The importance of buying the right equipment for beginner skaters

Why Buying the Right Figure Skating Boots and Blades Matters (Especially for Beginners)

If you’re new to figure skating—or a parent just starting this journey with your child—it’s easy to assume that skates are just skates. Lace them up, step on the ice, and off you go… right?

Not quite.

In figure skating, boots and blades are not one-size-fits-all, and choosing the wrong equipment can slow progress, cause discomfort, or even lead to injury. One of the most important early decisions a skater makes happens before they ever step on the ice: getting properly fitted skates from a professional pro shop.

The Foundation of Every Skater: Boots and Blades

For beginning skaters, equipment should provide:

• Proper ankle support (not too soft, not too stiff)

• Correct alignment over the blade

• Comfort that allows the skater to bend their knees and ankles naturally

• Durability designed specifically for ice skating

Skates are tools. When they match the skater’s size, strength, and skill level, learning becomes smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.

When they don’t? Progress stalls—and frustration rises fast.

Why Pro Shop Fitting Is So Important

A professional skate shop does far more than sell boots and blades. A trained fitter will:

• Measure length and width accurately

• Assess ankle strength, foot shape, and flexibility

• Match boot stiffness to the skater’s current level

• Recommend appropriate beginner blades

• Heat-mold boots if needed

• Mount and align blades correctly

This expert guidance ensures the skate works with the skater’s body instead of against it.

Online retailers simply cannot offer this level of personalization. Even when sizing charts are accurate (which they often aren’t), they don’t account for foot shape, pronation, ankle strength, or growth patterns in children.

The Problem with Buying Skates Online

Buying figure skates online may seem convenient—or cheaper—but it often creates more problems than it solves.

Common issues include:

Boots That Are Too Stiff

High-level boots are designed for advanced jumps and strong ankles. For beginners, overly stiff boots:

• Prevent proper knee bend

• Make it difficult to learn basic edges

• Cause pain, shin bruising, and fatigue

• Delay skill development

A beginner does not need elite-level boots, no matter how “future-proof” they sound.

Boots That Are Too Soft or Poorly Made

On the other end of the spectrum are skates made with cheap materials that:

• Break down quickly

• Offer little real support

• Twist or collapse at the ankle

These are often marketed as “recreational skates” and are not designed for learning figure skating skills. Think of the skates meant to be used on a frozen sidewalk in Minnesota twice a year—not for weekly lessons and skill progression.

Incorrect Blade Type

Beginner skaters need blades with:

• A manageable toe pick

• Proper rocker for balance and control

Online packages sometimes include blades that are either too aggressive or poorly manufactured, making basic skills unnecessarily difficult.

Why “Growing Room” Can Backfire

Another common mistake is buying skates “a size or two bigger” so kids can grow into them.

Oversized boots:

• Reduce control

• Increase risk of falls

• Teach bad habits that are hard to fix later

• Make skaters feel unstable and insecure

A pro shop fitter knows how to balance growth considerations without sacrificing safety and technique.

The Long-Term Benefits of Getting It Right

When beginners start in properly fitted skates:

• Skills develop faster

• Confidence improves

• Lessons are more productive

• Injuries are less likely

• Parents often save money by avoiding repeat purchases

Good equipment doesn’t make someone a great skater—but bad equipment can absolutely hold them back.

Final Thoughts

Figure skating is a sport built on precision, balance, and control. Boots and blades are the skater’s direct connection to the ice, and for beginners, that connection needs to be stable, comfortable, and appropriate for their level.

Before clicking “add to cart” online, take the time to visit a professional skate shop. The expert advice, proper fitting, and correct equipment selection are an investment in your skater’s success—and enjoyment—on the ice.

Because when skates fit right, learning to skate feels right. Consult with your Coach about the equipment they recommend and visit the Pro Shop for expert fitting and skate sharpening.