In the previous blog we discussed some myths regarding purchasing new skates.  This blog asks and answers some common questions about purchasing and maintaining figure skates.

How do I find the right person to help me purchase skates?

We always recommend you have clear and open communication with your skating coach about your equipment.  Make your coach aware of any problems you are have so they can better support you. For whatever problems the coach can’t immediately help with, it is a good idea to seek out a qualified skate technician.  We believe in working personally with the skate technician to ensure they understand the skaters needs and goals.

Dependable technicians have a reputation for quality products and service. We primarily work with Aislinn Munck at Home Ice located right inside the Skating Club of Boston.  A former Disney on Ice performer, Aislinn has gone through great lengths to reach out to us, get to know our preferences for our skaters, what we value in our teaching, and how our values relate to the types of boots we recommend.  We recommend her because she offers fair pricing, she communicates directly with us about all skate purchases being made, and together as a team we are able to select skates and manage equipment maintenance when the need arises. Please feel free to visit her website by following this link .

When looking for a qualified skate technician you should expect:

• Patience, empathy, and the ability to listen
• Personal experience with skating
• Good eyesight and steady hands
• Sincerity (they should want to see the skater end up in a skate that allows the skater to pursue their own personal goals)
• Somebody who has been trained on specialty figure skating equipment and not just hockey equipment (there is a huge difference)
• The ability to explain the decision-making process
• Backs up recommendation with refund or exchange policy

 

Do not expect all skates to be in stock.  As such a specialty sport there is a good chance that you may have wait for the skates to be shipped into the store.  The skate technician should be qualified to mount, sharpen and service the skates. Some techs include the first sharpening and mounting in the cost of the skate (if you purchase it from them), some do not.

How do I decide which brand of figure skating boot to purchase?

Although different boot manufacturers have varying reputations, build quality, manufacturing processes, technology, etc, there is no “best brand” of figure skates.  So no matter what trend you see, or what you hear in the stands, most of that advice is misinformed even if well intentioned. Do not buy skates just because a top skater is wearing them.

It is also common for skate dealers to be incentivized to sell one brand over another… hence why you might see most kids wearing Jackson’s in one town, and Reidel in another.   We recommend ignoring most of these tactics and instead having your child try on several types of skates before coming to the one that works best for her. Do realize that skate technicians may have legitimate reasons to try to put you in one brand over the other.  For instance, one skate brand may be able deliver an order of skates in the next week, where another may take two months. These factors are often important to consider.

How do I know my boot fits right?

In general, we do not suggest buying a figure skate based on shoe size.  A qualified dealer will be able to assist you in this process. All brands will have different sizing charts and sometimes even the same brand will vary from model to model.

Boots may not fit perfectly initially.  Skates are made of tough leathers, or rigid microfibers that take time to mold to the skater’s foot.  This is often referred to as “breaking in” the skate. Skates are designed to be moldable and properly trained skate technicians can take advantage of this.   Skates can be “punched” or stretched in places that bones create pressure within the boot. It is common for skaters to request adjustments when skates are new, as well as when skaters are getting too small or old.

Expectations for New Skates

Keep in mind that no brand-new skate is particularly comfortable, even a properly fitted one.  When trying on skates, questions should focus on fitment, not comfort alone. Every skate must go through a break in process where it will gradually mold to the skater’s foot to become softer and more pliable.

It is crucial for new skaters to understand skates will not feel like sneakers.  New skaters need training to understand that the feeling of a skate is not like a shoe, and as they move into higher level boots this difference will become more drastic.  Many skaters initially assume a skate is too small because it feels tighter than standard shoes when in reality the skate is properly fitted. There is a learning curve to this and new skaters will need to be trained to understand how skates should and shouldn’t feel like.  A snug feeling is appropriate, pain is not.

How do I properly lace my figure skaters?

Watch the video below for a demonstration on skate lacing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=91&v=gEqEoVpIKbE

What is the best way to maintain and care for my skates?

There is no denying a new pair of skates is a big investment.  Proper care and maintenance of your skates (and blades) will ensure you get the most of your equipment, and they do not prematurely wear down.

When walking with your skates on you should always wear what are called “hard guards” or skate guards.  These guards are plastic covers that go over the blade for when the skater is walking. Walking on a hard surface with exposed blades will destroy the sharpening and make it impossible to skate on the blades.  Even when walking on rubber flooring such as in the rink, it is still advised to wear hard guards. People track dirt and rocks in from outside an even the smallest pebble can cause damage to the edges of the blades.  The nicks and scratches left in the blade edge will compromise its ability to cut into the ice and skater is likely to feel that when skating.

The number one aspect of skate care is to avoid moisture.  That includes moisture on the exterior of the boot, from snow and ice, as well as from the sweat that accumulates inside the skate.  It is important that after every skate you wipe down the outside of the entire boot, including where the blade attaches to the sole, as well as the blade itself.  After drying the skate entirely, you should cover the blades with an absorbent cloth “soaker.”

The soaker is a crucial part of caring for your blades (an expensive investment).  Even if you wipe down the skate entirely, the blade can remain cool for hours after skating.  The blade will attract condensation and can still rust if you do not store them in soakers.

Once you arrive home with your skates you should take them out of the car, and then out of the bag you store them in.  Skates are vulnerable to changes in temperature and humidity so leaving skates in the car during summer or winter months can be especially damaging.   Instead, bring them home and leave them in a dry, open area, with the laces untied to allow for the inside of the skate to dry out. The more we can rid the skate of excess sweat the better the leather will hold up over time. Leaving your skates in a bag overnight will only work to speed up the deterioration of the skate.  

Sharpening should occur approximately once every 20-30hours of ice time.  This number will depend on the skater, their age, weight, and how hard they are on the blades.  After some experience skaters will begin to be able to sense when the blades need to be sharpened.  When edges start to feel consistently less secure on the ice, it may be time to stop by for a sharpening.  Sharpening more often than necessary reduces the lifetime of the blade. It is reasonable to get about 12-15 sharpenings out of a blade before the rocker becomes compromised too severely.