Best ice hockey skates 2023

by Elsie Butler · May 12, 2019

Ice hockey is a favorite game of Swedes, but there is more to this fascinating sport than the rough appearance that meets the eyes. Like any other sports, ice hockey requires quality sportswear, especially ice hockey skates, not only to boost up the efficiency but also protect players against risky accidents.

But before looking deeper into the world of ice hockey equipment, let’s walk through its attractive benefits first.

Burn fat and calories

The fast speed of the game demands continuous short bursts of energy that help to burn a huge amount of fat and calories. Each player burns 0,061 calories per pound and per minute. This, in the long term, reduces body’s weight.

Develop the cardiovascular system of the body

The required energy and muscular strength in ice hockey are of great help in developing of the cardiovascular system and supplying oxygen to muscles. The suitable amount of oxygen helps to improve the breathing and cellular activity.

Boost your metabolism

Due to the time of the game broken up by periods of rest, players are likely to enjoy better cardio benefits. This allows to burn more calories and enhances metabolism.

Act as a full body workout

Playing ice hockey is a great way to develop the leg muscles, such as the hamstrings, calves and hip flexor muscles. It also encourages the durability development of triceps, forearms and shoulder muscles.

Enhance muscular strength

The improved muscular strength from ice hockey is able to reduce the risk of injury, enhance bone strength, strengthen connective tissues, and increase muscle mass. All of these play a positive role in developing a healthier, less vulnerable body, and improving overall function.

Develop hand-eye coordination

Playing ice hockey requires flexible coordination between hands and eyes. It also triggers the natural reactions of players. Exercising this game assists players in enhancing coordination abilities, improving hand-eye reflexes and agility.

Improve body coordination and balance

In ice hockey, players need to pass and receive pucks across the ice harmoniously. During that receive-pass process, players must respond accurately and quickly. Developing these skills helps to improve the overall balance and agility as well as hand-eye coordination.

Improve communication

Ice hockey is a game that involves the transferring of messages through eyes and gestures. Ability to communicate with team members in the middle of a fast-speed game not only determine the success on the ice, but also results in overall improvement in player’s communication skills.

Give the brain a boost

Doing exercises is likely to enhance your mood because endorphin is released, resulting in reducing boredom, stress and worry feelings. As a form of exercising, ice hockey brings these benefits, but there is a brain boost benefit including. Ice hockey demands good decision-making skills, which can be transferred to everyday life.

There are more and more benefits of ice hockey that are waiting for you to discover. Hesitate no more and get out on the ice to enjoy this exciting sport. But before doing that, the most important thing to prepare is a pair of ice hockey skates

ice hockey skates Buy Guide

In theory, ice hockey skates hold the power to change the outcome of your game. Thus, choosing a suitable pair of ice hockey skates that meets all the requirements of the game is compulsory. No one wants to let the whole team down because of a poor-quality set of skates.

When buying a pair of ice hockey skates, there are many factors to consider and prioritize. Therefore, to make the difficult task of finding your skates easier and more relaxing, we have come up with a very detailed and understandable guide to walk you through the “maze” of ice hockey skates.

Avoid the Department Stores and Discount warehouses

If you are an experienced ice hockey player, who has tried on several pairs of skates and done research on the latest model, you can go straight to a department store and choose ones for yourself.

But for beginners, they need a crew of knowledgeable and experienced staff and a wider range of selection choices that can be found in a specialized sports store.

Know what type of skating you want

If you decide to take up ice hockey as a hobby, don’t look at figure skates or speed skates. Because these are different types of sports that require different types of skates.

Besides, don’t look out for “recreational” skates. On the outside, they resemble ice hockey skates but in reality, they don’t provide enough safety and suitability to the game.

Don’t buy your shoe size

Ice hockey skates should be fitter than street shoes. For the majority of hockey players, the suitability means one or two sizes smaller than the shoe size.

There is no “growing into them” possibility

A too big pair of ice hockey skates doesn’t allow for proper skating skills, no matter how many socks you wear.

Bring sports socks to the store

Without sports socks, the excess sweat will seep into the boot and ruin the skates quickly. Whether you like thin or thick sports socks, remember to bring them to the store and try it on when buying skates.

Remember to try them on

If an online bargain is too good to resist, at least go to a store, find a similar model and try them on to know the exact size to order.

Also consider that online shopping does not include services offered by retailers, such as skate sharpening or heat molding.

Spend a good amount of money on protection

An ideal pair of ice hockey skates must have a toe reinforcement and a tough nylon boot. The tall part at the back of the skates needs to remain stable, support the ankle and protect the tendon. Also, keep an eye out for a tongue that stays in place when skating.

Don’t forget checking on the stiffness of the boot

Most of the skates come in different levels of stiffness. In general, the stiffest boots are more suitable for players who have the adult or near-adult weight. Children need versatile or properly stiff boots.

Besides, stiffer boots tend to be more expensive so consider that too.

Know what “extras” are covered

An initial skate sharpening should be included in your purchase. Ask if you can get another free sharpening.

Also, find out that your skates have undergone heat molding method. Besides, future fitting adjustments are of great importance