How to choose and where to buy skates and clothes for the rink: tips and prices

The first days of vacation, when you just want to lie in front of the TV, are over. It’s time to think about activities! The most affordable urban option is a family trip to the skating rink. Beginners and amateurs often use rented equipment. This is convenient to some extent, but rental skates often do not fit well on the foot and do not fit the size.

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Buying your own skates and equipment is much more convenient. How not to make a mistake with the choice? What exactly do you need, and what can you do without?

Choosing skates

To begin with, it is worthwhile to understand what they are in general. There are three options: fitness skates, figure skates and hockey skates. What are the differences between these options and how to make a choice in each case?

Fitness skates (from about 2000 rubles).

The most democratic option – usually models from this category are cheaper than others. Each sneaker consists of a soft boot (soft boot) with a simple cup and a blade rigidly fastened to it. The plus of such skates in the comfort of the foot – by sensation the pair most resembles ordinary sneakers, except that not for grass or ground, but for ice.

A common feature is the way of fixing the skate on the foot: instead of laces, Velcro or buckles are used. Thanks to them, it is quick and easy to remove and put on the skates.

There are different variations of fitness skates – for example, with a regular blade or with teeth (like figure skates). The models themselves can be fixed or sliding.

The main disadvantage of fitness skates is the limited use scenarios. Yes, they are great if you occasionally visit the rink and prefer a calm, relaxed style of skating. But to play hockey or perform figure jumps or rotations will be uncomfortable and even unsafe: a soft boot will not protect the leg from injury, plus due to the lack of fixation of the ankle is a great chance of dislocation.

Figure skates (from 5000 rubles).

The name speaks for itself: they are designed for those who want to take up figure skating or diversify their style with new elements. Depending on the level of the athlete, skates can be made of different materials. The most common combination is a hard leather boot and a sole made of plastic or leather, which is how semi-professional versions are usually made.

Hockey skates (from 20,000 rubles).

Again, everything is clear from the name. Hockey skates are considered the most popular and universal, especially men prefer them. Such models differ from the others by the presence of a replaceable blade and higher protective properties. The range is wide, you can find options with different degrees of foot fixation, different size grids and degrees of adjustment.

When choosing skates, you need to proceed from your skating style and expectations from going to the rink. It’s simple. If you want to write out pirouettes and axels on the ice, look at figure skates. Do you like aggressive runs and games on the ice? Get hockey skates.

For beginners who can’t yet formulate their exact requirements, it’s also better to favor the latter: they are suitable for most styles and better protect your feet from injuries.

Different variants of skates with prices:

The same applies to the choice of skates for children. Among the fitness options, there are sliding skates – they allow more flexibility in customizing the size and will last for several seasons, even if the foot is still growing.

Clothing and accessories

The main rule is to dress for the weather. But not too hot, otherwise the body will start to sweat and thus release excess heat. This can be fraught with hypothermia.

It is best to follow the rule of layering. The bottom layer – synthetic thermal underwear (it drains moisture well and does not let the body overheat), on top of it – a sweater (made of fleece or other synthetic materials). If anything, it can always be removed.

Pants and jacket should be made of waterproof fabric. It is more practical. Of course, for rare trips is suitable and ordinary outerwear, but if you realize that you will visit the rink regularly, it is worth thinking about buying sports. Perfectly suitable clothes for skiing on alpine skis.

Otherwise – standard winter accessories: hat, scarf, mittens or gloves. On the feet – special thermal socks for skiing. They are no worse than ordinary socks, but they better dissipate heat and protect from cold. You won’t have to put one pair on top of another.

From additional accessories can be distinguished:

• a bag for skates and other uniforms;
• a special tightener for skates;
• blade covers.

The last item is optional, but will definitely make trips to the rink more comfortable.

Children are better to buy additional protection – kneepads, elbow pads and a helmet. They will not hurt an adult, especially if there has been no practice for a long time, but the child will definitely be useful at first.