Why are ice skates so expensive?

Question

I know 80 dollars isn't all that much but why are they expensive?

Answer 1

the more stuff you want to do the better your skates (boots AND blades) have to be

the more advanced people get they need stiffer boots and certain features and better blades so they can jump higher and blades that stay sharp longer

but for skates $80 is a good price

depending on what you want to do they have them as low as $20 or $30 (but they arent as good as an $80 pair)

Answer 2

because they need to have good ankle support and a good blade. Getting a separate boot and blade is expensive, but you can definitely feel a difference.

Answer 3

Two reasons, stainless steel and leather! Both are expensive especially stainless steel.

Answer 4

because the white part (the boot) is leather, the wood part at the bottom of the boot has to be sealed with an expensive seal to prevent molding from getting wet and the blade is custom sharpened for the level at which the skater is. plus they have to make a profit. so it all adds up in the end.

Answer 5

You're right.  $80 isn't a lot for skates.  Boots for high level skaters can be over $500....just for the boots...new boots and blades can be over $1,200.   An $80 skate probably costs more than a recreational skate you'd find at Target or Toys 'R Us because more goes into making them.  They are made from better, sturdier, longer lasting materials than the vinyl and plastic ones and are more labor intensive.  Some very expensive skates are all hand-made.  Blades are expensive because of the same reasons...what they're made of and what it takes to make them.  Depending on what kind of skate you get, for some you can choose what kind of leather they're made from and other "upgrades" or options.