Buying first pair of skates - What to ask?

[texskate]

Greetings!  This forum is such a wealth of knowledge and I've already learned a ton by perusing threads and searching.  So, thank you!

I'm in Adult Basic 1, about to start Adult Basic 2.  I've really enjoyed it and plan to work my way through the full Adult Learn to Skate program.  So, I've decided to buy my own skates, hopefully a pair that could see me through the whole program.  The ones at the rink I'm taking lessons at are ok, but some are kind of tight, some are loose, they have different laces, etc.  So, it's sort of hit or miss, and I think that getting my own skates would be worth it. 

I've asked my instructor and gotten a couple of recommendations for a pro shop, so my question for the board is what should I ask when I go to the pro shop?  Are there particular questions that are helpful to ask to find the best fit?  Any warning signs that I should run for a different shop?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions for a better fitting!

[aussieskater]

Here's a link to an old thread which covers most of what you're asking:  http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=5736.0 (fingers crossed the link works).

Also just scroll through the pro shop list of thread titles; all the "I'm a new skater and I need skates" threads are there.  You'll find many many threads on this subject - new boots is something even experienced skaters agonise over!

[texskate]

Thanks!  I've read through most of the threads on buying new skates, now.  Very helpful!

[Neverdull44]

Find out from the coaches who they trust the most to fit their skaters.  There are people in the pro shop who know what they are doing, and those that are not as good.   Then, get the guru in the proshop to fit your foot to the right skate. Some brands are better at wider feet, others for narrow feet.   The length has to be right.  Most people buy a skate that is too big, if left to their own devices, on their first pair of skates.  Then, the skate stretches out or is too long, and they can't control the blade as well.

Oh, and breaking in new boots is going to toughen you up.  It ain't fun.

[texskate]

Thank you, Neverdull44.  I appreciate the info on people usually going for skates that end up too big once they're broken in.  Based on what I've read here, I asked my instructor last week and she mentioned a couple of places, and a couple of particular people to ask for, and I'm going to stop by one of them tomorrow and talk with them.  We'll see where it goes from there.  If I'm not satisfied with how it goes, then I'll check out the other one. 

[Neverdull44]

It's not the shop, it's the person in the shop that will make the difference.  Go for the guru.  Literally, if the person you wanted to see isn't there, then DO NOT go through with it.  Make an appointment if you have to.   It's a big waste of money, and less enjoyable skating if you are in the wrong sized boot or your blades are incorrectly mounted.  Expect to spend an hour (sometimes more) there, from fitting, buying, sharpening, mounting blades, skate ovens.  This isn't like buying a loaf of bread.  My skate fitting took over 5 hours (but they were Edeas).

Ask the skate guru what you need to do to protect your skates.  Leather bottoms have to be sealed and resealed.  It's not alot of care, but you need to be aware of any waterproofing requirements.   The shop is going to sell sno-seal (or whatever is recommended).  It will last years.

If the shop has stainless steel scews, ask that they use them to mount your blades.   

From my own experience, if you are between two skates and there are "rolled edges" on top of the boot, go for that one.   My leg skin gets torn up if it's the "straight up" leather.   Also, the edges of tongues can be uncomfortable.  I have pulled out the grey foam and put in sheepskin/fur to make it more comfortable.  But, I am a sissy.

Oh, and accessories!  You get to buy accessories now that this is going to be your new hobby!!!

Buy a few pairs of figure skating knee highs.  They will last forever.  They help prevent blisters, thin (doesn't take up room & allows you to feel the boot), and are not as hard to wear as full skating stockings.  They work great under pants.  There are some "tough" skaters that prefer no socks.   But, I'm not one of them.

Buy one pair of blade soakers.   You are going to put these on your blades as soon as you take off and wipe down your skates.   Rinks are moist, and condensation keeps forming on blades long after you left the ice. They wick up the blade's moisture and will help keep the blade from rusting.  Soakers and gloves are the most important thing in my bag, besides my skates!  I keep mine on until I get home.  I try to remove them at that time, but many times I forget.   I don't walk around on any flooring in my blade soakers.  They are definitely not sturdy enough of protection for the blade's edges to use while walking around on tile, concrete, wood.

Buy a pair of round disc pads (or round makeup sponges are another option if you have them).   You might need them, and when you do you will need them in a hurry because you will be trying to alleviate a sore or rubbing spot that will hurt so bad.

Buy blade guards.   They will help protect your blades walking around the rink.  At competitions, I really wear them because there are so many people not in skates, wearing sandals too!  I don't want to step on their feet with a raw blade.   And, they can help to keep your blades a little sharper and not kicked, as rink floors get trashy.  They are also handy for putting them on if you have to walk back to your car or walk around inside your house.   (I also break in my boots by walking around my house with them).   I do not store my skates with my guards.  Down here, it rusts the blade because of our high humidity.   You MUST remember that skate guards and the ice do not mix.  It's the worst of the worst falls you will ever have is stepping onto the ice with your guards on.   If you see a skater stepping on the ice with their guards on, ALWAYS alert them.

Consider buying a skate bag, (and it doesn't have to be an expensive rolling bag, like a Zucca).  You are going to have to haul skates, gloves, guards, soakers, band aids, hair ties, brush, music, soakers, extra socks, extra laces, bunga pads, protective gear  . . .  it's just really nice to have it all in one place.  Or, there is no shame in using luggage or a bigger gym bag.   Save your money for lessons, because the bag isn't going to make you a better skater.   :-)

Never, ever, ever leave your skates in the car.  Especially a hot or cold car.  Bring your skates inside your home.   Leather, steel, heat, humidity, cold, . . . not a good mix.   Remember, alot of these new skates are heat moldable, and your car gets alot hotter than a skate oven.  Heat will warp your skates, mildew & mold will eat your skates, humidity will rust your skates . ..

I am not trying to scare you, but skating falls do happen.   I'd say 99% of the time, the falls I've taken didn't hurt.   The ice allows me to fall and continue my momentum horizontally.  And, I learned as a kid to relax when I fell.   These things soften the blow.   I don't skate beyond my level, period.   I'm 45 and have a day job and 2 kids.   I have skated for about 10 years in total throughout my life, and have "only" slightly fractured a wrist bone and had about a dozen "not getting up for a few minute" falls.   The really bad falls happen when I least expect it, doing something that isn't that hard for me.  It's a fluke take-off on a jump, my blade going over trash on the ice, .....    What is the saying, "Pride comes before the fall."  True in skating.

BUT, please consider buying and wearing protection.  Skating protection can be very discreet.  I'm not an expert on what skaters hurt, but wrists seem to be a top item.  There are low profile wrist protection (like for snowboarders), that will fit under a jacket and gloves. No one will know.   Knee caps can also get broken.  Those, are very nasty injuries and can really stop your skating for a long time.   There are thin gel sleeves & thin pads to protect your knees..  My mother broke her tailbone.  Again, there are thin pads to protect your touch, britches with built in, thin padding, etc.   And, finally, don't forget your head.  I've seen my share of concussions.   Products like "Ribcap", "Crasche", and "Ice Halo" offer head protection that is more like a headband or ski cap, then a bulky, heavy helmet.  Helmets are used too.   (For me, I am used to skating without a helmet and it would alter my weight distribution too much.)

[texskate]

Thanks Neverdull44.  I did call ahead make sure that the person she mentioned would be there when I went.  He was very knowledgeable, had me try on several different boots.  We decided on the Riedell 223, but they need to order my size.  I did discover that I'd been wearing too big rental skates, so now I know to ask for a better size for my next lesson or two before I have my own skates.  He did also mention that I shouldn't leave them in my car due to the heat molding.

I already have a bag that'll work and I did stock up on a few of the things you mentioned.  I will note the rest and ask when I go to get the skates when they come in. 

I've definitely already fallen a few times.  Not in lessons, but in outdoor skating on surfaces that were not, shall we say, exactly even.  Once, the "soft" ice swallowed my whole right skate blade while the rest of me kept going.  That made for some nice knee bruises.  So, yes, I'm already wearing knee pads.

Thanks again for the tips!

[Query]

The most important thing to do first is to ask the good skaters and coaches where they go to get skates. IMHO, many, maybe most pro shops don't have ANYONE worth using for anything much beyond selling replacement laces, or a little warm clothing.

A lot of slick pros talk a great line, but have no idea what they are doing. You can injure your feet very easily in misfit boots. That's why many people take a day to travel to and from one of the best skate technicians, for skates and sharpening too.

Good luck! And happy skating.

[texskate]

Thanks, Query!  The instructor recommended the guy she uses for her own skates.  I'm lucky to live in a large city with several rinks/shops/etc, some of which have been mentioned positively on here.  So, fortunately, I don't think I'm in a situation where I'm going to have to drive hours to get a decent fit.  However, I could certainly see that it's an art and that someone might find someone who's great and "gets" their specific situation and would stick with that person if at all possible, even if it requires driving a long way.   

[twinskaters]

I hope you'll update us after your fitting. I'm just a couple of months ahead of you, skating in Jackson soft skates I bought on a whim when one of my girls told me mid-public session how much she loves skating with me. They are half a size too big, and when I went to the recommended skate fitter here, he told me wait until I get a little more advanced so I am not buying pair after pair so soon. I am going with his advice but am still interested to know what advice you get!

[texskate]

I will definitely report back about how they work out for me.  I do understand that this is a learning pair and that it may not be perfect.  I'll learn from this one and figure out what I need in my next pair.  Barring major issues with fit, these should last me through the LTS curriculum and then we'll see what I want to do from there.  Right now, I just want to work through the LTS classes and don't really know what else I'll want to do beyond that.  We'll cross that bridge when we get there.   

[Neverdull44]

Riedell skates are very good.  I skated with them as a kid and in my 20s.  Only because of extreme foot issues now, I had to go with customs or customizables.   Riedells are going to last & last you, probably through LTS & a little bit beyond too.

[Loops]

I'll second the comment on Riedells.  I skated in them as a kid.  I don't really have a Riedell foot and never did, but in terms of quality, they are great skates.  The last pair I  bought, around 1988 +/-, were near/at their top of the line at the time- the Comps.  Those skates got me my axel and double salchow; I am hard on my skates, and skated hard on those for 2-3 years.  Now, 25+ years later, they're STILL too stiff to become my patch boots (if I could do patch, but that's another story).  They're ugly as sin from all the fit adjustments I've made to them, but they're solid.  I can't wear them any more because of my feet, but I can't bear to throw them away....they know how to do an axel after all!

If you have Riedell feet, you'll be right as rain in your skates.  The front can always be punched out a bit if necessary.  Enjoy them!!!

[littlerain]

I love my riedells!

[texskate]

Just wanted to stop back by and say that I've had the Riedell 223s for about a month now, have worn them for about 10 hours worth of skating, and so far, so good. 

The fit seems good so far, not too tight but not too loose. So far, no issues with blisters or other discomfort.

It's amazing how different the blades are from the rental skates.  The first time I wore them, it was soooo different and I felt like a total klutz because they just moved so much more when I moved than the rental skates did.  But, I've worn them about 10 times now and have acclimated to them. 

Thank you all again for all of the input.  It was really helpful!

[Neverdull44]

Yippee!