Skates – Choosing The Best For You

Monday, January 12th, 2009 at 9:46 pm

Perhaps you have seen those figure skaters on TV, wondering just what it is that makes them look so at ease on the ice. If you have considered trying your feet at skating, one of the most important considerations is exactly what type of skates you wear. While you, of course, won’t gracefully glide across the ice on your first attempt, having a well fitting pair of ice skates will make the learning process much more enjoyable.

Don’t be left wondering what to do. You are not resigned to the rental skates every time you go for lessons. Having your own custom pair of ice skates will exponentially increase your skating pleasure. While available from a sporting goods store, it is best to go to a store that specializes in fitting individuals for ice hockey skates or figure skates.

Beginners to recreational skating may want to consider Jackson, one of the more popular brands. While not good for figure skates, these boots are good for someone who wants to skate purely for pleasure. Expect to pay between $50 - $100 for a pair of these boots, depending on the extras. This is not that expensive when you consider that figure skates are much more specialized than tennis shoes, and this cost is almost less than a good pair of tennis shoes.

When speaking with a professional, this person can advise you not only on size and fit, but can make recommendations based on your height and weight. All of these things factor into a good fit from your skates.

Once you own your own pair of skates, you can depend on the same “feel” every time you skate. When renting skates, you don’t have any way to know if they are strong enough to support your foot, whether the blades are sharp, or who’s foot has been in it. Without knowing how much a boot has been used, you can’t very well assure your safety.

As an owner of your own figure skates, you can learn how to take care of them and provide maintenance to get the most wear. Establishing a relationship with a good provider of skating products can also help you find other ways to enhance your experience.

Who knows where your skating will take you? Maybe one day you’ll try your hand at ice hockey with the family, and then you might need to seek out some ice hockey skates. Perhaps you will become skilled as a graceful figure skater, maybe ice-racing will be your specialty.

Whatever you decide on trying, having the best pair of skates is like putting on your favorite pair of jeans. It just feels right, and you will want to wear them again and again.