Buying skates is sadly not as simple as other shoes, as skates need to properly fit in order to be safe and enable skating properly. This page covers various aspects of buying a pair of skates, and checking the fit.
Note: For understanding what skates are suited to your level, please see the Correct Stiffness section
Applies to: Figure and Hockey
It is very important to get the correct fit for skates. Skates that are too small or too large will impact your ability to properly skate and execute certain techniques.
Different manufacturers size their skates in different ways - some use millimeters, others EU sizing, others USA sizing. If you're buying skates online you may end up with skates that are too large or small simply due to the conversion they use to other sizing units.
Skates should be sizes so that there is no more than 1cm of space on the length, and the skates should hold the foot on the width, with your weight on the skate.
If you'd like to know what size your feet will be in the various brands, please contact us for a fitting.
For trying on skates and assessing for yourself whether they are a good fit please see the skate-fit page
Applies to: Figure Skates Only
Figure skates have a range of stiffness; as you start your skating journey you'll be looking for skates that offer ankle support, but are not too stiff, while you develop technique and muscle tone.
As you progress you will start to require stiffer skates to support you on more complex techniques, such as spins and jumps.
Skates are rated by the manufactures as Beginner, Advanced (including spins), Half Rotation jumps, Single Rotation Jumps, Double Rotation Jumps, etc.
It is not a good idea to get skates that are overly stiff for your ability ("overbooting"). Doing so may slow your progression, and take a long time for the skates to properly break in.
It is also not a good idea to use skates that are not stiff enough. These will break down quickly. If you see creases form on your skates, they are broken down and should be replaced!
Further information can be found on our skate comparison page
Applies to: Figure Skates Only
Up to jumps it is normal to buy retail level skates that come with a blade attached. The quality of the blade matches the quality of the skate.
Once you reach jumps you may be looking for boots and blades individually, so that you can tune your equipment for you specifically. Choosing the correct blade is a whole other topic.
If you are considering specialist blades, further information can be found on our blade comparison page
It's very important to note that some retailers will continue to sell from their online shop even after they have exhausted their own stock room supply. Generally retailers are able to restock from suppliers quickly, but this isn't always the case. Therefore it's extremely important to contact a supplier prior to purchase if they state anywhere on their site that they may supply to order.
Rich@TheRInk's online shop will show real stock levels, available for immediate shipping. If we're out of stock (particularly common for less-common sizes and models) please do contact us, and we'll let you know the expected delivery time if ordering through us.