Source: sourceforsports.com
How To: Prevent Cold Feet in Your Hockey Skates
When you are playing hockey, the last thing on your mind should be cold feet.
Your upper body will get very warm under all the equipment you are wearing as you exert yourself. However, your feet may be telling another story, especially if you play outdoors.
Cold and uncomfortable feet will distract you and take your focus off the game, but there are things you can do to avoid this problem.
Make Sure Your Skates are Properly Fitted
One of the most effective ways to avoid cold feet is to make sure your skates are properly fitted. Skates should be snug, but not be too tight. There should be a little room at the front of the boot to allow circulation to your toes. When playing hockey, it is common for your feet to temporarily swell a little. A properly fitted skate will compensate for this by expanding slightly; so slightly that you do not even notice it. This will allow for blood circulation to continue without restriction, especially down to the toes.
However, too much room in your skates mean your heel and feet won’t be locked in, which will have an adverse effect on your skating; you will lose energy transfer from your foot through the blade, slowing you down and making your turns sloppy.
Sock Strategy 101
It seems intuitive to want to wear a heavy sock or multiple layers of socks if you are trying to keep your feet warm. You may even be tempted to go with a larger skate size to accommodate socks or toe warmer packs.
Bad idea.
Your feet will sweat, a lot, and the moisture will get trapped. This moisture will cool rapidly and make your feet feel frozen quickly. As well, thick sock material will cause friction and rubbing between the skate and your foot, that could result in painful blisters, and your skates will be too big to perform properly.
Technical socks made specifically for hockey are recommended for use in your skates.
