How to choose figure skates. Children's figure skating skates: how to choose the right ones Which skates to choose for a 3-year-old child

Together with children? To make skating an enjoyable experience and for your child to not lose interest in skating, it is important to choose the right children's ice skates.

The difficulty of this choice lies in the fact that young children do not always understand their feelings when trying on, and they do not always interpret them correctly to their parents. And older children may insist on buying ice skates that they like in appearance, even if they don’t fit very comfortably. To avoid mistakes, you need to know several features of children's ice skates.

What types of children's skates are there?

Like adults, children's skates can be divided into 3 main categories: fitness (or recreational), hockey and figure skates. These varieties are adapted to different styles of skating, and differ not only in blade shape, but also in boot ergonomics, level of protection and support, and materials. Let's tell you a little about the features of each group of children's skates.

Fitness or recreational children's skates

Comfort is the main characteristic of this variety. These are warm skates with a soft boot and, most often, a hockey blade, which is suitable for skating even on ice of poor quality. In our opinion, this is the best option for children, not only because it is warm and comfortable to skate in fitness skates, but also because these are the most practical skates. Among walking skates for children, most models have an extension mechanism of several sizes, which is very important when the child continues to grow. We will return to the question of the advantages and disadvantages of sliding children's skates later. So, summing up all of the above, fitness skates for children are the most comfortable option.

Advantages: warm, comfortable, suitable for skating on imperfect ice, most often retractable, maintain optimal temperature inside the boot and remove moisture

Flaws: a soft boot is not completely protected from impacts, for example from a puck

Figure skates for children

Figure skates in Russia are traditionally associated with ice skates for the fair sex. Even those who do not strive to learn the fancy somersaults and pirouettes inherent in the figure skating style choose figure skates because of their attractive appearance. But in fact, figure skates for children are worth buying if there is a need to learn skating at an amateur or professional level with figure elements. Among figure skates, it is worth giving to models made from natural materials and from trusted manufacturers, so that one fine day they simply do not crack in the cold.

Advantages: classic design, opportunity to learn spectacular pirouettes, good ankle support

Flaws: it is difficult to skate on ice even with small irregularities (the teeth catch), it is cold to skate on open rinks at low temperatures, it is difficult to choose a comfortable shoe

Hockey skates

Children's hockey skates were created for active children who don't mind picking up a stick and running after the puck. They are more massive and tougher than representatives of other categories. The thing is that during active games on the ice, the ankle requires additional support and protection. Such characteristics are achieved through dense inserts into strategic places of the buta. The hockey blade is adapted for skating on uneven ice, which has a positive effect on the ability to maintain balance. Of course, these children's hockey skates are not as soft and comfortable as fitness models, but if the choice is between safety and comfort when playing hockey, then the answer is clear.

Advantages: Excellent protection and support, suitable for skating on uneven ice

Flaws: hard inside, not designed for cold weather

When you have decided what kind of skates you want to buy for your child, it’s time to figure out how to choose the best ones from all the variety in children’s skate stores.

What to look for when choosing: materials and technologies and ergonomics

Children's skates are distinguished by an enviable variety of assortment: shapes, colors, materials, prints - the eyes run wild.

Material. It's time to dispel the prejudice that children's ice skates must be “natural.” Natural skates usually mean models made of leather, as Soviet ice skates used to be. However, technology does not stand still and the definition of artificial has not had a negative connotation for a long time. In the case of ice skates, on the contrary, synthetic materials supplemented with membranes (for example, thinsulate) allow you to maintain an optimal temperature in the boot and remove excess moisture: the child’s foot does not sweat and remains warm even at low temperatures. We give our preference to high-quality synthetics.

Fastenings. The fastening system is almost the most important parameter when choosing children's skates. As babies continue to grow, their bones and ligaments have not yet formed properly, so support and stability while riding is very important. Laces are a good option. They distribute pressure evenly and securely fix the foot in the boot. And it’s even better when the ice skates are supplemented with additional fixing elements, such as Velcro or buckles. Ideal option: 3 elements in total. In this case, you can rest assured that the baby’s leg is well fixed. There are models of children's fitness skates where the laces are replaced by a BOA - a locking mechanism that is tightened by turning the control element. This is very convenient if the baby does not yet know how to tie his shoelaces. This system is often found in models from K2 Ice.

Size. It's not always easy to choose the size for your baby. Never (!), remember, never take children's skates that are oversized. If the leg does not sit tightly in the skate, it will fidget forward/backward and it will be much more difficult for the child to maintain balance, which significantly increases the risk of injury. What to do if the child’s leg continues to grow and you have to buy new skates every season. There is a solution.

Children's sliding skates: advantages and disadvantages

Many manufacturers are trying to accommodate parents who do not want to buy new ice skates for their children every new year, and are producing sliding models that solve this issue. Typically, ice skates come in a range of 4 sizes. Indeed, sliding skates are a great option. But you need to be even more careful when choosing such a model. Unscrupulous manufacturers do not pay enough attention to the ergonomics of the sliding structure and the materials from which it is made, and the skates can quickly become unusable.

In addition, not all manufacturers take into account the fact that the foot increases not only in length, but also in width, therefore, not on all skates the fullness of the boot increases when extended. We recommend choosing models that increase in overall volume, such as the Rollerblade Ice.

In any case, before purchasing, make sure that the skates are easy to move apart and that they are securely fixed in their final position.

Advice. Let the child try on the skates on the sock in which he is expected to skate. If these are fitness skates, then you should wear a thin synthetic sock. If children's skates do not have a warm inner boot, wear warmer socks.

If you want to buy skates in, then use the simple method of determining the size. Place the child in socks on a leaf, circle the foot and measure the distance between the far points of the perimeter in centimeters. When selecting, our consultants always specify this length, since manufacturers’ size charts may vary.

Storage and transportation

From childhood, you need to explain to your child that skates need care. It is best to wipe your skates with a dry cloth after each walk, even if the blade is made of stainless steel.

Skates need to be sharpened on time to make skating comfortable. Be sure to sharpen your skates before your first skate after purchase. Parents should already be monitoring this.

As for transportation, it is very important to purchase a comfortable bag or backpack, as well as covers for the blades, so that the child can walk across the surface to the skating rink right in the covers.

And, of course, don’t forget to dry your skates after each skate.

Brief summary

To choose the right children's skates, you need to decide how your child will skate. If you are planning active walks on open skates, then the best choice is fitness skates. They are comfortable, mold to the shape of the child's foot over time, and provide good support and uniform fit. Sliding models of children's skates are the right choice if they extend not only in length, but also in fullness, and also if you are convinced of the quality and reliability of the sliding mechanism.

If you are not sure about your choice, then contact our consultants at the children's skate store in any way convenient for you: by phone, mail, or on social networks. And they will definitely help you choose skates that are ideal for your child.

Have a nice ride!

Figure skating is a very exciting activity. The ability to keep balance, make turns, jumps and even spins can essentially be acquired by anyone at any age. To do this, you first need to, at a minimum, purchase figure skates. And then you need perseverance and patience, and most importantly a great desire to learn how to skate beautifully!

Figure skates, like any sports equipment, must meet certain requirements. This applies to shape, material, and manufacturing technology.

Figure skates have two main parts, the figure boots and the figure blades (skates). Unlike hockey blades, figured blades have teeth on the front, which make it possible to move on your toes, jump and make skating even more interesting and varied. It is in vain that some people believe that the teeth are “evil”. Not at all. You just need to learn how to use them. Curly boots have one more feature - a heel. The heel gives the correct distribution of the skater’s center of gravity.

What are the characteristics of the boots? First of all, this is the material used to make the upper of the shoe. Preference is given, of course, to leather. Leather is an excellent material for boots. It “breathes” well, retains heat, stretches and takes the shape of the leg. Professional boots may have two or even three layers of leather to give the boot greater rigidity.

Next, an important detail of the boots is the lining. The lining acts as a layer between the foot and the top of the shoe. It depends on how comfortable your leg will be when riding. On cheap models it also serves as an additional seal to the top of the boot. On professional boots, the lining plays exclusively the role of a shock absorber, carefully preserving the skater’s feet. That is, a modern professional figure boot is a hard three-layer leather upper and a soft ergonomic lining that follows the shape of the leg. Liners are often thermoformable. This is when the boot is first heated in a special oven to 90 degrees, then put on the foot, laced up and waited for about 15 minutes. In this case, the lining takes on and remembers the shape of the foot, which gives more comfort to the skater, allowing one to bypass the painful rolling out of the boot.

The material of the sole and heel plays a secondary role. The sole can be made of either leather or plastic. The leather sole dampens vibrations, cushions well when jumping, and keeps you warm. But the plastic one is lighter.

An important criterion for a boot is its rigidity. After all, it is rigidity that is responsible for the safety and health of our ankle. For beginners, this rigidity is minimal, but for figure skaters who train a lot and do jumps, rigidity is of great importance, because. The load on the boot is serious. In professional skating, stiffness is the main criterion for the class of a figure boot. The manufacturer sometimes sets a stiffness number, for example 35, 48, 70, 85... A natural question arises - how can you visually determine the stiffness of a boot? Yes, very simple. To do this, try to squeeze the boot with your hand from the back in the ankle area above the heel. The soft boot will easily shrink completely like a rag. A boot with a triple layer of leather will not give in to you even a millimeter!

And yet, I would like to destroy the stereotype that dates back to Soviet times, that the higher the shoe, the better it is. In a modern boot, thanks to the latest technology, height does not affect the quality of the boot. On the contrary, a high boot with great rigidity will not allow you to bend the ankle joint when squatting.

Now let's take the figured blades apart. As mentioned above, their main difference from other blades is the presence of teeth. But figured blades differ from hockey blades not only in the presence of teeth, but also in their greater length and width. Therefore, such blades are more stable and comfortable when riding. The blade has two ribs - external and internal. Between these ribs there is a notch called a “groove” or “groove”. So all the sliding in figure skating occurs on the ribs. Unlike the wheels of roller skates, the edges of the blades cut into the ice and have a strong grip on the smooth surface of the ice, provided, of course, that they are well sharpened. This is why it is much easier to perform turns, rotations, spirals and edge jumps on ice skates.

Curly blades are characterized by:

• steel quality
• shape, size, location, number of teeth
• blade curvature
• blade height
• groove depth
• size

Steel quality– the main factor influencing the price. You could say this is the main characteristic of the blade. Cheap blades glide poorly and hold an edge poorly. The more expensive the blade, the better the quality of the steel and the better it will “fly” over the ice, the longer the ribs will not wear off. But we must not forget that expensive blades are intended for professionals. There, the teeth are located in such a way that they will be uncomfortable for beginners. The teeth on professional blades (especially the first lower one) are quite large, they are used for complex rotations and multi-turn jumps

Blade curvature plays an important role in sliding. If you look at the blade from the side, you will see that the blade is not straight, but slightly curved. And if you place the skate on a flat surface, you can observe that the line of contact between the edge of the blade and the surface takes only a few centimeters and its location may change depending on where you tilt the boot, on the toe or on the heel. Thus, thanks to its bend, the blade is able to work wonders on the ice, easily turning and rotating. The steeper the blade bend, the more maneuverable the skate, but less stable, since the area of ​​contact with the ice is smaller. Therefore, a “golden mean” is needed when choosing the curvature of the blade.

Blade height has little effect on the quality of gliding. But the lower the blade, the more stable the skates.

Depth of the groove can be changed during sharpening. A deep “groove” gives better stability on ice, but, unfortunately, makes it difficult to brake and rotate. The “groove” is sharpened, as they say, “not for everyone.”

If you need to regularly change the wheels of roller skates as they wear out and wear out, then you need to ensure that the blades of ice skates are sharpened.

Like boots, the blade has a size and is measured in inches. The blade must strictly match the size of the boot.

The following brands of curly blades are popular in Russia:

• John Wilson(England),
• MK(England),
• Jackson Ultima Skates(Canada),
• Graf Blades (Switzerland).

Blade adjustment

The blades for public skating are riveted to the sole and can no longer be adjusted. On professional skates, the blades are first installed by specialists on several adjustment screws so that the skater can later “adjust” the blades. Cheap skates for mass skating costing up to $150 usually have blades from little-known Chinese companies such as GS, or blades without any markings at all. The quality of such blades leaves much to be desired. The curvature of the blades is very small, the steel is not strong and wears off like “soap”, the teeth are small and located too high.

How to choose figure skates

First, decide what you need skates for. For leisurely skating or for mastering simple elements of figure skating. Or maybe you are already confident on your feet and would like to buy something more serious so that the skates will last longer. In any case, the law of trade applies here - the more expensive the product, the better it is. Of course, the balance between price and quality is not always achieved. But you are unlikely to find fitness skates at the price of professional ones. The more expensive the skates, the better the material from which they are made and the better their quality. And, therefore, the more comfortable it is to ride in them.

Skates for fitness

These are skates with boots, like roller skates, but with a heel and serrated blades. They are made like soft, thick, comfortable boots. Warm, softly lined - these shoes would be ideal for winter. But such skates are not very suitable for performing figure skating elements, although they can be successfully used for regular recreational skating.

Skates for beginner figure skating lessons

These skates can be safely recommended to anyone who wants to master the basics of figure skating. First of all, they are inexpensive. Secondly, they are not very tough for beginners. Pay attention to manufacturing companies that have proven themselves in the production of skates. These include: Risport (Italy), Graf (Switzerland), Wifa (Austria), Jackson (Canada), Edea (Italy), Riedell (USA), Botas (Czech Republic), Gam (Canada). All these companies produce both professional skates and skates for beginners. Other companies are also involved in the production of skates. Such as Roces, K2, Nordway. But figure skates are not their main profile, so their “skating” products are not the best for figure skating.

All fitness and entry-level figure skating skates are sold with blades installed. Models of such skates can be divided into two classes. Namely, models with blades for mass skating. They are simpler and cheaper, for example: Graf Montana, Graf Arosa, Risport Syria, Lanser Kamilla, Botas Dagmar, Botas Juliet, Riedell Blue Ribbon

And models with figure skating blades (MK21, Mark IV, Club 2000), which are more expensive: Risport RF4, Risport Etoile, Edea Uverture, Jackson Freestyle, Wifa Prima-Set, Graf Prestige

Semi-professional skates for figure skating

These skates feature stiffer boots and high-quality blades. They are usually bought for children figure skaters mastering double jumps and complex spins. But for adults who want to go further in their development of figure skating, these skates will be useful. Usually sold without blades. The rigidity of the boots is average, allowing them to withstand the loads of double jumps. Quite common models are Risport RF3, Edea Chorus, Graf Richmond, Gam 0050, Wifa Skatec Deluxe. Blades for them need to be purchased of the appropriate class, for example, JW Coronation Ace, Ultima Legacy, MK Professional, etc.

Professional skates for figure skating

Skates designed for professional athletes, as well as for amateurs who care about good and high-quality equipment. The boots have the highest rigidity, and the blades are made of very high quality metal, which holds an edge for a long time and facilitates easy gliding. These skates can last a very long time, unless of course you do triple jumps and train 40 hours a week. Such “oak” skates actually do not produce so-called creases - deep folds on the sides. The prices for such skates are very steep. About $800-1000.

With all the variety, when choosing skates, you must keep in mind that any boot, expensive or cheap, must hold the ankle well, otherwise injury at the skating rink cannot be avoided.

Now, attention! If you are choosing skates with blades installed, then you need to pay attention to how the blades are installed. It is desirable that the edge of the blade platform in front coincides with the edge of the sole of the boot toe. The edge of the blade may not reach the edge of the sole by 3mm, but no more. Also often the blades are not centered on the boot. To check, you need to stand or walk around in laced skates. If you feel that your leg is falling to the side (outward or inward), then such a pair should be rejected.

According to the recommendations of the State Sports Committee, a child should be put on winter skates from the age of 5-6 years. Figure skates can be taught from the age of three, as they are less traumatic than hockey and speed skating. But is it really necessary to wait until the age of 3-5 to give your child the joy of gliding on the ice at a skating rink? Not at all. There are safe winter skates for children under 3 years old. Naturally, a child should go out on the ice wearing them only with his parents. Properly selected shoes will contribute to the development of the child and at the same time eliminate injury.

Recognized specialist in early childhood development, Massari Ibuka, is sure that in order for a child to achieve maximum success, you need to start teaching him how to roller skate at the moment when the baby begins to take his first steps. The same can be said about figure skates. Professional figure skating coaches undertake to work with children who are one and a half to two years old. If your baby is hyperactive, you can try putting him on skates earlier.

How to choose first skates for a child?

Opt for figure skating skates - they are much easier to find than hockey skates, and a one and a half year old baby is unlikely to be able to hold a stick in his hands yet.

To choose the right size of skates for a child, measure his foot length and add 1-1.5 cm. This will be the right size. Since a child’s feet grow in leaps and bounds, at an early age you should not buy skates “for growth”: perhaps they will not be useful at all, since by the time the season comes they will become hopelessly small. For this reason, you can find “used” skates on sale at a significant discount, which in fact turn out to be completely new. Look on specialized websites or in consignment stores - you will be able to buy a great item and save a lot of money.

Finding skates for children with foot sizes of 25 and above is not difficult. Magic (sizes 25-35), Angel (28-34), Princess Kid for girls, sliding Ice Com Evia or Toper are perfect for three-year-old athletes. But what to do if you need skates for a child over 1.5 years old or with a foot size less than 25? It’s really more difficult to find a suitable model here, since sellers mainly count on girls from 3 years old (figure skating) and boys from 5 years old (hockey). At the same time, there are skates for the smallest Tempish Baby Skates with a skate length of 14 cm and sizes from 23 (the smallest skates in mass production).

To quickly understand the modern sizes of children's skates, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the summary table, which shows the length of the foot in centimeters, as well as the corresponding sizes in different countries. Sizes correspond to both hockey and figure skates, but may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Table of skate sizes for children in different countries

Foot length, cm	13,5	14,5	15,5	16,5
Size in Russia	21	22,5	24	25
Europe size	22	23,5	25	26
UK size	5,5	6,5	7,5	8,5
US size	6	7	8	9

By the way, it is very easy to understand that skates are intended for very small children - they have two blades for better stability, but figure skates and hockey models for older children already have one blade, like adults.

Most children's skates are retractable, since children grow quickly, and buying new ice shoes every season is quite expensive for the family budget. Therefore, models such as the MAXCITY Enigma Boy or MAXCITY Enigma Girl Combo allow them to be worn by a child with a foot size from 30 to 33 or from 34 to 37. Figure skates for girls will have a lightweight frame (it is replaceable), and hockey boots for boys the frame is reinforced with polymer inserts

Still, figure skating or hockey?

Children adapt to everything new very quickly and are able to change skates several times a day. Therefore, despite different skating techniques, three- and four-year-old toddlers can easily skate alternately on hockey skates and on figure skates. The main thing is that the baby will gain self-confidence, a sense of ice, stability on skates and the ability to coordinate his movements. And yet, by the age of six, you should decide which sport the child prefers, because the psychology of a figure skater and a hockey player is fundamentally different, and the tasks facing them are completely different.

Since figure skates better protect a child’s ankle from injury when falling, in any case it is better to start learning to skate with this type of sports shoes. A long blade is more stable than a short blade, like a hockey skate, because it is designed to provide stability to the skater after landing. But on figure skating skates you learn to glide, while hockey models are designed for running on ice.

It is important to understand that injuries are inevitable in figure skating, hockey, and speed skating. The main burden falls on the musculoskeletal system, which in a child up to 1.5-3 years old is still forming and actively growing. Therefore, before enrolling your child in a sports section or starting to train him yourself, it is recommended to take your child to a pediatrician and orthopedist. Figure skating, for all its elegance, is contraindicated for children with musculoskeletal and circulatory disorders.

In general, it is better not to engage in winter sports if the child has kidney disease such as pyelonephritis.

Sliding children's skates

The smallest ice conquerors are recommended to choose a special model of skates - sliding ones. In their design, they are more similar to figure ones, therefore they better fix the leg and provide the greatest protection from injury in the event of a fall. The main difference and advantage of sliding children's skates is the absence of laces, which often prevent children from quickly putting on shoes. The convenient design of the straps allows a child, even the smallest one, to independently cope with the task of putting on shoes before going out on the ice.

It is also important to note that this model can adapt to your baby's rapidly growing legs. Sliding children's skates can adjust their length in a range of up to 4 sizes, so you can buy new ice skating shoes for your child less often.

Be careful when choosing sliding skates for children: their “lifetime” depends on the manufacturer.

The use of low-quality materials in production can cause two things:

• the skates will become unusable;
• this could cause your child to fall and get injured.

This is why the quality of your purchase is so important when it comes to sliding skates.

You need to choose the size of sliding children's skates according to the same principle as with other models. The size chart will be identical to the one above. However, it is better to try on sliding children's skates before purchasing. The baby must determine for himself how comfortable he is and whether there is free space between the toe of the shoe and his toes.

Mom is the best coach

For the youngest skaters, having their mother nearby at the initial stages of training is a necessary condition for success. Even the best coach will not be able to instill confidence in a two-year-old baby if he does not see familiar and beloved faces. Even at the Olympic figure skating school, mothers and fathers still walk along the sides, holding their children tightly by the hand. The fact is that the inevitable falls in figure skating (as well as in walking) cause fear in the baby, and only a person close and well known to the child can give him confidence at this difficult moment. Therefore, if possible, do not let your child go alone for as long as possible.

Where and how to ride with children

It is quite possible for a one and a half year old child to learn to skate in 2-3 months. Rollers with artificial smooth surfaces are best suited for this purpose.

If there is no such thing near your house, you can fill a small patch in the yard yourself. Eight square meters will be enough for study, the main thing is your desire and endless patience.

Also take care of warm and comfortable clothes for your baby. Additional protective shields are not needed at this age - nature itself made sure that the child falls so that he does not get hurt. So crying when falling is caused more by fear than by pain. But it is necessary to protect your head, for example, with a warm layer of soft fabric.

Buy a beautiful jumpsuit with a hood that can withstand sub-zero temperatures - modern fillings will prevent your baby from freezing, and the one-piece “overall” will protect the lower back from blowing. Well, woolen socks, mittens with elastic and a warm hat should be in the wardrobe of any toddler.

Have a nice ride in the new year!

You should buy your first sports shoes for leisure, figure skating or hockey no earlier than 4 years of age. At this age, little athletes are already well coordinated and are not afraid of falling. Your baby will be happy to ride in comfortable boots that don’t pinch and hold their feet well. Qualified consultants from the Daughters-Sons online store will help you choose the right skates that will provide your child with comfort and protection from injuries while skating.

How to choose children's skates

First of all, you need to decide on the type of model. For children, they make training, figure, hockey and models with interchangeable chassis.

The choice depends on what the child wants to do. During the first lessons, it will be easier for your baby to use training products. These boots have two blades. They are the most stable, so a beginner feels confident on the ice.

Fans of roller skates buy universal models with replaceable runners. Sports shoes of this type are designed for skating on ice and asphalt. In them, the blades can be replaced with roller wheels. This is an ideal option for playing sports in winter and summer.

Once you have decided on the type of model, you should figure out the dimensions. To correctly choose the size of skates for your child, you need to follow the following recommendations:

• the size of ice boots must exactly match everyday shoes; you cannot buy them for growth, as this is dangerous;
• hockey models should be 1 size larger;
• You need to take into account that the baby will wear shoes with a thick sock.

Table 1. Main types of children's skates, their features and purpose.

Skate type	Peculiarities	Purpose
Training	Designed with two parallel runners on each boot. The most stable.	For learning. They help you get used to ice and overcome the fear of taking your first steps on a slippery surface.
Curly	There are special teeth on the front of the blades that help push off the surface.	For figure skating. Provides stability when jumping.
Hockey	No teeth on the runners. Less maneuverable. Made of durable plastic. The compacted sole protects against injury.	For playing hockey or skating on the skating rink. They teach you how to ride correctly and improve your technique.
With replaceable chassis	You can install runners for ice or a chassis for skating on asphalt.	For skating on the street in summer and on the skating rink in winter.

Important!

The legs of the plastic model are well fixed. They are durable and reliable, and the baby always feels protected in them. Regardless of the model, to enhance safety, it is recommended to additionally provide the young athlete with elbow pads, knee pads and a helmet.

Which figure skates to choose for a child

Figure skating products should glide well so that the baby does not get tired quickly. Experts advise choosing skates whose blades have a characteristic matte shine. They glide perfectly and do not wear out.

You can consider the Action brand model. Wide runners prevent frequent falls. The boots have a high rise. This means that the leg will be well fixed. The front part of the runners has teeth. Thanks to them, children perform elements confidently and are not afraid of falling.

conclusions

Children are offered their first skates no earlier than 4 years old. First you need to put your baby on training models, then you can buy figure or hockey models. You can't buy for growth. The size of the boots should correspond to the size of everyday shoes. Plastic boots fit snugly to the foot and prevent injury.

Choosing the right shoes for ice sports is very important to prevent injuries and get maximum pleasure from the activity. This especially applies to the smallest hockey players and figure skaters. In this article, we will give valuable recommendations on which beginner skates are best for children.

On a note

This hobby is good for posture, improves the baby’s immune system, promotes good coordination, improves mood, increases stamina, strengthens joints and develops self-confidence. The first and main rule of choice is attention to all details. Before purchasing, the future athlete must try on both boots with medium-thick socks and in a warm room. So you definitely won’t go wrong with the size.

It is better to trust proven brands. Poor quality equipment will not only wear out quickly, but can also become dangerous. Poor leg fixation is the cause of falls, bruises and abrasions, or breakage of the skates themselves.

The State Sports Committee of the Russian Federation recommends starting training no earlier than 3 years. But now there are such modern and comfortable shoes that trainers can teach a child who is already 1.5-2 years old, accompanied by one of the parents.

All ice arenas and entertainment complexes offer equipment rental services. But it has fewer advantages than disadvantages. Some of the cons:

• Size. It’s not a fact that you’ll be able to find the perfect ones, but this directly affects the comfort and quality of the ride.
• Hygiene. More precisely, its absence. If the linings are washed, it’s certainly not often. And this is an undoubted risk of contracting a fungus, because during physical activity sweat is released, and its particles remain on the inside of the equipment.
• Wear. Equipment that is repeatedly used every day loses its fixing properties.
• Price. If you plan to take classes frequently, purchasing your own equipment will be cheaper.

Varieties and characteristics

Before choosing skates for your child, you need to familiarize yourself with information about their types. It all depends on what type of skating you want to teach your baby. This will save your time and help you decide on a specific model.

Children's

Designed for those who are just getting on the ice. Two blades parallel to each other guarantee good stability on the site and make falling almost impossible. Instances for toddlers are attached with straps directly to the boots and can be adjusted according to the size chart.

Once your little athlete has mastered balance and gained confidence, it's time to look for a specialized option instead of a training one.

Curly

Suitable for professional skaters and those who dream of becoming one. Designed to perform exercises and tricks of any complexity. Made from natural or artificial leather, they easily take the shape of the foot. They have 10-11 pairs of holes for laces. The blades are about 2-2.5 centimeters longer than the boot, and there are serrations on the front.

Hockey

Equipped with special leg protection. The material of manufacture is almost always synthetic (due to the need to install protectors), the pads and sole are made of plastic or rubber (for reliable fixation of the ankle), there may be a metal mesh in the toe and heel. Almost always with an anatomical insole or arch support. Produced for both professionals and amateurs. Designed for aggressive play, they are equipped with rigid inserts in areas where the puck is likely to hit.

Walking

Lighter than previous types, but with a wider point and teeth. Suitable for entertainment in urban areas, and not for professional training. They are warm and stable, but you won’t be able to make spectacular jumps and pirouettes.

Cross-country

Used by top-level athletes for short tracks and circuit distances.

Review of the most popular and high-quality models

Let's look at the most recognizable brands.

For boys

Otherwise they are also called hockey.

Bauer Supreme One 4

The manufacturer is a subsidiary of the world-famous Nike brand. Created for young hockey players from 4 years old (starting from size 26). Their top coating is heavy-duty nylon, resistant to mechanical damage. The heel cup has an anatomical shape, and in the calf area there is foam material. All this allows you to use your purchase comfortably. The hardness level is moderate.

The tongue is soft, but does not slide from side to side during movement. The inner layer – microfiber – perfectly protects from high moisture and low temperatures. Thermoplastic rubber outsole (lightweight, wear-resistant and durable).

The model is functional and suitable for specialists of any level.

SSM 92

A classic example of the global Canadian brand of hockey equipment. The sock is made of plastic (designed for temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius). Durable carbon steel frame and blade. The inside is synthetic, and the top is black faux leather. Anatomically designed ankle inserts and insoles are available (equipped with a heel cup). Enhanced protection on each side. A comfortable shoe ensures easy maneuvering.

GRAF Super 103 Sakurai

Basic gaming type with Tornado glass for entry level. Upper - nylon and high-quality leatherette. The interior is lined with breathable, water-repellent microfiber material. The instep supports are made using new technologies and adapt to the anatomy of the owner’s legs. Sizes: from 25 to 32 (target audience - boys from 4 years old and teenagers). Stainless steel glass with fused blade.

K2F.I.T Ice

A walking variation with Velcro instead of classic lacing, due to which they are mobile and can be quickly removed/put on. Insulated inside, with anatomical structure and elastic tongue. Riding in them ensures minimal stress on the musculoskeletal system. A plastic insert located on top secures the shin.

For girls

In other words, curly ones.

Princess Kid Sports Collection

Domestic production, from the SK concern, which is one of the TOP 5 high-quality Russian brands. Available in sizes ranging from 25 to 34. 5 degrees of hardness. The interior and exterior are made of white genuine leather with an elegant print on the side. The highly durable Graceful outsole improves handling. The anatomical tongue made of felt and leatherette fits the foot perfectly. For athletes of any skill level.

Minuses

✔ Not found.

Bauer Flow Wmn

Equipped with ankle support for support. The blade has no teeth. Fixation is done using laces and Velcro. The boots themselves are vapor permeable. They can be used to perform some simple tricks, although this is a walking variation.

Spine Rittberger

Inexpensive, but without sacrificing quality. They have an ergonomic last and simple, quick lacing. The sole is stable due to the fact that it is made of plastic. White body color. High carbon steel blade. The manufacturing company was founded in Yaroslavl and produces winter sporting goods on the domestic market.

Unisex

Classic variations, including both female and male samples.

NORDWAY Laval

The trademark belongs to the SportMaster company. The most suitable model for beginner and intermediate level skaters. Made from high quality genuine leather in black. There are soft inserts inside for comfort. The cut-out laces allow the foot to sit comfortably in the boot while riding. Over time, they completely adapt to the shape of the foot.

In addition to the above, it would be appropriate to say about several more brands that are developing in our country. Among them:

• Axel. Only high-quality raw materials, as well as the latest technologies, are used in production. You can also purchase accessories in the set: tights, clothes and jewelry.

• Tech Team. Offers many different copies for beginners.

Tips for choosing from Tovariki

Children's legs are in the process of developing, so it is very important that they remain healthy and that training does not have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system. To do this, there are several criteria by which you can choose a convenient and high-quality sample:

• Price. A good product cannot be cheap. Budget options, as a rule, do not live up to expectations.
• Cup. Something to consider if you are thinking about how to choose hockey skates for your child. This is where the boot and the point meet. The one-piece one has one hole and is suitable for outdoor skating rinks. The open one is equipped with a partition and is a good solution for enclosed spaces.
• Insole. Should be made of quick-drying material and removable. If the model fits, but this element is missing, it can be purchased separately.
• Ventilation. There are product options with an air circulation system that prevents feet from sweating.
• Language. Make sure that the lacing groove fits perfectly on your little athlete's foot.
• Quality. Hardening of equipment must be performed to the highest standard and this is quite easy to verify. Try bending the blade a little and letting go. If it does not accept the original position, the product does not meet the standards.
• Symmetry. The toe should be exactly level with the heel.
• Size. This is one of the most important factors in deciding which children's skates are best to choose and buy. You should choose them the same length (or 1-1.5 centimeters longer) as regular shoes. Don't believe the myth that you can take it to grow. This way you risk giving your child a lot of falls and a spoiled mood. The boot should fit well to the foot, but not squeeze it. The height of the sides and fullness are also important: if they are too tight, it means they are too wide for you, it is better to choose others. The wrong choice in this sense can provoke foot deformation.
• Blades. The best ones are made of nickel-plated or chrome-plated steel, which does not need to be sharpened often, with reliable fastening and curved in shape, not straight. There are also decent options that use carbon or stainless alloys.
• Diversity. Even if the first fitting went well, you need to try a few more. After all, everything is learned by comparison.
• Laces. Synthetic ones are short-lived, so we recommend cotton ones.
• Block. Thick cuffs will help support the ankle, which is important for a growing leg.
• Comfort. The main indicator. When trying on, give your baby time to decide whether it is comfortable for him. It is advisable to walk around in them, squat and only then make a purchasing decision.

How to choose children's sliding skates

They are necessary for high frequency training sessions. The design is very similar to the curly ones, but they have their own differences: they do not have laces, instead they are provided with belts that significantly reduce the duration of putting on shoes - even the smallest toddler can handle them on his own.

This choice is optimal for fast-growing legs, because the length of the model can be adjusted to an average of 4 sizes. This will allow you to use them longer and save on buying new ones. Since they will be used for a long time, the requirements for their quality characteristics are much more serious.

Care and proper use are the key to long service life

After each workout, it is important to wipe, dry (without a battery or an electric dryer) the equipment and put special plastic covers on the tips to prevent rust. Skates must be stored and transported in a case.

If you plan to put your shoes on a shelf for a long time and not use them for their intended purpose, the shoes should be lubricated with Vaseline. After some time - with treatment cream, and the blades - with machine oil.

Lacing

Correctly fixing the foot is the main action before going out on the ice, on which the comfort and quality of the activity depends. This process begins from the bottom up, after the tongue is conveniently positioned. The lower two holes should not be over-tightened as this may impair blood circulation. The lifting zone is tied more tightly and always with a strong knot. The child should not be able to move his leg inside, but he should not press it either.

Sharpening

In expensive and high-quality models, the runners are usually removable. This is because blades wear out much faster than boots. Periodically it is necessary to sharpen with a radius of 11 to 15 mm. It often happens that newly acquired equipment also requires such a procedure. It is not recommended to do this yourself - it is better to entrust it to an experienced person with professional equipment.

Additional accessories

If a child is exercising outside, ordinary winter clothes are enough to not hamper movement. But in the case of training at an indoor skating rink, you can purchase a specialized waterproof suit made of elastic fabric. Heat-saving underwear is worn underneath, which reliably protects from the cold. Also, the baby’s mandatory attributes should be a hat, a short scarf (long ones are prohibited due to safety regulations), gloves or mittens. For protection, knee pads and elbow pads are used to prevent injury to the joints.

conclusions

Ice training strengthens not only your body, but also your character. At the same time, they put a lot of stress on the body. Before starting training, it is better to consult with a pediatrician and orthopedist to find out if you have any contraindications.

The article provided all the necessary information that will help you understand how to choose the right skates for your child for ice skating or hockey. Now you can start shopping.