Where can I buy figure skates?

Question

i need figure skates free of leather or suede.

i'm vegetarian =]

Answer 1

If you want synthetic skates, there are plenty on the market.  But they are not really suitable for competitive skating.  They are considered to be recreational skates - the low end (more for skating around, not for the tricks).  You may want to write to the company to see if these are even 100% animal free (many use some form of leather).    

Some synthetic skates (or partially synthetic).  

http://shopping.yahoo.com/s:Skates:1561-...

http://www.skates.com/ice-skates-s/107.h...

If you are a beginner and you want skates to just skate around at the rink . . . perhaps these synthetic ones are just fine.  But if you were wanting to take lessons or get to jumps and spins, you would eventually need the leather types (for the support mainly . . . and advanced blades can only be attached to leather heel/soles).  For now, all advanced skates are made of leather, for the most part.

Here you can find more details about the low end skate:

http://www.everglides.co.uk/html/buying_...  

The Vegan Society states defines vegan lifestyle as "ways of living that seek to exclude, as far as is possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose."  

http://www.vegansociety.com/html/about_u...

So if you want to skate competitively, all advanced skates are made of leather - as well as the many beginner level skates.  Do you not skate because of the leather, even though you love to skate?  Or do you skate with the leather as that is really the only current and safest choice as a competitive skater (a practical reason)?  You have to weigh what's important to you.  

Here are a couple discussions about the same question . . .

http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/archi...

http://www.mkforum.net/forum/showthread....

I have a few vegan friends on the ice (like seriously total vegans) and they definitely have leather skates.  I never thought to ask them how they felt about leather skates - good question!!

Answer 2

Well Kimmy!, it would appear that you're only option would be plastic or vinyl skates (which suck) and finding a pair of those in a store that doesn't sell leather products is slim to none.  Since you're placing your own personal beliefs above a proper fit you could probably find a pair on ebay.  But then, you're also running the risk of buying from someone who owns a pair of leather shoes.

Answer 3

Hey

I figure skate and have been through many competitions and the pre olympics training and my skates have lasted me through everything

they are free of leather and all animal products

but have costed me 2230$$ so i guess you might not be wanting those until you get to my level

but when i started skating i got my animal free skates at dress wright on ice they are great and very professional

Answer 4

All decent pairs of skates are made with leather because it is a tough material that provides ankle support. You can buy vinyl skates, but they are not decent skates. Try your local pro shop, and see what they can do for you.

Answer 5

Yikes, good luck with that.  You do realize that leather and suede are the leftover parts of an already dead cow, right?  I understand vegetarians and I respect that ideal greatly, but you will be hard pressed to find QUALITY skates made of something else.

Answer 6

where bouts your from??

look through yellow pages, or try your local ice rink, call them up before you go.

x

Answer 7

I am in freestyle 2 and you can get them on online stores or you can get them at a ice skating store you choose.

But I don't know about the free leather and suede stuff

Sorry :(

Answer 8

well im guessing at a skate shop :)