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So you’re serious about skating, have started taking lessons, and now find yourself longing for a pair of new white, black or beige skates. Rental skates are too flimsy, and worst of all, the blades slide all over the ice. Making progress of any kind isn’t easy in rental skates. However, before buying even the least expensive skates, it’s always a good idea to complete a minimum of 6 lessons to make certain you want to skate. Here is a questionnaire to help you determine what type of skates to buy.
New Skates Questionnaire:
1. Will you be skating at least once a week?
2. Will you be taking lessons?
3. Do you want to learn how to jump and spin?
4. Are you interested in ice dance [ballroom on ice]?
5. Will you stay with the sport for many years?
6. Will you be skating two or three times a week?
7. Will you skate only on public or open sessions?
8. Are your feet in good condition? [This means you have no corns, bunions, hammertoes or other foot problems].
9. Do you have unusual-sized feet? [Very wide, narrow or large].
These questions may seem strange but they all help to determine just what type of skate you should be looking for. But if you’re determined to skate, have skated in the past, or want to train for the Adult Nationals, and happen to have foot problems; you’ll be looking into more expensive boots than the person who merely wants to skate once a week.
Beginners’ Skates:
Should you be someone who goes to the rink to skate and socialize a few times a month then you don’t need to invest a lot of money in equipment. You can spend anywhere from $80 to $150 and be satisfied. The advantages to owning your own skates are:
* They’re more durable than rental skates.
* The blades will be sharper.
* Only YOU will wear them!
* Your own skates will be a wise investment, especially if you have to pay for rentals every time you skate.
Advanced Beginners’ to Intermediate Level Skates:
If you answered yes to more than 3 questions, you’re probably a candidate for a better type of skate. Should you be interested in freestyle [jumps and spins], ice dance [ballroom on ice] pairs [you and a partner jump and spin] or precision skating [think Rockettes on ice], then you’ll want to invest in a long-lasting pair of skates. The main questions are: How much are you willing to pay? Do you want to buy the boots and blades separately?
Often the beginner will wear skates that come from the factory with the blade already attached. Since not much more than forward and backward skating will be done, the boot is soft and the blades will have small toepicks.
For a higher-level skater, or those who aspire to skate well, purchasing the boots and blades separately is advisable. Why? Because the blade can be placed according to your specifications should you have any. Skaters with pronated ankles, too much turn-out or turn-in, may need to have their blades attached to their boots a few fractions of an inch away from the standard setting. Most skaters do well with the standard blade setting of the blade to the boot. Discussing blades and boots with people who run pro shops, coaches or other longtime skaters is the best way to learn what’s right for YOU.
The kind of blade you buy depends on what type of skating you plan on doing. Twice a week skating around the rink for fun and exercise only requires a blade with a smaller toepick and cost -- $40 to $110. Buying expensive blades with large toepicks would only discourage you so don’t be oversold. If you’re taking lessons then please discuss the important issue of boots and blades with your coach and get his/her recommendation. Blades usually last for several years but don’t let that fact allow you to buy a blade you’re not ready for.
While there are currently only two major blade companies, MK [Mitchel King], John Wilson, and a newcomer, Ultima, the choice of boot manufacturers is greater.
Reidell, Harlick, SP Teri, Jackson Skate Co., and Klingbeil are all made in America. Reidell is probably the most known boot maker and they have a wide range of styles, including those with the blades already attached. Jackson makes boots with blades as does Risport, Gam and Wifa.
Depending on your location, you might discover that your pro shop sells only one or two brands.
SP Teri makes boots in a wide variety of sizes and widths. $300 is their least expensive boot. If cost is a factor, you might be interested in the Jackson or Reidell models, $200 and up for just the boots. The average cost for skate boots will set you back about $200-400. Some boots are lightweight, others have more padding. No one brand is right for everyone. Skating equipment is as subjective as the sport itself. But investing in the proper boot and blade is something you will be able to do by asking a lot of questions and doing a lot of research.
Advanced level and/or problem feet:
Custom made boots are designed for all types of feet and the boot makers have usually seen it all. Customs take 4-6 weeks to make. There is an additional fee for a rush order. You can go to the company directly or to an authorized dealer [usually at a rink pro shop]. Various methods for obtaining that perfect fit entail: molds, measuring, and photos of your feet. The measuring and photo taking is always part of the fee but the molds cost extra. Many options can be added to your boots including additional padding, orthotics, special linings and even unusual colors! Customs generally run $500 - $1,000.
Remember, talk to your coach, the manager of the pro shop and other skaters before you invest any money in a new pair of skates. Be open to any boot brand; you won’t know what works until you try it on!
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