When should you get custom ice skating boots?

Question

I'm going into FS3 soon. And my local skating store says I should buy custom boots at around FS4. Is that right?

Answer 1

nope.

it doesn't effect your skating.

i'm doing triples and i've never had custom boots.

unless your feet are abnormally shaped or one is smaller than the other, it doesnt seem to make a difference.

custom boots will not make you a better skater, so i would save yourself the extra $600 bucks and get more ice time.

boot recomendations: at your level i would get risport RF3's or RF4's

Answer 2

You never have to get custom boots if you don't want unless you really really want them or have trouble with stock boots.  Many skaters are just fine with stock boots and never buy customs.  If you have any foot problems or need special adjustments made to your boots, customs may be the way to go.  Typically they're more expensive than stock boots, but if you have the money to spend on them, they are kind of nice.  It's been my experience that customs, since they are made for your foot, usually fit better and they seem to last longer than stock boots.  But if your foot is still growing and you're happy with stock boots, maybe it's best to stick with the stock boots until your feet stop growing. :)

Answer 3

Certain boots and blades are designed for specific levels.  Depending on the size of your feet (if your skates fit comfortably), the condition of your boots (whether they're worn down), and the level intended for wearers of your current skates, you may not need to buy skates for a while.  Here's how to tell:  Give yourself one point if your skates fit well.  Give yourself another if your coach says the boots are worn down.  Talk to some people.  Give yourself two points if your skates are intended for your level or above, and one point if they are intended for approximately your level.  When you have less than only one or two points, it's time to get new skates (or if your skates are REALLY too small).