| If you are gathering information regarding | | | | front a little complimented by your heel |
| ice hockey skates then read on. Some of the | | | | staying tight in the back and the sides of |
| most popular choices are Bauer, CCM, and Nide | | | | the skate keeping your foot locked into |
| hockey skates. This has been a brand of | | | | position. This is known as a Bauer hockey |
| choice for many years by some of the NHL's | | | | professional custom fit that all serious |
| fastest skaters. Top brands like CCM, Nike, | | | | players should follow. |
| Graf, Mission, and Easton are all good | | | | |
| choices too. The most important features for | | | | I cannot stress enough the importance of the |
| hockey skates are heel support, graphite | | | | fitting of the skate. When you are shopping |
| base, break in period, comfort latex ankle | | | | ask the person selling you on the skates if |
| pads, durability, optimal lateral stability, | | | | they play any competitive hockey. Get a feel |
| insole and outsole for tighter turning | | | | if they know what they are talking about and |
| ability, and Tuuk stainless steel blades for | | | | do not get sold by someone who has been |
| proven performance and speed. | | | | through "training" with the skate |
| | | | manufacturer. If they have not been in any |
| If you want to be great at striding you will | | | | fast paced hockey games at a competitive |
| want to buy the best hockey skates you can | | | | level then how can they possibly recommend |
| find. Fitting your foot is very important | | | | anything that is good at all? I recommend |
| when selecting a brand. For instance when | | | | searching for local stores that are smaller |
| you are standing straight up in Bauer hockey | | | | and have time to spend with you. Avoid |
| skates your toes should be touching the edges | | | | department or outlet stores as most of these |
| at the front. When you bend your knees into | | | | companies hire students and the cheapest |
| a hockey stance your toes should come off the | | | | labor possible and not an "expert". |