There are few activities more quintessential to winter than ice skating. In Canada and the United States, the arrival of sub-zero temperatures means it’s time to strap on your ice skates and head to the local pond or indoor rink. Regardless of age or skill level, skating is something we can all enjoy. After all, you don’t have to be your town’s local hockey star or aspiring Olympic figure skater to look forward to getting onto the ice. Recreational ice skates are ideal for casual skaters. These models are designed to be comfortable, so you can spend hours gliding around without pain or blisters—just make sure they fit properly! (Tip: Figure Skating Boutique can help you with that). What are recreational skates? Recreational skates are designed with casual skaters in mind. Much like beginner skates, they have their limitations when it comes to complex maneuvers like jumps and spins. However, if your priority is having fun on the rink or out on the frozen lake a few times a year, then a pair of recreational skates is likely all you need. Whereas hockey and figure skates are built for specific performance needs, recreational skates prioritize comfort and ease of use. They have a simple lace design, so they are easier to put on, take off, and adjust. Recreational skates also feature ample padding and softer boots, making them more comfortable to wear than other models. Additionally, they’re very lightweight (while remaining durable). They’re often made from synthetic leather with a slightly curved blade for easy turning. For the casual skater who’s just looking to have fun, recreational ice skates are perfect. These skates will only take you so far, however, so you will have to upgrade if you decide to focus on a specific discipline. While figure skates are ideally suited for more complex figure skating, recreational skates are meant for leisurely skating. They don’t offer the technical precision or speed required for competitive skating. Comfort Recreational skates are meant to be extremely comfortable. You should be able to wear them for long periods of time without any aches or pains. After all, there’s nothing fun about a blister! Unlike competitive skates, recreational skates have generous padding to cushion your foot. Both the foot and ankle areas are well padded with extra cushioning, minimizing the chance of blisters. Some models even have a fleece lining to keep your feet nice and cozy in chilly environments. Furthermore, they’re designed to be very flexible. Whereas figure skates must be stiff to provide the ankle support necessary for complex moves, recreational skates do not have this requirement. Comfort is their priority—and a stiff skate is far less comfortable than a flexible one. A good pair of recreational ice skates unlocks hours of fun on the rink or out at the lake. Proper fit also has a big impact on comfort. If your skates don’t fit properly, they will not be comfortable to wear. A well-fitted skate prevents foot pain, as well as enhances stability on the ice. Chat with one of our experts at Figure Skating Boutique for advice on fitting! Safety Staying safe and injury-free on the ice should always be your top priority. Your ice skates will either help keep you safe or put you in danger of injury. Fit has a lot to do with safety. Ill-fitting skates compromise your stability on the ice, making you more prone to falling and twisting an ankle. Ankle support, consequently, is very important. Recreational ice skates still offer a good amount of ankle support, even though they’re less rigid than figure skates. In addition, recreational skates often have lace-up or hook-and-loop fasteners to lock your foot in place. These ensure a secure fit and prevent unnecessary foot movement. Some recreational skates also have toe picks at the front of the blade. This serrated edge helps you grip the ice. It’s very useful for stopping and turning effectively. Style You’re out here to have fun, so why shouldn’t your skates reflect that? Recreational skates come in a variety of styles, colours, and materials to show off your personality on the ice. You can also customize your ice skates with fun laces and blade covers. At the Figure Skating Boutique, we carry a range of fun and interesting recreational skates. For example, the Softec Women’s Nova is metallic silver or black. Alternatively, the Riedell SOAR Set comes in a snappy mint colour. For those that love the classic and elegant look of traditional black or white skates, fear not! Recreational skates also come in these timeless designs. Features of Women’s Skates Women’s recreational skates have specific features to cater to women’s needs. For instance, many women’s skates have a slimmer fit than men’s skates. They also tend to be more lightweight for increased comfort. Recreational skates are known for being extra comfortable with additional cushioning and plush linings. This makes them especially warm and comfy, particularly for outdoor skating in colder temperatures. Tips for Purchasing Recreational Ice Skates Make sure they fit. Poorly fitted skates are uncomfortable to wear and can even be dangerous. Our experts can help you find the right size. Fill out our boot sizing form to receive help from a boot fitting assistant. Consider the intended use. Are you planning to skate mostly indoors or outdoors? How often are you planning on using your new skates? The answers to these questions will inform your boot choice. How much do you want to invest? If you’re a casual skater who only intends to hit the ice a few times a season, it’s understandable if you want to spend less on a pair of skates. In that case, you might prefer used skates. Figure Skating Boutique stocks a range of highly rated, quality skates without the huge price tag. Find Recreational Skates at the Figure Skating Boutique Figure Skating Boutique carries a wide selection of high-quality ice skates, including recreational ice skates. Our comfortable and stylish models are the perfect companion to a day spent on the ice. We also provide expert advice on fitting to help you find your perfect skate. For all your figure skating needs, call Figure Skating Boutique at 1-866-957-0396 or contact us here.
