Being Canada’s official national winter sport, ice hockey is a crucial part of the country’s culture and identity. It’s a sport loved from a young age, so if your youngster is into it and plans to play it, the first thing you should think of is buying the adequate skates. While investing in hockey equipment like neck guards is essential, investing in youth skates is even more important because they are designed to provide youngsters with the right balance, support, comfort, and flexibility.
This, on the other hand, will result in improving their performance. Choosing the right skates is also related to reduced chances of injuries and improved chances of learning new techniques more easily and quickly. Choosing the right fit is closely related to experiencing no discomfort and ankle injuries, which can be quite painful. Unfortunately, discomfort may also lead to having to quit playing hockey for a while, which can negatively affect the overall game and performance.
What Are They Made of?
Given the fact youth skates provide improved performance, and they are in direct contact with the ice on the field, choosing ones made from quality materials is essential. Generally speaking, youth hockey skates are made of certain types of plastics and other synthetic materials in order to improve performance.
Some examples include durable synthetic composite, faux carbon skin and microfibre for the liners. But in order to get the most out of them, investing in ones made from with advanced technologies is very much needed if you want to obtain enhanced protection, comfort, and durability. If planning on providing your child with the best of the best skates, think about investing in high-pro skates made from high-tech materials for a more secure fit.
These skates are usually lighter than the rest, but without risking being abused from regular play. They also won’t put any strain on your child’s feet, making them the perfect choice for those who don’t mind spending more money on hockey skates for youngsters.
When looking for a good hockey skate, make sure to choose one that has a precise boot shape and a tighter fit in the heel and ankle area. If possible, you can also choose a pair that has an anatomical design and form-fitting liners for improved comfort and moisture control. If new to the sport and choosing skates for it, here’s a general guideline of what a boot should consist of.
Quarter Package
This is the main part of the skate boot that extends from the toe cap to the heel, around the skate’s back, and around the ankle sides.
Tendon Guard
The tendon guard is designed to go from the heel up to the back part of the ankle for greater protection of the Achilles tendon.
Tongue
Just like any other shoe tongue, this one is also designed to protect the front of the foot. Usually, the tongue on skates is made from felt or a foam liner for a more comfortable fit.
Boot Liner
The boot liner is basically the inside surface of the boot that is mainly made from a padded part for increased protection and a more comfortable and secure fit.
Footbed
The footbed of these skates is basically the insole, which is a removable insert designed to fit inside the skate for improved arch support and cushioning. The greatest part of all is that the insole also offers improved odour and moisture control, which is of vital importance when wearing them for a longer period of time.
Outsole
The outsole is the rigid part on the bottom of the boot, consisting of a blade assembly that is attached to the outsole for a smoother ride on the ice.
Holder
The holder is the part that is attached to the outsole, keeping the blade in place.
Runner
The runner is the skates’ blades. They are basically a single piece of metal attached to the skate, however, the higher-end models are made of harder steel in order to hold a sharper edge for a longer period of time.
How Should They Fit?
When it comes to choosing the right ones, you should follow some simple and basic rules:
- The chosen skates for your child should fit snug with no significant free space inside the boot. This is essential for having a better performance and fewer injuries when on the field.
- Keep in mind that hockey skates run smaller in size than regular shoes, so don’t be surprised if the chosen boots are one size down from the regular shoes. What’s more important is for them to fit right!
- Don’t splurge money on too expensive skates since your child will outgrow them faster. Not to mention that he/she might lose interest in the sport after a year or so. It’s better to leave the high-end skates for the professional hockey players.
- Trying on skates and wearing them should be done with the same hockey socks. They are thinner than regular socks and better because they improve comfort and performance.
- Buy from trusted and reliable stores if you want to give your child the best possible experience, even if the chosen skates aren’t designed for professionals.
