Performing well on the ice requires sharp blades, as well as finely honed technical skills. Just as you need to practice on the ice to strengthen your skills, you must take care of your skates off-ice to preserve their performance. That’s where skate guards come in. Skate guards are protective covers that slip onto the blades to keep them sharp and free from damage. They are an essential piece of skating equipment that you should always have in your bag. Skate Guards Protect Your Blades Of course, you want your ice skates to last as long as possible! How long will be determined by how well you care for them. You need to protect your blades from damage. Walking on hard surfaces (like concrete) easily damages the finely crafted blades, causing knicks and dings that compromise longevity and performance. That’s why you should put skate guards over your blades the moment you get off the ice. Skate guards for ice skates are essential for preserving the quality and sharpness of blades. They also protect against accidental knicks that can affect skating performance and eventually necessitate blade replacement. Furthermore, guards prevent the blade’s delicate edges from becoming dull. Without guards, blades will need to be sharpened more frequently, which eventually adds up to a higher maintenance cost. Sharp, well-maintained blades perform better. Speed, complex manoeuvres, and safety all improve when you care for your skates. Keeping You Safe Off the Ice Skate guards also keep you safe off the ice. They provide crucial stability and traction when walking off the ice, preventing accidental slips and injuries. Some figure skate guards are designed with a wider footprint and grips to make walking easier and safer. The Types of Skate Guards Skate guards for ice skates come in two main types: centipede and universal. Centipede Skate Guards Centipede skate guards are highly adjustable, so they can fit over any blade. Their segmented and flexible design provides a snug fit for optimum blade protection. The guard is secured using a small elastic loop fitted around the top of the blade. Without any screws, clips, or metal springs, centipede guards are known for being the easiest to adjust. This makes them a popular choice for recreational skaters. Shop Centipede Skate Guards: Riedell Guards, Guardog® Centipede SolidZ Universal Skate Guards Universal skate guards are made from two pieces of hard plastic connected by springs. These can (and should) be trimmed to fit different sizes of blades. When purchasing universal skate guards from Figure Skating Boutique, please include the size of the blade so we can cut and assemble the guards accordingly. Shop Universal Skate Guards: Rockerz Skate Guards, Guardog® Zigzagz Guards Skate Guards vs. Soakers Skate guards are crucial for protecting your blades off the ice. However, you shouldn’t store your blades in these hard plastic guards for extended periods. Skate guards cannot absorb moisture. Since there’s no way for moisture to escape the guard, even the tiniest amount trapped within will likely cause rusting on the blade. Consequently, you should always store your ice skates in soakers instead. Your ice skating kit should include both skate guards and soakers. Soakers are soft, cloth-lined blade protectors. They fit over the blade and absorb any residual moisture to keep your blades dry and undamaged. Even though soakers are moisture-wicking, you still need to wipe down your blade after use. It’s also a good idea to let your soakers “air out” regularly. This helps ensure that they’re fully dry whenever you need them. Having a backup pair of soakers allows you to rotate them easily. Explore Skate Guards From Figure Skating Boutique At the Figure Skating Boutique, we carry a range of high-quality figure skate guards from leading manufacturers such as Guardog®, EDEA, and Rockerz. Furthermore, we offer a variety of designs from basic to premium. Guardog® Guardog® makes the most popular centipede recreational skate guards on the market. For decades, it has been the global leader in the design and manufacturing of skate guards. Their products are available in an array of colours, perfect for skaters of all ages. Some models even have a fun, fruity scent. EDEA The EDEA E-guards feature a revolutionary vertebrae design that supports the blade hollow, protects the edges, and allows water to drain quickly and efficiently. The superior drainage means drier blades and, therefore, less rust. There are also no parts—simply snap them on and walk off! The wide rubberized sole is softer, quieter, and makes walking easier. The E-guards are available in small, medium, and large so they can fit every blade type and size. Jerry’s Jerry’s makes universal figure skate guards that keep your blades safe and protected while walking. They’re made in a variety of unique styles and fun colours, including glitter, gel gloss, and metal. It’s easy to express your personality with Jerry’s skate guards. Note, though, that these must be cut to fit your blades. Rockerz Rockerz Skate Guards are ergonomically designed for safety and comfort at every step. Not only do they reduce impact and joint stress, but their heavy-duty gripping tread is also ideal for walking. They’re 50% wider than other guards for extra stability. Blades slide in and out with ease, and the sleek design prevents clothing snags. Additonally, you can mix and match colours to create a colour combo that represents your unique personal style. They come in twelve bold and vibrant colours. Rockerz are also made with 100% recycled materials (and are 100% recyclable themselves). Riedell Riedell Skate Guards are made from durable and flexible rubber, making them adjustable for all blade sizes. Although they are one size fits all, they can be trimmed to fit your specific blade length. These skate guards are available in black and white. Discover Skate Guards for Ice Skates From the Figure Skating Boutique At the Figure Skating Boutique, we have everything you need for recreational and competitive skating, including skate guards. We carry durable and vibrant figure skate guards that protect your blades and express your personality. Visit our website to view our selection of reliable and trusted brands. For all your figure skating needs, call Figure Skating Boutique at 1-866-957-0396 or contact us here.
