| When you are a new skater the hardest part is | | | | however, you need to make sure the boot offers |
| choosing and purchasing your new skates. Above all, | | | | enough support. Keep in mind that fabric eventually |
| they need to be supportive and comfortable so that | | | | gives in and support will decrease. They are better |
| it will be a pleasure for you to wear them, otherwise, | | | | for shorter people, and of course, people with strong |
| they will stay in the closet and your skating hobby | | | | ankles. |
| will be put on hold. Support is important to avoid | | | | The boot liner is also important. Make sure your foot |
| injuries. A well fitting pair of skates will also make it | | | | fits comfortably and it feels supported. |
| easier for you to learn. | | | | Some liners are made of moisture absorbing material. |
| The brand you choose depends on what your goals | | | | These will help you foot breath better. You can |
| are as a skater. Are you looking to use them for | | | | remove the liner to be washed. You will find a foot |
| fitness, for playing hockey, do you want to learn to | | | | bed inside the liner that is also removable. You can |
| do tricks? If you already have experience skating, | | | | replace it with custom orthotics, or with one made of |
| you probably know what you want. If your friends | | | | a more supportive material. |
| already do extreme skating, they can point you in | | | | Sizing is very important. Remember your feet swell in |
| the right direction. But if you are totally new, then | | | | the afternoon. Unlike regular shoes, depending on the |
| there's things you should know. | | | | material, the liners compact with time to form to |
| Different types of skates | | | | your foot, and soft boots stretch over time. So |
| Recreational Skates-Perfect if you are looking to | | | | initially, the boots should be snug fitting. It should feel |
| skate for fitness or just to skate around the park on | | | | like your foot is comfortably in a cast. |
| weekends. They usually have a hard plastic boot with | | | | You should be able to wiggle your toes, but there |
| great ankle support, but you can also find soft boots | | | | shouldn't be any side to side, or front to back |
| made of fabric which are a lot more comfortable. | | | | movement. Make sure you try the skates on with |
| Fitness Skates-These are very similar to recreational | | | | good skating socks. Ideally over the calf, thin, |
| skates and are made of a lighter material with a boot | | | | synthetic or wool blend socks. |
| with a lower profile. They also have larger wheels. | | | | Where to buy and how much to pay |
| Hockey-They are very similar to ice hockey skates, | | | | If you have a great specialty store in your town, |
| made of leather with laces to adjust their fit. Their | | | | start there. However, you can always find better |
| wheels are made to do quick turns and stops. | | | | pricing online. You can always go to the store to |
| Speed Skates- Racing skates can have 5 wheels. The | | | | research what skates fit you better and then jot |
| boot has a lower profile and the frame is longer. | | | | down the brand and model and look online. Toy |
| These are ideal for experiences skaters, since they | | | | stores and department stores usually do not have |
| don't always have a brake. | | | | the best brands or much variety. |
| Aggressive Skates- These skates are used in | | | | Online stores offer the most variety and choices. |
| extreme skating in skate parks and ramps and rails. | | | | eBay is a great place to find great prices. Just make |
| Theheels are a lot smaller. | | | | sure you know your size and check the sellers return |
| The boot of the skate needs to support the ankle | | | | or exchange policy before you buy. |
| and the foot. This is very important to avoid getting | | | | In regards to price, a good skate should not be very |
| injured or getting tired quickly. It will also facilitate | | | | cheap. A good quality pair of recreational skates |
| your learning. Hard shell boots offer the best support, | | | | should cost over $100.00. Specialty skates should be |
| but they are not as common any more, but if you | | | | a costlier. In general, the more expensive, the better |
| are very tall, or if you have weak ankles, you should | | | | quality skate it is. And in this sport, you are looking |
| really find a hard shell boot. | | | | for quality. However, an older model of a great skate |
| Soft boots are very comfortable and are common | | | | can cost you less than $100.00, so always do your |
| amongst new skaters. Comfort is important, | | | | homework to know what you are buying. |