A skate includes a boot for receiving a wearer's foot and ankle therein,
boot having a boot upper fixed to an outsole. The boot upper includes a
vamp for covering a front portion of the foot, first and second quarters
connected to the vamp for covering sides of the foot, an instep portion
connected to the vamp and quarters for at least partly covering a top
portion of the foot, and a rear portion connected to the quarters for
covering a rear portion of the foot and ankle. At least the instep
portion and part of the rear portion are made of a first material, and
the first and second quarters are made of a different, second material.
The second material is more rigid than the first material.