Knowing when new boots or blades are required
Obviously when skates are too small new skates are required but there are other times when new skates may be required.
A skate has reached its use by date if the leather in the boot has started to wear out, there are fissures in the inner lining, rips/tears in the outer boot, or cracked/crumbling soles that won’t hold in screws.
Judging when a boot is no longer offering adequate support is more difficult. It may begin to look very creased around the ankle or your coach may advise that your boots aren’t doing their job anymore.
You may begin to feel signs when you are on the ice that indicate your skates are no longer offering the support you need. These include;
- the feeling that you need to tighten the laces more even though they are still tight
- the sensation that your foot is free to slide around the skate
- your heel lifts even when your laces are tight
- having trouble keeping your ankle erect
- having trouble holding clean edges especially on tight edges, turns, spins, or jump landings
- All of the above can also indicate the boots are too big for your feet.
If you are unsure whether you need new boots speak to your coach, skate tech, or professional for further guidance
Blades have reached their use by date when the sharpening area is worn down. Speak to your coach or skate sharpener if you are unsure whether your sharpening area is becoming worn down.
Buying new boots and blades
When buying new boots and/or blades there are a few factors that need to be considered.
A good ice skating boot and blade can be an investment that will last some time so you want to ensure you choose a style of boot that will best suit your skating.
A boot with less support will be cheaper but may end up breaking down prematurely if it is not strong enough for your skating ability, height, weight, strength etc. Conversely if you purchase a boot with too much support for your skating ability you may have trouble breaking them in and cause considerable discomfort and damage to your body.
The style of blade that will suit you best will depend on the discipline of ice skating you are participating in. You may prefer a figure, dance, or synchronized blade. Always best to research the different blade options and designs.
When matching your boots and blades the length of the blade mounting points needs to be a maximum of 6mm shorter than the length of your sole and not longer than the sole. It is best to discuss the size you will need with the company you are purchasing from.
Fitting your boots
When having your boots fitted wear the stockings or socks which you regularly wear to compete/training. If you have prescribed orthotics or custom-made insoles by your podiatrist make sure you take these with you to have your boots fitted.
If you are ordering off the internet ensure you are dealing with a company able to assist you with fitting and advise them if you need to wear prescribed orthotics or custom-made insoles in your boots.
It is advised that your boots match the length of your feet with a maximum of around 5mm longer. For children, normally allow around 10mm longer than their feet for growth. The correct width is also essential, especially around the toe box. Many boot manufacturers offer different width boots based on the shape of their boot lasts. Boots should feel snug but not uncomfortable. Ideally, you should be able to gently brush your toes around the full toe box width.
I am now stocking a small range of Graf Boots for skaters to try on. Please contact me to arrange a fitting.
Breaking in new boots
Plan ahead when you need to get new skates so you are able to choose the best time of the season for you to change over. Wearing in your boots needs to be a fairly slow process to prevent injury and unnecessary pain to your feet as well as damage to your skates.
If blisters are a problem you may need to purchase protective devices such as Silipos or Bunga Pads products to protect particularly painful areas. Boot punching and adjustments are also a very good option to personalise boot fitting as not everyone has the same foot.
If you’re unsure if your boots are the right fit for your feet, you can remove the inner soles to see how your feet sit in the boots. This is not a perfect method either as feet will snug into boots differently. Best to have feet measured correctly to begin with.
HRPM Sharpening 