How to Select a Good Pair of Ice Skates

Beginners: Basic Skills Skaters

Realize that blades and boots are sold separately.

Choose the right boots. For beginners, it is not necessary to have a boot with a lot of padding on the tongue or extra hooks. Three hooks should be enough.

Ensure that the blade does not have a large toe pick. It is sufficient to have about 3 or 4 picks.

Have the boot fitted properly. Check that the heel of the boot fits firmly around your ankle. Your ankle will direct your foot in the curving and turning when you learn this. The boot should also fit firmly from heel to toe.

Take time to break in your new boots. This can be hard work and they won't feel very comfortable at first. The answer to this is to break them in in short bursts and build up. Even wearing them around the house or watching TV (with guards on) helps to break them in faster.

Intermediate:Jumping at All Levels

Make sure that there is ample support around the ankle. The skate boot must also prevent most lateral movement. Keep in mind that it should still allow flexing and pointing of the foot as well as bend in the ankle. The front of the boot should be roomy enough so that you can wiggle your toes but should still be snug around the instep and the heel.

Select the blades according to need. Blades come in many varieties: Dance blades are shorter on the heel end. Advanced freestyle blades have large, intricate, intense picks.

Have the blades fitted correctly to your boot. Blades are screwed on, so make sure that you check the screws are securely intact. The blades must sit securely under the physical center of the boot. This is very important because it ensures that the blades will run true across the ice without pulling. Check out the consequences of different fitting: Blades set too far in - the feet will fall outward Blades set too far out - the feet will fall inward Blades correctly centered - feet stand upright naturally

Have the blades sharpened. It is very important that the blades are sharpened. Have them sharpened by someone who specialized in figure skating, not hockey. You will know when to have them sharpened when they start feeling 'slippery' on the ice or you fall out of turns.

Get the skates waterproofed. When you first purchase your skates, the shop will either apply a waterproof coat for you or they will tell you to do it yourself. This will keep the sole waterproofed so that it doesn't absorb the water and break down and rot.

Make sure to purchase guards. While walking around the rink, it is essential to always wear guards. They come in many different colors and combinations to suit your personality and they protect the blades from undue pressure. They are usually made from plastic.

Keep skates dry after use. As soon as you step off the ice to take off your skates, use an old towel to wipe the water from the boots and blades. Put a "soaker" over the blade to protect it. This will ensure that your skates last.