12 best skates

Winter is a great time for outdoor enthusiasts. Someone indulges in a wonderful pastime on the ski slopes or sprint sites, testing recently purchased or stale models of skis, and someone (at the call of a philistine soul or from sports need) runs to the store hoping to get good old skates for hockey or simple pokatushek »In the circle of relatives and close people.

According to the established tradition, all skates for skiing are divided into four types:

• walking - comfortable and warm models designed for everyday use on urban skating rinks;
• cross-country skates - skates used by sprinter athletes to overcome ring distances (classic speed skating and short track);
• figured - models of skates used in figure skating. Differ in ease, the increased comfort and maneuverability;
• hockey - powerful and protected skates, created specifically for playing hockey.

Each type assumes the presence of hundreds and thousands of different models, which greatly complicates the selection process for the average user. The risk of making a mistake and acquiring a knowingly bad model in such a situation is very great, especially for beginners who decide to make a debut and go out on the big ice for the first time. As a recommendation to purchase (with the presence of tips on choice), we have prepared for you the rating of the 12 best skates for skiing in four main categories. The distribution of seats was made taking into account a number of basic criteria:

• consumer feedback on the operation of the models presented;
• type of models with a focus on the level of user training (from beginners to pros);
• skate level compliance with technical and operational characteristics;
• availability of design features, additional elements, an extended set;
• assess the appearance, cost, and average life of the models;
• popularity of the manufacturer in the circle of domestic consumers.

Best hockey skates

3 CK (Sports Collection) Profy Lux 3000

Professional hockey skates of medium performance level, the main advantage of which is extremely low cost in the Russian market. The reason for such a significant reduction in price was two factors: firstly, a combination of inexpensive materials (artificial leather + synthetics) was used in the production process, and secondly, this is the philosophy of the work of the Sport Collection company itself.

The main disadvantage of CK Profy Lux 3000 is poor heat transfer, which is why during intense workouts there is heavy sweating of the legs. Otherwise, you can provide good support (foot and ankle feel comfortable), plenty of sizes (from 35 to 47), as well as a pleasant appearance.

Advantages:

• inexpensive professional skates;
• large size range;
• original design of the series;
• increased comfort and the presence of rigid foot supports.

Disadvantages:

• the use of synthetic and artificial fabrics impairs heat transfer inside the shoe;
• relatively short service life (due to the cheapness of the materials used).

2 NORDWAY NDW500

Not always the level of cost dictates the rules of convenience of equipment for active sports. Hockey skates NORDWAY NDW500 is a combination of low cost and sharpness for maximum comfort when skating, carefully provided by domestic manufacturers. They are intended for progressive hockey players, for whom stability and the ability to show off their skills in speed and tactical play are important.

The skate boot is made of combined synthetics with the use of additional amplification and anatomical design technology. There is an ankle support, as well as anatomical liners to ensure the comfort of the foot under intense loads. However, a particularly pleasant fact is that the manufacturers adapted the model to the harsh climatic conditions of Russia: the sock and glass received additional protection from frost, in connection with which skates can also be used on outdoor playgrounds.

Advantages:

• the presence of additional strengthening of the boot and caliper ankle;
• magnificent anatomical design;
• frost protection function;
• low cost

Disadvantages:

• difficult heat transfer.

1 Bauer Vapor X800 S17

The Vapor X800 S17 hockey skates from the Canadian company Bauer were created specifically for progressive athletes whose main goal is to master the skills of fast and agile skating. To say that this model is very popular among consumers is impossible, because of the impact of high prices. However, those who still purchased them, have noted excellent results in all key parameters.

The main advantage of skates from the "Bauer" can be called the use in the production of a number of special technologies, as well as sharpening to ensure true comfort. If the issue of cost does not play a big role, and a potential user gives high hopes (in terms of playing hockey), then the Vapor X800 S17 is the most optimal choice.

Advantages:

• the presence of the calf ankle;
• Lock-fit pads and Pro TPU sublimating outsole for comfort when riding;
• the possibility of changing blades;
• Thermoformed shoe.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

Best figure skates

3 Action PW-460

Opens the novelty of the season 2017/2018, budget figure skates for beginners from the company Action. In general, the “recipe” for creating this model is not distinguished by innovation and originality: all those who left were made from a standard set of materials. The boot PW-460 is made of artificial leather with synthetic leather trim. This combination gives a gain in durability and resistance to moisture, but a bad effect on comfort while riding.

For the rest, there is nothing more to allocate in Action PW-460: first impressions of consumers are very good, but it remains only to guess how the model will manifest itself in the future.

Advantages:

• optimum material stiffness (medium) for beginners;
• good moisture resistance;
• huge popularity at the start of sales;
• nice appearance;
• a large range of sizes (from 37 to 43).

Disadvantages:

• mediocre riding comfort.

2 ICE BLADE BluePink

Inexpensive figure skates ICE BLADE BluePink were designed specifically for beginners, which is clearly reminded by their overall quality. As the material of the shoe was used artificial leather, trimmed inside with synthetic fabric. Such a combination implies a long life of the skates, but it has a bad effect on the processes of heat exchange and the comfort following it.

There are some questions to the blade material. Chinese manufacturers decided to retreat from the canonical use of stainless steel, using high-carbon steel with added chromium as raw materials. How much such blades are enough is a big question, since the model went on sale in early 2017 and even a couple of seasons did not have time to move. On the positive side, skating customization can also be distinguished - the presence of pink and blue elements diversifies the overall appearance well. Given the cost level, ICE BLADE BluePink can be a really good acquisition.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• high carbon steel blades;
• anatomical boot;
• original design.

Disadvantages:

• poor heat transfer, leading to discomfort during use.

1 SK (Sports Collection) Princess Lux 100% Leather

In the first place in the ranking is the magnificent (in all respects) model of figure skates Princess Lux 100% Leather from the company Sport Collection. With not the highest level of value, the model's shoes are made of genuine leather, and the material was used to finish both its parts (internal and external). Despite the fact that the model is designed for use by professionals, it is very popular among beginners. Users note that skating at this level gives additional confidence, mainly due to excellent ergonomics.

In general, neither finishing nor convenience, nor even more so in appearance, there are no complaints about the Princess Lux 100% Leather. An excellent sample not only for professional figure skating, but also for cozy evening walks on an outdoor rink.

Advantages:

• external and internal decoration of the boot is made of genuine leather;
• elegant appearance (with the presence of a pleasant pattern);
• comfort and ergonomics;
• large size range (from 25 to 42 size).

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

The best skates for beginners

3 Bauer flow

Men's skates of the Canadian company "Bauer", created specifically for mastering the elementary skills of skating.According to users, they cope with their task perfectly well: the presence of an ankle support and a well-chosen boot form ensure reliable and comfortable fixation of the leg during rolling. It would seem that there is nothing to complain about, but quite often online comments skip about the presence of a serious marriage in skates. The fact is that in some instances there is an element (possibly reinforcing), which seriously rubs the shin from the outside, even if the size is perfectly matched. If we take into account the balance and quality of a serviceable model, then the "Bauer" is clearly in priority.

Advantages:

• high quality workmanship;
• calf support;
• low price (for a set of a similar level of production).

Disadvantages:

• some sets rub the ankle.

2 NORDWAY Lily

The original Russian version of women's recreational skates, made with regard to climatic features and stylistic preferences. Boots model NORDWAY Lily made of a rare combination of materials. The inner part of the skates is trimmed with faux fur, while the outside was used wear-resistant cotton, impregnated with a special moisture-resistant composition. The sole of the boot rubber, completely eliminating the likelihood of cracking with a significant temperature difference.

A pleasant feature of NORDWAY Lily is the presence of anatomical liners that improve the fit of the shoe to the foot, increasing the comfort and feel of ice. In the end, this kit looks like an ideal choice for beginners, especially considering the difficult climatic conditions of Russia.

Advantages:

• use of an original combination of materials;
• the presence of anatomical liners to improve convenience;
• sharpened under Russian climatic conditions;
• nice appearance;
• low price.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

1 SK (Sports Collection) Magic

Great skates for the little ones, whose popularity has been confirmed by thousands of user reviews. Soft and comfortable, they were made of artificial leather with the use of (for the inside) faux fur, so that the feet of the child are always warm. Since the model is designed for both boys and girls, the manufacturers have foreseen a choice of colors - there are only three (black, white and pink), but the release had no higher meaning anymore.

The main advantage of SK Magic over competitors is the presence of a double blade on skates. Such a measure allowed the skates to become more stable, and the whole skating process less traumatic. Taking into account all the positive nuances and cost, this kit is the best offer (for children) of all existing.

Advantages:

• the inside of the boot is trimmed with faux fur;
• double blade to increase the stability of the child on the ice;
• nice design and the presence of three colors;
• low price;
• huge prevalence in specialized stores.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

Top sliding skates

3 ICE BLADE Bonnie

One of the two sets of sliding skates of the company ICE BLADE, rightfully occupying a place in the ranking of the best. This model was presented to the general public before the start of the 2015/2016 season, so the female half of users had enough time for tough and impartial testing.

According to their reviews, the ergonomics and design of the skates were thought out to the smallest detail. So, one of the advantages of ICE BLADE Bonnie was the fact that instead of interior trimming with soft thermo-woven fabric, a special stocking was placed inside the boot.Its advantage over the lining is obvious: after rolling it can be reached and carefully dried, thereby slightly prolonging the life of the kit. You can also note the installed blade of high carbon steel with a special protective coating against corrosion, additional strengthening of the toe and heel, and the magnificent design of the “composition”, worthy of the highest praise.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• excellent appearance of the model;
• additional strengthening of the heel and toe areas;
• synthetic liner is used as internal filling.

Disadvantages:

• High carbon blade often corrodes.

2 ICE BLADE Skyline

ICE BLADE Skyline - this is the case when the external design becomes almost the first reason for the inclusion of inventory in the rating. In fact, these skates are almost complete repetition of the kit (in terms of technology) presented above: the same plastic case (but much more creative in design), the same high-carbon blades with anti-corrosion coating and the same feelings from hire.

However, there are a couple of key changes. Instead of a separate stocking in Skyline, a synthetic finish is used - not the best option in terms of care, but it performs its main functions regularly. There is also a difference in the method of fixation on the leg: here a combined method is used (shoelaces + standard clips), which well tighten the ankle and provide a sharper feeling of ice. In general, the main factor in the choice is excellent customization, in the appendage of which is attached a low market value.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• great design (color scheme + additional elements);
• double fixation on the leg;
• good feeling of ice.

Disadvantages:

• There are problems with blade rusting (with prolonged use).

1 Action PW-322

The first line of the ranking is a universal teenage set of sliding skates, the size range of which includes models from 33 to 40 sizes inclusive. The sliding mechanism allows you to adjust the size of four units (for example, from 33 to 37), so that the skates can be used for four to five seasons. As expected in this case, the shoe is completely made of plastic, and its interior is trimmed with synthetic to save heat inside the skates.

As regards the appearance, the complaints are minimal: the producers managed to create a color scheme that does not confuse either boys or girls, and fits into the framework of universality. The only vain step of the manufacturers was to equip the kit with a large number of small elements, since they all fall out of the general background.

Advantages:

• adequate color matching unisex model criteria;
• the appropriate presence of synthetic finishes inside the boot;
• quite high degree of comfort;
• four-step sliding mechanism;
• low price.

Disadvantages:

• abundance of small decorative elements.

How to choose good skates

The purchase of skates in almost all cases follows the same scenario: consumers look for the cheapest models, pay attention to the size range and very rarely to the overall quality of workmanship. This approach is justified only when the inventory is acquired for infrequent skating on the rink (which does not entail strong negative actions from excessive discomfort and the lack of proper ergonomics). To implement the correct selection of skates, we recommend relying on the scope and parameters that are specific to each specific type.

1. When choosing skates for hockey special attention should be paid to comfort, rigidity and size matching. Make sure that the shoe is clearly fixed foot - it is not necessary to purchase a model with the presence of space "in reserve." This will not only increase the comfort of using skates, but also significantly reduce the risk of earning a serious injury.
2. Skate selection for figure skating also requires the selection of the exact size of the athlete's leg. Not only the degree of injury, but also the lifespan of the skates, the feeling of ice, and the speed of mastering the skills of skating depend on this nuance. Be sure to pay attention to the material of the boot - too coarse fabric can cause discomfort when performing complex elements that require a large amount of movement

In the case of inventory selection for newbies You should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. The material of manufacture. As a rule, three types of materials are used in the manufacture of skate shoes: a). genuine leather - perfectly maintains the shape, has good heat transfer properties, but poor moisture resistance; b). artificial leather - has good moisture resistance, keeps its shape well, but does not provide adequate heat exchange (legs in such shoes will sweat); at). plastic is a cheap and moderately durable material with low ergonomic properties. When choosing skates on the material should be based on their own preferences.
2. Boot stiffness. The key parameter that determines the degree of injury of skates. You should not choose unnecessarily rigid models, since the probability of stretching the ankle joint in this case is very high. Give preference to models of medium hardness, and also make sure they are comfortable wearing.
3. Size range. Since skating on recreational skates (most often) involves finding a person in low temperature conditions, one should provide for a reserve place for a warm sock. But do not overdo it: a stock in one size will be enough.
4. Price range. When considering this parameter, you should use the principle of moderation: since skates are purchased for a beginner, and such entertainment (which, alas, is not uncommon) may not be to your liking, it will be very pitiful to spend large sums. Prefer less expensive models, but be sure to pay attention to the quality of performance.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of skates for skating?
We vote!

SK (Sports Collection)

Action

Bauer

CCM

GRAF

ICE BLADE

Larsen

NORDWAY

Total voted: 57

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