Another helpful Sporting Goods guide by "The Coach"
Brought to you by Bargain Sports USA              

Common Misconceptions

   Before you buy your new skates, there are a few things that you should be aware of. First, you may have heard that beginner skaters should learn on dull blades, and sharpen them more as they advance. This is not only false, but dangerous. No one should ever skate on dull or unsharpened blades. When you skate, the pressure of your body on the skates edge melts the ice into water, which provides a good base to "glide" on. The thinner the edge, the more pressure under it. So sharpened skates produce a better "glide" which improves not only acceleration but also turning.

   The second myth you may have heard is that people with "weak ankles" will never be able to skate. These skaters may find that their feet flop from side to side and in worst cases find themselves skating on their insteps. Most often this disability can be remedied by properly fitted skates bought from a specialized retailer, like us. Department store skates will not offer the support or comfort of a quality skate, and will usually sacrifice performance and delay improvement of skill.

Sizing Hockey Skates

   Most of the hockey skates we offer you should purchase 1 to 1-1/2 smaller than your shoe size.  So if you wear a 10 shoe, you should order a 8.5 or 9 ice skate.  If you have a wide foot, we recommend going only 1 size smaller, where a standard foot should move 1-1/2 sizes down. This is true for all but Mission Skates, which are made to match your standard U.S. shoe size.

Fitting Your Skates

Remove your shoes and put on a pair of thin sport socks. It is not suggested to wear skates bare foot as this promotes bacteria and corrosion of the materials.

Put the skate on your foot and kick back in order to lock the heel into the back of the skate. Lace the skate firmly with the most lace pressure at the top 4 eyelets. Always try on both skates laced to the top as you would when playing.

Walk around to feel if there is any painful pressure point or heel slippage. Adjust the size accordingly with the ultimate fit coming with the toes feathering the toe cap in an upright position and a consistent pressure surrounding the foot.

Breaking In Your Hockey Skates

Do not wear thick socks (wool or other) as a longer, wider skate will be needed and the proper fit will not be achieved. A white cotton sock is ideal.

Skate laces should never be wrapped around the ankle, as the skate will loosen.

Do not allow pressure points to blister and become infected. Cover pressure points with moleskin, medical tape or form pads. Periodically apply vaseline to pressure points.

If necessary, have pressure points, especially around the ankle area, 'punched out'. Your skate dealer or local orthopedic shop could help you with this.

The best way to break-in a pair of skates is to skate in them. I do not recommend using other methods to expedite the process.

Care and Mainenance of Hockey Skates

Do not leave wet boots in a skate bag when not in use. Leave boots in open to air and completely dry; loosen laces and open boot 'throat' to better allow air flow

Blades should be dried and left with skate guards off - condensation will keep blades wet for some time - Absorbent terry cloth blade covers may be left on blades and may help absorb condensation

Remove footbeds after every game as rivets and insoles will corrode if exposed to constant moisture.

For great deals on Ice Hockey Skates, check out our selection at Bargain Sports USA