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The most important part of selecting a skate is the fit. You may think that
durability and looks are right up there, but if the skate doesn't fit properly
you won't use it. Skates come in all shapes and sizes. Some are thin and have
nothing more than a sock-like liner. Others see the value in comfortable liners
and insert memory foam liners in their skates. Before you even put the skates
on, you should look at the liner and feel all around it to see how good it is.
There should be a little extra padding at the toe for those frequent crunches,
and they may also offer custom inserts to better fit your foot. Regardless,
they should be thick and sturdy.
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Basic Rules
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There are some basic
rules that ensure whether a skate is a good fit or not. Of course the first
is to know your foot size. When measuring you should be seated so that the length,
arch and width may be measured. You should then stand up and take note of any
changes. If there are significant changes, this could mean that you tend to
pronate and may need a custom insole. You should also measure both feet since
you may have one foot slightly larger. If so you should probably get the larger
size so that both are snug and comfortable in the skate.
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Womens Skates
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Women have a different
foot shape that tends to have thinner heels, higher insteps, higher arch, and
lower forefoot. A woman's forefoot often tends to spread a little more than
a man's when weighted, and this should be taken into account. Also important
is the cuff of the skate.
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Liner Types
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Liner types are also pretty important. Lace up liners tend to offer greater support and better fitting
than normal stitched liners.
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Narrow Feet
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Narrow feet are a
different story. The easiest way to deal with them is to add pads in along the
liner. Underneath, on the sides, wherever you can to make a good fit. And of
course as in the wide foot scenario, you don't want to buy a narrower but shorter
boot. Don't trade one uncomfortable aspect for another.
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General Looseness
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If the skate length is fine, but the feel is just a bit loose, try lifting the
foot by use of pads.
Back and forth looseness: If the skate is of a good fit, but tends to
move back and forth, try adding a tongue pad in. This helps push the foot back
and is good for solving problems like this.
Sensitive instep: Adding a pad in the tongue away from the sensitive
spot tends to help relieve pressure.
Skates too wide: If it is just a little too wide, put a pad along
the outside of the liner. If it is way too lose, put a pad both along the inside
and outside.
Loose heel: A customised heel cushion could be helpful. You should
place the pad inside the liner.
Pronation and supination: A heel wedge will help with support
and stance in both cases. If it is a severe case, custom-fitted insoles may
be needed.
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Skate Type
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After you know what
type of fit you are seeking, the next obvious question is what type of skate
so knowing what type/s of skating you want to do is essential.
Recreational skates tend to be lighter and have bigger / softer wheels. They can be further
divided into soft-boot or hard boot skates. All good recreational skates feature
a heel brake which can be easily replaced.
Aggressive inline skates have smaller flattened wheels, a soul space
and H-block designed for grinding and launching off ramps. They're built for
strength. Their lower centre of gravity makes aggressive skates better for use
in a skate park or on the city streets. For little skaters, some manufacturers
have combined the benefits of having an aggressive skate with a heel brake.
The heel brake may be removed once the child is competent in using turns to
control their speed and when having a brake may get in the way (e.g. on a half-pipe).
(see Australian Rollerblading
/ Inline Skating Online Magazine for more information on Aggressive Inline
Skating)
Speed skates are usually very light and have 5 wheels. Having 5 wheels
makes the skate faster but also slightly harder to turn.
Hockey skates are designed to allow skaters to turn faster often incorporating
'rockering' of the wheels and a detachable heel brake.
Off-road skates (such as the Rollerblade Coyote) are great for leaving the urban
landscape behind. They are very hard to find. They incorporate pneumatic rubber
tyres.
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Skate Parts
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Skate parts are also
an essential part of a purchase. Make sure that the bearings are sturdy (ABEC-1
to ABEC-5), and the skate has some sort of metal rockering spacers. Metal bearing
spacers are also extremely important for speed and stability. But don't go spending
any extra money on wheels. By the time you need to buy new ones, you will know
how you skate and can get wheels that best suit your needs.
Remember to regularly turn over your wheels to ensure even wear. Also see the product review area of Rollerblading.com.au for more information and equipment purchases.
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