Carpenter Boot Company - Anything But Standard

Short track protection: cut-resistant, helmets and gloves

Short track blades are sharp and skaters race inches apart, so good protection isn't optional. Here you will find cut-resistant under-skins and suits, short track helmets, cut-resistant gloves, neck guards, shin, knee and ankle protection, cut-resistant socks and glasses, from NAGANO, Skate-Tec and CBC.

Below you can read what is required at ISU competitions. Clubs and federations usually follow the same list, but check their own rules too.

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Protection, piece by piece

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 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.

Frequently asked questions about short track protection

What protection is required in short track?

At ISU competitions you need: an ASTM-standard helmet, cut-resistant gloves, a cut-resistant neck guard, shin guards, knee pads, cut-resistant ankle socks, eye protection and a cut-resistant suit covering the whole body. Clubs and federations usually follow the same list; check their own rules too.

Which cut level do you need?

The ISU rates fabric against EN 388, the European cut-resistance standard: the higher the level, the better the protection. We carry, among others, the NAGANO Under-Skin IMPERIUM (Level 3), the NAGANO anti-cut socks (Level 4) and the Skate-Tec Cut-Proof Skating Suit 3+. Check the rules of your club or competition for the level that applies there.

Which standard must a short track helmet meet?

The ISU requires a helmet that meets the current ASTM standard (ASTM F1849-23), with no large vents a blade could slip through. The NAGANO AeroEdge is ASTM and CE certified for speed skating. The Skate-Tec Helmet 013 Pro is ISU certified and SGS tested; the Helmet 025 Visor uses the same shell with a magnetic polycarbonate visor.

Which gloves do you wear for short track?

Cut-resistant gloves. The NAGANO Pro Gloves 3.0 with VivaSkin technology are made to work with NAGANO Quick Tips. Looking for carbon fingertips? See the CBC GloveArmor in our gear.

When should you replace a helmet?

If you see a crack in the shell after a crash, replace the helmet.

NAGANO AeroEdge short track helmet Short track gear and fingertips All NAGANO gear