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Optimal ice skates for children should be stable, comfortable, and enjoyable. When selecting skates for your youngster, consider factors such as balance, cosy liners, and robust ankle support.
Regardless of whether your child is new to ice skating or has some prior experience, picking appropriate skates is crucial to their enjoyment and enthusiasm. This guide explores the essential aspects when choosing children's ice skates:
- Varieties of ice skates: Hockey, figure, or a recreational hybrid skate?
- Boot types: Hard boots or soft boots?
- Blade types: Hockey or figure skate blades?
- Fastening systems: Laces and buckles
Varieties of Kids' Ice Skates
Here's a succinct overview of the types of children's ice skates. Identifying the skate type that interests your child allows for an easier selection process.
Kids' Figure Skates
In this context, 'figure skates' are those with a toe pick in front of the blade and a soft boot. The toe pick can aid kids in gaining better control while adjusting to gliding on ice. Typically, beginner children's figure skates offer stability rather than focusing on ice dancing.
- Stability: Figure skate blades are flat, offering more stability for beginners, though they may seem less nimble.
- Style: For kids inclined towards artistic skating, figure skates are the preferred option.
- Toe pick: Toe picks assist youngsters in pushing off and gaining speed; however, they can lead to falls if not navigated carefully.
Hockey Skates for Children
Hockey skates have a curve on the blade, making them more nimble but less stable than figure skates. For kids interested in hockey or with some skating practice, hockey skates are ideal. A notable benefit is their hard, supportive boot.
- Agility: Hockey blades are designed for quick movements, including backward skating.
- Speed: Hockey skates facilitate quicker acceleration.
- Hard boots: These provide foot protection while ensuring strong ankle support.
- Level: For children entirely new to ice skating, hockey skates are suitable, especially for hockey-playing pursuits.
Remember, recreational ice skates generally offer more comfort and are easier to handle for novices compared to hockey skates.
Recreational Ice Skates for Young Beginners
Recreational ice skates combine hockey and figure skates, making them an excellent choice for young beginners, offering a balanced alternative to figure or hockey skates. These skates include user-friendly laces and buckles and simple blades, with some featuring toe picks.
Crafted for comfort and fun, recreational skates cater to kids looking to enjoy ice skating without focusing strictly on performance. They resemble soft boot shells like those found on fitness inline skates.
- Comfort: Featuring liners that insulate and breathe, they keep feet warm and dry.
- Style: Some models are suited for elegant skate moves (with toe picks) or casual hockey (without toe picks).
- Level: Recreational skates are perfect for beginners exploring ice skating.
Adjustable Ice Skates for Young Beginners
Many kids' skates are adjustable, accommodating growing feet, extending usage duration. While their design might present potential weak spots, a quality pair is often ideal for recreational use by children.
- Growing feet: Adjustable over 3 to 4 sizes, enabling prolonged use. This is cost-effective and ensures a better fit as children grow.
- Fit: Adjustable skates offer a tailored fit, averting problems like blisters from skates that are too tight or loose.
Ice Skates for Toddlers – Step-In with Double Blades
If you're eager for your young one to hit the ice, special toddler skates exist. These have double blades for added stability and can be strapped over normal boots or shoes. These are adjustable in size, providing a fantastic, secure introduction to skating for toddlers.
A Checklist for Selecting Children's Ice Skates
Use the checklist below as a straightforward method to find the ideal skates for your child. Cover these key points, and choosing will be straightforward.
Proper Sizing of Children's Ice Skates
Select the correct ice skate size for your child. When shopping online, trying them on isn't possible, but we've simplified this by providing size guides for each pair. Measure your child’s foot length and use the size chart to determine the best fit.
- Measure your child’s feet: Have them stand with a foot against a wall, measuring from the wall to the tip of the big toe. Using a piece of paper to mark the point can help.
- Click “Show size chart”: Match your child’s foot length to the skate size using the specific skate’s size chart.
- Size adjustability: Many children's ice skates are adjustable, so you only need a pair that covers your child’s size range.
Blade Varieties on Children's Ice Skates
Check if the blades are flat or curved and if there are toe picks at the blade’s front.
- Figure skate blades: Flat with toe picks, offering improved stability, apt for beginners.
- Hockey blades: Curved, designed for agility, suitable for hockey or somewhat experienced skaters.
Each blade type benefits children differently. Kids accustomed to toe picks may prefer them later, whereas those starting with agile hockey blades may find switches to longer, toe-picked blades cumbersome.
Skill Level
Consider your child’s skill level, which will affect their preferences and requirements.
- Beginners: Prioritise comfort, ankle support, and ease of learning in skates. Look for cushioned liners and sturdy ankle backing.
- Intermediate: As skills develop, skates may be selected based on personal preference, style, and discipline. Hockey blades suit fast, agile manoeuvres, whereas figure skate blades are preferred for graceful, dance-like moves.
Planned Usage / Skating Style
Think about the kind of skating your child will do. This is crucial if they have a specific goal in mind or are merely skating for fun. Choose from the three main skate types:
- Recreational skates for children: These feature easily managed buckles and laces, along with comfortable liners, ideal for beginners wanting to enjoy skating. Their design is often similar to inline skates, making them perfect for children who also enjoy inline skating.
- Hockey skates: For children keen on playing ice hockey, investing in hockey skates is the logical choice.
- Figure skates: If artistic skating is your child's passion, opt for figure skates.
In summary, once you know the skate size you need and have decided on the type, you're ready to find the ideal pair for your child.
Safety Gear for Ice Skating
Ensure your children are well-protected before they skate. Falling is inevitable, so proper safety gear is essential.
You can use the same protective equipment for roller or inline skating. If you don't have any yet, explore our collection of helmets and protective gear sets:
