If you're concerned about the high cost of new ice skates, look for used sets of skates to save money. New skates often don't make sense for kids because of how quickly they grow. Even adult skaters can choose used ice skates if they're still getting used to the sport, or deciding which skates to buy. For casual skaters, used equipment provides an affordable way to enjoy the sport without making a major investment. When buying used skates, consider factors like quality, fit, and comfort to find the best skates for your needs.
Step 1
Contact local ice rinks to ask about skate swaps or used-equipment sales. Many rinks hold sales once a year or more to allow skaters to trade or sell used skates and other gear. If you can't find a sale in the near future, try sporting-goods stores that specialize in used skates.
Step 2
Try on a few pairs of skates to get an idea of your size range. Skate sizes often differ from your shoe size by a wide margin, and different brands of skates offer different fit and design. If you find that a skate marked "size 6" fits you fairly well, narrow your search to between sizes 5 to 7.
Step 3
Look for stiff leather figure-skating boots or stiff nylon-composite hockey boots. A flimsy boot won't support your ankles enough for skating. Check stiffness by holding the boot out so the blade is parallel to the floor. If the boot bends and the blade won't stay parallel, look for a stiffer pair of boots. Deep ankle or tongue creases are other signs of a worn-out boot, but these skates may still be appropriate for small, lightweight skaters.
Step 4
Check inside the boot for padding. Most figure and hockey skates offer only a small amount of padding, while recreational skates often have thicker lining for extra comfort. No matter what type of padding is used, don't buy skates with worn spots or holes within the padding or lining.
Step 5
Examine the soles of the skates. Check for rot or water damage. Avoid skates that show visible separation between the layers of the soles. If the blades are held on with rivets instead of screws, check that all the rivets are still in place and firmly attached. You can always replace missing screws, but rivets are more difficult.
Step 6
Inspect the blades. Look for blades without any nicks or chips. Peeling or flaking of the blade's coating generally indicates poor-quality construction. Along the base of the blade, you'll see a lighter section of metal, which extends only a few millimeters up from the bottom. The more of this lighter-colored metal that's left, the more the blades can be sharpened in the future. Little to no light-colored metal at the base indicates that the blades are at the end of their life. If the blade has a toe-pick, make sure none of the teeth have been ground off.
Step 7
Try on skates for fit. Once you've narrowed your selection to a few pairs, choose the skates that fit the most comfortably. Lace the skates up, then check the fit. If you can lift your heel within the skates, look for a different pair. A loose heel will rub against the sides of the skate and create painful blisters. Check that your toes lie flat along the base of the boot, and that you have a bit of room to wiggle them up and down. Don't buy skates that pinch your toes together or bunch them up inside the boots.
Tips and Warnings
- Buy boots and blades as a set when buying used. Don't try to match separate boots and blades on your own when you're new to the sport. Blades are measured in quarter-inch increments, and determining the correct size to use is best left up to the experts.
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