Are you ready to invest in a pair of ice skates? While renting skates from your local ice rink can be a convenient option for beginners, there’s a significant difference between lacing up a pair of well-loved rentals and slipping into a brand-new set of ice skates that are your own. We will guide you through finding the perfect fit and discuss seven things you should know before buying a pair of ice skates. Primary Use of the Skates The first factor to consider before buying your pair of ice skates is their purpose. What are the skates for? Are you skating recreationally, figure skating, playing ice hockey or speed skating? It’s essential to consider this before purchase as each discipline requires a different type of skates tailored to its specific needs. Let’s take a look at the difference. Figure Skates Figure skates are characterized by their high-cut boots, which provide ample ankle support for executing jumps, spins and intricate footwork on the ice. The figure skate’s blade is long and serrated with a toe pick at the front, allowing skaters to dig into the ice for stability and propel themselves during jumps and manoeuvres. Figure skate blades are typically longer and flatter than hockey or speed skates to give the skater more stability and control while still being able to perform spins and footwork. Hockey Skates Hockey skates feature low-cut boots that provide great flexibility and agility for quick movements on the ice. The blade of a hockey skate is shorter and rounded, with a shallower groove, allowing for quick stops, starts and sharp turns that are essential for playing ice hockey. Hockey skates also typically feature reinforced materials and protective features to withstand impacts and collisions. Speed Skates Speed skates have long, low-cut boots that minimize air resistance and maximize speed. The speed skate’s blade is long and flat with a slight curvature designed to glide smoothly over ice with minimal friction. Your Experience Level and Skill Your experience level and skill are essential when selecting the right pair of skates. Beginners can benefit from more comfortable and forgiving skates with good ankle support, while advanced skaters might prioritize performance features like stiffness and precision. You may also find that you’ll need a different pair of ice skates as your skill progresses. Blade Quality The blades are the most vital component of ice skates as they dictate stability, manoeuvrability, and glide on the ice. Beginner-friendly blades usually have less aggressive profiles, while advanced skates usually feature high-quality, professionally sharpened blades for optimal performance. Ankle Support Adequate ankle support is essential when ice skating, especially for beginners learning balance on the rink. We recommend beginner skaters for skates with sufficient padding and support around the ankle to prevent injuries and provide stability. Comfort and Fit Comfort should be a top priority when choosing a new pair of ice skates. The ideal fit should be snug but not too tight or too loose. You should be able to wiggle your toes in the shoes but not so much that the boot is falling off your foot, and your ankle should feel supported. We recommend testing multiple pairs across different styles, brands and sizes to find the one that fits your foot shape comfortably without causing any discomfort or pressure points. Remember that skate sizes may differ from regular shoe sizes, so always refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart before purchase. Budget Ice skates come in various price points to accommodate different budgets. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing in a quality pair of skates that meet your requirements and provide the comfort and support you need is essential for your enjoyment and safety. Brand Reputation We recommend researching different brands to learn about their reputation for quality, durability and performance. At Figure Skating Boutique, we offer a variety of well-established, industry-leading brands with a history of producing high-quality ice skates, including EDEA, Jackson, Riedell and more. Find Your Perfect Pair of Skates From Figure Skating Boutique At Figure Skating Boutique, we take pride in offering only authentic products from trusted manufacturers, ensuring that our customers get the best experience on and off the ice. As one of North America’s top skating stores, Figure Skating Boutique has everything you need for a good skate. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, our skate consultants can help you find the ideal pair of ice skates tailored to your skate level. Take your performance on the ice to the next level with Figure Skating Boutique today. For more information, call Figure Skating Boutique at 1-866-957-0396 or contact us here.
