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Secrets to buying the right hockey skate

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If you’ve ever played hockey in uncomfortable, ill-fitting hockey skates, you know how important it is to get the right skate. Here are a few tips:

  • Find a skate that fits your age and experience

If you’re a novice hockey player, you may not benefit from a top-of-the-line skate. Focus on finding  a skate with a good fit and solid protection. And since most of us adult players aren’t dealing with growing feet, durability should also be a priority.

So many choices...

So many choices…

  • Go with the pros

Unless you know exactly whick skate you’re looking for, you will be better served by knowledgeable staff at a specialty sports store rather than a department store or big box store.

  • Get a hockey skate

…not a figure skate, speed skate or “recreational skate”.

  • Forget about shoe size.

Since skates should fit more snugly than shoes, the proper fit will be one or two sizes smaller than your shoe size.

  • Get fitted with your hockey socks

Bring your sports socks to the store. Whether you wear thick or thin sports socks, it matters when getting fitted for a hockey skate.

  • Get a proper fitting and consider heat molding

Heat molding shapes the boot to your foot. The skates are warmed in a special oven and then put on your feet for about 20 minutes, which molds the inner lining to the foot. It ensures a perfect fit and feels great.

  • Don’t buy a boot that’s too stiff

Skates come in varying levels of stiffness. The stiffest boots are more suitable for advanced players. Don’t buy more skate than you need.

  • Ask for “extras”

The store should provide an initial skate sharpening. They might throw in a few more free sharpenings if you ask. And ask if future fitting adjustments are available. If your skate feels too small, that can be remedied by having the boot “punched” out.

If you’re in the market for new skates, you might see lower prices soon. The 18% tariff on ice skates is about to be eliminated across Canada.

Have fun out there – and be good to your feet.



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