Things everyone should know before buying ice skates

There are so many choices in ice skates. This article will help a new or prospective skater purchase his or her first pair of skates. Inexpensive ice skates may draw some buyers, but anyone who "knows skating" also knows that any skates must be purchased from stores that deal exclusively with ice skates and skating supplies.

Entry Level Figure Skates

There are many entry level ice skates available for beginner level skaters. Jackson is one of the most popular brands in hockey and figure skating. Their entry level model called Softec, but other skate companies are producing entry level skates too.

In recent years, entry level skates have been manufactured with a soft and comfortable boot. Leather and vinyl figure skates are also available for beginning ice skaters.

The soft entry level boot is not meant for intermediate or advanced figure skating, but is an excellent choice for the recreational skater who wishes to enjoy being on the ice with family and friends.

Boot-Blade Figure Skate Packages

Boot and blade figure skate combination packages are also available for beginning and intermediate level skaters.

When purchasing a boot-blade package, be aware that the boots should be somewhat stiff to give feet and ankles support, but should be flexible enough to break in and feel comfortable.

It is recommended that skaters purchase figure skates from a store that deals exclusively with figure skates. If that is not an option, take the time to learn about the many different kinds of skates that are available for purchase.

Buying Boots and Blades Separately

Buying boots and blades separately is always an option, even for beginning figure skaters.

Until recently, most figure skaters bought boots and blades separately. There are many high quality boots and blades. Take the time to get familiar with the boots and blades available.

All advanced skaters buy boots and blades separately.

Buying Used Figure Skates

Sometimes good used boots and blades are better than inexpensive, lower-quality new skates. Make sure that the used boot has support and not broken down. Also make sure that the blade has some “sharpening life” left. Make sure the boots fit properly. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the used boots or blades.

Blades

Higher quality figure skate blades are sharpened less often. They also have better flow on the ice. Don’t skimp on the blades. The quality of the blade will affect gliding, turning as well as spins and jumps quality.

Correct Fit

The foot has to fit in the boot. There should be no extra room in the boot, especially in the heel. The boot should "fit like a glove." When purchasing boots for young skaters, make sure that boot is no more than ½ size bigger then they need to be. If you can fit more than one finger into the boot behind the hill of child’s foot in unlaced skate, they are too big.

New Boots May Hurt

Understand that good figure skating boots may hurt at first. Expect a "break-in" period. The new technology for some skates will allow to heat mold the boot to the skater’s foot. Please see manufacture label when buying skates.

Consult a Skating Coach

Skating coaches may recommend a certain skates for a new ice skater. Take the time to consult your coach before purchasing skates. Should a Figure Skater Purchase New or Used Figure Skates?

Is it okay to purchase used figure skating boots or blades?

Answer: Good used figure skates can be okay, especially if a skater is a beginner. Get Advice: Ask a skating coach for suggestions on what kind of boots or blades to look for.

Don't Buy Cheap Ice Skates:

Sometimes good used boots and blades are better than inexpensive or low quality figure skate sets or packages. An “unwritten rule” in the ice skating world that is passed on to those new to the sport is that cheap boots and blade sets that are sold at sporting good stores or department stores are not acceptable.

Ask Questions and Look For Quality:

Make sure that the used figure skating boot has support left in it and the blades have some sharpening life in them. Make sure the boots fit properly. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the used boots or blades.

Review of Double Runner Figure Skates

Parents of young children may think it is a good idea to buy double runner figure skates since the cost of the skates is low, but for those truly interested in learning to skate, this type of skate just won't do. Double runner skates 1) can not be sharpened, and 2) will not allow the student to learn proper edges.

The skates come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles for both boys and girls. There is no toe pick on the blade. The double blades may give young new skaters some security and balance, but is not adequate for gliding on the ice.

Skating in inexpensive double runner figure skates may be okay for very young recreational skaters that only skate once or twice per year on the pond, but ice skates available for rent at ice arenas sometimes are better in quality. Those interested in ice skating should consider paying a little more money for a higher quality boot and blade set.

How To Take Care of Your Figure Skates

There are some guidelines to follow regarding the care of figure skates. Here's How:  Always dry blades thoroughly after skating.  Get blades sharpened on a regular basis by a professional.  Wear skate guards on ice skating blades when walking on hard surfaces, floors, and/or concrete.  After drying skates thoroughly, cover and store the blades inside of towel-like soakers.  Do not leave or store blades inside of plastic or rubber skate guards.  Polish figure skating boots on a regular basis.  In addition to drying blades thoroughly, dry off the boot's sole completely.  Open up the boots a bit, so they can air out, after each skating session.  Never attempt to walk around or skate in ice skates without the boots being completely laced up.  Replace broken figure skate laces on a regular basis.  Have an experienced figure skate technician mount blades and replace screws when necessary.

What Are Skate Guards? Skate guards are protective covers, usually made of rubber or plastic, which protects ice skate blades. Every figure skater must have a pair of ice skate guards to put on blades, especially if he or she needs to walk on a surface other than the rubber mat that surrounds most ice surfaces. Blades will be ruined if they touch concrete, wood, grass, or any surface besides ice, rubber, or carpet, so skate guards are a must.

Soakers - Figure Skate Cloth or Towel-Like Blade Covers

Figure skaters should not walk in soakers, skate guards should be used for walking on concrete and other other surfaces. Also, ice skating blades should not be dried with soakers. Instead figure skaters should dry their blades thoroughly with a towel or cloth, then the dried blades should be placed in soakers.