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What protection do I need?
Short track blades are sharp and skaters race inches apart, so good protection isn't optional. At ISU events you need an ASTM-certified helmet, cut-resistant gloves, a cut-resistant neck guard, shin guards, knee pads, cut-resistant ankle socks, eye protection and a full-body cut-resistant suit. Clubs and national federations usually follow the same list, but check their rules too. We carry protection from NAGANO Skate and Skate-Tec.
Cut-proof suits and under-skins
Cut-proof suits and under-skins give you cut protection from neck to ankle. The ISU rates suit fabric against EN 388, the European cut-resistance standard, where a higher level means more protection. ISU events require EN 388 cut level 3, and international senior and junior competitions require at least level 2. Wear it as your race suit or as an under-skin beneath one.
Helmet and neck guard
The ISU requires a short track helmet that meets the current ASTM standard (ASTM F1849-23), with no large vents a blade could slip through. Pair it with a cut-resistant neck guard that covers your whole neck up to the chin, worn under your suit so a blade can't slide underneath.
Shin, ankle and knee
Shin guards and padded or hard-shell knee pads are required in ISU competition and take the hits in a crash. Cut-resistant ankle socks cover the gap between suit and boot, right where blades pass closest.