Choosing walking skates

Ice skates are selected based on personal preference. Someone likes to drive a race, someone, on the contrary, to ride calmly, while receiving tremendous pleasure.

More recently, ice skates were considered professional sports equipment and were produced exclusively for hockey players and figure skaters. Today, many people like to spend their weekends with family or friends at the rink. For this, walking skates were invented, which significantly differ from professional ones. They have more in common with conventional videos.

Walking skates are intended for amateur ice skating, they are not suitable for performing any tricks. A special feature of the children's line of walking skates is that they are produced with double runners, which reduce the likelihood of falling. There is also a separate line of sliding skates, the size of which can be changed if necessary, so they are considered the most profitable.

The cost of walking models is an order of magnitude lower than professional ones, this is due to the fact that the materials used for the production of the first are cheaper.

1. Combined synthetic material. Consists of different types of fibers, due to which the products are durable and wear-resistant.
2. Pure synthetics. Holds its shape well and retains heat.
3. Eco leather. Soft material that doesn't hold heat well. Poor quality leatherette quickly loses its attractive appearance.

Three types of steel are used to make the blade.

1. Stainless. Consists of chromium impurities.An inexpensive material with a fairly high corrosion resistance, but less hard than alloy steel.
2. Alloyed. Consists of impurities of chromium, manganese, nickel. It is a material with a high strength index, but it is more susceptible to rust.
3. High carbon steel. Used for expensive models, has the best wear resistance.

Models are available with and without teeth. The teeth in walking models are located less often and higher, therefore, they exclude the possibility of clinging to the ice.

A wide range of sizes matches the sizes of everyday shoes, this is made for comfortable skating on ice.

Models are produced with different levels of rigidity. The stiffer the skates, the more expensive they will be, since the high hardness of the skates allows you to perform complex tricks.

Stiffness is taken into account in order to avoid possible injury and sprains.

The soft ones are suitable for beginners mastering basic ice gliding. Models of medium rigidity can be used both as a walking option, and as equipment for people who are professionally engaged in figure skating in a light style.

Fastening methods - lacing, Velcro strap, micrometric clip.

Walking skates are gaining more and more popularity every year, this is due to the fact that they are much more comfortable for those who are engaged in amateur skating, moreover, they are much cheaper than their professional counterparts.

Advantages of walking models:

• comfortable and soft, in them the foot feels close to ordinary shoes;
• you can ride in them both on closed ice surfaces and in the open air;
• thanks to internal insulation, the leg does not freeze in them at all;
• some kids' models have double blades to reduce the risk of falling;
• the presence of sliding models, which is convenient for children, as they grow rapidly;
• some models are insulated with a special boot that can be easily reached and washed.

Disadvantages of walking models:

• the inability to do difficult tricks on the ice;
• walking skates have a weak grip on the leg due to the soft material that is used in their manufacture;
• models with a low price wear out quickly and lose their protective functions.

The modern ice skating market will delight you with a wide selection of models: for walking, hockey players, professional skaters. Can't decide which manufacturer's walking skates are the best? We offer you an overview of several walking models that are included in the TOP of the most popular ice skates of this type.

• Women's walking skates Nordway Vita. Faux leather model with a stainless steel blade from a Norwegian manufacturer. Provides for the presence of anatomical inserts and ankle support. It is fixed on the leg with lacing.

• Skates Graf Chamonix. This synthetic leather model is specially designed for amateurs and has an original design. Available in several versions: for children, adolescents and women. The light outsole is made of durable plastic, the inside of the skates is finished with a material that wicks moisture.

• Walking skates X-Match. Bright backlit model specially designed for children and teenagers. Equipped with an adjustable sliding mechanism. The boot is made of composite plastic with a reinforced toe, the blade is made of stainless steel. Insulated with Coolmax lining. Fasteners - buckle, belt and lacing.

• Bauer React SR Men's Walking Skate. Lightweight hobbyist with carbon steel blades. Equipped with a soft inner lining, comfortable lacing and Velcro for a firm hold on the leg. Ideal for amateur riding both outdoors and indoors.

• Reebok Athletic 6 jr. Teenage model for stylish girls. The inside is insulated with faux fur, thanks to which the leg will always be warm. Closure - lace-up closure with two top hooks for securing. The blade is made of high carbon steel with excellent toughness.

In order to choose high-quality and comfortable walking skates, several important nuances must be taken into account.

1. It is better to choose walking skates of medium hardness. For amateurs, rigid models will cause discomfort while driving. To understand how stiff the skates are, you need to squeeze the shaft with your fingers. If the material shrinks - soft, if under the influence of force they do not change their shape - rigid.
2. Be sure to try on skates before buying. Lace them tight and walk around for a couple of minutes. The skates should not crush or cause discomfort, but they should also not sit loosely on the foot.
3. Some models are produced with additional insulation - a boot that can be easily pulled out and dried.
4. For best stability, choose models with a large radius of curvature of the blade.
5. If you are not going to twist pirouettes and perform difficult elements on ice, choose blades without teeth.
6. If the price is not an issue, you should give preference to walking skates with a high-carbon steel blade.
7. Choose the type of attachment based on personal preference.
8. For added comfort, a model with anatomical synthetic foam inserts is available.