Why getting the right ice skates is so important

Ice sports are popular as a means of recreation, socializing, getting fitter and also as a competitive sport such as speed skating, figure skating and ice hockey. Specialized equipment and specialized facilities are generally needed for most ice related pursuits, except, perhaps in regions where it is cold enough for rivers and lakes to freeze over. One of the most important pieces of equipment for ice related endeavors are the ice skates. Properly fitting ice skates is essential for comfort, performance, and safety of the skater. The problem is that our feet were not designed to be squeezed into the rigid encasing of the skate and laces tied tightly to hold the foot firmly in place, so the potential for problems is high if its not done correctly.

To fit skates correctly, both feet should be measured as they are sized differently to normal shoes. Skates come in different widths (narrow, regular, wide), so you need to consider the width of your feet and choose skates accordingly. Wear the socks you will be skating in when trying them on. When standing up, there should be a little room (about a finger’s width) between your longest toe and the front of the skate. You want some space for movement but not too much to avoid friction. Your heel should sit firmly against the back of the skate. Lift your heel to check for a snug fit. If your heel lifts significantly, the skates may be too big. Lace up the skates tightly but not so tight that they cut off circulation. The skates should provide good ankle support without being overly restrictive. Walk around and pay attention to any pressure points or discomfort. Make sure there are no areas where the skate is digging into your foot. Bend your knees as you would while skating as this helps to ensure that your foot is properly positioned in the skate and that the skate provides the necessary support. If you’re unsure about the fit, consult with a professional at a skate shop. They can provide guidance and may even heat mold the skates to better conform to your feet. Skates may need some time to be broken in after purchase, so make sure they are fitted correctly.

Some of the problems that can go wrong in ice skates are pressure from the rigid upper of the skate on bony prominence's, such as the top of the foot where it is called a saddle bone deformity. This can also occur at the back of the heel if there is a bony lump there called as Haglund’s deformity. Ice hockey player call this a Bauer bump, named after the most common brand of ice skates. Another problem that can develop is called lace bite. This is when the lacing is too tight over the front of the ankle area and the pressure irritates the tendons there. These types of problems like the saddle bone deformity, Bauer bump and lace bite can be prevented with a good fitting of the ice skates and the use of protective padding over the area to relieve the pressure.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.