If you want to buy ice skates, the first question is: recreational ice skate, ice hockey skate or, for children, an adjustable model that grows with them? This guide explains the differences, gives tips on size and fit and shows you how to look after your blades properly. You will find our current selection in the Ice skates category.
Recreational or ice hockey skate?
Both designs have their strengths. What matters is how you want to skate on the ice.
| Recreational ice skate | Ice hockey skate | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot | usually a soft boot with a plastic shell, comfortable and warm | stiff, close-fitting boot with lots of lateral support |
| Blade | longer blade, steady straight-line tracking | more curved blade, agile for quick changes of direction |
| Use | ice skating at the rink or on a lake | ice hockey and sporty, fast skating |
For beginners and families, a recreational ice skate is generally the better choice. It is more comfortable and more forgiving. If you want to play ice hockey, you need the stiffer boot plus protective gear. For children, there is for example the Powerslide Hockey Set with shin and elbow pads.
Adjustable kids' ice skates
Children's feet grow quickly. Size-adjustable ice skates can be lengthened by several sizes using a lever or mechanism and can therefore usually be used for more than one season. It is important that the boot still fits firmly at the size set and supports the ankle. So always adjust the boot to fit the current foot, not to allow room for growth.
Size and fit
- Firm fit: the heel should not lift while skating. The toes may lightly touch the front when you stand up straight, and should have a little room when you bend your knees slightly.
- Socks: try on ice skates with the socks you will wear on the ice. Thin technical socks are better than thick wool socks.
- Ankle support: lace or fasten the boot firmly around the ankle. A wobbly ankle is the most common cause of unsteady skating.
Our Size Chart helps you determine your foot length.
Blade guards and replacement blades
Off the ice, you should always protect the blades with blade guards. Just a few steps on concrete or tiles can damage the edge. Guards made of sturdy fabric, such as the T-Blade Blade Guards Classic made of Cordura, also protect the blade during transport and storage. On ice skates with the T-Blade system, the blade can be swapped as a replacement blade. The original length, which is stated on the blade, is decisive here.
Care: drying the blades
After skating, wipe the blades dry immediately. Use an absorbent cloth for this. Do not put wet blades into closed guards, as moisture collects inside and rust can form. Then let the boots dry open in the air, not on the radiator. New ice skates often come from the factory with only a standard hollow grind. We recommend having the blades sharpened before skating for the first time.
Ice skate clearance sale: remaining stock from our range
We are selling off our ice skates. In the clearance sale we are offering the remaining stock. Please note that not all sizes are still available. The offer is valid while stocks last. Some examples:
- Powerslide ICE D3 Man Ice Skate: recreational ice skate with a soft boot, lightweight plastic shell, EVA footbed and stainless steel X-Blade. The women's version, Powerslide ICE D3, has the same construction.
- K2 Ice Champ Junior Kids' Ice Skate: soft boot for children, adjustable from size 30 to 34 via a lever.
- K2 Ice Merlin junior: kids' ice skate with an upper boot from K2's inline skate production, adjustable from 33.5 to 35.5.
If you have any questions about size and fit, we will be happy to advise you by phone or in our retail store in Villingen-Schwenningen.
