Ice Skating Boots

[Rock.Chick]

What do i need to watch out for when shopping on ebay for figure skating boots?
Thanks :)

[Bird Legs]

Make sure you don`t buy Roller Skates by mistake.

[bigmamma]

Hi , that they are figure and not hockey or inline . Also that the blades are the correct size for the boot . That there is enough blade area left for subsequent sharpening and that they are not rusty. That the blades have been alighned properly when nailed to the boot. Also that the boot itself is not too worn , it should be able to support the whole foot and ankle .Of course , that the size is right too .
There are a vast amount of boots and blades out there , be sure of the new price of the skates so you know if you are paying fairly for the ebay ones. The boots have a wide price range , as do the blades , which also vary depending on what skating you are doing , eg : figures , jumps and general figure skating , and dance . :-) x

[Rock.Chick]

Wow big mama, thanks!!

So could you, or any other "expert" (!), check some of these out and tell me what you think? I would soooo appreciate it!! Am in desprate need of help!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte m&rd=1&item=200172215071&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA: IT&ih=010
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte m&rd=1&item=170166764096&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA: IT&ih=007
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte m&rd=1&item=230190329387&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA: IT&ih=013

[bigmamma]

Hi , back again , the first pair look your best bet , they are a good economical make and a strong supporting boot for a beginner or novice amateur as they come with a standard figure blade ready to skate . If you buy this pair do make sure you see that the blades have been recently sharpened and the screws are tight . For a beginner the rink will sharpenen the blades slightly different to avoid the blade being too keen . This Risport Antea retails between �60 and �70 new .
The second link had already been outbidded on the buy-now btw..
The Reidell were fairly scuffed and the boots leather didn't look as strong . These retail new for around �40 and , while they do the job they are likely to be as well buying new as used . They do more expensive skates and blades but though which skaters doing high impact jumps would need. :-) x

[Rock.Chick]

I really cannot thank you enough!! I know you are probably sick of my questions but only three more, honest!!

* Do i need to go a size up, down, or stay in my normal shoe size?
* My rink is very small and i dont think they do sharpens, where else would?
* If the second link wasnt outbid (its a shop so they continually re-sell) what would you say about it?

Thanks so much!!

[bigmamma]

Hi again Rock.Chick honey , I see the 2nd link now has more skates and can see that , as it's a shop , they have a selection of the size 5 complete with a standard blade.
These are new so you can be sure of quality as regards leather support and wear shape , and a good lifetime on the blades. They are a very economical price so really it all depends on what you are willing to pay . The Risport is a better made skate even though it is used but the I-SK8 is new . As for sharpening , I would be really suprised if even a small rink doesn't have a sharpening facility. If they do hire skates they must sharpen those and if there are lessons taken there too. I have been to many rinks from Olympic size to a very tiny kidney shape one and all had the facility .
So , to sum up , I think you have found your choices well and just now have to decide on either ones.
I don't mind you asking anything you want btw . :-) xx
Let me know what you decide eh ? x

[bigmamma]

Oh , I haven't answered about the size.....yes just go with your shoe size , the boot should feel snug and have a good padded tongue where the laces are pulled tight over. When you stand in the skates , your feet should not move forward inside it . x

[Rock.Chick]

I was outbid on the Risport ones. I am bidding on these
(by mistake actually but never mind?!)
:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte m&rd=1&item=190171399049&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA: IT&ih=009

But if that fails, i will be bidding on the risport ones again ;)

Thank You For All Your Help, I cant wait to have my own skates rather than the rinks ones which fall apart on my feet!!

[bigmamma]

Hello Rock Chick , hope you manage to win a bid , those are a fine looking pair and I agree , the rink ones are no good if you want to figure skate and do more than just go round and round and round ....
Keep me up to date :-) x

[Rock.Chick]

Noo!! I lost those ones at the last minute!
So its back to risport for now, we'll see how they go!
Will keep you updated!

[bigmamma]

Oh no ...lol....what bad luck , that's ebay though , hope you have more luck with the next lot :-) xx