What are hockey and ice skates for children and how to choose them wisely?
Nowadays, many modern parents want to explain to their children the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by introducing them to different sports. For example, skating is one of the fun and quite easy sports for children to start with.
There is no need for a child to get seriously involved in the sport, but a temporary benefit gaining from getting used to the sport is still good for their health as well as develop their physical abilities. In any case, to have a comfortable recreation on ice, your child will need high quality and comfortable skates.
Though the choices may vary and may take over an hour and sometimes more than a day, this article will help you decide which is the best-fitted product that is going to be a lovely gift for your kid this year.
Before making any choice that is beneficial to other people or skates, it is important to understand what kind of skating they will be using. When you go to specialized stores, they will immediately ask this question and then provide options accordingly.
Up to now, children’s skates are clearly divided into three categories: hockey – mainly for boys, curly – mainly bought for girls, double skates – special models for young children.
- How to pick the right one for your kid?
The right choice of skates guarantees the comforts and smoothness on the ice. And for a small kid, it’s also a great way to express themself in a new business. That is why parents need to seriously consider finding the right shoes for the yard.
⇒ For a 2-year-old child, a double cow is the best option. For better strength and endurance, you should pay complete attention to those models with straps.
⇒ For a child who is not proficient in lacing skills yet, it is best to choose skates with skating mechanism. It takes very little time spent on wearing and the strength of the waist is not inferior to the belt.
⇒ Figure skates or hockey will be a great gift for the child’s anniversary. Eventually, it is at this age that children begin to engage in various interests.
- Hockey skates
In the design of these models, there is special protection for kid’s feet. Internal boot is made of synthetic material. A special feature of hockey skates is the presence of a piece of metal inserted into the heel area and in the toes. The sole is made of plastic and in some compressed rubber models.
It is very important to pay attention to the glass – an element of the ridge design that connects the boot and the blade when choosing hockey skates. The blade itself can be made of nickel-plated or chrome-plated steel. Its size corresponds to the length of the boot.
Skates are designed specifically for skateboarders, which allows you to perform incredible stunts of any complexity. Genuine leather is used for these skates, but modern technologies allow the use of artificial materials. Genuine leather has a number of features, for example, that it easily cope with moisture. The leather sole prevents our foot from freezing.
The most important quality of skates made with genuine leather is to remember the structure of the foot. Artificial material skates are relatively lightweight. They do not get wet for a long time when exposed to moist environments.
Another distinctive feature of hockey skates is the serrated tongue on the forefoot. The length of the blade is two centimeters longer than the boot. When buying skates, it is important to remember that they are categorized. Amateur options will help you learn the basics of tips and professional skates that will allow them to perform.
Read more: Warrior Alpha DX hockey glove review & Alpha QX comparison
- Chose the right size
Normally when choosing shoes, parents may not aware of the size of their children’s feet, let alone skating. At young ages, some kids may not able yet to express their feelings when wearing new shoes, whether it’s comfortable or not, for example. And when choosing skates you need to be extremely careful. The exact selected size of skates will allow skaters to begin to understand the starting points much faster.
Today, many manufacturers take into account the fact that parents are trying to put the child on ice as soon as he begins confidently taking the first steps on a solid surface.
Therefore, the product range of each brand focus on the smallest sized models. The youngest skater of the ice kingdom is a two-years-old so the best option for such small feet is size 23 skates.
In other cases, if the size of the child’s foot is 21 or 22, it is still safe to buy models with size 23. Skates are bought on the same principle. A child with a model of 24 feet size can totally fit size 25. A very important rule anyone should know: skates should be larger than a children’s daily shoe size.
7 Best Youth Hockey Skates & Toddlers Hockey Skates
Fila Skates X-One Ice 2017
Walking shoes are ideal for children taking their first steps on the ice. With this skate, they can just drive along a straight road or even learn the simplest curly movements.
Rating: 4,9
The 2017 Fila Skates X-One Ice shoes with 29 to 32 sizes of skates are recognized as the most convenient and practical skates to walk on. Outside is a synthetic fabric combining nylon-based with water repellent, the inside is a woven fabric from which sports uniforms are sewn for professional athletes. Such inner feet do not sweat, as moisture is absorbed into the inner layer and is displayed through the outer membrane.
Shoes are fixed on the feet with velcro, conveniently tightening the laces and durable plastic clips. Fixation is provided by an anatomical blade that attaches the gasket to the ankle. Skates Fila Skates X-One Ice Collection 2017 2017 has a hard stainless steel blade. In new skaters, it becomes infrequent blunt, needing to weaken no more than 1-2 times per season.
The average price of Fila Skates X-One skates for children in 2017 was 60$
PROs
- Size regulates from 29-32
- Breathable fabrication materials
- The cover does not stick out like the outside plastic
- Conveniently placed on or repaired on foot
CONs
- The blade will be gradually blunt.
SK Galaxy Girl (Sports Collection)
Rating: 4,8
In second place is SK Girl’s Galaxy Girl skates (Sports Collection). Their sizes range between 28-31. Plastic outer frame, a steel blade is fastened to it by a protective layer that prevents rust and metal wear. The outside of the shoe is made of artificial leather with pink or blue inserts, the inside is made of synthetic sports material that helps absorb moisture and fur, and also warms the foot and makes the pad fit snugly. You can remove or place your foot on it in one motion, just by closing the clip and pulling up (loosen) the lanyard.
The SC Galaxy Girl children’s ski boots are practically flawless, and you can buy them for 45$.
PROs
- Attractive designs with little girls (pink colour)
- Durable scratch-resistant plastic
- Blades has protective coating
- Inside feet do not sweat when wearing
- Bearing hinge
CONs
- Absolutely suitable size selection is required
SK Vision Boy (Sport Collection)
Rating: 4,7
Bronze ranking belongs to Vision Boy SK skates, designed for leisurely walks. A hard plastic block with a gripping screw similar to a hockey shoe, it holds onto the ankle and fixes it to prevent injuries and dislocations which is especially dangerous for novice athletes. The size of the child model varies within 30-33.
Outside shoes is made of plastic, inside there’s a capro lining – insulation prevent internal moisture buildup. For your convenience, there are no laces of skates, there are 2 plastic straps above the anatomically thick tongue to help fix the shoes to the locking teeth. It’s convenient to close it with a motion and open by clicking on the clip.
The design of Vision Boy SK skates is a constant black and gray color. Buy a pair can be about 38$.
PROs
- Hard frames with clips
- Sliding boots
- Removable insulating lining
- Shielded steel blades
- Good price
- Scratch-resistant plastic
CONs
- Fixed foot is stiff, limit the ability to move the ankle
Read more: Some tips to choose the right hockey sticks
PW-430 Action (For kids)
Rating: 4,6
Children’s ice skate PW-430 is easy to confuse with its illustration. They are made of artificial leather without support frame and toothed toe on the blade (a special feature of skates for skaters). Although there is no impact-resistant plastic, the uppers are reinforced with hard polyurethane, so the feet are protected from impact when they fall during their training.
Outside of the skates are white with a bear shape, so they are suitable for both boys and girls. Action PW-430 has 2 blades that help children to be more stable, although aimed at older children with the size range of 28-31 corresponding to the age of 5-7 years old. Preschoolers will have to help with skates – they are only fixed by tying without extra screws.
Inside the shoes, is an artificial fabric with insulation. Due to artificial leather, the humidity is not the same as the outside, so with prolonged skating, it is possible to spray mist.
The average price of a pair is 30$.
PROs
- Universal design
- Not rigid when fixed of the foot
- Comfortable ride, especially on two blades for children to master the tape
- Good price
- Reinforced toes
CONs
- Only be fixed by edging
- Minimal protection against side effects
- Imitation leather does not transmit moisture from an outer boot
WIFA Prima Set Mark IV (For kids)
Rating: 4,9
WIFA Prima Set Mark IV skates for girls and boys features in various colors such as black, beige, and white. This product is one of the most popular sports among the beginner athletes of the first two years of training.
They have a classic style which is displayed on all sides: on the outside is natural leather, abrasion-resistant, and on the inside is a cushion that adapts to the foot and keeps the shape with VALTHERM lining breathable.
Orthotics also provide additional support for the feet and prevent the feet from quickly getting tired even when the child is on ice for a long time and the multi-layered leather sole partially compensates for shocks and incoming loads. Jackson Ultima Mark IV’s blades, with an 8-foot radius, is absolutely no need to sharpen since they can remain sharp even after years of skating practice.
The mesh size of skates covers not only the length of the foot from 24 to 32, but also the completeness of SS, S, M, L or LL, so all products must be measured and have full borders in store. Moreover, you can tie them with metal hooks quickly.
The average price of WIFA Prima Set Mark IV children’s skates is 185$.
PROs
- Popular models of skates for girls and boys
- Classic shape without decoration and insertion
- Genuine leather and inner lining
- Blades do not need sharpening
- An orthopedic base and a multi-layered sole
CONs
- High cost
MaxCity Ottawa
Rating: 4,8
In second place of rankings, MaxCity Ottawa hockey skates are different from the low weight leader – they have the lightweight construction of a plastic cup and a boot made of artificial leather. Despite this, protection against front and side impacts is still provided, and the heel fixes the heel to prevent injury and the back of the foot.
The shoe will fit a young athlete for a few years – the pads are moved separately in sizes 30, 31, and 32. Only the laces are fixed on the foot, not always convenient but reliable and practical. At the same time, athletes do not notice the wet surface.
The average price of MaxCity Ottawa children’s skates is significantly lower than the leader – about 42$.
PROs
- Compact design
- Reinforced perimeter for protection against washing machines and side effects
- Advanced velvet set inside “Velvet stripes”
- Skates with 3 sizes
- Reasonable price with high quality.
CONs
- Blades during intensive skating wear relatively quickly
Read more: How To Tape Your Hockey Stick?
Bauer Supreme 2S S18
Rating: 4,9
Bauer Supreme 2S S18 men’s roller skates are designed for young professionals: shoes with 3D-Lasted Curv composite sole that protect the feet from all sides: on the toes, heels, and surfaces side. Skating is very convenient: the blades and the design of the skates contribute to a comfortable movement with natural support even at high speeds.
Inside the skates, a heat-resistant lining can remember the shape of the foot, providing close support. This also contributes to the insertion of foam material into the ankle area, softening the friction of hard pads, especially when performing operations.
The heel and foot are stabilized by an orthopedic sole that prevents slipping. Athletes appreciate the Bauer Supreme 2S S18 children’s skates for the Tuuk LS1’s sharp and durable stainless steel blades and the branding of Tuuk Lightspeed Pro II shoes.
Buying a pair of Bauer Supreme 2S S18 can cost 155$.
PROs
- Reinforced starts from all sides
- Heat resistant inner pads
- Soft insertion in the ankles and tongue
- Tuuk Lightspeed Pro II hard glass and durable blades.
CONs
- Unknown
How to take care of them after using?
As a matter of fact, young children do not take care of their things, which is why many parents spend large sums of money on family budgets to recover items that have lost their looks and structural components. The same thing happens with skates.
If properly cared for, ice shoes can be kept for more than a year, the main thing is constantly monitoring them.
– In any case, it is not possible to put the lid on one side without wiping them off the water. After operation, metal parts on all sides must be wiped dry with an absorbent cloth and then put in storage. This procedure will help protect your skates from rusting on steel parts.
– Skates should be maintained in normal temperature level. It is strictly forbidden to put them near batteries, place them near fireplaces, and any devices that emit high temperatures.
If we ignore these rules, then later attempts to walk on ice will be very uncomfortable. The fabric base of the product from heat emitting will change the structure and shape, which is why the horse simply doesn’t sit on its feet.
– There’s no need to worry if the blade is blunt. It is possible to bring them to the grinding place. Not every shoemaker can perform this procedure qualitatively, so it is better to contact a dedicated workshop with a recovery question. Experienced masters will see the problem and solve it immediately.
Epilogue
All in all, Bauer Supreme 2S S18 skates maybe the perfect young hockey skates for your kids.
Such skates operate with skaters at all ages, ensuring that no strength was wasted while also allowing young players to develop their techniques. Such skates provide great stability and comfort. The Tuuk Lightspeed edge support facilitates the smooth gliding through the ice.
