Buying your first pair of skates can be stressful.

Luckily we've provided a bit of guidance on how to ensure you're making the right choice for you and your little skaters. Be sure to allow plenty of time to try on and find the perfect pair.

Buying the first pair of skates for your child: While children have rapidly growing feet, it is generally discouraged to buy skates to 'grow into'. Doing so will leave your child with a lack of support in the ankle, and their foot moving around in the boot may cause painful blisters and frustration. Have a skate technician properly size your child's foot to ensure you're buying a good fit. Many sport swaps have used or consigned skates in a wide range of children's sizes. Don't forget to size up every time they outgrow their shoes! Bringing skates back to swaps or consignment may help lessen the expense of the next pair.  

Buying the first pair of skates for an Adult Beginner: Wear thin socks or nylons when you go to try skates on. Skates should have a secure 'hugging' support to them, so ensure your heels are firmly in the back of the skate and there is no movement throughout. Proper skate shops will heat your skates and mould them to your feet to get a customised fit. Make sure to tell the technician you are a beginner so they can give you appropriate recommendations. 

What you can expect to pay for your first pair: $80 - $200 

Caring for your Figure Skates

Now you have your first pair of figure skates! Let's make sure they stay at their best. How to properly store your skates begins before you take your first steps off ice. Avoid rusting blades and water-damaged leather by following these steps. 

First, let's review the difference between skate guards vs cozies. 

Skate Guards: Hard plastic skate covers that strap to your blades with a gummy band, or cinch around them with loaded springs. Skate guards do as advertised, they guard your blades from rough surfaces when walking around. Wear your skate guards any time you're wearing your skates and not on ice to keep the blades from dulling or being damaged. 

Blade Cozies: Soft fabric covers, often micro-fibre or highly absorbent material that hug your skates with elastic bands. Cozies absorb the moisture around the blades to keep them from rusting. They should be put on after every skating session. 

After-skating care requires time and attention after every single time your skates touch the ice to keep them looking and feeling new. Before you lace up, loosen the laces all the way down to the toe. Slipping your skates on will be much easier and kinder on the materials. Lace up with a good cinch at the turn of the ankle to keep your heel back and ankle supported. You may also ask a skate technician to show you different methods of lacing. Once you lace up for your skating session, slip on your skate guards to protect your blades during your walk to the rink. At the boards, remove your skate guards. Many skaters leave their guards resting at the entrance and exit they use for the rink. Write your name or initials on them to avoid mixing them up.

When exiting the ice, remember to slip your guards back on before you step off of the ice's surface. Wear your guards until you reach your seat. Once sitting, loosen your laces all the way down, this has the advantage of making them ready to slip on again without having to loosen the laces further, while also keeping the boot and padding from becoming worn or deformed from repeatedly yanking your skates of.  Gently remove your skates and remove your guards. Use a micro-fibre or soft cloth to wipe excess water and ice off of both boot and blade. Take care to wipe the blade safely until it is as dry as possible. Now your skates are ready to get cozy! 

Slip your skate cozies onto your blades. Tuck your laces neatly into your boot to keep them from getting tangled. Your skates are good to slip into your skate bag and stay safely stored in a warm, dry location until next time. You may want to unzip the bag a little to breathe when you get home, and don't forget to wash your nylons and mittens regularly! 

Sharpening your blades regularly keeps you and your skates performing at their best. Blades should be sharpened after roughly 30 hours of skating for beginner skaters, and every 20 hours for Star 2+ and competitive skaters. Your blades can be sharpened at your place of purchase or the locations recommended above. 

Replacing or Upgrading your Figure Skates

Knowing when to replace your skates can be hard, but let's talk about reasons why you should consider it sooner than you might think.

Your skates are the wrong size if they're causing blisters or pain during every use. Children and teens are especially quick to grow out of their skates. If they've outgrown their shoes, make sure you're replacing their skates too! If you're an adult who just bought new skates and still have pain after a reasonable break-in period, bring your skates back to your purchase point to discuss re-sizing options. Likewise, if you haven't worn your skates in over two years, your feet may have changed without realising. We highly recommend bringing them in to a skate shop and have them assist in ensuring they're still the right fit for you. 

Are your skates breaking down? The supportive material of the boot breaks down over time, expedited by the number of hours you spend skating. Skate technicians recommend replacing your boots every 3 to 4 years to ensure you're supported through every step. 

If you've recently changed skating levels or disciplines your skates may not be the right choice for your new goals. Once you begin your first jumps such as waltz, salchow, and loop, you need to ensure your skates can handle the pressure, literally. Upgrading may require you to consider boot and blades separately. A skate technician will be able to recommend a standard blade appropriate to your level and budget. Star 2+ skaters may require a more advanced consideration, and will move into more specialised boots and blades. Keep in mind your blades will not require replacement as often as boots. 

Ice Dancers: Did you know there are skates made specifically for ice dance? A lower cut, more flexible boot, and shorter blade are some of the advantages of an ice dance figure skate. Make sure to inform your skate technician if you are an ice dancer who does not practice freeskate jumps. 

Recommended Skates per level:
Here is a general idea of some skates that may match your skaters level. This advice should not replace the recommendations from a skate technician who may have more information about your current abilities and goals. These are generalisations, NOT requirements - skaters do not need to spend more than what their person financial situation comfortably allows in order to advance in their skating. 

CanSkate: Figures; Jackson Mystique, Riedell Pearl, Riedell Opal 
Est. Cost: $200-$250
Used or consigned skates may be a good option for those trying the sport for the first time. 

PreStar / Star 1 Development: Jackson Freestyle, Jackson Debut, Edea Overture
Est. Cost: $490-$530

StarSkate 2+: Edea Chorus, Edea Symphony, Riedell RF3 Pro, Risport Royal Prime
Est. Cost: $600 - $1100 *Boot Only

Competitive Skaters: Edea Ice Fly, Riedell Elara, Risport RF1 Elite, 
Est. Cost: $1000 - $1500 *Boot Only

Blades: 
Intermediate Blades: $150 - $200
Pro Blades: $450 - $1200