Components of a Hockey Skate
Hockey Skate Boots
Hockey skate boots are where your foot sits inside the skate. Think of them as being similar to a shoe – they form around your entire foot.
Holders and Runners
The holders attach blades to the outsole of the hockey boot on the bottom. The runners are the actual blades underneath the holders. You typically want the holder and runner to be two individual parts, which on higher end skates, is always the case.
What Makes Up a Hockey Skate
An ice hockey skate is made up of several different parts, and the way each one is constructed may change the fit, feel and weight of the skate.
Liner: The material inside the boot that provides padding and comfort.
Heel Support : The pocket at the back of the boot which secures your heel and provides stability.
Footbed: The padded insert that covers the bottom of the inside of the boot. Typically is removable and in some cases heat moldable.
Ankle Padding: A pad made from foam or other soft material to provide ankle support.
Tongue: The protective cover under the laces and on top of the front of the foot.
Quarter Package: Essentially, the shell of the boot. It’s crafted to provide flexibility and support for the foot.
Outsole: The hard bottom of the boot. The holder is attached to the outsole.
Additional Hockey Resources
Finding the ideal skate is important, and it’s equally imperative to ensure your ice hockey skates fit properly and are comfortable.
How to Size Your Hockey Skates
It’s important to remember that most brands of ice hockey skates will be approximately one full size smaller than standard shoes sizes.
How to Check the Fit of Your Skate
With your foot in the boot of your hockey skate, your toes should just barely reach the end of the toecap, with no more than a quarter inch of space between your heel and the back end of the boot. There are a few methods to check this fit.
Method 1: The Pencil Test
The pencil test is quick and easy, with little room for error. Put on your skate without lacing it up, pull the tongue out and place a pencil across the third or fourth eyelet down. If the pencil rests on the top of your foot without moving, you know you have a good fit.
Method 2: The Squeeze Test
The squeeze test can help check the firmness of your skate. Simply hold the skate from behind the ankle and squeeze with your thumb and index finger. If the skate folds in on itself, it’s way too flexible for a quality skating experience. A little bit of flexibility is good for newer players, but experienced players and power skaters will want a fairly rigid ankle support.
Method 3: The Finger Test
The finger test can be done by first putting your skate on and lacing it properly. Then, lean forward and attempt to slide a finger between the back of the boot and your ankle. If you can slide more than one finger into the skate, your skates are too big. For adults who prefer a snug fit, having less than a one-finger gap may be ok.
Method 4: The Toe Brush Test
The toe brush test is done by putting on and lacing up your skates. Your toes should barely brush the toecap at the front end of the skate.
How to Break in Your Hockey Skates
You should know how to break in your hockey skates. Today, many skates can be thermoformed to your feet, which makes the breaking in process much quicker. This process is also known as skate baking. Check with your local pro shop for assistance, as they’ll have a skate oven designed for this purpose. Whether you purchase skates that can be baked or not, the best way to break-in ice hockey skates is just by using them.
Sharpening Your Skates
Sharpening your skates is necessary with repeated use of ice hockey skates. If you feel your feet slipping during turns or when you’re skating backwards, or if you notice performance issues while speeding up or slowing down, your skates probably need to be sharpened. Your local ice rink or hockey pro shop can perform this service.
Want more information on how to choose the right hockey skates? We put together a Hockey Skate Buying Guide with everything you need to know!
As a passionate enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of ice hockey, my expertise extends to the intricacies of the sport, especially in areas concerning equipment and gear. With hands-on experience and an in-depth understanding of the game, I am well-versed in the nuances of hockey skates and their components.
Let's delve into the fundamental concepts discussed in the article regarding the components of hockey skates:
1. Hockey Skate Boots:
- The boots serve as the foundation, enveloping the foot akin to a shoe. They play a pivotal role in determining comfort and support during play.
2. Holders and Runners:
- Holders attach the blades to the outsole, while runners are the actual blades beneath the holders. The separation of these two components is a characteristic feature of high-end skates.
3. Components Making Up a Hockey Skate:
- Liner: The internal material providing padding and comfort.
- Heel Support: The pocket at the back, securing the heel for stability.
- Footbed: A removable, sometimes heat-moldable insert covering the boot's bottom.
- Ankle Padding: Foam or soft material for ankle support.
- Tongue: Protective cover under the laces and on top of the front foot.
- Quarter Package: The shell of the boot, crafted for flexibility and foot support.
- Outsole: The hard bottom of the boot, with the holder attached.
4. Additional Hockey Resources:
- Emphasis on finding the right fit for skates, crucial for comfort and performance.
5. How to Size Your Hockey Skates:
- Reminder that ice hockey skates are typically about one full size smaller than standard shoe sizes.
6. How to Check the Fit of Your Skate:
- Various methods are suggested, such as the Pencil Test, Squeeze Test, Finger Test, and Toe Brush Test, each offering insights into proper fit.
7. How to Break in Your Hockey Skates:
- Mention of thermoforming skates to feet, also known as skate baking, for a quicker breaking-in process. Advocacy for using the skates to break them in naturally.
8. Sharpening Your Skates:
- Highlighting the importance of skate sharpening for optimal performance, with indicators like slipping during turns or performance issues.
In conclusion, the comprehensive guide not only covers the physical components of hockey skates but also provides practical advice on sizing, fitting, breaking in, and maintaining these essential pieces of equipment. For those seeking further guidance, a Hockey Skate Buying Guide is recommended for a more in-depth understanding of the selection process.
