When you are considering buying a pair of ice skates, it is important to first decide what type of skiing you plan to do. Just as the word “ball” can mean any of hundreds of different types of balls, the term “ice skates” includes shoes with ice blades for playing hockey, racing, ice skating, ice dancing, or simple recreational skating. Different sleds are designed for each of these types of activities.
Snowboarding boots are designed with an extra-rigid shoe so that the foot and ankle are well supported when the skater jumps or spins on the ice. Lack of support from the boot can cause the skier’s foot and ankle to twist on landing, potentially causing injury.
Although it’s hard to notice the difference from a distance, the heel of a quality skate will be made of leather, not the wood typically found on recreational skates. Leather provides a more resilient cushion when the skier’s weight lands on one foot.
Hockey and racing skates don’t have the type of heel construction you’ll find in figure skating shoes. These shoes generally have a flat sole.
All snowboarding shoes feature prominent toe shovels, which are the serrated portion of the blade that allows the skater to “dig” into the ice when jumping or pivoting. Hockey and racing skates do not have picks, because these skaters do not perform these maneuvers. Recreational skates will have smaller, less sharp toe selections.
Manufactured from heavy leather, skates are often much heavier than skates designed for hockey, racing, or simple recreational skating. Many skate makers now design recreational skates out of plastic, vinyl, soft leather, or heavy canvas, all of which are lighter and usually more comfortable for simple skates activities. The break-in period for soft skates is usually very short or non-existent. Soft ice skates also have more interior space for extra padding for warmth and comfort on the ice.
All snowboards will be available in different inexpensive and high quality versions. Simple and entry-level recreational sleds usually come with metal blades attached. Skis for more advanced skiers are usually sold without blades, as advanced skiers in any ice sport want their blades selected and professionally fitted to their skates.
All snowboard blades should be sharpened occasionally. Dull blades will not perform well on ice. Someone who has been skating with rental skates will be surprised at the improved performance when they first take to the ice on well-sharpened blades. Blades must be sharpened by a professional. Blade sharpening is not a do-it-yourself attempt.