Buying Figure Skates
Buying figure skates can be quite daunting. There are many brands and levels of support. The right level of support is critical to skater performance and injury prevention. A skate that is too soft means that there will not be enough support. This impacts performance and can lead to early breakdown of the skates. Selecting a skate that is too stiff for the skater's ability can impact flexibility needed to perform and develop skating skills. It can also result in injury if the skater cannot properly break-in the skate.
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Brands:
Jackson Ultima Skates- Jackson skates are great because they are heat-moldable and are durable. They ideal for wider or "square" feet. They have a wider and more rounded toe box and a narrower heel. Has width sizes AA, A, B, C, and D.
Riedell Skates- Riedell skates are heat-moldable and have a hand-rolled collar to relieve Achilles tendon pressure. They are good for narrow feet and have a more tapered toe box. Has width sizes AAAA, AAA, Narrow AA, A, Medium B, Wide C.
Edea Skates- Edea skates are lightweight and have a short to no break-in period. Their skate has a compact design with a higher heel pitch and shorter sole, which makes the blade shorter than traditional brands. They have a more tapered look with a roomy, anatomically shaped toe area. They are known for a more wide front foot area with a more narrow heel. Has width sizes Narrow B, Medium C, Wide D. They
​Aura Skates- Aura skates are a lightweight skate with a unibody shell made of continuous layers of carbon fiber. Has width sizes Narrow B, Medium C, Wide D.
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Where to buy skates locally:
Coyotes Ice Sports Pro Shop 9375 E Bell Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85260 and 7225 W Harrison St Chandler, AZ 85226 Services- skate fitting, blade sharpening, and blade mounting.
Pro's Edge Sports 20815 n. 25th Place, A-101 Phoenix, AZ 85050- Call Kelly at 602-494-2400 to make an appointment to get skates fitted. Other services- blade mounting and blade sharpening.
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Where to buy skates online:​
ebay.com -ebay has many sellers that sell brand new skates at a fraction of their cost! Search by a specific brand, style and size.​​​​
Blades
When selecting blades, it's important to consider several aspects:
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Skill Level: Beginners typically opt for more forgiving blades that provide stability. Advanced skaters may choose blades that allow for greater maneuverability and precision.
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Style of Skating: Different styles such as freestyle, ice dance, and synchronized skating require various blade types. For example, ice dance skaters need blades with a smaller toe pick for smoother gliding, while freestyle skaters often choose blades with larger toe picks for performing jumps.
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Blade Material: Most blades are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel for optimal performance and durability. Some advanced blades are also available in carbon steel, which is designed for elite skaters seeking the best in technical performance.
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Hollow Depth: The depth of the hollow will significantly affect how a skater feels on the ice. A deeper hollow provides more grip, which is ideal for aggressive skaters, while a flatter hollow may be better suited for those who prioritize speed and long glides.
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Blade Length: The length of the blade impacts stability and speed. Longer blades are often favored by skaters who perform long passes and turns, while shorter blades are preferred for agile movements and quick changes in direction.
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Toe Pick or Rake: There are several designs of toe picks, some, having larger, more aggressive cuts in different patterns, but all are either straight cut or cross cut.
The straight cut pick will allow the skater to quickly dig into the ice deep, increasing height but sometimes losing momentum. The Cross Cut Pick doesn't dig as deeply into the ice, but will grip the ice better with less sliding. Beginners should chose blades with smaller toe pick so they do not impede basic skills, causing constant tripping.