Skating is not only fascinating fun for children, but also a useful activity that strengthens the young body, improves motor skills and coordination of movements. It is very important that it is comfortable and safe for the child. For this, special equipment and equipment are needed. And if the choice of a suit and helmet is a matter of minutes, then the choice of skates sometimes turns into a real torture for parents. How to choose children's skates and not make a mistake with the size?
Skates are divided into two groups: roller and figured.
Roller
Roller skates (for children) are great for active walks and training with virtuoso tricks and jumps. Their choice depends on the level of loads. For amateur use standard materials. Sports rollers are characterized by increased strength, improved ventilation and a denser fixation, including a cuff, heel strap and clips.
The difference is with the wheels. For the walking option, a pair frame (four or five wheels) is usually used, for sports - a line (three or four wheels). The latter helps to develop greater speed.
You should consider the style of skiing.
Skates fitness | Soft and ventilated, with high-speed bearings and reinforced frame | For leisurely walks in the park, provide maneuverability |
Ice skating race | With an extended and lowered frame, four or five wheels | These are running skates. Allow to develop high speed |
Skates freeskate | With sturdy plastic boot, cushioned under the heel and removable toe protection | For high-speed driving and performing jumps and stunts |
Skates urban | With shortened chassis | For jumping and walking around the city |
Curly
Figure skates (children) are divided into amateur (pleasure), semi-professional and professional. The former are designed for simple skating on ice, the latter withstand the performance of complex spins and double jumps. Professional skates can be used by skaters and amateurs who value quality. They withstand the performance of complex tricks.
Figure skates (children's) , depending on the style of skating, have different designs.
- Amateur: soft boots and mounted blades.
- Semi-professional: relatively stiff shoes and high-quality individual blades.
- Professional: maximum rigidity of boots, metal blades of increased strength.
When choosing figure skates, you should pay attention to the curvature of the blade. The steeper it is curved, the more maneuverable the skates will be. Figured children's skates also vary in weight. The heavier they are, the warmer they ride.
Universal
Universal children's skates fall into a separate category. They include two types of removable frames: roller and blades. If a child likes to skate both on ice and on asphalt, then parents do not have to buy a new pair when the season changes. It is enough to replace one frame with another.
Dimensions
Choosing skates of any type, it is necessary to consider several points.
- Children's skates should sit tight on the foot, while not pushing or causing discomfort. The ideal size is when the toes slightly touch the inside of the bend of the toe, while the heel lies firmly and confidently. You should pay attention to the width of the children's foot. The leg should not “hang out” inside, otherwise it may lead to injury.
- You can not measure children's skates on a dense wool sock. They should sit clearly on the leg.
- Choosing skates is best with a child. He must not only try them on, but also get on his feet and walk a bit. Then it will be clear whether they are convenient or not. When choosing the size of skates without a child, you can use a special ruler. It is necessary to take into account the presence of the insole and the width of the boot.
- Hockey children's skates are better to take a size larger.
- In figure skates, not only the size of the boot is important, but also the size of the blade. It is measured in inches and corresponds to the length of the boot.
- There are several companies that have established themselves as reliable manufacturers of figure skates. Among them: Nike, Graf, Bauer, Easton. Since these companies are European, the sizes of children's skates will radically differ from Russian ones. Therefore, it is better to buy them in specialized stores with competent personnel.
Sliding
The children's foot is growing rapidly and changing in size - this is a known fact. Therefore, there is nothing easier and more convenient than choosing sliding skates (for children). They are enough, as a rule, for two or three seasons. They are roller and curly.
The design secret lies in adjusting the fixation of the shoe on the children's foot and the movement of the part of the ridge: toe or heel. The first case is the surest. In this case, the weight distribution relative to the frame will remain the same. Heel-shifted models are less secure. The center of gravity shifts back, and the child may simply not adapt and fall.
Usually skates (children's) sliding cover three to five sizes.
Care Tips
For children's skates to last a long time, they must be properly looked after. For example, the blades of figure skates immediately after skating need to be wiped dry and put on fabric (but not plastic!) Covers. This will protect the blades from rust. It is also strictly forbidden to dry the skates on a battery or heater. Only at room temperature!
- If the skate shoe remains usable for a long time, then the wheels gradually wear out and the blades grind off. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor and timely change the roller wheels and sharpen the blades.
- It is impossible to sharpen the blade of the skates yourself. It is better to contact specialists.