To perform your best on the ice, you need the right type of skates. Since an important part of ice skating is having a skate that fits well and feels comfortable, try on several pairs before making your final selection. Specialty skate shops offer advantages when buying skates, states the International Skating Center of Connecticut, including a broader selection and employees knowledgeable about skating.
Step 1
Buy appropriate skates for your activity. Purchase speed skates if you plan to race, hockey skates if you play ice hockey and figure skates for recreational skating.
Step 2
Underestimate the size of the ice skates, since skates run about a half-size smaller than your normal shoe size, according to the Skating Fitness website. Request this size; try it on and check for good fit. Wiggle your toes to make sure the fit is snug but comfortable.
Step 3
Purchase the correct assembly style type for your skate. Buy a skate with the blade already attached if you are new to skating, recommends the Skating Fitness site. If you are at a more advanced level, purchase the blades and shoes separately for a more tailored fit.
Step 4
Lace the laces securely up through the top four eyelets to give you a better idea of how they feel while skating.
Step 5
Feel the stiffness of the boot when you try on the ice skates. Move your ankles while trying on skates to make sure the boot is not too tight or too loose. Purchase a moderately stiff boot, since it provides support while still feeling flexible enough to complete skating moves.
Tips and Warnings
- Feel comfortable with the fit and look of ice skates before you buy them. Many stores void any type of return policy if the blades are sharpened. When you buy hockey skates, the blades always come pre-attached. While trying on skates at a sporting goods store or skate shop, wear a thin pair of socks for optimal comfort during skating, the Dick's Sporting Goods website recommends.
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