How to buy skates?
Important information regarding the purchase and maintenance of skates
General information about purchasing skates
Skates are a skater's most important tool. Therefore, their selection should be made carefully and with time. When choosing skates, you must take into account, among other things, the skater's skill and strength level, amount of training, age, height, weight, body structure and knee use. We always recommend purchasing skates from our store, where, with the help of expert staff, we can choose the skate that is most suitable for you.
A skater's foot is always individual, so trying on several different skate models, last types and sizes will help you find the best option for you. In addition, when you try on different skate options in our shop, we can detect possible foot position errors and refer you for further examinations if necessary. In the worst case, an unsuitable skate and/or untreated foot position error can cause long-term injuries.
A couple of important additional tips for buying skates:
- Allow enough time to fit your skates in the store.
- bring your own skating socks
- Don't let a friend's opinion influence your choice of skates. Choose what feels best for your foot.
- Be proactive and find out from a specialist shop and coach about different skate and blade options, new models and changes - manufacturers are constantly developing new things.
- When choosing skates and increasing equipment knowledge, good cooperation between coaches, the store, the skater and parents is of paramount importance.
When you come to a figure skating store, be prepared to answer the following questions:
- How old are you?
- How many years have you been skating and what level are you at now?
- number of skating hours per week
- Are you a solo skater/formation skater/ice dancer?
- size, brand and model of your current skate (try to take your old skates with you)
- current blade
- What did you like/dislike about your current skates?
- coach's recommendations for skate shoes and blades
- How much are you prepared to pay for your skates?
- Have you had any ankle, Achilles tendon, knee or back problems?
How to choose the right size:
The recommended growth margin for a growing foot is 0.5 cm - 1 cm. For an adult, a good margin of movement is 0 cm - 0.5 cm.
If your feet are of different sizes, which is completely normal, it is recommended to measure the growth allowance according to the larger foot. A suitable growth allowance ensures that the foot cannot move inside the skate and cause damage to the foot or the skate. An incorrectly sized skate can cause, among other things, foot and ankle problems, extra bumps and abrasions, and a shortened lifespan of the skate.
Fitting the skate
First, measure the size and last width of your feet, as the skate must fit your foot well, be the right length, and have the right last. This will help prevent blisters, chafing, and other major foot problems.
New skates may feel too sturdy at first, but depending on the skate model, they will mold to your foot over time. Some skates can also be heat-molded, which helps with the fit.
Skates for beginners
The well-being of a growing foot is important. A good skate boot supports the foot position and the right type of figure skating blade is essential for learning new skills.
You shouldn't skimp on skates, price is always a guarantee of quality. Good skates are durable and should meet the requirements for both size and strength. Beginner skaters should buy good skates, either used or new. Skates that are too small can be sold, and you can have the condition of the skate assessed by us.
A good skate shoe:
is the right size for the foot. The need for growth room is assessed in the store according to age and level. The shoe should fit a thin sock. If you skate a lot on outdoor ice, you can put a thermal cover on the skate, for example, which is a better option than putting a wool sock inside the skate.
supports the position of the foot. The front of a good skate shoe should be open enough so that even on the narrowest foot, the edges of the shoe do not come together when lacing. Therefore, attention should also be paid to the last width of the skate shoe.
A good skate blade:
- is made of hardened or nowadays also stainless steel, has spikes and so-called grooved sharpening. The spikes are needed for certain jumps and pirouettes and the grooved edge makes it easier to turn when the skater shifts his weight on the blade.
When is it time to change to new shoes?
Competitive skaters whose feet are no longer growing usually change their skates in the spring so that they have time to get used to them before the actual skating season begins. Skaters whose feet are still growing usually change only at the beginning of the upcoming skating season. This is a quite natural choice, as the "growing season" of the feet often falls in the summer and skates purchased in the spring might already be small by the time the skating season begins.
If you are planning to change at any time, please be in touch in good time, for example if you have a particularly narrow or wide foot. This way we can order the right skates for you from the store in good time, as delivery times can sometimes be long (2-3 months) for reasons beyond the store's control. It is also possible to have skates made to your own measurements.
Getting used to new skates
- Walk around your new skates at home as much as you can. The skates will adapt to your foot faster the more you wear them (heat and sweat).
- During the first few skating lessons, untie and retie your laces a couple of times.
- Ask the seller to stretch/modify your skates if they are still rubbing after a week or two. We can do small stretches on site in the store. More demanding stretches, such as last adjustment, are done at figure skate maintenance Karttunen. Allow about 24 hours for stretching.
We do not recommend using new skates directly, for example at a summer camp, as new skates may rub a little at first. Therefore, try to skate, if possible, during the skating course with your old skates or alternate between new and old ones. Switch to the new ones carefully, 1/2 - 1 hour at a time. However, do not completely return to your old skates, even if they feel more comfortable.
If, despite these precautions, you feel new chafing, come to our shop and we will adjust your skates. During the adjustment phase, you can also use so-called artificial skin, i.e. silicone, to protect the skin from chafing. If adjustment and silicone do not help, it is worth examining your feet more closely. Postural errors are often the cause of unsuitable skates. Errors can be corrected with exercises performed by a physiotherapist.
In some situations, a skater may need support insoles in addition to training. However, support insoles do not fix the problem themselves; it happens with training. You can ask your coach or a specialist shop about physiotherapists and doctors who specialize in figure skaters' foot problems.
Lacing up skates
A skate is properly laced when the lacing is relatively loose at the toes, tight at the ankle (a knot or double lacing at the bottom hooks prevents loosening), and the lacing at the top of the shaft is loose enough to allow a finger to fit between the boot and the foot. The ends of the laces are tucked inside the boot's mouth. This prevents the other blade from getting caught in the dangling laces.
If the laces are too long, you should shorten them to fit and tie simple knots at the ends of the laces. This way, they will stay in their holes even if you have to loosen them when getting dressed.
How do I extend the life of my skates?
With good care, you can extend the life of your skates. So remember to air them out after each use, remove them from your bag and skate bags. Do not leave them in damp places, such as in equipment lockers at ice rinks.
Also remember to take care of the condition of your blades. Check from time to time that the screws are tight and your blades are sharp enough. Wipe the blades carefully after each use and protect them from residual moisture with soft cloth covers. Always use blade covers when moving outside the ice. Only have your figure skates sharpened by someone who has been trained for the task in question.
Even careful care won't make skates last forever. Your weight, height, and skate type also affect the lifespan of your skates.
At Lucky Skate, we offer figure skate maintenance and sharpening services with expertise and professionalism, either as an additional service in connection with your online purchase or in our store by appointment or without an appointment while waiting.
Do you live far from Helsinki or do you find it difficult to physically come to our store for a skate fitting for some other reason?
You can now conveniently fit and buy skates remotely via our virtual sales service! If you are considering buying skates without coming to our store, we also recommend that you read our instructions for buying skates remotely.
Do you have any questions? Book an appointment for a skate fitting or our virtual salesperson >>
