Purchasing ice skates?

Question

Hi!

I just started ice skating lessons last week. My parents said if I am really interesting in continuing and do so for at least the first session of classes, I could buy my own ice skates. I'm not planning on quitting any time soon, I am hoping to continue for a long, long time.

At the last class, my feet began to hurt and I got blisters. They hurt really bad that I could barely move. I don't know if I should get a bigger size or not because they fit my feet in length, but I think i have wide feet lol.

Also I was wondering where good skating stores are, I don't want to purchase them online.

How much do they usually cost? For a good pair of skates, but not really professional?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Well you should buy your own ice skates. if you dont want to you should just buy used skates.well no its not because you have big feet its just that you have to break in your skates.it happens all the time. well skates are very expensive, the boot costs probably 400$ and the blade costs 300$ and to sharpen your skates is 10$ well its more expensive if your a girl if your a guy its still expensive but not more expensive than girls. you should buy butt pads just for your safety.hope i helped.=D

Answer 2

go to www.riedellskates.com and go to the dealer locator

find the store closest to where you live and go there. they will measure your feet and help determine what size and model is best for you and your budget. skates do come in wide sizes but be sure that they measure your feet to see if you really need them

hope this helps

Answer 3

If you plan on continuing with lessons, it's best to have your own pair of skates.  You might find a pair of rentals that work well for the week, but those may not be the pair you get every week.  Plus, rentals that are used by many different people tend to get beat up pretty fast, not have enough ankle support and the blades are not sharpened nearly enough.  The best advice is to go to your local skate shop and get fitted by someone with experience.  Let them know what level you are skating and what you plan on doing.  They should be able to give you a size and a recommendation.  If you intend on moving on to beginning jumps and spins, I would stay away from the sporting goods chains for skates.  They're going to have a very limited selection of cheap-o skates that will not have good ankle support or blade quality.  At least if you get a size/width and brand/model recommendation, you can shop around online if you don't want to purchase them from a shop.  I do most of my skating shopping with rainbosports.com, who also have stores in my area.  Your best bet is probably to start with a low level Reidell or Jackson.  Their boots come in boot/blade sets (high level skates come seperately) that provide more ankle support than a Lake Placid or CCM skate -- intended for mostly recreational skating (for example) and will come with a better blade.  Reidellskates.com has a useage chart for their boots and blades so you can match your level to your model skate.  While it may be okay to start with a recreational skate, while you progress through the levels for lessons, your skills will quickly outgrow your skates.  Depending on if your feet are still growing, sometimes you can find used skates to save you a few bucks.  Some skates shops sell used skates on consignment or if you have a brand, model and size, you can find deals on eBay.  

As for the blisters, they can be caused by a few things.  It is possible the skates you were in were not the correct size for you.  What do you wear on your feet in your skates?  Socks, especially thick ones, are going to cause friction within your skate, thus causing painful blisters.  Most skaters wear very thin socks, nylons or tights.  If you continue to get blisters, get some round makeup sponges and put them over the places you feel your skates rubbing (if you can put them inside your nylons/tights they stay better).  Band-aids won't stay in place and usually fall off once your feet sweat a little.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Jackson makes a very good beginner skate,  I always start my students in these.

Answer 5

I suggest since you are just starting out to buy Jackson brand skates.  The are inexpensive and can be found in the Pro Shop at the rink(usually in stock). Ask the Pro Shop to fit you properly even though you are not buying an expensive pair of skates.  If they don't want to be bothered, then ask the skating school if they could help you.  The reason you are getting blisters isn't because your skates are too small, its because you are not lacing them up properly.  Someone at the rink or Pro Shop can help you with that.

Good Luck and enjoy the ice!

Answer 6

I would suggest getting your own skates if you plan on continuing in skating. You will still get blisters even if you get a size larger for width because then the skate will be too large and rub, thus casing blisters. A decent pair of beginner skates is going to cost you around $100-$150. Your local skating pro shop (you can try looking them up in the phone book, or asking skaters around your rink) should be able to help you be sized for skates. I would suggest Riedell skates, probably a Riedell Blue Ribbon or Riedell Bronze Medallion. Riedell is a good brand of skates, they are very good quality. Good luck!