We all know the struggle of finding skates that fit our feet, are comfortable, and are affordable. When it comes to our children, however, that’s a whole other ballpark. There are various factors to keep in mind, which can make it seem overwhelming. However, with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to find a pair of figure skates for your child with ease. In this blog, we’ll break down the steps of how to find the perfect pair of skates for your child, no matter their sport or experience. The Types of Recreational Ice Skates The first step before buying any pair of recreational ice skates for your child is to find out what kind they will need. There are three main types: hockey skates, figure skates, and speed skates. These skates are not interchangeable to use for different activities. Speed skates cannot be used for figure skating, and hockey skates can’t be used for speed skating. It’s essential to your child’s safety to buy them the correct pair of skates for their respective sports. Hockey Skates If your child wants to get into playing ice hockey, then getting them a pair of skates specifically for this sport is a must. Hockey skates are designed with curved thick, short blades to enable skaters to make quick, sharp turns while maximizing their speed. Children’s hockey skates come in two types: beginner and intermediate. Later, we will discuss why knowing your child’s skating level is essential when choosing the perfect pair of skates for them. Figure Skates Unlike hockey skates, figure skates have thin, long, flatter blades for optimal, dynamic movement. Due to its design, the blade has more contact with the ice than the one on hockey skates, which are known for their “rocker”-looking blades. The slender characteristics of a figure skating blade help with balance and control during complicated movements and spins, improving the skater’s ability to execute these moves. Speed Skates Perhaps your child wants to go against the traditional hockey or figure skating options and opt for speed skating instead. If that’s the case, there are many other things to consider, given that this is a distance sport, not a performance or games sport. To easily gain speed, the blade for this type of skate is substantially longer than the blades for hockey or figure skates. The Importance of Sizing Now that you know what kind of recreational ice skates you want to buy for your child, let’s discuss sizing. Before the age of 10, children’s feet often grow rapidly, especially in the summer. Therefore, to ensure the best fit, finding a pair for your child at the beginning of the skating season is important. Although figure skates tend to run one to one-and-a-half sizes smaller than shoes, it’s okay if your child’s skates have an extra 10 mm (1 cm) of wiggle room. Although it may seem like a hindrance at first, the skates will fit perfectly by mid-season in time for any performances. One extremely important thing to keep in mind is to avoid the instinct of wanting to purchase a larger skate than is needed for your child. Although the mentality that they will “grow into them” can be applied to many scenarios, skates are one exception in which this thinking should be avoided. Having your child’s skates too big could result in imbalance, loss of control during skating, boots becoming misshapen, and postural issues later on in the future. Experience Level Depending on how advanced your child is in ice skating can also determine the types of skates you get them. Ice Skates for Beginner Level If your child is a beginner at recreational ice skating, prioritizing their comfort and foot support is crucial. Skates for beginners are typically more affordable because they are designed with more basic features in mind. Extra padding is commonly used to help children with stability and balance, and it has adjustable features to accommodate any growth in their feet as their skating skills progress. Ice Skates for Intermediate Level As the name suggests, intermediate skates are for children who have already developed the basic skills needed and are advancing to the next level. Recreational ice skates at this level offer higher-quality blades, enhanced ankle support, and an overall better quality of material. At this level, whether it be hockey, speed skating, or figure skating, there are many more options for customizing your child’s skates for optimal performance, comfort, and safety. Extra Tips Blade Length The blade length on recreational ice skates can vary no matter the sport and should be paid attention to. If the blades are too long, it could lead to issues with being able to come to a stop. If they’re too short, your child will have less control over their movements. Boot Height Ice skates can have either low-top boots or high-top boots. Higher boots offer more ankle support, which is optimal if your child is a beginner. However, depending on their sport and level of experience, they can try out the low-top boot version because it is lighter, which makes it easier to maneuver while ice skating. Material Recreational figure skates are typically made from either synthetic materials or leather. Although more expensive, leather is more durable and will last longer, whereas ice skates made from synthetic materials are more affordable but will break down quicker. Lacing System Even though this comes down to preference, there are two types of lacing systems: fast and traditional. Traditional is the most common, standard lacing system on ice skates, while fast lacing systems have hooks that allow the wearer to easily put on or take off their ice skates. Skate to Success At the end of the day, choosing the best recreational ice skates for your child comes down to many factors, such as what type of skating they’ll be doing, their experience level, and even their personal preferences. When you visit Skating Boutique, we will help you find the right fit and feel for your child’s needs while also making sure their ankles are well-supported. You can also check out our Boot Fitting Assistant. Just provide the requested information, and we’ll give you a call to discuss the skates that best fit your child’s boot size and level. Be sure to take your time and do your research when it comes to choosing recreational ice skates. This will ultimately lead to your child having a much more enjoyable skating experience overall. For all your figure skating needs, call Figure Skating Boutique at 1-866-957-0396 or contact us here.
