All about children's ice skates

For fun on the rink, for good results and for complete safety, it is very important to learn everything about children's ice skates, including how to choose them according to shoe size. It is also necessary to figure out which models will be better for beginner skiers. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the “Frozen” skates and other ice models of small and large sizes.

Such children's skates are still commonly referred to as "fitness". Comfort is paramount in their design. Soft boots prevail in the structure of designs. The blades are mainly made of the "hockey" type. The design is suitable for skating even on ice of not the highest quality, however, it will not work to achieve impressive sports results.

Such adjustable models have appeared relatively recently, but have already gained considerable popularity. The reason is obvious: in childhood, the leg grows extremely quickly. And now, after a year, I have to buy equipment again. Sliding devices allow you to do this at least once every two to three years, reducing the burden on the family budget.

Moreover, they are simple and comparatively convenient. However, it must be remembered that sliding skates:

• are of little use for professional athletes and just for those who like active training;
• are distinguished by an uncomfortable insole design;
• have the most unfortunate center of gravity;
• usually have a weak fastener (which is especially typical for budget models).

Traditionally, such skates are considered an attribute of figure skating.... They are often chosen even by those who do not seek to master active maneuvers and rapid rearrangements. The reason is obvious - the beautiful appearance attracts many buyers. However, one must understand that in reality such products are justified only if it is planned to practice at a high amateur level with elements of professional competitions. The ankle is very well supported, but even the weakest defects on the ice prove to be an almost insurmountable obstacle.

The name speaks for itself - this type of ice skate is optimal for inexperienced amateurs who are just taking their first steps on the rink. They include a pair of runners. Such models are suitable for practicing walking and sliding, the ability to stand in one place. Fastening to shoes is done with straps. All training mods are both sliding by default.

Usually, equipment is purchased separately for winter and other seasons. This allows you to take into account the nuances of weather conditions and eliminate as much as possible errors and shortcomings. However, there are transformers that are equally effective regardless of the season. It will be possible to ride both on ice and on other hard surfaces. Changing the chassis with blades is quick enough and is not a problem in skilled hands.

The name speaks for itself - such equipment is chosen for children who like to swing a club, and not just move around the ice rink. There are similarly simple educational and more advanced audience-oriented options. In any case, hockey classes involve dynamic loads, and therefore, one simply cannot do without reinforced ankle protection. It is not necessary to count on the same softness and comfort as in walking models, but this is quite predictable and justified.

For a long time, the notion that good skates for children are necessarily leather or made of other materials prevailed. And this was partly the case - due to the low quality of old synthetic structures. However, in recent decades, the problem has been solved, and you can safely choose any material you like. Modern synthetics in combination with special membranes show themselves very well. Excessive sweating is completely eliminated, while the leg remains warm regardless of weather conditions.

The classic appearance is typical of simple figure skates. But their manufacturers also often try to offer original options. However, this is typical mainly for amateurs, but professional athletes definitely choose their equipment in terms of functionality. For girls, it is advisable to choose simple pink copies - they look beautiful, and at the same time not too pretentious. But those who like to stand out and actively show off should use models such as "Frozen". Their appearance naturally contains references to the popular cartoon of the same name.

A strict design should be chosen, first of all, for boys. But there are also exceptions that depend on personal taste. Most often, skates come in these colors:

• White;
• black;
• green;
• white and pink;
• bluish.

Skates are supplied by many large firms. But only a few models reasonably fall into the top of the best equipment.

• This is exactly what Czech Novus AFSK-20. This model is inexpensive, it differs both in its beautiful appearance and in full fixation of the foot. The risk of injury on the rink is minimized, and the clever padding keeps your foot sweat-free.

• Norwegian developments also deserve attention, namely, Nordway NICOLE. You will also have to pay a little for them.True, the service life is short, but at a young age it would be difficult to expect otherwise. The construction is made of artificial material and looks neat outwardly. It is necessary to take into account the lack of insulation, which is why you have to take models 2 sizes larger.

• The ranking is worth mentioning and hockey skates. Among them, the Bauer Supreme 140 stands out favorably - a product of a well-known and well-established manufacturer. The Canadian product is easily fixed on the leg and has a wide range of sizes. An important advantage is the excellent sharpening of the blade, which does not dull even with frequent active use. Judging by the reviews,

• A good alternative can be considered Oxelo Zero. Both the excellent appearance and the high quality of workmanship and an excellent fit on the leg speak in their favor. The French product can be safely used for several seasons in a row. True, it is not very convenient to lace it up. There are sometimes complaints about the quality of the sharpening of the blades.

• Sharpening is much more perfect. OROKS IH 100... Although these are cheaper Chinese skates, they do their best. The designers have taken care of a variety of size range and the ability to choose sports equipment for any age. You just need to understand that this model is not suitable for intense training and demanding matches with full tension.

• But it is worth taking a closer look at the walking versions. For example, to "SK Magic"... It is very easy and pleasant to develop balance on the ice on these skates. The construction is distinguished by an insulated layer based on faux fur. The shape of the skates is very well chosen. They note the long lifespan of these products, but it is also true that the blades will often have to be sharpened.

• Chinese skates are praised for their versatility. Saimaa B906. On them, both boys and girls can practice figure skating at an amateur level. The sliding design allows for a little savings. The inside of the shoe is insulated for superior comfort. True, Saimaa B906 are typical "small sizes", but this problem is easy enough to take into account.

• For skiing both in summer and winter, we can recommend Mobile Kid TWIN SEASONS. The ice blade is easily replaced with a roller skate. The sliding design allows you to count on several seasons of skiing. The appearance is not satisfactory. However, sometimes there are complaints about the characteristic plastic smell.

• The professional segment also deserves attention. Skates stand out in it CCM Super Tacks... For them, the anatomical shape is typical. Lightweight and durable models are fully protected from puck impact. Oxide blades can last longer, and the insole design and skate shape reduce fatigue under the most intense loads.

• Inexperienced skaters may like Le fleur leather... Despite the budget cost, the quality of the model is quite decent. The design survives mechanical stress well. The design is visually appealing. However, Le Fleur Leather is not entirely suitable for professional sports.

• Experts note the high quality Bauer Vapor X500. These skates withstand mechanical shock well. You can ski on a professional basis. Important: these skates take some getting used to. In the absence of experience, the legs will initially hurt.

• It is worth taking a closer look at the version Snow girl for sizes 30-33. There is no roller platform, that is, initially everything is focused only on ice. It will be possible to engage in amateur skating and training. The design was developed by engineers of the well-known company Atemi. You can use it completely calmly.

• For junior hockey players, the preferred choice may be KHL Nitro... Their features: a boot made of artificial leather, manufacturing of blades from a high-carbon alloy, a glass with increased frost resistance, reinforcement of both the heel and the nose, fixation of the leg with laces, the availability of sizes from 35 to 46 positions.

First of all, one must take into account the purpose of a particular model. The smallest children should buy the most stable double-bladed skates. As soon as the child starts to stand confidently, you can switch to single-edged versions. A very important nuance - it is necessary to select a specific specimen according to the size of the foot. The minimum permissible size for a moderately thick woolen toe is such that the fit of the leg is snug and comfortable, so that the little finger does not pass through the gap between the heel and the back.

If the boots are tighter, they will squeeze as you move and damage the foot. Shoes that are too loose will dangle and create the risk of tucking the ankle. However, to choose the right hockey skates, you need to take them 1 size larger than your regular indoor or sports shoes. In any case, it is necessary to add 10-15 mm to the size of the foot, then even the need to wear thick socks will not confuse.

Too much reserve is also impractical... Because of it, the distribution of the balance is disturbed, and constant falls begin. Before buying a specific product, you need to lace it up to the end, try to stand and walk around. If only the slightest discomfort is found, then it is more correct to refuse the purchase. On a real rink or on asphalt, the inconvenience will increase significantly, and this may even threaten with injury.

A very important role is also played by:

• full strengthening of the structure as a whole;
• support and protection of the leg in the heel area;
• simplicity of lacing, providing adjustment exactly to the leg;
• the tongue, which should reproduce, duplicate the bend of the limb;
• the speed of drying insoles, their equipment with an instep support.

But even the nicest shoe part that is best for beginners in adolescence and childhood does not negate the value of the blade.... In a good product, it is formed from a first-class stainless alloy. The matte finish is recommended by all connoisseurs because it reduces wear and tear. Skates placed next to each other should not move apart.

Skates for children 2 years old differ little from those that should be used at the age of 3 years. It is not worth saving on their purchase (however, as at any other age). For discreet occasional ice skating, you can choose the basic walking versions. Beginning with 4-5 years old, we must already take into account the difference between boys and girls, as well as the peculiarities of specific disciplines in skating. If possible, however, it is better to postpone the start of serious activities. up to 6 or even up to 7 yearsso that the body gets stronger, but then it is worth looking at the target group: at 8 and 9 years old you need something completely different from what is suitable for children 11 or 12 years old.

Regardless of age and purpose of use, you almost always need to sharpen new skates for yourself. Factory sharpening, if any, does not suit everyone, and besides, it does not last forever. It is recommended to use automatic machines that allow you to vary the length of the "platform", that is, the area in contact with ice, from 40 to 60 mm. It is possible to accurately select this indicator if we take into account:

• body weight of the skaters;
• movement style;
• the rigidity of the reference ice.

All this is strictly individual and can be changed.No wonder the professionals go to each competition with several pairs of skates. By reducing the amount of contact with ice, you can achieve maximum maneuverability of movement. This "radius" is precisely predominantly in the middle of the blade. But experienced skaters and hockey players, after several years of training, can find a more suitable place for him.

Even the most carefully selected and well-sharpened skates can fail if treated with disdain. The blade should be wiped off every time after rolling. Otherwise, the remaining moisture will lead to corrosion. Sharpening needs to be updated periodically to make the ride smoother. Leather skates are cleaned and tidy just like any leather shoe. It is recommended to use a box for storing skates, in which they were kept in the store, or just a clean, dry place. It is imperative to go skating using covers, otherwise there can be no talk of comfortable and successful skating. The same covers are used to carry their running equipment. Before putting it into the cover, be sure to wipe the blade and dry the product in a well-ventilated area (but not on heating devices).

If the skating season is over, this does not mean that skating can simply be put off.... The boots are pre-cleaned. They must be lubricated with a neutral cream or a cream specially selected for color. In some cases, it is replaced by plain petroleum jelly. Placing a newspaper helps to eliminate creases - just as it is done with other shoes, the blades are lubricated with technical vaseline, solid oil or machine oil.

If possible, you need to get a special ridge bag.... It will easily include additional accessories for sports activities. This solution is much more practical than just leaving your inventory somewhere in the closet or nightstand. You also need to make sure that the blade is not crushed or loaded by anything. In this case, successful and long-term use of the skates can be guaranteed.

For information on how to choose skates for a child, see the next video.