That is because when it comes to on ice performance, hockey skates are the most fundamental piece in the equipment puzzle that players require.
The Right Size
Most skate manufacturers size their skates differently than shoe sizing. Generally speaking,
skates (with the exception of those made by Mission) normally fit 1-1 ½ sizes smaller than your
shoe size.
Keep in mind, however, that every foot has a unique shape.
If you are unclear of how to to measure, use the following as a guideline.
When ordering by mail, it's important to have someone help with the measuring process.
The Proper Fit
Start with trying your new skates on with moisture wicking performance sock. A proper fitting
sock will reduce slippage and help to provide an optimal fit.
Lace the skate up and spend a few minutes walking around to get your heel placed to the rear of the skate.
Stand with your feet placed at shoulders width apart with your legs locked straight.
Your toes should be barely touching the toe cap. Once you bend your knees slightly, you should find that your toes will have enough room to clear the end of the toe cap.
It's important that you make sure that your heel doesn't slip up and down once you are walking around in the skate before taking it out on the ice. Heel slippage is the number one cause of blistering.
To fit the player who is still growing, have the toes barely touching the end of the toecap. The width of a ballpoint pen should be able to slip in behind the heel comfortably. This gives the foot room to grow but not so that the heel will slip and cause on improper fit.
A poor fitting skate can create bad habits and breakdown prematurely while holding back skate performance. Another problem that can occur are blisters or heel spurs.
A good way to break in your new skates is to spend some time in them up at home. You could also use a hair dryer to warm them, but be careful not to overheat any one area. Let them completely cool before walking in them.
The more time that you can spend with your new skates laced up will help reduce the break in period and your feet will feel better when you hit the ice for the first skate with them.
Remember to wear rubber skate guards to avoid damage to floors.
Skate Performance and Maintenance
Make sure you dry your skates out after each use. This will prolong the life of the skates and
help keep the odor factor down.
To prolong the life of your rivets and help prevent excessive rusting, pull out the foot bed each time you dry your skates.
Check your blades frequently as nicked edges can occur from walking on dirty flooring either on the bench or in the locker room. Exposed concrete or screws that get stepped on in the rink will also do damage to edges. It's time for a sharpening if you feel like you're slipping during push off.
Having properly sharpened skates is extremely important. The depth of hollow that is best for you is a personal preference.
Keep in mind that sharper does not mean quicker. Less hollow = More glide.
All skates purchased from Center Ice come with a free sharpening. Be sure to specify what hollow you would like your skates sharpened at.
