How to buy the right ice skates for kids – From indoor rinks to outdoor ponds. From hockey to figure. Complete ice skates tips – where to buy, how to fit, care for, sharpening tips, and more.
Ice skating is a fun activity that can be ruined by a pair of bad skates. There are some tips to follow that can help you pick out the best skates to make ice skating more enjoyable.
I consulted the staff at the ONYX Ice Arena and here are their suggestions for how to buy the right ice skates for kids.
Where to Buy Ice Skates
Buy ice skates from an experienced skate fitter. We recommend:
- Perani’s Hockey World specializes in fitting hockey skates but also carries figure skates. They make purchasing a snap with online sizing guides if you can’t make it to their physical locations.
- Skate Shop, located at the Detroit Skating Club, specializes in fitting figure skates.
Fitting Ice Skates
It is important that ice skates fit properly. Wear thin socks or tights to your ice skate fitting appointment to get the most accurate fit. Skate sizes will generally run one size smaller than street shoe size.
When trying on ice skates, kick the heel back into the boot and lace up the ice skate. The foot should not slide around and there should be no big gaps anywhere in the boot. Remove the insole from the boot and place the heel at the back of the insole to check how much room is left at the toe.
New vs Used Ice Skates
When looking for new skates, choose a pair that has an appropriate amount of support for the level of skating. Skates that are too stiff will not allow the skater to bend their knees and ankles, which is crucial in skating. Skates that are too weak, however, will not support the skater’s ankles.
Used skates may offer a bargain, but are not a good investment unless they fit well and are in good condition. When purchasing used skates, consider the following:
- Big creases on the outside of the skate, usually around the ankles, indicate that the boot is broken down and may not offer much support.
- The “flop test” can be used to determine the amount of ankle support left in a skate. Hold the top of the boot, near the laces, and turn the skate sideways. If the weight of the blade causes the boot to bend down at a 90 degree angle, the boot is too weak.
- Some rust and nicks on the blades can be removed with sharpening, but not large amounts. Look for a blade in good condition.
Ice Skate Sharpening
New skates must be sharpened before skating. They should also be sharpened about once every 7-10 hours of use. Reliable skate sharpeners in the area include:
- Local ice rinks offer figure skates sharpening & hockey skates sharpening.
- Fred’s Skate Sharpening. He specializes in sharpening figure skates and offers a recreational sharpening. Make appointments online here.
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Hockey Skates vs. Figure Skates
Many skaters begin lessons in figure skates because the flatter and longer blades make learning to skate easier. Often, skaters want to play hockey and are eager to switch into hockey skates. Skaters are generally ready for ccm hockey skates when they start to gain speed and stability on the ice.
Tying Ice Skates
Even the most supportive skate will not help a skater unless tied properly. Follow these guidelines when tying skates:
- Place the foot in the skate and kick the heel back on the ground. Leave the heel on the ground to tie the skate.
- Tie the skate as tightly as possible for the best ankle support. The laces should be pulled tightly through the instep and especially around the ankles. The laces should not move when a finger is run over them.
- Use all the hooks at the top of the boot.
Ice Skate Care
Protect your investment by taking good care of your skates. You can take care of your blades by doing the following:
- Wear hard rubber guards on blades when walking around off-ice to protect your blades from debris on the ground which may create nicks in your blades.
- Wipe snow off of blades after skating and store your skates with terrycloth “soakers” on the blades. These will soak up any excess water on your blades and prevent rust.
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Hope these tips for how to buy the right ice skate for kids helps you!
