Size
The boot sizes of the skates. One skate model can have a full
fixed size grid (
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
31,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40,
41,
42,
43,
44,
45,
46 size) and include both
kids skates and adults. And for models with
adjustable sizes(see "More features"), size ranges are indicated in this paragraph, while one model can be produced in several range options. For example, the designation "35-38, 39-42" means that the skates are available in two versions: one is adjustable from size 35 to 37, the second is from 39 to 42.
Boot material
The main material used in the outer trim of the boot.
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Combined synthetics. Combination of different types of synthetic fibers. Specific materials are usually selected with the expectation of resistance to low temperatures and moisture; in general, the combined synthetics are durable, retain heat well, and also do not tend to stretch. At the same time, this material is relatively inexpensive, which makes it very popular, especially in pleasure and hockey skates (see "Skating style").
—
Genuine leather. Quite an expensive and prestigious material: the skin is durable, reliable, impervious to moisture and at the same time allows the foot to “breathe”, and such boots look stylish and solid. In general, this material is considered suitable mainly for figure skating (see "Skating style"), it is practically never found in skates for other purposes. Among the shortcomings of the skin, in addition to the price, one can note the need for special care: shoes must be thoroughly cleaned and treated with special products, otherwise wrinkles and cracks will appear on them.
—
Nylon. Nylon is well suited primarily for recreational and hockey skates: it has good strength and rigidity, combined with low weight. However, such material costs a little more than the same synthetics, and therefore is less common.
—
Artificial leather.... Material that imitates the appearance of genuine leather. Most popular in figure skating models. The quality of leatherette, usually, directly depends on the price category of skates: inexpensive varieties wear out rather quickly, and the most advanced ones are almost indistinguishable from genuine leather. In general, this material is quite soft, but weakly retains heat and does not absorb moisture.
— Plastic. Relatively inexpensive material, which can easily be given almost any colour. At the same time, different types of plastic can be used in modern skates — from inexpensive and relatively fragile to advanced and high-quality ones. So it is best to evaluate the quality of a plastic boot by the price category of skates.
— Composite. Composite is a material consisting of several dissimilar components that do not mix. The specific composition of such a material may vary. However, carbon fibre is most often used in skates — carbon fibre with a plastic filler. Such a material has high rigidity, it is extremely light and at the same time durable. Nonetheless, it is very expensive — and therefore is found only in certain models of premium hockey skates.Sole material
— Plastic. The sole material used in most modern skates, regardless of style or price range. Such popularity is because there are many varieties of plastic on the market that differ in performance, strength and, accordingly, cost. This allows you to choose the best option for almost any type of skate. The overall quality of a plastic sole usually depends on the price category of the product. It is also worth considering that some types of this material do not tolerate temperatures below -10 °C, so when choosing, you should pay attention to the temperature limits indicated in the documentation. This is especially important when buying inexpensive skates.
— Rubber. Relatively flexible and soft material that resists low temperatures well. Nevertheless, rubber does not have fundamental advantages over the same plastic, but costs a little more, which is why it is extremely rare.
— Composite. In the case of skates, composite usually means carbon fibre — carbon fibre with a plastic filler. In terms of strength, such a material is superior to steel, it is cruel, due to which it provides a clear transfer of force from the foot to the blade of the skate while weighing very little. However, carbon fibre soles are not cheap, so they are used only in certain models of premium hockey skates (usually the entire boot is made of the same material in such models).
— Stainless steel. The material used in a rather specific type of skate: removable blades worn...over regular shoes. There is no boot in such skates as such, they consist of blades, soles and straps for attaching to shoes. Of the practical properties of steel, it is worth noting strength, durability, resistance to low temperatures and, at the same time, a rather large weight.
