Skates
Most department and sports stores sell ice skates in a variety of quality and price ranges. Before buy skates, check carefully for:
Proper fit
Firm ankle support
Good quality leather
Correct blade placement
How skates fit
Wear only one pair of tight fitting socks or tights (the same pair that will be worn when skating)
Partially lace boot through instep.
Slide foot forward so toes can touch the front but are not cramped.
Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet.
Bend knees.
The space at the back of the heel should be no more than a pencil width.
Tie laces loosely over the toe and front of the boot and snugly over the ankle and instep.
Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel with some room for movement to toes.
There should be no looseness or creases in the boot.
The tongue should be well padded and wide enough to cover the front of the ankle and stay in place.
Walk around in the skates off the ice, they should feel comfortable.
Care of skates
Always wear protective guards when walking off-ice.
Dry blades and sole plate completely with a cloth after use.
Always remove guards before storing skates.
Unlace skates sufficiently before removing them so that the back of the boot will break down or rip.
Air out boots after use (depending on usage and care).
Sharpening
Skates should be sharpen as soon as they are purchased.
Use a good skate-sharpening company.
Re-sharpen skates after approximately 30 hours or skating (depending on usage and care).
The bottom pick should not be removed – the pick is part of the design of figure skates and is essential to proper balance.
Helmets