The ice skate has developed quite a lot since its creation. The laced shoe coupled to an animal bone (a paw bone, thus the word “skate”) was originally employed as a means of transportation on ice, but it has since evolved into an equipment for winter leisure. It has been used for a variety of sports, including ice hockey, speed skating, and figure skating.
Modern ice skates are quite comfortable, but it is crucial to think about how you will use them before making your purchase. Injury prevention necessitates the use of foot and ankle support. Here’s how to pick your ice skates, whether you are skating for leisure or for competition.
How do I know what size ice skates to get?
Do we pick our skates as we pick our shoes? Skates are frequently broader, bigger, and heavier than traditional city shoes, therefore this is not the case. So, how do you pick the best skates for you?
Start by measuring your size after deciding if you need skates for outside recreational use or for frequent training at a sports club. Once you have put on the skates, stand up and make sure your feet are in contact with the tips of the shoes. Compressing your toes is not a good idea. If your regular size appears to be too big, go down a half size or smaller.
If you are buying ice skates for your child, do not go for a bigger size because you think they will last longer. The skate should be comfy and near to your child’s foot so that they may learn to skate without difficulty. A skate that is excessively broad or too large may obstruct mobility and make learning more challenging.
Check the skate’s width as well. Not all skates are made equal, so try on a few to ensure that the skates you purchase are comfortable enough to walk and skate in. Do not be afraid to go around the store; it will help in making your decision.
Which kind of skates should I get?
It is crucial that a skate supports you in order for it to be matched to your skating and to guarantee your comfort and safety, but you must also consider the required flexibility of the materials that make it up.
Skates are divided into three categories: hockey skates, figure skates, and speed skates.
The blades of hockey skates are the same length as the boot, allowing the skater to move fast in any direction. These skates are stiffer to protect the foot when playing hockey, and they are suitable for heavier skaters.
Figure skates feature longer and more curved blades than field hockey skates. They support the ankles while remaining flexible, and the blades allow the wearer to experiment with their balance while doing their routines.
Finally, speed skates are designed for athletes and feature the longest blades. They are not recommended for outside skating on a regular basis.
Furthermore, consider blade maintenance if you plan to skate more on an indoor rink or exclusively outside. Because they wear down faster when in touch with real ice, they must be sharpened on a regular basis.
Custom-made foot orthoses to increase your comfort
If you still have difficulty or pain after selecting the ideal skate for you, you may require a foot orthosis.
The foot orthosis will allow you to keep doing your favorite sport while lowering your chance of injury. It will prevent you from losing your musculoskeletal balance and developing issues as a result.
Some orthotics may be readily slid into skates and can help with:
– flat feet;
– plantar fasciitis;
– aches and pains related to wearing skates.
Choose your orthotics based on the sort of skating you will be doing and how often you will be doing it.
Choosing the right orthotics for skating
If selecting orthotics is more challenging for you and you want the assistance of a specialist to diagnose you, FootNetwork podiatrists readily provide custom-made foot orthoses.
