How to Select a Good Pair of Ice Skates

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Ice skates are an expensive part of your sport, so it is very important to learn how to buy the best ones for you so that you will get the most out of them. Before purchasing ice skates, it's a really good idea to rent skates. That way, if you discover skating is not what you really want to do, you haven't spent too much.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Beginners: Basic Skills Skaters

1
Realize that blades and boots are sold separately.
2
Choose the right boots. For beginners, it is not necessary to have a boot with a lot of padding on the tongue or extra hooks. Three hooks should be enough.

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3
Ensure that the blade does not have a large toe pick. It is sufficient to have about 3 or 4 picks.
4
Have the boot fitted properly. Check that the heel of the boot fits firmly around your ankle. Your ankle will direct your foot in the curving and turning when you learn this. The boot should also fit firmly from heel to toe.
5
Take time to break in your new boots. This can be hard work and they won't feel very comfortable at first. The answer to this is to break them in in short bursts and build up. Even wearing them around the house or watching TV (with guards on) helps to break them in faster.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Intermediate:Jumping at All Levels

1
Make sure that there is ample support around the ankle. The skate boot must also prevent most lateral movement. Keep in mind that it should still allow flexing and pointing of the foot as well as bend in the ankle. The front of the boot should be roomy enough so that you can wiggle your toes but should still be snug around the instep and the heel.
2
Select the blades according to need. Blades come in many varieties:
- Dance blades are shorter on the heel end.
- Advanced freestyle blades have large, intricate, intense picks.
3
Have the blades fitted correctly to your boot. Blades are screwed on, so make sure that you check the screws are securely intact. The blades must sit securely under the physical center of the boot. This is very important because it ensures that the blades will run true across the ice without pulling. Check out the consequences of different fitting:
- Blades set too far in - the feet will fall outward
- Blades set too far out - the feet will fall inward
- Blades correctly centered - feet stand upright naturally
4
Have the blades sharpened. It is very important that the blades are sharpened. Have them sharpened by someone who specialized in figure skating, not hockey. You will know when to have them sharpened when they start feeling 'slippery' on the ice or you fall out of turns.
5
Get the skates waterproofed. When you first purchase your skates, the shop will either apply a waterproof coat for you or they will tell you to do it yourself. This will keep the sole waterproofed so that it doesn't absorb the water and break down and rot.
6
Make sure to purchase guards. While walking around the rink, it is essential to always wear guards. They come in many different colors and combinations to suit your personality and they protect the blades from undue pressure. They are usually made from plastic.
7
Keep skates dry after use. As soon as you step off the ice to take off your skates, use an old towel to wipe the water from the boots and blades. Put a "soaker" over the blade to protect it. This will ensure that your skates last.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do you make the skates feel softer?

Community Answer

The inside of your skates will be hard and painful for awhile. Like leather boots and Doc Martens, they may cause blisters and blood until you've worn them in a bit.
Question

How long does it take to break in new skates?

Community Answer

It depends on how much you decide to put them on. Some tips to break them in: wear your skates in your house with your guards on. Bend your knees in them and also walk around in them each night. They will eventually break in. It can be from a few weeks to a few months. Also go out to the rink and skate with them on. You may regress for a bit, but do not be discouraged because it is temporary, and once they are broken in you progress a lot.
Question

What company is the best to buy from?

Fantasticforever

Community Answer

It usually depends on your level, beginners might start with Jackson and keep using Jackson as they get older or switch to Harlick skates or Edeas.
Question

Are the skates from skating rings appropriate for spins?

Community Answer

It depends on what spins you are trying to learn. Rental skates are beginner skates with very small toe picks. It is practically impossible to dig into the ice with these toe picks. So, if you are doing a two-foot spin, it may be sufficient. However, as you get to the one-foot spin, it will be impossible to get the entry edge because of the fact that the rental skates are hardly ever sharpened. Overall, if you are starting spins, it is highly recommended to purchase your own skates.
Question

What if my skates are too big for me?

Community Answer

It is very dangerous to skate in skates that are too big for you. If your skates are too big, you will need to get new ones.
Question

What sports store should I get my blades sharpened at?

Community Answer

There is no general store you should go to. Just look up qualified sharpeners. Make sure they have good reviews.
Question

What's the price range for beginner ice skates?

Community Answer

It depends. For complete beginners, you can get skates for as low as $50, but they're not very good. If you are thinking of getting a pair of skates that will be enough to cover you for your spirals, spins, single jumps, they would cost about $200-$300.
Question

What are the best skates for beginners?

Community Answer

This really depends upon your goals, frequency, and your definition of beginner. Ask your local skate expert for advice.

Warnings

If you're buying used skates, make sure they still have good enough support for your ankle.

Thanks!
Helpful 26 Not Helpful 7
If you're suspicious of any orthopedic peculiarities, consult a podiatrist. If you do in fact need orthotics, you will most likely need to wear them in your skate. Some boots are made to fit orthotics, so ask somebody at your skate shop if they know anything about that.

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Helpful 22 Not Helpful 10
Always remember to change skates sometimes or something bad could happen.

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Helpful 19 Not Helpful 46