How do you know when you need new figure skates?

Question

I got a new pair of Riedell 320's about 8 years ago. I skated on them for about 2 years and then had to stop skating. I just recently started skating again (6 years later). I'm at about a FS 5 level, if that matters, and I'm currently skating 6-8 hours per week. I'm beginning to think that I may need a new pair of skates. For one, I think I would like to get a more advanced pair, but I also think that my current skates may be too worn in.

What are some sure signs that your skates need to be changed out?

Also, I prefer Riedell brand skates, but what model would you suggest?

I would appreciate any help that can be given!

Answer 1

Since you already have experience skating, you seem to already feel these skates aren't supporting you anymore.  That's a sign right there . . . you shouldn't have to worry about your equipment failing you.  

At FS5, you're doing axels or starting doubles . . . and after 6 years of not skating, your body may be different.  Maybe you're skating harder now than you did back then . . . needs can change.  

Signs of a broken down boot (that I can think of):

*When you jump and land, your landing foot may feel like it's giving out (you don't feel steady on your landing).

*You feel like you have to fight to keep a clean edge - jump landings, turns, even spins.  

*You feel like you have to keep tightening your laces because it feels "loose" when you skate.

*You have a big, obvious bend in the boot in the outside ankle area.  Not just a natural crease - it's a folding gash!      

*The top of the boots flop over to one side - especially when you hold them up sideways.

*There are obvious rips and tears in the boot - inner or outer -

that it's falling apart!  Cracked soles may not hold screws for your blade.  

There's a great boot recommendation chart by skate level on the Riedell site if you want to stick with Riedell.  

http://www.riedellskates.com/fit/boots.h...

According to that, Silver Star 355 or Gold Star 375 would be good for FS 5.  Gold Stars are stiffer than Silver Star (some are ok with it - some have problems) . . . so coming from Bronze Star, perhaps Silver would work out as you have recently started again.  Try them on for sure . . . the decision is up to you - you might discuss it with your coach.  

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

You'll know a pair is in the gutter when the sides start to collapse on themselves. Happened to my old pair because I abused doing doubles on them and the skates aren't designed for that.

The difference between boots is more of how comfortable they are, better skates (especially customs) fit your feet better so they shouldn't hurt your feet and they are sturdier to resist bigger jumps.

If you are a F5 and doing solid single Axels, maybe changing to a new pair isn't a bad idea. The advntage you have is that your current pair aren't fully finished yet so you could still skate with them while you're getting used to the new ones (which could take up to a month which is a heck of a lot of ice time you could lose if you change completely).

Riedells are a good brand, I used them for years though I never went by models, I went by which skate the store had that was large enough so that I could wear them without pain (I have finnicky feet).