When it comes to ice skating, there are many important factors you need to keep in mind. Arguably, one of the most notable things to consider is having recreational ice skates that fit you properly. It’s not simply a case of buying a coat that’s too large, knowing you’ll grow into it by next year. It’s a matter of safety on the ice, whether that be for you or your children. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the importance of having well-fitted skates, how to determine if they are a good fit, and the potential risks of wearing ill-fitted skates. The Importance of Properly Fitting Skates A good-fitting pair of recreational ice skates is crucial for safety. Additionally, a pair that fits well can improve your skating performance due to the stability they provide. When a skater, no matter their level, has a better and more direct connection with the ice, it increases their ability to execute moves like stopping, spinning, or turning. This is because the platform on the skates will be stable, meaning the skater does not have to worry about feeling their feet moving around inside the boot. The Dangers of Getting the Wrong Size Now that we’ve gone over the importance of properly fitted skates, it’s crucial to know the dangers of not having them fit well. We previously touched on how performing figure skating moves on the ice is easier with a good pair of skates, but it’s important to understand that the opposite can occur with the wrong skates. The skater’s ability to control their movements will be greatly reduced, which can lead to falls or accidents. In the unfortunate case that this does happen, these accidents could lead to a skater never being able to skate properly again. As well, skaters are at risk of ankle injuries due to lack of support and ankle alignment. This issue can also lead to calluses, blisters, and other painful problems, which, of course, will make their skating experience less enjoyable overall. The dangers we discussed may sound alarming, but they are easily avoidable if you look for a pair of recreational ice skates that fit well. How to Find Your Size Step 1: Find Out Your Size Before buying recreational ice skates, be sure you know your shoe size. Figure skates are typically made to be smaller to provide a surer fit and help skaters perform better on the ice. Step 2: Bring Your Skating Socks The socks you wear when you ice skate are different from those you wear every day. It’s essential to have a pair that will keep your feet warm and provide some extra cushion. When you go to buy a pair of skates, bring those socks with you to get a better idea of the fit. We recommend wearing tights or thin socks. Step 3: Put the Skates On Once you’ve found a pair of recreational ice skates in your size, carefully loosen the laces and open the skates by pulling the tongue forward. Next, in a seated position, gently put your foot inside all the way into the boot. Be sure not to curl your toes and to have your feet relaxed. At this stage, you can assess right away if they are too small simply by feeling if your toes need to be scrunched up to fit. Step 4: Heel Check Next, be sure that the skates fit well around the heel. One quick way to determine that is by taking a pen and placing it inside the boot, directly behind your heel. If you have to force it in, that means they are too small for you. If the pen goes in too easily, then the skates may be too large. Step 5: Lace Your Skates Make sure the tongue of the recreational ice skate is in its proper position. Then, begin to lace the skates securely, but not so tightly that it causes discomfort. Once properly laced up, check the sides of the boot that wrap around the calf and ankle area. If you notice that the sides are too close together around the tongue or if there is a gap between the sides and the tongue, then you need to size it down. Step 6: Walk Around The last step to evaluating the fit of your skates is to get up and walk around. Pay attention to how they feel. If you notice your toes touching the end of the boot or your heels feel unstable, you most likely need to try another size. Another sign they don’t fit is if you have difficulty standing up in them due to a lack of support. The Advantages of a Professional Fitting Although taking the above steps to find a pair of recreational skates will help you, your best bet is to have a professional fitting session. Let’s go over how a professional skate fitter will assess the best skates for you and ensure an optimal fit. When you go to a professional skate fitter, such as Figure Skating Boutique, you can rest easy knowing that we will go above and beyond during the consultation. Not only will we evaluate your feet for arch height and size, but we will also take note of your posture and stance. In addition, our ice skate experts will assess your joints in the knee and hip areas to get an overview of your mobility range. This information will help them find the perfect pair of recreational ice skates that will support your body. Not only can you visit Figure Skating Boutique for an ice skate fitting, but you can also come to us for professional blade sharpening and heat moulding. This ensures your recreational skates are kept in perfect condition and fitted to your foot. As a final note, when using a professional skate fitter, you should be able to trust that their assessment will ensure the skates you purchase offer a perfect fit. Figure Skating Boutique stands behind our professional fittings and guarantees each sale. You should never settle for any retailer that is unable or unwilling to guarantee their professional fittings! Recreational Ice Skates: The Bottom Line Choosing recreational ice skates that fit you properly will not only improve your performance but also protect your feet and keep you safe. Remember that if you are struggling to find the right size, you can always consult a professional to help you find the right fit. If you’re unable to make it into the store for a fitting, check out our Boot Fitting Assistant to help ensure you’re purchasing the correct size. For more information and for all your figure skating needs, call Figure Skating Boutique at 1-866-957-0396 or contact us here.
