How to buy new Figure Skates

If you're a figure skater or a figure skater wannabe, then the most important gear that you'll ever purchase are your figure skates. Selecting the perfect pair of new figure skates requires more effort than simply popping into a store and buying the first ones that seem to fit well, or worse, the least expensive ones just because you like the price. Learn what to consider when buying new figure skates.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how you'll be wearing your figure skates. You must decide how many times you'll be using them, if you'll be taking lessons and whether or not you plan to do jumps. Figure out if you stay in the sport for a number of years or if it's just a passing interest. Perhaps you want to learn ice dancing as well as figure skating.

    • 2

      Analyze the type of foot you have by taking a good look at the size and shape of them. Also check to see if you have any foot problems like bunions, hammertoes or corns. All these factors will affect the type of figure skate you need to buy.

    • 3

      Purchase pre-made figure skates if you're going to be a more casual figure skater. A casual figure skater is someone who skates a few times a month, mostly as a social activity. Factory made skates usually have soft boots and small toe picks.

    • 4

      Buy the boots and blades separately if you're going to be figure skating often or if you would like to try jumps or ice dancing. Purchasing these two pieces separately so you can get the blade placed exactly where you need it. Talk to an experienced skate fitter to find out what's right for you.

    • 5

      Order customized figure skates if you have unusually shaped feet or problem feet. Custom ordered figure skates take about four to six weeks to get and begin at around $500 a pair. Measuring and taking pictures of your feet is part of this fee, but if you require molds of your feet, be prepared to pay extra.