What to Look For in Ice Skates

Ice skating is enjoying a surge of popularity at the moment with people everywhere wanting to try out this elegant sport for themselves, but as with any sport having the right equipment is vital. Having ice skates that totally meet the needs of the skater is of paramount importance, but just what should you be looking for in them?

Well, it’s first of all necessary to look at what these skates actually are. In essence they’re similar to rollerblades in that you balance on one line instead of having your weight spread out in 4 corners, with the obvious difference being you’re skating on sharp blades instead of wheels. This, coupled with the fact that you’ll be on ice means that balance is a vital consideration, and of course any skates chosen need to be manufactured to ensure that. Looking for quality options is therefore vital, as they’ll be made to a higher specification to ensure comfort, balance and safety.

Fit is also a huge consideration. With balance being so important it’s vital that skates are chosen that perfectly fit the shape of the foot and ankle, ideally being made out of tight leather or vinyl to give excellent support. Trying on a number of pairs will be a great way to ensure a precise fit, and professionals often take this one step further by having their skates custom-made. The blades will be another factor as will ice picks, and again it comes down to looking at several options.

Above all, the right skates need to be comfortable and supportive to ensure balance, safety and elegant moves on the ice. Of course, this applies to figure skating – your needs for ice hockey skating could be entirely different. But, Skates.co.uk has a range of skates to suit everyone whether you want ice skates for a figure competition or rollerblades for everyday use, and with so many to choose from there’ll be something for everyone to ensure they get the most from their time on the ice.