How to Buy Ice Skates

Ice skates can be a big investment, and choosing the wrong ice skates can not only be a waster of money, it can cause painful blisters and possible long-term damage to your feet. These tips will help you determine which are the right skates for you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide why you're buying ice skates. This will determine what kind of skates you can buy and where you should go to buy them. Think about whether you're buying skates to use a few times a year or a few times a week.

    • 2

      Buy recreational skates. If you're buying skates to use for recreation, you can go to any sporting goods store and try on skates just as you would with shoes. Look for skates that offer a snug fit without being too tight. When trying to decide between two sizes, choose the smaller one.

    • 3

      Get your skates fitted by a pro. If your goal is to play ice hockey or take skating lessons, you must head to your local ice rink and have your skates fitted at the pro shop. This will ensure proper fit and support. Try different brands of skates as they are often made differently, and one brand may be perfect for your feet.

    • 4

      Go custom. If you have unusually shaped feet, you can have skates custom made for you. Your local ice rink's pro shop staff will trace and measure your feet and have skates made that will mold perfectly to your feet. Custom skates offer the highest level of comfort.

    • 5

      Take care of your skates. Skates are expensive. To make sure they last, always carry a towel in your skate bag and use it to dry your skates after every session. When you get home, take your skates out of your bag so they can air out and dry properly.