Equipment Recommendations
Skates
Always consult your Pro before purchasing skates. There are different types of skates for the different levels of skaters. In general, Freestyle skates are very sturdy to provide support to the ankle, arch and foot while jumping. A good fit is crucial. There must not be a lot of room for the foot to move around in the boot. Toes should have only a little room for up-and-down movement or side to side. If the toes are pinched or painful, there is not enough room. A boot is broken down and should be replaced when there are deep creases across the top of the boot along the ankle sore if the top flops over when the boot is taken off. Remember, skates are not meant to be really comfortable at first. Friction points are common. Breaking the skate in, where they mold the boot to your foot, may take several weeks depending upon how often you skate. Use boot blister pads or Bunga Pads to provide protection to your friction points.
Boot experts can press out or deepen depressions or add padding to improve the comfort and fit if problems persist after the breaking in period. Custom fit boots are also available. The difference between cheaper and more expensive boots is in the materials and weight or stiffness of the leather. Younger, lighter skaters can use a lighter, less expensive boot. The thinner leather breaks in easier, but the boot will break down faster if subjected to the heavy jumping. Ice dancers, because they don’t jump, use boots that aren’t as stiff as the freestyle skater’s boots. Your Pro can help you select the proper boot for you.
Breaking in New Skates
- Many new skates may be heated in a pro shop to break them in (do not try this at home); they can also punch-out spots.
- Wet hot socks may be worn in skates to soften the leather at home (this is not suggested during skating).
- If you experience a sore spot, place a band-aid on it immediately.
- Always “pad” a sore spot.
- Blister pads and Bunga Gel Pads can be purchased that can be put inside socks. These are very helpful on the ankle bones, as well. www.bungapads.com
Waterproofing
- Most skates will come with a waterproofing package in the box. Only the bottom of the sole needs to be waterproofed (the brown part).
- Waterproofing must be reapplied if the sole looks like it is not repelling water.
- Consult your Pro as to the preferred method of waterproofing.
Blades
Freestyle Blades
Freestyle blades are made for spinning, stroking and have a larger toe pick for jumping. A figure skating blade is not flat along its length. The curvature from toe to heel is called the rocker and on the toe end is a serrated section called a toe pick. The blade is concave across the width, making two sharp edges. There is an outside edge and an inside edge and four different pressure points on each blade: front inside, back inside, front outside, and back outside. Different moves and jumps are done from specific edges of the skate blade. As the skater skill at jumping progresses a larger toe pick may be required. The Pro will help with selection of the proper blade for the skater’s skill level. Several factors affect the cost of blades. Less expensive blades are nickel-plated and made of softer steel. The solder used to attach the blades to the plates that screw onto the soles of the boot may not hold up to the stress of repeated landings from jumps. More expensive blades are made of harder steel, polished to a better finish and strengthened to withstand jumping. Blades must be sharpened at intervals to maintain even speed and to cut through the ice.
Dance Blades
Dance Blades are used specifically for ice dancing. The blade is cut off shorter in the back; this enables the skater to do very close footwork. However, most skaters use their freestyle skates for dance.
Blade Guards
- Purchasing and wearing rubber guards on your skate blades when walking off the ice are essential to protect and extend the life of your blades.
- Do not leave your guards on your blades for storage because they trap water and your blades will rust. Instead, always dry your skate blades after skating and store them in absorbent soakers. Soakers also protect your blades from nicks in your skate bag.
- Guards may be kept by the ice entry gate while skating, allowing easy access to them as you exit the ice. It’s a good idea to put your name on your guards with a permanent marker.
Rental Skates
Rental skates are good for the recreational skater who does not want to invest in buying skates. They work well for group lessons and beginning skaters.
Skates Sold in Sports Stores
Skates sold in Sport Stores are one upgrade from rental skates and may be used by beginner skaters. However, they are not recommended for the competitive ice skater. A good skating boot hugs and supports the foot and ankle and should not be soft and wobbly. Check with a Pro before purchasing any figure skate for competitions. When buying boots, make sure that the boot is all leather and the blades are made of steel.
Quality Ice Skates
High quality ice skates are essential for the safety as well as the progress of the skater. Quality ice skates can be ordered from various manufacturers such as Jackson, Harlick, SP Teri, Riedell, and Graf. Ice skate sizes are not the same as shoe sizes and will vary depending upon the brand. Get assistance from a skating Pro who will measure your foot and help in completing the order correctly. Blades can be ordered after the boots arrive so the soles can be measured for the right length of blade. Get assistance from a skating Pro to make sure that you order the right blade for your skill level.
Used Skates
Used skates are available from skaters who have outgrown their skates, or who quit ice skating and want to sell their skates. Some used skates are very good and some are not. Never buy a pair of skates or blades without your Pro checking the quality and fit.
Care of Ice Skates
Boots
Figure Skating Boots should be cleaned with a soft cloth and saddle soap. For stubborn marks try Simply Green, Thoro, or finger nail polish remover. A high quality boot polish is recommended and can be purchased from the manufacturer of your boot. Boot soles should be water proofed with “snow seal” to keep the moisture out. Ask you’re Pro for information on the correct technique for sealing soles. You can also order your boots with the sole Snow Sealed or lacquered.
Blades
Skate Blades should be wiped down with a soft absorbent cloth after skating. After you wipe, check the blade screws to make sure they are tight. Skaters should own a screwdriver and keep it available with their equipment. Many skaters use terry cloth blade protectors (soakers) that absorb moisture missed during wiping. These can stay on your skates to protect them from getting nicked. Never leave hard skate guards on your blades. They hold in moisture and cause rusting. Hard guards are only used when you are walking in your skates. They protect the sharp edge of the blades from nicks or wear. Remember: skate blades need to be sharpened regularly. Sharpening does two things, it deepens the hollow between the edges, which wear down over time, and it polishes off nicks or abrasions that come from hitting debris on the ice. Sharpening improves grip and glide. Ask your Pro how often this should be done because it varies depending upon how you skate and how often you skate.
Where do I get blades sharpened?
Your Pro will know who the best person to sharpen your skates is. Do not attempt to sharpen them yourself or you will ruin your blades. It takes special equipment and techniques to sharpen blades properly. Be aware that some sports stores sharpen blades using techniques for hockey skates, which are not useful for figure skates.
Storing Equipment
Suitcases or duffle bags are utilized to hold equipment. There is no place to store equipment bags at the rink, it is expected that the skater will carry their equipment bag to and from the rink each time.
Check out our clothing recommendations page.