Figure skates consist of leather boots and steel blades that help the skater perform maneuvers safely and effectively. Properly fitted skates offer strength and support, while the wrong skates can lead to blisters and lack of progress with spinning and jumping. As you compare different skates, consider things like fit, quality, skill level, and cost. The United States Figure Skating Association estimates that new skates cost $150 to $250, and more advanced skates cost thousands, so choose carefully to maximize your investment.
Step 1
Ask your coach or skating club for recommendations. Many coaches and clubs offer basic advice on the best skates for different skill levels and body types. Your coach can also help you choose skates that will allow you to skate comfortably at your current skill level, and also work as you advance to more difficult skills.
Step 2
Buy your skates from a professional skate seller. Look for shops dedicated to figure skates, or visit the pro shop at your rink. Fitting figure skates is a specialized talent, and requires the help of an experienced salesperson. Avoid sporting-goods stores and department stores, as the skates they sell aren't designed for jumps and spins.
Step 3
Have the salesperson measure your feet to determine both the size and width. Use this information to determine which size skates to try on. Many new skaters are surprised that figure skates can be as much as two sizes smaller than their street shoes.
Step 4
Try skate boots in your size from different manufacturers. There are only about a half-dozen major skate manufacturers in the U.S., and each brand features a slightly different fit and design. Someone with narrow feet may prefer the relatively narrow Riedell brand, while those with wider feet can try Jackson or Harlick. An experienced salesperson will be able to recommend brands to you based on your needs.
Step 5
Lace up the skates and tie them securely, then stand up. Try lifting your heels up inside the boot. If you can lift your heel, the skate is too large or too wide. Loose heels will cause painful blisters as you skate.
Step 6
Wiggle your toes. You should have a slight amount of wiggle room, and the boots should never pinch your toes. All of your toes should lie flat on the base of the boot, and should not be bent. If your toes are pinched or bent, the boot is too small.
Step 7
Choose the stiffness of the boot based on your weight and skill level. Small, beginning skaters need a thin leather boot, while heavy or advanced skaters need a heavy-duty boot made from multiple layers of leather. Buying a boot that's too stiff can cause foot problems, and will also make skating unpleasant for an extended period.
Step 8
Select blades based on your skating level. Figure skate blades are sold separately from the boots, in most cases. Choose a small, basic toe-pick and relatively flat blade for beginners, or a larger toe-pick and more rounded blade for advanced skaters. Your skate-shop pro can help you make the best selection.
Tips and Warnings
- As a general rule, new ice skates are mildly uncomfortable. Most require a break-in period of a few weeks to soften the leather and mold the boot to your foot. While the boot should never be painful, or make your foot numb, it won't feel like your sneakers either, so keep your expectations reasonable. Wear one pair of thin socks when trying on new skates. Most figure skaters wear tights, nylons or very thin socks. Multiple pairs or socks, or thicker footwear, often causes blisters.
- Don't buy skates you can grow into. Boots that are too large will cause painful blisters and rubbing as your foot moves around inside the skate. If you're on a budget, buy used skates that fit properly.
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