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Whether you're stepping onto the ice for the first time or looking to upgrade your gear – this guide helps you make the right choice. Skates influence control, comfort, and safety. Here you'll learn everything important – from finding the right fit to matching accessories. More details can be found in our in-depth articles, highlighted in light blue throughout the text.
Purpose: What Type of Skate Do You Need?
Depending on the sport, ice skates differ significantly.
Hockey skates are robust, stiff, and provide maximum support for fast stops, sprints, and impacts – ideal for competitive athletes.
Figure skates are made for balance, elegance, and jump power. They feature longer blades with toe picks, allowing precise movement and spins.
Recreational skates offer comfort and easy handling – perfect for occasional skaters and beginners.
Goalie skates feature special blades for side movement and extra protection – ideal for goalies who need both stability and mobility.
Finding the Right Fit
A proper fit is essential: skates should sit tightly without causing pain. High-end models from €150+ often come in different widths (e.g., Bauer Fit 1–3, CCM Regular/Wide) suited to different foot shapes.
Important: New skates may feel unusually tight at first – that’s completely normal. They are meant to fit much snugger than regular shoes for maximum control and support. As they break in, they adapt better to your foot.
Choosing the right size is key. Contrary to popular belief, your skate size usually matches your regular shoe size. Brand sizing may differ slightly, but all generally follow the same charts. The foot should feel secure without touching the toe cap. For kids’ skates, going 1–2 sizes up is acceptable if the child still stands securely in them. There are also adjustable models that grow with the child.
Perfect fit is achieved with heat-molding: the skate is heated in an oven and molded exactly to your foot – for better hold and less pressure points.
Performance insoles can also improve comfort – especially for foot issues or heavy usage.
Additional Tips & the Right Blade Hollow
One often underestimated factor is the blade hollow. This determines grip and glide. Beginners generally do well with medium radii (e.g. 1/2\"), while advanced players may go deeper or shallower depending on their style.
Accessories like blade guards, skate bags, replacement laces or replacement steel help you maintain your skates and extend their lifespan. Waxed laces improve hold, while interchangeable runners can be easily replaced – great for serious players.
Conclusion: Ready for the Ice
With the right skates, skating becomes more fun – and safer. Whether for hockey, figure skating, leisure, or kids: there’s a perfect model for every need. Focus on proper fit, suitable features, and correct sharpening – and nothing stands in your way on the ice.
If you’re unsure which model or size fits best, get expert help in-store. At our Top on Ice Shop at Hans-Thoma-Str. 7, 68163 Mannheim, our experienced staff will help you try on different skates, find the ideal fit, and even provide heat-molding – for maximum comfort and perfect hold.