Do you practice figure skating and have you just started? You will have seen that your friends usually cover their boots with stretch covers: the skate covers. You have probably thought that the purpose is to make the skates more beautiful: often this accessory is made with colored, decorated, glitter fabrics etc.
In this article we would like to explain to you what the real functions of the shoe covers are and why they are an important accessory for your sport.
but what is the problem?
Leaving aside the issues related to the value of the item, which we mentioned earlier, the main problem is that, sooner or later, you will have to use your boots in the race. At that point, if they are damaged and dirty, you will probably have to cover them up. Sometimes this is an artistic choice, but in other cases you may have the opportunity to show off your nice ankle boots... but they will be worn by now. Look at this tip for example: this is typical rubbing damage on the track surface:
The skate covers can help you, since:
In essence, therefore, shoe covers are, in a certain sense, a "sacrificial" accessory which serves to preserve your boots in the best possible aesthetic and functional conditions. Of course, what has been said previously applies: they are also a fashion accessory, the choice of which -even in a sport characterized by strict rules regarding clothing- is generally at the discretion of the athlete. A little touch of personality and originality that doesn't hurt.
Naturally, in carrying out their function, the shoe covers gradually tend to deteriorate, but this is a normal situation, also in consideration of their cost, which is relatively low.
The most important material for the realization of these accessories is Lycra or elasthane, a very elastic synthetic polyurethane fiber characterized by the possibility of dyeing it with very vivid and durable colors. Lycra is resistant to sunlight, sweat and repeated washing as well as bleach. In reality, this fiber is used in variable percentages (in shoe covers, usually 25-35%) for the realization of fabrics, mixing it with other fibers, which determine the final heaviness of the fabric. This is an important feature, because a heavier fabric, in the specific application we are discussing, tends to last longer.
An alternative we offer are the microfibre shoe covers: they are produced knitted (like tights), softer and more elastic and with better ability to adapt to the boot. They are a great alternative to classic shoe covers, only slightly more expensive. This product is also equipped with an elastic "collar", which wraps around the leg, with an aesthetically better final effect.
In this article we would like to explain to you what the real functions of the shoe covers are and why they are an important accessory for your sport.
What are the skate covers for?
In reality, the skate covers are designed to cover only one part of the skate: the boot. Your (expensive) figure skating boots are subjected to a considerable amount of strain and abuse during each workout, but are specially designed to withstand. Unfortunately, however, there are circumstances in which an ankle boot can be damaged: for example, it is very easy, as a result of a fall, to damage the toe of the shoe, or the rear area, at the heel, due to contact with the track and the consequent abrasion of the material constituting the upper. In practice, the boot "scratches" on the ground while we are falling and the result is an unsightly "hole" in the finish of the shoe. This is not a structural damage, but an aesthetic one: nevertheless, in figure skating, having a tidy equipment in good aesthetic condition is very important. Damages of the type described are difficult to remedy, and moreover they reduce the value of the boot in the event that it should, at some point, be sold. Then there is the possibility of damaging the "hooks" that are used to complete the lacing of the boot in its rear part: a side impact is possible, and indeed probable. This type of drawback can involve the removal of a part of the painting of these components, which are made of metallic material, up to their deformation, which requires a mechanical straightening operation. Finally, it often happens to train outdoors, or on tracks that are not perfectly clean, so - over time - the upper tends to get dirty and lose the brilliance of the initial finish.but what is the problem?
Leaving aside the issues related to the value of the item, which we mentioned earlier, the main problem is that, sooner or later, you will have to use your boots in the race. At that point, if they are damaged and dirty, you will probably have to cover them up. Sometimes this is an artistic choice, but in other cases you may have the opportunity to show off your nice ankle boots... but they will be worn by now. Look at this tip for example: this is typical rubbing damage on the track surface:
The skate covers can help you, since:
- within certain limits, they are able to protect the upper from abrasion. Although it is always preferable to provide a toe and heel cover with cloth tape, which can be removed when necessary, the shoe cover offers further protection both in these critical areas and on the remaining surface of the upper.
- They are able to protect the hooks from impacts and rubbing, limiting damage.
- They protect your boots from the accumulation of dust and dirt, greatly simplifying the cleaning of the upper and preserving it from yellowing.
In essence, therefore, shoe covers are, in a certain sense, a "sacrificial" accessory which serves to preserve your boots in the best possible aesthetic and functional conditions. Of course, what has been said previously applies: they are also a fashion accessory, the choice of which -even in a sport characterized by strict rules regarding clothing- is generally at the discretion of the athlete. A little touch of personality and originality that doesn't hurt.
Naturally, in carrying out their function, the shoe covers gradually tend to deteriorate, but this is a normal situation, also in consideration of their cost, which is relatively low.
How are they made?
The shoe covers are made in different sizes, depending on the size of the boot: this is because - again for aesthetic reasons - they must not form folds and wrinkles when used. Given their duration, it makes no sense to buy them too large: it is better, for example, to follow the instructions given in the respective product pages.The most important material for the realization of these accessories is Lycra or elasthane, a very elastic synthetic polyurethane fiber characterized by the possibility of dyeing it with very vivid and durable colors. Lycra is resistant to sunlight, sweat and repeated washing as well as bleach. In reality, this fiber is used in variable percentages (in shoe covers, usually 25-35%) for the realization of fabrics, mixing it with other fibers, which determine the final heaviness of the fabric. This is an important feature, because a heavier fabric, in the specific application we are discussing, tends to last longer.
An alternative we offer are the microfibre shoe covers: they are produced knitted (like tights), softer and more elastic and with better ability to adapt to the boot. They are a great alternative to classic shoe covers, only slightly more expensive. This product is also equipped with an elastic "collar", which wraps around the leg, with an aesthetically better final effect.
Quality of the skate covers
Not all shoe covers are the same. Those proposed by RooL ART are all made in Italy, using, when possible, also stretch fabrics produced in Italy. In this way, we can be sure of the quality of the product, but -above all- based on the feedback from our customers, we can request changes in the production phase. The heaviness chosen for the fabrics used is the result of a compromise, defined on the basis of experience, between the needs of resistance and those of conformability to the boot and of cost.Conclusions
Shoe covers are a good investment to keep your boots in good condition for longer. By using them, together with some further little care, you can show off your beautiful boots even in the competitions!© GOinnova Srl 2018-2021