Which ice skates to buy for beginner?

Question

Our 5 year old daughter is going to start taking ice skating lessons. Is it a good idea to go buy new skates or rent them? What skates should we buy? Is there anything we should look for when buying ice skates for kids?

Someone suggested getting used skates since kids outgrow them very quickly. Any suggestions where to find used skates?

Answer 1

I would recommend getting used skates for a couple days, just to see how it goes. Then I would get used skates. Riedell skates are good, and I would suggest you start in the ribbon series. http://www.riedellskates.com/ Also when fitting skates, they should be snug, but not so tight that they can't walk in them. I would see a skate store for more information.

Answer 2

It's always a good idea to ask a club executive at the club that you are enrolling your daughter in, if there are any used skates available.

Beyond that ... DON'T buy the hard plastic skates, especially teh ones that have clip buckles, rather than laces! Look for a pair of skates that are actual figure skates, with laces and preferably small toe picks. You should be able to find them in either a good sporting store, or hopefully there is a figure skating store in your area. It's also a good idea to contact a figure skating store for information.

Make sure the boot is in good shape if it's used - no twisting to the boot or warping. Check for ankle support - a boot that flops over at the top will not assist your daughter in learning to skate, but rather hinder her. Also - make sure they fit! DON'T buy skates that are too big just because she'll grow into them - her balance on the blade will be thrown off.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Well when I first started I got little Riedells I believe and skates can get pretty expensive, but it's totally worth it so that she can have good ankle support. Those rental skate have absolutely no ankle support what so ever, so buying skates in my opinion would be best. Once she gets them make her walk around the house a little bit in them so she gets used to them by the time she goes out and skates. If you start out with rental skates then she might get used to them and when you buy her new skates she'll probably have a hard time with them. Good luck.

Answer 4

I would suggest starting off with rental skates, and if she sticks with skating then I would suggest getting her own skates. Making sure that a skate is not too stiff, but will have enough support, and making sure that the skate fits properly are the two biggest things that you want to look for in a skate. Riedell makes good skates for beginners, if you choose to buy them new then I would suggest a Riedell Red or Blue Ribbon, or if you buy them used just make sure that the skate still seems to be somewhat stiff and not broken down in any way. Parents at the local rink usually are constantly selling their used figure skates that their kids have grown out of, and you can usually pick up a good pair for a decent price. Also talking to your local pro shop, sometimes they will sell used figure skates. Good luck!