Should I get my own skates or stick to rentals for the time being?

[km22]

Hi, I'm 18 and I've started ice skating classes in January this year.. and since then I've been using rental skates. I go for ice skating practice about 3 times a week with an average of two hours each day. I don't really mind about using them even when EVERYONE else (skaters, i mean) uses their own skates. But its really bugging how my feet already starts to freeze (as if my toes are gonna come off) when I've only been on ice for 5 minutes! I've also tried skating with blunt skates and almost twisted my ankle. That had made lose trust in my skates.  So, I'm really contemplating on whether to get my own skates or to just stick with my the rentals skates until I master my basics at least. I feel like I'm spending too much money if i do get skates at my level. I'm learning so slow that I'm still doing forward crossovers and backwards stroking which i find difficult doing.  I blame myself for not trusting the skates and the ice.  I really don't know what to do. And it feels as if I have stunted my growth in ice skating and like its impossible for me to get any better. I don't want to feel this way and I do want to get better. It's been what I've wanted ever since i was a child. Oh and if I do decide on getting my own skates, I'm thinking of Risport Antares. Is there a big difference in the types of soles? Antares uses PVC soles, but I've read that many prefer leather over PVC. Most beginner skates uses PVC and I'm afraid that if I get skates with leather soles is it unnecessary and too high for my level? Any tips or advice are more than welcome!

[littlerain]

Hi welcome! I can't speak to risport skates in general but I would recommend that you get a fitting first before buying.

There are skates appropriate for your level, and I have to say if your feet are in pain it is a good idea to get skates!

Also, if it is any reassurance, One of my coworkers signed up for my LTS class and did the first 3 in rentals. She hated how her feet felt and ended up with some riedell beginner skates. (Maybe the 113?) she could go faster and do 1 ft glides right away.

[nicklaszlo]

You should get your own skates.

The primary downside of PVC soles is that the blades cannot be replaced.  If you buy new skates or ones that are used but in good condition, that should be okay for a beginner.

[WaltzJump413]

Hi km22!

Definitely get your own skates if possible.  It really makes a difference. It really helps to have consistency, so you can focus on learning to skate, rather than having to worry you'll get a bad pair of rentals that day. And there's something special about having your own skates that I think boosts confidence.

Like littlerain said, definitely get your feet fitted.

I have skates with PVC soles--they are Riedell 121's (brand new, they cost about $139 but were totally worth it) and I've been in them since I started back crossovers (ISI Beta). Now I'm in ISI Freestyle 1  (half jumps).  I'll probably replace them with higher-level skates when I get to single jumps.

What level are you at in classes?

[Christy]

Get your own skates. As others have said it helps with consistency and that will build confidence.

Definitely get fitted for your skates and talk to the fitter honestly about your level of experience and what you'd like to do in the future. Be open minded about the brand as some brands work better for wider / narrower feet, and don't worry too much about PVC soles - you can't change the blade on them, but you're very unlikely to need to.

I'm guessing you pay for your rental skates, so you can offset the cost of your own skates with some savings there 

[mamabear]

I really hesitated about buying my own skates and since then I've realized wait a minute-my siblings who run for exercise replace their running shoes at least every 6 months and frequently pay 60.00+ for those shoes.  I've skated in my skates for 3 years and they are Riedell 121's (I think that's the right number) purchased for around 125.00.  Much cheaper! 

I skated much better once I had my own. 

[km22]

Hi welcome! I can't speak to risport skates in general but I would recommend that you get a fitting first before buying.

There are skates appropriate for your level, and I have to say if your feet are in pain it is a good idea to get skates!

Also, if it is any reassurance, One of my coworkers signed up for my LTS class and did the first 3 in rentals. She hated how her feet felt and ended up with some riedell beginner skates. (Maybe the 113?) she could go faster and do 1 ft glides right away.

Hi km22!

Definitely get your own skates if possible.  It really makes a difference. It really helps to have consistency, so you can focus on learning to skate, rather than having to worry you'll get a bad pair of rentals that day. And there's something special about having your own skates that I think boosts confidence.

Like littlerain said, definitely get your feet fitted.

I have skates with PVC soles--they are Riedell 121's (brand new, they cost about $139 but were totally worth it) and I've been in them since I started back crossovers (ISI Beta). Now I'm in ISI Freestyle 1  (half jumps).  I'll probably replace them with higher-level skates when I get to single jumps.

What level are you at in classes?

Get your own skates. As others have said it helps with consistency and that will build confidence.

Definitely get fitted for your skates and talk to the fitter honestly about your level of experience and what you'd like to do in the future. Be open minded about the brand as some brands work better for wider / narrower feet, and don't worry too much about PVC soles - you can't change the blade on them, but you're very unlikely to need to.

I'm guessing you pay for your rental skates, so you can offset the cost of your own skates with some savings there 

Hi littlerain, waltzjump413 and Christy!

I did try getting a fitting, but the fitter seemed inexperience, almost as if she's just there to take care of the shop but I don't see anyone else there other than her on other days. When asked her about skates she looked blur. So then I just asked if I could try on a pair of skates to see what size I fit in and how it feels, so she measured and gave me a size 245 (Risport's size) which 24.5cm. She let me try on Risport Excellence which I don't think is suitable for me because its for level up to double jumps. However, they did feel really comfortable (compared to rentals, haha). I don't know if I'm measuring my foot wrongly or did she measure it wrong, but it is 23cm when i measured my feet with socks on. I used a paper and drew according to the shape of my feet then measure.

I live in Malaysia where ice skating (as a sport) isn't very popular.  I think this the only shop in the country that sells hockey skates and figure skates. They don't have that many range and models. I see new skaters at my level wearing Risport Excellence but it cost around $350 which I think is too much for me. I rather start with a cheap pair of skates for my level and upgrade as I improve. I'm guessing all the figure skaters at my rink either knows very clearly of their size or gets them overseas when they go for competition. I guess I'm quite open to all the brands but if I am getting my own skates, I'm mostly likely getting them online and I think Risport is the only brand I'll be confident enough to get since I've tried it on. But even so, I'm having doubts now that I've measure my feet myself. 

Littlerain, is the Riedell 113 good enough to last me until Gamma?

Waltzjump413, I guess I'm in alpha. So far, I've learned swizzles, wiggles, forward stroking, one foot glide, one foot snow plow stop, forward crossovers, backward stroking and T-stop. I've really need to work on my forward crossovers, backward stroking and T-stop. Other than those, the rest are pretty okay but I still need to perfect them. I haven't gone for any test yet. My coach probably thinks I'm not up for it yet, and I personally do think I need to really get them right before I go for test too. =)

Christy, I guess I don't have to worry about the soles now then! =) I don't need to pay for rentals because I go for private lessons there. The same company that runs the rink, runs the skating academy too. And here in Malaysia, we only have two ice rinks and the one I go to is the biggest ice rink we have which is only about half the size of an olympic sized ice rink. Hahah

You should get your own skates.

The primary downside of PVC soles is that the blades cannot be replaced.  If you buy new skates or ones that are used but in good condition, that should be okay for a beginner.

Hi nicklaszlo! Thanks for replying! I'm pretty convinced to get my own skates at this point. But unlike other countries where ice skating is such a popular sport, I guess I wont be having any luck in finding second-hand skates. =(

I really hesitated about buying my own skates and since then I've realized wait a minute-my siblings who run for exercise replace their running shoes at least every 6 months and frequently pay 60.00+ for those shoes.  I've skated in my skates for 3 years and they are Riedell 121's (I think that's the right number) purchased for around 125.00.  Much cheaper! 

I skated much better once I had my own. 

Hi mamabear! I guess getting my own skates would be a pretty good investment after all. =)

[Bill_S]

However, they did feel really comfortable (compared to rentals, haha). I don't know if I'm measuring my foot wrongly or did she measure it wrong, but it is 23cm when i measured my feet with socks on.

I'd be a little concerned about having boots feel TOO comfortable when they are new. All of my new boots seemed a little cramped when I first wore them, but they broke in to fit nicely. My Riedell Gold stars took several weeks of uncomfortable skating to feel good, but they are stiff boots compared to a lower level boot. If the store clerk measured your foot and it's that different from your own measurement, I'd be concerned about her experience.

[km22]

I'd be a little concerned about having boots feel TOO comfortable when they are new. All of my new boots seemed a little cramped when I first wore them, but they broke in to fit nicely. My Riedell Gold stars took several weeks of uncomfortable skating to feel good, but they are stiff boots compared to a lower level boot. If the store clerk measured your foot and it's that different from your own measurement, I'd be concerned about her experience.

Initially she gave me a BIGGER size, which is 25.0. Then I asked if it is the right size. She asked me back if my feet are still growing. I answered no, then she gave me a size 24.5. I don't know how a right pair of skates should feel like since I've been wearing rentals, all new skates would feel comfortable and nice to me.  Do you think I should go back and try a few other smaller sizes to compare?

[Bill_S]

I'd do one of two things...

1) If there's another person who works in the shop, get a second opinion.

2) Ask a higher-level skater there about her experiences buying skates - especially if they have dealt with that shop. Talk about how they felt for her when they were new.

Skates cost too much to rush into a purchase with an inexperienced fitter.

I have used Riedells over the past 14 years, and almost everyone I know says to get one size smaller than your normal street shoe size. (That's a US size, BTW, and probably won't be the same in other countries, or especially with other skate brands.) However that "common knowledge" rule worked fine for me.

Then I got a pair of skates that felt good in the shop, but they were only 1/2 size smaller than my shoes size. They ended up too large. I broke the rule of conventional wisdom for Riedell skates (and even the fitter's recommendation that I send them back, but I was impatient!). After break-in, my heel would move up and down in the skates, resulting in painful bumps on my heels. They did feel comfortable in the shop, but not afterward!

So ask around, and see what else you can learn before you leap into a purchase. Skate fitting is an art, not a science, and experience counts.

[Loops]

Hi and welcome!!!!!

Getting your first pair of skates is probably the biggest, scariest challenge there is.  You can do this!!!!  I agree that you should ask around  your rink, going to your coach first.  They all have gotten their skates from somewhere, and will be your best source of information.

Besides asking around, I would actually ask your coach or one of the most senior skaters (or their parents if its appropriate) to go with you for a fitting.  Then you'll be able to benefit from their experience as well as the sales-persons.  It might seem awkward, but I think when asked, most people are thrilled to help out- especially newcomers to the sport.  Added benefit- more friends at the rink!

There's another member on this forum (who I haven't seen in a while), Sampaguita, who is also somewhere in Asia.  She may have some sage advice. 

Good luck!!!!!

[km22]

I'd do one of two things...

1) If there's another person who works in the shop, get a second opinion.

2) Ask a higher-level skater there about her experiences buying skates - especially if they have dealt with that shop. Talk about how they felt for her when they were new.

Skates cost too much to rush into a purchase with an inexperienced fitter.

I have used Riedells over the past 14 years, and almost everyone I know says to get one size smaller than your normal street shoe size. (That's a US size, BTW, and probably won't be the same in other countries, or especially with other skate brands.) However that "common knowledge" rule worked fine for me.

Then I got a pair of skates that felt good in the shop, but they were only 1/2 size smaller than my shoes size. They ended up too large. I broke the rule of conventional wisdom for Riedell skates (and even the fitter's recommendation that I send them back, but I was impatient!). After break-in, my heel would move up and down in the skates, resulting in painful bumps on my heels. They did feel comfortable in the shop, but not afterward!

So ask around, and see what else you can learn before you leap into a purchase. Skate fitting is an art, not a science, and experience counts.

The second sounds like a pretty good idea. I should go around asking other skater about their experiences. It's true that skates cost too much to rush into a purchase or make rash decisions. I'll definitely try get as many opinions from people around my rink before making any purchase.

Thank you so much for the advice! =)

Hi and welcome!!!!!

Getting your first pair of skates is probably the biggest, scariest challenge there is.  You can do this!!!!  I agree that you should ask around  your rink, going to your coach first.  They all have gotten their skates from somewhere, and will be your best source of information.

Besides asking around, I would actually ask your coach or one of the most senior skaters (or their parents if its appropriate) to go with you for a fitting.  Then you'll be able to benefit from their experience as well as the sales-persons.  It might seem awkward, but I think when asked, most people are thrilled to help out- especially newcomers to the sport.  Added benefit- more friends at the rink!

There's another member on this forum (who I haven't seen in a while), Sampaguita, who is also somewhere in Asia.  She may have some sage advice. 

Good luck!!!!!

Hi Loops! Everyone here seems so friendly, I feel so welcomed! 

That actually sounds great! I guess getting my coach to go along with me for a fitting would be much much better than just getting a fitting on my own. I don't really dare initiate conversations with other skaters especially the really good ones because they always seem so busy and I'd feel like I'm disturbing them. But I guess I should try putting some effort.. =)

Oh and Sampaguita! I just watched a few of her practice videos! She's good. Everyone here are such great inspiration and motivation!

Alright, thanks so much for all the advice! Have a great day ahead!

[littlerain]

Good luck! I think there is also a recent thread about buying skates where at least two people from the phillipjnes were talking about skate shopping...

Anyway i think the riedell 113 is probably quite beginner, meant for recreational skating. A lot of people seem to have the 133s until delta/freestyle though.

Perhaps you can do a fitting by email with kinzie's closet or rainbo sports?

[Loops]

I don't really dare initiate conversations with other skaters especially the really good ones because they always seem so busy and I'd feel like I'm disturbing them.

I know it seems scary, but in general skaters are really nice people.  If you get further into the sport, you're going to be spending lots of time with these people anyway.  Off-ice, just ask them if they have a minute- tell them you're new and you need advice on getting skates.  Some might be busy, but I'm sure some will end up talking your ear off! 

I also just thought of the club board.  At my rink, people on the board of directors (sounds official and scary, but they're just parents of other skaters, or skaters themselves) are always around.  I went to them in addition to the coaches.  Buying skates in France is a little easier than in Malaysia I think, but no where near as easy as in the US (where I'm from).  So I went through recently what you're going through.  My past experienced helped, but things have changed SO MUCH in the past 25 years that I felt like a complete newbie. 

You'll be right!!!

[FigureSpins]

Your feet aren't going to change much; buy a good pair of beginner figure skates.  Entry level would be a Jackson Classique or a Riedell 133 with the stock blade.

Ask the pro shop, skating club board member or rink's skating director about used or consignment skates.  Skates are like new cars: they lose half their value once they're bought, so gently-used are a good buy.

Adult skaters don't mind talking off-ice while changing skates, but don't interrupt them on the ice or when they're waiting to perform.  Teens tend to be very clique-ey, so they're harder to start a conversation with on- or off-ice.

[Query]

Foot shapes differ a lot. It's really important you try them on first, if at all possible. If the ones in the store fit at least as well as the rentals, I'd buy.

$350 is too much to spend if you just started skating.

How much do you pay for rental skates, if anything? E.g., if you skate 3x per week, 52 weeks/year, you are spending 156 times the daily fee / year.  So if you pay $1/day to rent, you could pay $156 for new skates and pay it back in a year - enough for a fairly decent pair of skates for you level.

Of course, if the rink isn't open all year, that calculation changes.

[amkw]

I went through this same dilemma for awhile many years ago but I would definitely say YES! Once you take the plunge and do it you'll never look back. That and as others have said you no longer have to worry about getting an adequate pair of rental skates each time.

I have owned two pairs of skates in the past but just to echo some of what everyone else has been saying, make sure you get fitted by someone who is experienced! My current pair of skates that felt "comfortable" which I wore with thick socks turned out to be a size and a half too large for me- all because I was never fitted. I just experienced my first proper fitting the other day and just as others have mentioned, he recommended the Riedell 133s (before I told him I was going to begin single jumps soon... I ended up ordering the 229s).

With that being said I did get properly fitted for and tried on the 133s and they felt like quality skates and seemed to offer a lot of support. If I was just starting off I could definitely see those being a good fit and the gentleman fitting me highly recommended them. He is the #2 Riedell retailer in the state of Ohio and he's been fitting since around 1991 so I trust his judgment

Best of luck in your search!

[Bill_S]

He is the #2 Riedell retailer in the state of Ohio and he's been fitting since around 1991 so I trust his judgment

Out of curiosity, who was the fitter? Duke at the OSU rink in Columbus?

[amkw]

Out of curiosity, who was the fitter? Duke at the OSU rink in Columbus?

Yup- it was Duke! I was very skeptical when he was fitting me for Riedells but he really knew his stuff, which made me feel much better. I'll be stopping by to see him again once my skates are shipped in. Hopefully this week -fingers crossed-.

With that being said I'm curious to know who is number one.

[Bill_S]

I've used Duke for all of my Riedells over the years. The one time I didn't take his advice was the with last pair of skates I bought. I had waited several weeks for them to arrive, and drove 1-1/2 hours to get there. During the fitting, they felt fine to me, but Duke was a little concerned about them being just a smidge too large. Being impatient and not wanting to wait another three weeks, I told him that they fit good enough, and I'd take them.

But Duke was right. My heel started lifting in the skates within a month, and I earned some painful bumps on my heel as a result. I came away from all that with even more respect for Duke's ability to fit skates.

I'd put money on the #1 Ohio fitter being in Cleveland somewhere. Whenever we get a very talented figure skater attending OU and I ask where they trained, ~75% say they are from Cleveland. Must be a lot of busy rinks up there!

[amkw]

I've used Duke for all of my Riedells over the years. The one time I didn't take his advice was the with last pair of skates I bought. I had waited several weeks for them to arrive, and drove 1-1/2 hours to get there. During the fitting, they felt fine to me, but Duke was a little concerned about them being just a smidge too large. Being impatient and not wanting to wait another three weeks, I told him that they fit good enough, and I'd take them.

But Duke was right. My heel started lifting in the skates within a month, and I earned some painful bumps on my heel as a result. I came away from all that with even more respect for Duke's ability to fit skates.

I'd put money on the #1 Ohio fitter being in Cleveland somewhere. Whenever we get a very talented figure skater attending OU and I ask where they trained, ~75% say they are from Cleveland. Must be a lot of busy rinks up there!

I'm sorry to hear that happened! That's good to know that you've used Duke and find him to be excellent though makes me feel much better about the skate buying experience. Thanks for sharing this, now I know if my skates come in and for some reason if he says they're too big, to take his word. I'm very much eager to get on the ice in boots that actually support me so I would probably have done what you did as well!

[lifebyliya]

Obviously, we've all suggested that you do get your own skates. It's EXTREMELY daunting to buy your first pair of skates, especially when you're in a country without many skate fitters. It's the same over here in the Philippines, and one just has to tough it out to finally get that first pair.

I second what Loops suggested, make friends with other skaters! Some may be snobbish, but many will actually be nice enough to help you out. They'll understand your situation very much because they've obviously gone through it.

I remember fitting a pair right before I bought my own: The size and everything was perfect (according to my coach that time who I had dragged to help me with fitting), but it just seemed too expensive, especially considering they were second hand. I decided then to order a new pair: same size and EVERYTHING online and they were probably the best skates I've had to date. I had Jackson Classiques then, was around your level.

After that purchase, the easiest way I could find was ask other skaters, and even fit THEIR boots. it may have molded to their feet already, but at least you get an idea of how a certain brand and model fits. I have been lucky to have my shipping pretty much waived entirely because I'd order online and have them shipped to my relatives in the US who come home to the Philippines. So far, so good for me.

Don't be afraid to ask around. My last purchase had gotten me in contact w/ so many fitters. I'd measured my foot, given my skill level and such for them to match me a boot and blade. My GAMs have been absolutely wonderful to skate on so far.

But of course, the best is to really sit down with your coach. Besides just knowing if it's the right size, he/she will know to match your skill level too.

It's daunting, but it's exciting. keep us updated with your skate purchase!