls. But if a person is going to run on the ice with a stick, then he needs to start in appropriate shoes. If you already have some experience, you can safely buy hockey skates, because they can be used to perform various turns and some tricks, develop high speed and quickly release it. In other words, they provide greater freedom of action.

Figure skates

They provide greater stability on ice due to the long straight blade, which protrudes 2-2.5 cm beyond the heel line. There are teeth in the front that allow you to stand on tiptoes and perform steps, jumps and complex pirouettes. However, it is this element that causes a lot of inconvenience for beginners. The teeth can catch on the uneven ice of outdoor skating rinks, often leading to falls. But in all other respects, figure skates for beginners are the best option.

Shoes are made from leather or substitutes. This provides rigid fixation of the ankle, which will protect against many injuries. However, the skates are thin. As a result, riding in the cold is cold. The problem can be solved by using warm, insulating socks. The boot is high, with tight lacing, which makes it easier to control movements.

How to choose skates for beginner skaters? Preference should be given to shoes with soles made of genuine leather. It perfectly absorbs moisture, which is very important for long-term skiing.

Before purchasing, you should check the blades: they need to be slightly bent and released. The metal should return to its original position. If there is a bend, then the material used is of poor quality, it is better to choose another pair.

Walking skates

One of the most versatile types of riding shoes. Models may be similar in appearance to hockey, figure or roller skates. However, they differ from everyone else because they have a softer and warmer boot. The blades can follow the shape of hockey blades, but in this case the arc will not be steep. Or curly, then the teeth are either very short or absent at all. These skates are designed for those who plan to just skate and enjoy a leisurely walk on the ice, and not race with a puck or learn complex pirouettes. In general, an option for most visitors to outdoor skating rinks.

Walking skates are designed for comfortable skating, so they have a softer boot. Lacing can be classic, or buckles can be used, like roller laces. Then the soft boot will be combined with the plastic one. However, the fasteners may break and can only be replaced with the skate. Walking shoes are initially designed for extreme cold, so you can ride in any weather.

However, increased comfort results in the ankle being less rigidly supported, which increases the risk of injury. Also, a soft boot imposes serious restrictions on the ability to perform pirouettes, jumps and other complex elements. You need to know all these features to decide which skates to choose. Walking trails are quite suitable for beginners.

Children's skates

For kids, shoes with a wider and more stable blade are offered. Double skids can also be used. These are the best skates for beginners under 4-5 years of age. When the child gets a little used to the new way of moving, you can buy shoes with a normal narrow blade. In this case, you can use children's sliding skates. Their appearance resembles amateur ones. They are suitable for simple ice skating. The stock of sliding models is usually 3-5 sizes.

If a child plans to skate more thoroughly, then it is better to immediately select figure or hockey skates for him. Depending on the chosen sport. Allowable stock is no more than 2 sizes. Otherwise, the boot will dangle on the foot, which will lead to injury.

Lacing

It is necessary to fix the foot in the boot. Reliable lacing distinguishes skates for beginners. Children may be interested in bright, colorful laces. It’s so nice and interesting to tie them! But the optimal solution is ordinary cotton laces. Synthetic ones will come loose, especially in the cold. Fasteners cannot always be adjusted, and they are rarely located. It is good if the holes for the lace are located frequently. This will ensure reliable fixation and protect against injury. A good option is a combination: the buckle is located at the very top, and the rest is controlled by a lace. The boot should fit snugly, but not squeeze your foot. It’s easy to check the quality of the lacing: you can sit down in the shoes without falling back. That, in fact, is all you need to know about how to choose skates for beginners.

Sharpening

New skates are usually dull. Before you start riding, take them to be sharpened. You should not try to do this yourself, because the procedure is performed on a special machine.

There are 2 ways of sharpening: with a groove and with a flat stone. In the first case, maneuverability is ensured, the skate can ride on an edge, and when turning it “bites” into the ice. In the second case, the surface of contact with the ice is larger, and stability is better. This is suitable for beginners. Then you can resharpen it under the groove.

• You need to go to the store with him and try on shoes with him. This is the only way to choose the perfect size.
• Children should not buy skates that are too big. Stock - maximum 1-2 sizes. If you don’t want to change them often, you can buy sliding ones.
• To determine if the skates fit, you must lace them completely.
• It is advisable to try on several pairs. Then it will be clear which shoe fits your foot.
• To understand whether skates are comfortable, you need to walk around in them and squat.

Which skates are best for beginners or where to stop?

It's easy to get confused in this diversity. Therefore, before choosing skates for beginners, you should decide which type of skating is closer. And already build on this. So, if you are planning ice battles with sticks and a puck, then you need to buy hockey skates, since no other skates can protect your feet well from injuries and impacts. To perform pirouettes, jumps, and draw complex figures, only figure ones are used. The rest will not be able to provide proper stability and fixation of the ankle. However, if there are no special plans, then walking will be enough.

There is no point in buying expensive skates for beginners. No price tag will stop children: the leg will grow quickly. But an amateur is unlikely to visit the ice so often. For beginners to skate on smooth and level arenas, figure skates are the best choice. For street ice, hockey or walking shoes with rigid ankle support are suitable. This will avoid injury and teach your leg to hold correctly.

With the onset of winter, many people rush to the skating rink, and not everyone likes the need to rent ice “boots” - this is both unaesthetic and not so cheap. In this case, it is better to buy the best skates from the “recreational” category and relax calmly and comfortably. In our rating you will find the most acceptable option for both women, men and children. We have also made a selection of popular, high-quality and comfortable models for hockey and figure skating.

• Nordway is a Norwegian brand owned by NORSK OY. It was born in 1991 and since then has constantly been among the top five manufacturers of sports equipment for active pastime.
• Botas is a Czech company producing sports shoes, including those for ice skating. All products are created in our own factory.
• GRAF– the Swiss company received its name in honor of its founder, Karl Graf. She assembles her products almost by hand, which significantly affects their high cost.
• X-Match is a Chinese budget company that produces sporting goods for adults and children. Among them there are figure models, hockey models, and walking models.
• BAUER is a large German holding, the main direction of which is the production of everything that is needed for a professional hockey game. Its products are one of the most expensive in this area, but at the same time the highest quality.
• Tempish is a leading manufacturer from Europe operating in the Czech Republic and supplying products to more than 100 countries. There is absolutely everything for an active lifestyle for both men and women.

Rating of the best ice skates for figure skating, hockey and walking

This rating is based on the actual characteristics of the products, identified empirically after carefully studying user reviews. Particular attention was paid to their compliance with real parameters. The following criteria influenced our choice:

• Purpose (for hockey, figure skating or walking);
• Buyer portrait (amateur, professional or beginner);
• Material of the outer part and quality of the lining;
• Method of fixation;
• Convenience of form;
• Foot size;
• Design;
• Metal type;
• Ease of putting on and taking off;
• Color;
• Heaviness.

We did not ignore the price, the brand, the popularity of the nominees, their declared and actual service life, and wear rate.

Where to start for beginners, which models are suitable for professionals and what options generally exist on the market, watch this video:

The best figure skates

You can skate in them both on professional ice and just somewhere in the winter on a river. Initially they were intended for performing dance compositions, but now they have been adapted for amateurs. In severe frosts it is impossible to spend much time outside in them.

Men's

Nordway Laval– according to reviews, these are the best skates for figure skating because they do not rub your feet, are made of genuine leather and can withstand the lowest temperatures. Feet practically do not sweat in winter, as the vinyl lining has excellent water-repellent properties. The laces are long enough and dense for normal and safe fixation of the legs. The black color makes the boots easier to care for. They fit well, but do not interfere with squatting. The lower part is sharp, made of stainless steel and grinds down slowly.

Advantages:

• High stability;
• Non-marking color;
• Ergonomic shape;
• Natural materials.

Flaws:

• Small sizes, like for men.

Women's

Botas Topas Pro– quite light and comfortable boots for beginners, which will delight you with the anatomical shape of the “tongue”, a spacious last, and high-quality material that does not come apart at the seams even under heavy loads. Important points are the presence of metal brackets in the upper part, which allow the leg to be fixed tightly enough. But at the same time, the lace here is not the most reliable and it is better to replace it with another one. The advantage lies in the waterproof impregnation of the inner lining, eliminating the risk of catching a cold.

Advantages:

• Double skin;
• Follows the bend of the leg;
• Durable plastic sole;
• Doesn't "dangle" on the leg.

Flaws:

• It is rare to find small sizes, mostly sold from 38;
• Not the most reliable lacing;
• Wide range of prices in different stores;
• With frequent use, the tip wears off quickly.

Having become one of the best skates, Botas Topas Pro is recommended to buy for skating in an indoor complex.

Children's for girls

GRAF Davos white- a very decent model for beginner athletes, in which skating is always comfortable due to the “breathable” internal material, medium hardness of the leather and a classic comfortable last that follows the shape of the foot. The only unpleasant thing that may turn out to be is that the upper here is made of synthetic fabric and the plastic sole is not flexible at all. The holes for the laces are made very close to each other, which gives a tight fit to the leg. Although with frequent use of boots this can become a disadvantage due to poor circulation.

Advantages:

• Good form;
• Excellent lacing system;
• Quite a considerable height of the boot;
• Reliable blades.

Flaws:

• Contains synthetics;
• The sole is too hard.

Best recreational skates

They are designed for those who do not plan to drive fast and perform complex technical stunts. Most often they are used outdoors, so the boots are usually insulated. Due to this, such products weigh more than curly ones. The difference between them is the blade, which in this case is flat, without sharp curves at the nose and heel. This gives the skater stability on the ice, making the rest safer and more comfortable.

Children's and teenagers for boys

– they are intended for non-professional use on an indoor or outdoor skating rink, easy to use due to the buckles and Velcro at the top of the boot. But this can also be a disadvantage, since over time they will become less secure. The blade in this model is thick and rigid, securely attached to the base. It is also important that it can be changed, since there are elements that unscrew. The great news is that the size is adjustable in three positions: 29-32, 33-36 and 37-40. The sole here is made of PVC, so you won’t be able to walk for a long time in the cold.

Advantages:

• Wear-resistant interior finish;
• Simple leg fixation;
• There is no need to sharpen the blades, you can simply change them;
• Possibility to adjust the size to suit yourself;
• Inexpensive, as for such a model.

Flaws:

• Velcro wears out quickly;
• Heavy;
• The blade part is too high for beginners.

Women's

BAUER Flow WMN- These are recreational skates for women just starting to skate. Comfortable wearing is ensured by moisture-wicking materials, soft and insulated padding, light weight and good leg fixation. The disadvantages include impractical holes for laces, which stretch over time. Impact-resistant cups are securely attached to the base, which lacks the traditional heel for curly models. This provides stability while sliding. The blade here is slightly curved at the edges, which prevents injury when falling.

Advantages:

• Durable carbon steel blades;
• The blade is slightly smaller than a shoe and smoothed around the edges;
• Ideal adhesion to the surface;
• Withstands low temperatures.

Flaws:

• Inconvenient lacing system;
• Slightly high boots;
• Size starts only from 39;
• Not the cheapest.

Children's sliding doors for girls

Tempish Expanze Lady– this is one of the leaders in our rating due to its comfortable wear due to optimal rigidity, a high degree of leg protection with a reinforced top layer and a high “tongue”. But the Velcro could have been placed a little higher here, because there are only two of them and, moreover, they are not very thick - so the foot can dangle a little in the boot. To solve this problem, it is possible to adjust the size. The product is protected from moisture and low temperatures. The blades are made of high-quality steel, which, according to reviews, does not rust and is easy to sharpen.

Advantages:

• Simple design;
• Convenient lacing process;
• Adjustable size;
• Tough, but at the same time not rough outer fabric;
• Large selection of sizes.

Flaws:

• Low location of Velcro;
• The toe box is too wide and your toes may dangle inside.

Best hockey skates

These are the most expensive models, especially professional ones, because they should have thicker boot leather and thicker blades. They are chosen by beginners or experienced hockey players for use in an indoor skating rink.

Men's

BAUER Supreme 1S SR– these hockey skates were able to become the best in our rating thanks to the anatomical fit right on the leg, boots with fairly strong, but at the same time not hard walls, and a change in rigidity to support the ankle. Playing them will always be comfortable with the function of adjusting the temperature inside. A hockey player’s feet simply won’t be able to sweat due to the rapid absorption of moisture by the high-tech material. Since players’ blades wear down quite quickly, changing them in a few minutes will be very important.

Advantages:

• Comfortable fit;
• Branded insole;
• Quick change blades;
• Hardness setting;
• Quick drying of the inner area.

Flaws:

• Most often, a pre-order is needed;
• Expensive.

Children's for boys

GRAF Super 101 Designed for amateur use or for beginner hockey players. They fit comfortably on the foot and do not pinch. The blade is not afraid of frost, so you can ride both indoors and outdoors. Although the leather here is synthetic, according to user reviews, it retains heat well even at low temperatures. With this model, the child will not get sick due to the wet lining, which dries quite quickly.

Advantages:

• Wear-resistant leather;
• Frost-resistant glass;
• Neat shape;
• Comfortable shoe;
• Reliable leg fixation.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Graf Super 101 can often be found in children's rentals at commercial skating rinks.

What are the best ice skates to buy?

You should not chase cheap models, in which the blades are usually not removable, the boot is made of low-quality leather and an anatomical fit is out of the question. The golden mean is the skates from our rating, when choosing which you should consider the following:

• For non-professionals who just want to skate on the skating rink, the men's model X-Match 64597, the women's model BAUER Flow WMN and the children's model Tempish Expanze Lady are suitable.
• Beginner skaters planning to skate on an indoor skating rink should pay attention to Nordway Laval for men, Botas Topas Pro for women and GRAF Davos white for girls.
• Hockey fans and professional athletes will want the BAUER Supreme 1S SR for men and the GRAF Super 101 for boys.

To choose the best skates, you must first take into account your foot size: do not take them end-to-end, otherwise the boots will press on you. And, of course, you shouldn’t buy a hockey model for figure skating and vice versa.