Hi-

I know some of you out there have already purchased skates- any tips you want to share on what to look for, stay away from or must haves?

Thanks!

Marney

I would recommend having a discussion about this with Victoria...she knows her skates and can make recommendations.

I purchased mine and kinda ignored price. Which is what I did with my artistic skates way back when because I had to consider my ankles.

I have to consider comfort (will the top of the skate dig into my ankle, is there ample padding or cushioning in the skate), laces (did I want them covered with the velcro flap...which I did but I trade off for the next reason mentioned), the height of the skate (I want to wear the lower parts of my shin guards to protect my ankle bones and therefore wanted that area cut away in the skate design).

Eventually, I ordered Riedell Model 951 boot (and the laces don't go all the way to the toe...so it's not a big trade-off by not having the laces covered).

Marney,

The best way to find your skates is to use your shoes as a guide. What kind of shoes do you wear most often, Do you need stiff or soft leather? I personally prefer to wear high heels with skates wheels attached! I rarely wear anything else but high heels anyway. But I decided to buy the Riedell 595 speed boot and I like those very much too. What you "must have" is good wheels and Bones Swiss bearings. Everything else can be upgraded at a later date as you develope a skating style and new preferences.

Victoria AKA Flyin Phil AKA Wicked Evil Step Mom