When we all were young , I am pretty sure that we all imagined that we have some sort of jet motor beneath our feet and we are moving at a super speed . The dream came kind of halfway true by using roller skates . Slowly skating became a part of sports and then we started skating and playing games simultaneously . One of the best examples we have is hockey.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT INLINE HOCKEY SKATES:
Let’s jump into the facts which you need to look at in an inline skate .
- Height of the skate : The skate height needs to be in a comfortable position . The proper height will support your feet and ankle while balancing. Proper height provides proper balance.
- Flexibility of the ankle padding : The ankle part needs to be very flexible , which will support your ankle while bending. If it is not flexible and stiff , this will cause you pain while bending.
- Material: The least stiff material is required for enough flexibility of your boot . An ideal example is polycarbonate.
- Soft liners: You need to make sure that your boot liners are soft enough to make sure that your feet don’t hurt.
- Boot cup: A lower boot cup is more important if speed matters more for you.
- Lacing system : There are mainly three types of lacing . Traditional, speed lacing system or the one with the loop . You need to try them out and find out which one is comfortable for you . If you don’t like too many options , simply go for the traditional one .
- Wheels : The harder the wheels , the longer it lasts . But hard wheels won’t give you the required grip you want . The softer wheels provide a good quality grip to keep you stuck on the surface .
- Wheel size : Different sizes provide different specifications. The larger wheels work better in speedy smooth surfaces. The smaller wheels work during slow and rough rides. As a beginner it’s better to start with smaller wheels to enjoy a more balanced ride .
Sizing your skate:
If you want a perfect fit , the most important work is to size your feet. Now the question is , how to do that . We are here to help you out with the size thing . There are basically two methods.
Method 1:
If you are an adult then your skate size will be 1.5 size less than your normal shoe size , like your normal shoe size is 38 then your skate size will be 36.5 .
If you are in your teenage years , then your skate size will be 1 size less than your normal shoe .
If you are still not so sure about this method then we got another one for you .
Method 2:
This method is called tracing and measuring. Keep your feet on a white paper and trace your feet holding the pencil straight . Then measure the length and then the width . There’s a universal chart of skates size . Figure out your size seeing your length and width . Then there comes the volume fact. It’s one of the most important things . For example , your and your friend’s length and width are the same . Still you two will not fit into the same skate . Because of the volume. The volume matters because of the size of ones instep forefoot , heel and ankle . So measure them as well to get the volume of your feet whether it is narrow , large or mid.
Best Inline Skates Suggestions for You:
We are here with some very cool skate options for you.
1.MISSION INHALER FZ-0 INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – SENIOR
The most featured Inline skates available currently in the market . You will find many high quality features from top to bottom of the boot . While designing the boot , the basic idea was to make it high performing, lightweight without sacrificing the durability and giving it an excellent ventilation system . The boot comes with a traditional lacing system. The foam padding inside keeps the foot safe from lace biting .
Pros:
- High performance wheels , which will support every type of stunts you like to make
- Light
- Wheels will give excellent grip to the surface
- Nice anatomical shape
- Extreme heat moldable
- High quality ventilation system which will keep your feet dry
- Highly breathable material to keep your feet cool
- The paddings cover the ankle and give superior protection
- Minimum feet movement inside the boot
- Memory foam padding inside
- Most cool looking skates present on market
Cons:
- Side paddings might not be that supportive
2.MISSION MISSION INHALER FZ-1 INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – SENIOR
This is Mission’s most best featured skate . FZ 1 took advantage of every previously trusted and appreciated feature. The result is a very comfortable, responsive and high performing skate . The cool looking skate got high low switch bearings which will give you better speed , grip , agility and stop . The boot material is one of the lightest, comfortable and extreme heat moldable materials right now on the market .
Pros:
- The ventilation process that works on both side
- Keeps the foot cool throw out the game
- Liner is very soft that you can even go barefoot
- Ankle padding provides really good comfort and lock
- Two types of wheel improves the performance
- A great grip on surface
- They worked pretty much on locking your feet well inside the , so you can have great energy transfer
- Pretty light
Cons:
- Won’t fit the bigger foot
- Hard to find the difference from the previous model
3.TOUR CODE 1 INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – SENIOR
Very much color popped, high tech , a lot to expect from skates . Protection is one of the main moto of making this pair . The guards all around your feet will give you more spontaneous movements without worrying about your feet . Introduced a completely new thing to do with the tongue . Wearing this pair , you will get the least amount of rubbing and blister issues . A pretty much traditional design but stands upto your expectations and is worth your investment.
Pros:
- Rubbing guards where your feet can easily get worned out
- Reduced weight
- Increased control
- A completely removable and customizable tongue option makes it unique
- More stability by reducing negative space inside ( in front of the toe cap )
- Ankle foam locks the heel well and prevents rubbing
- Extra stiffness
- Wide opening
Cons:
- All the wheels are of same size , this is a positive side for some stunts, but you won’t get that high low wheel balance
4.BAUER VAPOR XR800 INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – 2017 MODEL – SENIOR
A good old classic model with great locks and comfort . It provides good acceleration which will satisfy your speed thirst . The stiffness back in the ankle part is really good . A reacts really well to the baking process . Once baked , it takes literally no time to break . Most importantly, Bauer is providing you with a model with a lot of features without breaking your bank . It is really good for the armatures .
Pros :
- The liner gives you a good lock and keep your foot dry
- The Lock-Fit footbed prevents your foot slipping inside the boot , which saves the energy
- Comfortable
- Powerful stride friendly
- Softer wheels with better grip and smoother rides
- Tongue with slight forward flex
- Two sized wheels with high low technology for more agility
- Elite skates within budget
Cons :
- Possibility of having lace bites
5.MISSION MISSION INHALER FZ-3 INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – SENIOR
Mission’s FZ series is coming up with advanced technologies each year and perhaps this is the best model they came out with . A plenty of high end features made this pair stand out . Introducing so many features at this price point is pretty impressive. Again they used all the previous features that stood out well earlier . So it is the end result of all the good features FZ had earlier .
Pros:
- Best ever grip and stopping power at this price point
- Two sized wheels , with more agility and better glide
- Stiffer sole
- Fully heat moldable
- Ankle guards are stiffer
- Ventilation system on both sides
- Thick tongue for lace bite protection
- Good protection from impact
- Prevents slipping inside the boot
Cons:
- Medium volume skate , won’t fit the bigger foot
6 . TOUR CODE 2 INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – SENIOR
If you are like , I want as many as possible features in my skates , then TOUR CODE got their second addition model for you . A pair of color popping , full with features skates . Protection is one of the main moto of making this pair . The guards all around your feet will give you more spontaneous movements without worrying about your feet . Introduced a completely new thing to do with the tongue . Wearing this pair , you will get the least amount of rubbing and blister issues . A pretty much traditional design but stands upto your expectations and is worth your investment.
Pros :
- Rubbing guards where your feet can easily get worned out
- Reduced weight
- Increased control
- A completely removable and customizable tongue option makes it unique
- More stability by reducing negative space inside ( in front of the toe cap )
- Ankle foam locks the heel well and prevents rubbing
- Extra stiffness
- Wide opening
Cons :
- All the wheels are of same size , this is a positive side for some stunts, but you won’t get that high low wheel balance
7.CCM TACKS 9060R INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – SENIOR
A pretty basic design model perfect for beginners. Pretty much for indoor use . Helps to create balance because of the extra height right beneath the sole. So it is a good skate to begin with . Price point is also low.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Breathable material
- Pretty stiff comparing the price
- Thick tongue for impact and lace bite protection
- Low profile design , so its light
- Good energy transfer
- Budget friendly
Cons:
- A total 80 mm wheelset , so that high low facility is not here
- Standard fit , not for bigger volume foot
8 . BAUER RSX INLINE HOCKEY SKATES – SENIOR
A pretty solid model for light skaters, like once a month or less. Your feet will remain in a comfy , flexy position. Irregular skaters feel a bit uncomfortable every time they wear them . But this one provides overall comfort by adding soft paddings all around . You won’t feel that discomfort even wearing them after months .
Pros:
- Highly comfortable
- Good ventilation
- Two size wheelset with high low setup
- Provides agility without sacrificing the durability
- Heat moldable
- Pretty speedy in case of indoor skating
- Great stopping system
- Extreme budget friendly
Cons:
- Not for heavy duty players
Before you wear:
Once you get the skates in your hand , you must be very excited. You just can’t put your feet right into them and start skating. If you do so , your feet will hurt like hell and you will just try to pull them out of your feet as soon as possible . You need to break your skate . The easiest way to break it is to bake it . You have to put them in a customized oven with a designed ( according to your foot shape ) footbed in it . Once baked , you shouldn’t feel the pain anymore . If you’re still not comfortable, some hammering will do the job.
Hockey is like the extended version of skating. So if you want to skate better , you need better skates first . Get your preferences figured out , then your skates. You need to know what your feet fit in . Once you stand well, then you run well . So get the standing equipment right , you are all welcome to the hockey world then.