Hockey skates may look very similar but they are as different as the feet wearing them. When looking for a pair of skates you first have to assess the sizes of your ankles and the widest part of your foot. Many people don't realize that you can custom order skates from most hockey companies. It does cost extra but if you’re having a hard time getting the right fit this may be the way to go. I've had custom skates for the last several years through our hockey schools’ sponsorship and it has made a difference for me. I have a wide foot and small ankles so I order an EE width and an A ankle. It is possible to find skates without ordering a custom pair but the only way to do this is by trying on different pairs until you find the right fit.
Here is a break down of the most popular brands of skates on the market today. I have worn and played with all of the brands listed below but keep in mind that my feet are different than yours. The information I provide is based on the general experience of other players, hockey pro shop owners and hockey equipment representatives. Not all of the skates in each brand listed have the features I cover in their description. All of the skates on this list come with lace bite or skate bite protection. Lace bite happens to the front of the ankle when too much pressure is applied to the anterior, or front part of the ankle, and it is extremely painful. Skates with felt tongues, in my experience help relieve or eliminate this problem.
 |
Bauer Vapor APX  |
Bauer skates are probably the most widely used skates by both amateurs and pro hockey players. A common favorite among many players are the Tuuk blades that come with all Bauers. These skates tend to be a better fit for those with narrow feet. Bauers form fit 3 felt tongues come with a metatarsal guard that helps with compression of the tongue. When the tongue of a skate compresses it becomes harder which is one of the contributing factors in skate bite. Bauers new X-rib feature creates a lighter skate and also helps with speed and turning. The new hydra max 2 liners help keep your foot from moving around in the boot, thus preventing blisters. The ergotoe footbeds protect your feet from abrasions from the toe box.
 |
| CCM U+ Crazy Light 'Ovi Special Edition |
CCM skates are a little more on the narrow side. These skates are pretty stiff, so the break-in time might take a little longer than usual. I had a pair of the U skates which are made on the same last as the previous vector model (which I also wore). CCM’s are right in the middle of the pack as far as width is concerned. The stiffness of the boot is great for longevity. These skates come with vector armour for protection on the on the outside and U foam on the inside for added strength. The skate has an exhaust system to help your feet breath and they also come with a felt tongue. I would recommend buying a skate blade tightening kit, as I have found that the E pro performance is great for a quick blade change but sometimes comes loose.
 |
| Easton Synergy EQ50 |
Easton skates generally are a wider skate so if you have a wide foot like I do and you don’t want to custom order skates, I would definitely try a pair of these on. Watch out for the inner part of your foot, as these skates tend to be a little uncomfortable for a player with a high instep. Keep in mind that they also have a narrower toe than other wider brands. I liked the pair I had because it was very easy on my wide foot. Easton skates come with felt tongue for skate bite protection. They also come with coil technology, which is a black glass composite material that the boot is made of with dry flow, which helps the skate dry quicker. Stealth pad-lock is a feature that helps hold your heel in place.
 |
| Graf G35 Ultra X |
Graf skates are a highly customizable skate. There are many different models so if you're thinking of buying this skate make sure you try on as many as you can. Most players that wear these skates enjoy how snug they are without hurting their feet.
Remember that any skate that allows your foot to move around will cause you problems in the long run. Graf is made with the v2 corboframe chasis and the micro poly monocoque extra stiff boot that is surprisingly comfortable. Graf also has created a footbed that you can get custom fitted at certain pro shops. I had a pair of the footbeds and they were great.
 |
| Reebok 11K Pump |
RBK skates (Reebok) are the only skate on the market to contain an airbladder that you pump for extra support in the ankle area. With the exception of the 2k skate, the whole line comes with the pump. RBK’s come in several different widths so there is a great chance that your local hockey shop might have a pair that will fit a wide range of feet. They also come with a lace locking mechanism called skatelock, which allows you to tighten the top three eyelets separate from the lower half, I really enjoyed having this feature. RBK has pushed the air bladder back a bit to help air flow into area where gaps had previously been created. The boot is lined with pro armour which helps with protection, stability, durability and comfort. The skates come with abrasion zones which protects against shots and skates blades. RBK’s also have the E pro performance blades so you’ll need the skate blade tightening kit I recommended for the CCM’s.
What pair of hockey skates are the best for you? When buying a pair of skates make sure you try on as many different skates as it takes until you find the right pair. Always make sure that your toes can touch the front of the toe box. For youth hockey players make sure there is a little room in the skate to allow for growth. A great way to test out the size without even putting your foot in the boot is to simply remove the insoles and stand on them. An adult should be even with the insole while a child should have a little room.
Once you put your foot in the skate, lift your foot up with it in the boot and hit the heel of the skate blade on the ground. This will make sure that your foot is where it needs to be. After you tighten them up, pay close attention to the areas of your foot where you feel pressure. If you feel any pain or discomfort while trying on a skate, move on. Remember, most new skates will feel stiff. Stiffness equals support and protection for your feet and ankles. If you're overweight, it is important to invest in a stiff skate. A quick test to check for stiffness is to simply hold the hockey skate around the ankle area like you're holding a cup of water. Squeeze as hard as you can. You may have to use both hands. I've coached thousands of hockey players whose skates can’t support their weight. The ankle needs support to learn and master skills such as stops and crossovers. The opposite is true when a player is too light and their skates are too stiff, preventing them from getting the proper bend they need.
If you plan on buying skates online, make sure you try the skates on at a pro shop first. Let the shop employee know that you plan to buy online and they may be able to match the deal. Additionally, it will cost anywhere from $20 to $50 dollars to heat up a pair of skates to mold to your feet. It also costs as much a $30 dollars to sharpen skates for the first time. Sometimes a hockey shop will wave all of those fees and add extra sharpening’s if you purchase from them.
Skates are the most important piece of hockey gear you can buy. I have taught over 30,000 students and have seen first hand what players go through when their skates don’t fit properly. When you find the pair of skates that are right for you, it makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable.
No comments:
Post a Comment