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In our experience we have found that the impact of skating instruction can be either ehanced or limited by skate fit and blade alignment. We are experts in skating and skating development. Your local retailers are the experts in skate fit. We have found that when our clients are well informed and understand the importance of skates on their performance, they can then experience larger and longer lasting results. We attempt to partner with retailers in each of our locations to ensure that our shared clients are taken care of. Here are a couple of key points that we have found that will help you become a more educated consumer of skates. You can then partner with your local skate shop to ensure that you leave the store with skates that fit for maximum performance. |
Did you know?
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Boys' feet usually stop growing when the boy reaches age 12 or 13. The rest of the body may grow significantly in height and weight after this, but the feet tend to remain the same size.
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Girls' feet generally do not grow after the girl reaches age 13 or 14.
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If a skate looks too big for a foot, it probably is.
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Shoe widths are different than skate widths. Skates are wider than shoes of the same width classification.
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When purchasing skates for a growing child, allow a half-size (about 3/16 in. or 5 mm) for growing room. Generally, this growth allowance will provide 12 months of skating before it becomes necessary to stretch the boot or buy new skates.
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If the fit is correct, the average 10 year-old child should be able to lace up his or her skates securely without assistance.*
How do you
properly fit a
skate?
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Always match the skate model to the skater's size, ability, and frequency of use.
WARNING: Not every skater will benefit from a higher end skate. A boot that is too stiff can significantly hinder a skater's performance by preventing knee bend and proper edge control. Of course, the opposite is also true: larger, more aggressive skaters need a higher end boot for proper support and durability. -
Hockey skates fit 1 to 1-1/2 sizes smaller than shoes, for both boys' and men's sizing. For example, a size 6 running shoe will correspond to a size 4 1/2 or 5 skate.
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Women's skates generally fit 2 sizes smaller than their shoe sizing. For example a women's size 7 1/2 shoe will require about a size 5 1/2 skate.
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A skate fits properly only when laced up. When tightened, the laces will draw the foot back into the boot. A skate that feels too small at first can feel fine once it is done up.*
What is a blade
alignment and
why is it
important for my
player?
A blade
alignment is
similar to a
‘wheel
alignment’ in a
car. If the
wheels of your
car are
misaligned, the
car’s direction
must always be
corrected. Our
company, Quantum
Speed, is in the
business of
helping players
“work less and
get more.” In
other words, be
efficient! If a
player is NOT on
the flats of
their blades
during the glide
phase of balance
or gliding
exercises and
cannot access
the flat while
striding,
skating becomes
more difficult,
and blade
alignment may be
the issue.
Here are some
CLUES that point
to incorrect
blade alignment:
-
Repeatedly falling during a tight turn to one or both sides
-
Narrow Stance (more narrow than hip-width)
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Wide Stance (wider than hip-width)
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Knees knock together while gliding
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Foot pain
-
Knee pain
-
Hip or lower back pain
-
Difficulty shooting while in stride
The body wants
to work
efficiently and
will adapt to
overcome blade
alignment
issues, however
this will have a
negative effect
on the long term
potential for
speed
development,
power transfer
and overall
‘joint order’
biomechanics.
Incorrect blade
alignment has
also been shown
to potentially
lead to injury.
What do I do if
I think my
players’ skates
are mis-aligned?
Two reputable
retailers in the
