Are you finally ready to buy your very first pair of ice skates? It can be tricky to decide which pair of figure skates to get when there are so many different brands and styles on the market, but getting your own pair is a great idea if you intend to skate regularly. It’ll save you more money in the long run and you’ll likely feel more comfortable on the ice. So, what factors should you consider when shopping for a new pair of skates? Here are some of our top tips that will help you choose the right skates for you. Select the Brand That Fits You Best We get this question all the time: “What is the best brand of skates?” The truth is that there is no “best brand”. We always advise our customers to choose from reliable and trusted brands in the industry, but the “best” brand of figure skating boots is the one that fits your foot and your needs the most. There are many different figure skate brands and they all fit slightly differently. Two of the brands that we often recommend are Riedell and EDEA figure skates. Riedell Riedell is one of the most premium and trusted skating brands on the market. They have been designing ice skates and boots for all levels (from beginners to competitive skaters) for over 60 years. They are well-known for their quality metal craftsmanship, durability, and protective yet flexible design. As leaders in the skating industry, Riedell has some of the most innovative skating boots available, with features such as: Heel Lock Stabilizer system for more control Rolled top collar to maximize comfort Cork heels and midsoles for easier landings Extended open throat design for wider lacing patterns Ribbed forefoot flex Heat activation for custom boot fitting Softskate by Jackson Jackson Ultima Skates are a line of premium skates, blades and boots from Canadian figure skating legend and Olympian Donald Jackson. Jackson Ultima designs skates for champion figure skaters and beginners alike. Combining top-quality materials with comfortable and sturdy designs, these premium ice skates are made to support skaters of all types. Softskate by Jackson is one of the best options for the beginner or recreational skaters. The boots are warmly lined with reinforced vinyl uppers to provide strength and durability alongside comfort and ease. Determine Your Size The sizing for skating boots is often different from that of skates, so the first thing you need to do is to measure the length of your foot. To measure your feet at home, you’ll need a measuring tape, a pen, and a sheet of paper. First, place the paper against the wall; then, put your foot on the paper with the heel against the wall. Make sure you’re standing on a hard surface and wearing your skating socks. On the paper, mark a straight line at the end of your big toe. Repeat this with your other foot. Using a measuring tape, measure the length between your heel and the mark you just made. Now that you have the measurements of your feet, you can refer to the size chart and find out which size you should get. Keep in mind that size charts differ from brand to brand, so always check! Make Sure Your Skates Fit Well Unlike regular shoes, your skates should feel nice and snug around the foot. You want your foot to come almost to the end of the boot, but without your toes hitting the end. The skates should feel like a gentle hug and be comfortable. When the boots are laced up, your heels should feel locked in place and your ankles should be supported from the sides without too much pressure. Choose the Correct Skates for Your Ability Most brands have boots for different levels of skaters, and the main difference between them is in the stiffness of the boot and the amount of ankle support. The price also increases from lower to higher level boots. As a beginner, spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of figure skates designed for jumping triples and quads is a bad idea. While you want a pair of skates that will stay with you as your skating ability advances, you do not want to be “over-booted,” where you have boots that are way above your skating ability. The more advanced skates are tougher, and can be uncomfortable and difficult to break in if you’re not skating at least several times a week. Try a Skater Package Looking for all the essentials you need as a beginner figure skater? While your skates are probably the most important part of your figure skating kit, having the right accessories will help elevate your experience and make it even more enjoyable. At Figure Skating Boutique, we offer three different First-Time Skater Packages: Package 1: Riedell Sparkle (18), Centipede Guard, Jackson Oversize Bag, Jerry’s Glove, and Jerry’s Blade Buddies. Package 2: Riedell 10 (opal) White and Black, Centipede Guard, Jackson Oversize Bag, Jerry’s Glove, and Jerry’s Blade Buddies. Package 3: Riedell 14/114, Centipede Guard, Jackson Oversize Bag, Jerry’s Glove, and Jerry’s Blade Buddies. With over 20 years of experience, Figure Skating Boutique is your one-stop shop for quality skating products in North America. We understand that it can be tricky to find the right figure skates as a beginner, and we are committed to getting you the right fit. That’s why we have a boot fitting assistant. All you need to do is fill out a form, and we will help you find the skates that best fit your size and your needs. Visit our website or call us at 1-866-957-0396 to learn more today!
