Best ice skates for a beginner?

Question

I'm a bit of an amateur (I'm not quite sure if that is the right term) when it comes to ice skating. I can skate just fine and not fall at all, go really fast, go backwards, and turn by crossing your feet, and such. I've only skated for recreation and my parents told me I might as well get a pair of skates myself instead of wasting money on rentals. I've been looking into it, and found some on ebay, but I'm not sure which ones to get. I especially look for jacksons, since they're the ones that the store inside the skating rink sell. But what's the difference between freestyle or figure ones? Which kind is best for my kind of ice skating? Should I stick with jacksons or look for some other brand? Anything I want to look for in skates? Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

Your parents are right!  If you skate a lot, it's worth having your own skates -- and you know who had their feet in them before you!!!  :)  As mentioned before, I would go to your nearest skate shop to get the correct fit.  The problem with buying skates on eBay is you can't try them on.  They might be the right size, but not the right width.  Skate sizes don't run true to shoe size either.  Some brands run small, others large, some wide, some narrow.  I have heard good things about Jacksons...the only experience I have with them is my stepdaughter has a pair.  Usually for beginners or frequent recreational skaters, I'd recommend Riedells.  They're both good brands of skates for beginners.  There's not really a difference between "figure" and "freestyle."  If they use figure to describe skates, that just means they're figure skates....not hockey, not speed, not roller, etc.  Freestyle refers to what you would do in figure skates, but more specifically jumping and spinning (under the "umbrella' of figure skating, there is freestyle, dance, syncro).  If you're planning on taking lessons, you're going to want a skate with some ankle support, but if you plan on just continuing to skate recreationally, let the people at the shop know what you're up to and they can help you find a skate that will work for you....in the right size.  Then once you have a skate recommendation and size/width, if you want to shop around go for it!  :)

Answer 2

You are looking in the right direction.. Jackson has some great skates.  Riedell is also good, I would suggest deciding on a price you are comfortable with first.  

Freestyle is just the name of one of Jackson's boots - I would try a classique or an artiste they are a little less expensive and more of a recreational type of figure skate.  Look for a boot & blade set.

Try this website www.sharperedgeskates.com.  You will get all the help you need and skates at a great price.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I would suggest going to your local pro shop and being sized for skates, and not buying online because every brand and model of skate can run slightly differently size wise. There are typically two types of skates, figure and hockey, figure skates have a toe pick and hockey skates do not. It sounds like you would probably like figure skates for the type of skating that it sounds like you enjoy. You can go ahead with Jackson's if you feel that you like their skates. I personally like Riedell skates a little better just because they have been more comfortable for me and seem to last a little longer than my Jackson's have, but for a recreational skater I think as long as your skates fit well that you can go with either brand and be just fine. I would suggest a Riedell Red or Blue Ribbon or Jackson Mystique skate. Good luck!

Answer 4

Risport are really good. I use them and the only reason you would need to change them is because you grow out of the. They are really great. But I would suggest not getting them off ebay as I tried that and they broke within a month. Also you can't try them on. I hope this helps.

Hannah

Answer 5

i think you should buy riedells. and i recommend buying the gold medallion series skates...