To support this fast-paced contact sport, hockey skates must be strong and sharp. The skates are designed to cushion blows from pucks and players, and can be modified based on the position you play. New, supportive materials have emerged to enhance speed and support to prevent injury.
Components
Hockey skates are made of three basic parts: boot, holder and runner. The boot is the portion your foot slips into that supports the foot; the holder attaches the runner or blade to the skate. However, some skates use a two-piece design, where the runner and the holder are one solid piece and the boot is attached. The two-piece skate type is better suited for beginning skaters because intermediate to advanced skaters prefer to switch out the runner more frequently to keep it sharp.
Different Than Figure Skates
Although both are made to skate on the ice, hockey and figure skates are modified based on each athlete's needs. Hockey players require a boot that is padded to protect against the frequent impacts that occur during the game. Figure skates have a serrated toepick on the front of them, which allows a skater to make sudden stops. Instead, a hockey player relies on the sides of his skates to make stops.
Boots
The boot of the hockey skate is made of specialized materials to protect the foot from injury and water. Special boot materials include Kevlar and graphite. Foam padding, leather and other synthetic materials are added to the boot to protect the foot from puck strikes. Because the boot must protect the foot on a very thin blade, the boot must be very strong, lightweight and durable. Hockey skates fit in a unique way to support the ankle and provide stability on the ice. Hockey skates typically are sized one to one-and-a-half sizes smaller than shoe size. You should not be able to place more than one finger inside the heel. If you can fit more than one finger, your skates may be too large--which will not provide adequate stability for you while playing hockey.
Blades
Hockey blades differ in lengths depending on the position you play. For example, goalie blades tend to have a larger radius--the portion of the blade that rests on the ice. Forwards have a shorter radius because they need to maneuver more easily across the ice. Hockey skates also are unique because the blades can be sharpened to create a double edge. This provides extra stability and maneuverability on the ice. The more the blades are sharpened, the more maneuverable the skates.
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