Buying ice skates. Helppp!

I would say get hockey skates,

Figure skate have a kind of cog like thing at the front (hard to explain) which can get caught when you are skating, particularly when going fast, sending you flying.

Apart from that I'm not entirely sure about the differences. If you have a local Ice rink then they may well sell skates, in which case you could ask them about it, and try some on. Additionally if you are planning to get skates of the internet because of the price, you should take into account that shops often offer custom fitting and blade sharpening in the price, (or could throw them in if you talk to them).

When buying skates the most important thing is that they fit you (with thin socks, not thick ones), because if the foot moves around while you are skating, it can get quite uncomfortable.


Good Luck, and I hope that helps.

Thanks for your help!
Btw, Do u have any idea how often the blades need to be sharpened, if i use my skates once a week? Or how much it is to sharpen them?
thanks =) x

Hey, I'm not sure how often the blades need to be sharpened. I don't actually own my own skates (yet) but I was intending to get some at the beginning of this term, and did quite a lot of research. Unfortunately due to my timetable and illness I haven't done much skating this term, and subsequently haven't yet gotten round to buying skates.

Anyway, I can't remember how often they need to be sharpened, but a quick google should be able to help you with that question.

depends what you want to use your ice skates for, if its just general skating then ice hockey skates would be better for speed and manoeuvre.
Figure skating is better for jumps, spins and that.
I wouldnt go overboard with the price especially if you are just doing general skating but at the same time I wouldnt go for a cheap pair.

I dont know about sharpening hockey skates, but for figure skates, if you look at the blade straight on there should be noticeable ridges on the outside part of the blade and then the centre of the blade should be hollow, when the ridges are the same as the hollow and theres no difference in height you need to get them sharpened.
when trying skates on bang your heel on the floor to make sure that your heel goes to the end of the skate, that way you know they fit and it makes sure that you have enough ankle support

I figure skate