Community Operations
Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets
Buying Ice Skates
Hockey and skating are very popular winter sports, but in order to participate and enjoy them you must have a decent pair of skates.
The most common skates today have boots made of molded plastic or nylon-reinforced leather. Whichever type of skate you choose, ensure the boot fits your foot properly.
Your first consideration when fitting skates is support. Look for a rigid heel. In leather and nylon skates watch for plastic heel counters. The counters can be felt from the inside of the boot and should cover the whole side of the heel.
Next, check for protection. The toe cap should be rigid and the ankle bone well padded. The tongue of the boot should be thick enough to protect the front of your ankle. Watch for any rough or sharp edges.
Check the skate blade too. It should be straight and centered on the bottom of the boot.
When fitting leather or nylon skates, start off with a skate a size or two smaller than your normal shoe size and wear only a light wool or cotton sock. Be sure that your heel is right at the back or the boot and that the laces are done up.
Stand up. If the skate fits, your toe will not touch the end of the boot. The heel should fit snugly and there should not be any wrinkling of the leather around your ankle.
Getting molded plastic skates to fit is quite easy. Take the inner lining out and try it on. If your toes are just clear of the end, you have a good fit.
To get a more complete feel for the skate, put the liner back in and put the skate on. Lace it and stand up. Your heel and ankle should be firmly gripped, with no excess movement of your foot.
Before you buy, make sure that your skates are the right width and fit properly at the ball of your foot and at the heel.
Every time you use your skates, be sure to wipe off and dry the blades to prevent rusting. Skates with leather boots can be coated with silicone to keep them from drying and cracking.
The inner liners of molded plastic skates should be aired out each time they are used.
With the right care, properly fitted skates will give you many seasons of wintertime skating fun.
For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.