Ice Skate Shopping? Watch Out for These 5 Common Mistakes!

In this video, Coach Aimée discusses common mistakes to avoid when purchasing ice skates. She emphasizes that ice skates are not like shoes and explains how the rigid sole of the skate affects movement. Aimée also highlights the importance of considering factors such as toe box width, arch support, and heel pitch when selecting skates. She warns against buying skates that do not fit correctly, as this can lead to discomfort and injuries. Aimée advises against purchasing skates with buckles or straps, as they do not provide adequate support. She also stresses the importance of selecting skates appropriate for one's skill level and the significance of the blade in skating success. Aimée encourages seeking professional guidance and getting fitted at a reputable specialty shop. She concludes by reminding viewers to avoid these common mistakes and to prioritize proper sizing, skill level, ankle support, blade quality, comfort, and seeking professional guidance when purchasing ice skates.
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00:00 Introduction to Buying Ice Skates
00:34 Mistake #1: Ice Skates Are Not Shoes
00:57 Plantar Flexion
01:24 Toe Box and Heel Pocket
01:51 Arch and Heel Pitch
02:47 Mistake #2: Incorrect Size
03:21 Foot Width and Skate Width - Why It Matters
04:20 Arch Support
04:33 Heel Lifting or Shifting Side to Side
04:56 Role of Laces in Skates
05:25 Adjustable Size Skates | Grow With Me Skates
07:47 Mistake #3: Ignoring Skill Level
08:37 Mistake #4: Ignoring the Blade
08:44 Double Runner Skates
08:55 Boot & Blade Sets For Beginning Skaters
09:27 Mistake #5: Skipping Professional Guidance
My name is Aimée Ricca, and I’m an ISSA Certified Elite Personal Trainer (E-CPT), Nutritionist (CN), and Youth Fitness Coach (CYFC). I'm also a PSA Ranked and Rated Skating Coach/Choreographer.
I became a coach to help others avoid making the mistakes that I made. I've suffered injuries, been exhausted, and frustrated because I didn't have access to the right program to achieve my goals properly. I learned everything the hard way by seeking out instruction, information, and inspiration. I share my experiences so that you don't have to learn how I did - subscribe to my channel to find the shortcuts!
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❤ Coach Aimée Skating Academy ASPIRE Figure Skating at Ice Vault in Wayne, NJ: www.skatewithaimee.com/aspire ❤ Get my 2023-2024 Season Figure Skating Planner here: skatewithaimee.com/shop Use Promo Code KZbin and SAVE! ✅ Love This Video? Leave Me a Super Thanks, or Buy Me Coffee! pay.skatewithaimee.com/buy-coffee ❤ Get perks! Join my channel today! kzbin.info/door/wq9y_4SMjY3KMllsU0v6MQjoin ✅ Shop at the Figure Skating Store and Save 10%: figureskatingstore.com/?ref=skatewithaimee with Coupon Code SKATEWITHAIMEE ✅ SAVE 10% off your Kiss & Cry Angels purchase: kissandcryangels.com/?ref=aimee - Use Promo Code AIMEE (affiliate link). ❤ Get Your Team USA and Olympic Gear Here: fanatics.ncw6.net/rnG2RQ ✅ Coaches: Become an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and/or Nutrition Coach! Current ISSA Promotions & Discounts: bit.ly/3iiovZ5

[@user-tx2pf8il3c]

Coach, thoroughly enjoyed your video. I own a skate shop and see these problems all the time. Sometimes its hard to get this message across as the customer sees you as just trying to make the sale. I made it a point when i started to work with the coaches so we can work together to resolve issues and get the skater in the right skate.

So glad to hear that!!!!

[@sarahtang8828]

Thanks so much for making this video! I’m 13 years old figure skating as a hobby and I just got my first skates a couple weeks ago. I’m really glad I didn’t make any of the mistakes shown in the video 😊

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@justwanttowatchvideos9647]

My daughter has just started lessons and I wanted to get her a good pair of ice skates. She’s turning 3 in a few weeks so finding skates in her size has been hard. This video is so informative for someone like myself who knows nothing about ice skating. Thank you!

Hey there! I totally get the struggle of finding ice skates for little ones. It's like trying to find a unicorn sometimes! But don't worry, I've got some great tips in the video that will help you out. Thanks for watching!

[@ekaterincastlegrove9353]

I actually didn't have an option to get fitted when getting the first pair of skates cuz the shop that was nearest to me and had those skates is 450km away from my city and the cost of travelling that far away is like 200$ (Almost the cost of my skates cuz I have Jackson Artiste), thats a lot. In USA you have a lot of ice rinks and ice skates shops but in my country there is 25 ice rinks for almost 40 mln people. There aren't also many skating shops here in Poland so the only option I had was to get measurements of my foot and ask the shop what size I should pick. My skates fit me well. Idk if I was lucky that they fit or maybe that would actually work for more people.

It may seem as if we have a lot of ice rinks and skate shops in the US, but that depends on where you live! Many skaters have to move or travel long distances to skate. It's quite common for skaters to have to travel even further to get their skates sharpened or for a fitting. I actually had to fly once just to purchase new skates! I have a whole video about what to do if you don't have a skate shop near you (as many people worldwide have that challenge). You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6K8nniIeJqnnc0

[@KinitoUrPet]

Thank you for letting me know thank you!

You are so welcome!

[@lizettejuarez5541]

Hi I skate and good thing I did not make any of those mistakes love your videos

[@annagiryn]

Hi Aimee! Thank you for this video. I recently purchased K2 Aurora Alexis with figure blade. They are comfortable but as a kid and later until now I got used to my plastic pair of skates with laces and figure blade. I just felt that my ankles were supported. In the new ones, I feel, it doesn't matter how tight I want to fasten that buckle it's never enough. I think my feet can do these small movements bringing weight to the left and to the right. It's not very big movement but the skates don't feel that stable. And I don't know if maybe I'm not exaggerating now. I just skate for fun, no figures, just moving forward but when you got use to very tight laces, other, probably more comfortable option seem to loose for me.

I'm not familiar with the K2 Aurora Alexis as we don't usually suggest a soft boot for an adult because of the support level. Have you watched my video about skates for adults and teens? kzbin.info/www/bejne/enOTmZ-Ggr6emMk

[@wendysemsel5687]

PREACH

[@susandegennaro9853]

Exactly. I had to have 3 neuroma foot surgeries and I had to go 1/2 size up bc swelling never went down. Jackson is made for wider widths. Someone tried to sell me Jackson skates he was a prof figure skate technician and I wasted $300 for a skate that didn’t fit my size foot shape right. I hated Jackson and my foot didn’t fit it right. The sizing was different in Jackson then riedell. Jackson was so wide and I was only a C width. I think the skate tech just sold me what he had instead of what was better for me. Jackson the length was shorter than Riedell too. Every skate brand is different in size too. I got stuck buying new riedell skates bc I couldn’t return the Jackson skates lol. They also don’t have inventory for adult sizes. I ended up spending a fortune just to buy the new skates. I can’t sell the last 2 skates no matter what and one has a pattern 99 blade too. It not even broken in too. I wish these skate shops would size you right and let you sell your older skates too.

I’m sorry to hear of your struggles!

[@patricknedz]

I skate at different public slagging rinks, i used the rental skates available as I don’t have my own right now. I always seems to have better luck with buckled skates, once I went to a place with tied skates, I couldn’t seem to get them tight enough to skate properly even went down a size. Any tips on this? I want a good quality skate but I want to have them tight enough to have good performance.

Have you watched my video on rental skates mistakes? kzbin.info/www/bejne/imWXlXRrmpKKirc

[@jasminduncanson2520]

I'm a size 10 shoe what would be my skate size? Love your videos ❤

Thank you. As I explained in the video, it depends. You should get fitted by a professional tech.

[@jasminduncanson2520]

@ good point

[@kindlytossingdoloresumbrid2148]

Hello, im attemping to learn how to figure skate. At the moment I have the adjustable K2 skates and I find them to be very unbalanced. I am unable to improve any spins or jumps with them... and I have good balance off ice due to other sports using balance but I just can not improve my figure skating. Is my lack of balance and improvement due to my skates or is it just me? thanks

Adjustable skates are not intended for advanced elements such as jumps and spins. Have you seen the video where I tried similar skates and explained why they are unbalanced? Pro Skater/Coach Tries Out Top-Selling Ice Skates From Amazon - Watch This BEFORE Buying Ice Skates! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4DNpYqpeL-afKs

[@seenso]

You know a skate tech fitted me for a 5.5W boot but after 10 months of thinking the boot is fine and it’s really just me thinking my technique is not correct, I found out that I’m really a size 5R… If something doesn’t feel right, it’s likely not. Skate techs are human and can’t fit you correctly every time.

Some skate techs are better than others. This is why it's so important to ask your coach or skating director where to go before you go for a fitting! Additionally, when you gain/lose weight or even may be just retaining water, your size can change. So, if you were fitted and 10 months have gone by, it's entirely possible that your size could have changed. With certain brands, like Edea, the width of the ball can be changed so your foot would be fitted according to the heel, and then the ball would be custom-shaped.

[@seenso]

@ that’s actually some good points. I did lose about 10lbs within the last 10 months 🤔 thanks for the perspective!

@seenso you’re welcome!

[@sadantxvy]

I need some help, I want to do figure ice skating as a hobby (I am 14 years old). I might go to some classes which I’m looking forward to. But I don’t know when I should buy my skates. I have gone skating 3 times already, but I am not good at it, I barely know how to slide. I don’t know if I should get ice skates or use the rental ones? Many people say the rental ones are horrible plus they hurt my feet. I still did not register into taking classes tho. Should I get skates before the classes (if I am going) or after when I am good at it? Also I used a size 4 which was really big and I don’t know if size 3 will be good or smaller on my feet.

If you have skated a few times with rental skates and like it well enough, it's a good idea to invest in your own skates. Don't wait until you're good at it. That's not what rental skates are intended for. Rather, they are meant for you to try it out! But make sure that you get fitted for skates - do not buy them online! Here are a few other videos that can really help you: Rental Skates Mistakes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imWXlXRrmpKKirc Buying skates: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHipl6t5fdWrZ5I It's also a great idea to take classes!

[@sadantxvy]

Thank you so much!

You're welcome!

[@kira_h7546]

Hi Aimee, for some time now I've been wondering whether or not to try figure skating since it's been like a childhood dream of mine (I'm 14 btw) but the problem is, my nearest rink is an hour away from my hometown and as far as I know they don't provide figure skates so if you want to sign up for classes you've got to buy your own pair (without having anyone to guide you). I'm planning to go to the professional skate shop to avoid unnecessary injuries due to incorrect sizing etc. (I have to wait a bit tho cause its a few hours away and I'll be there in March anyway). The thing I'm scared about the most is buying them and 'losing interest/motivation' while also wasting a ton of money :/ do you have any tips on how to determine if figure skating is for me or at least any ideas on how to save a bit of money in case I didn't like it that much? I think I should also add that I've liked skating since I was little but I only skated in hockey rentals before and I will only be able to practice once or twice a week because of school and the time it would take to get to the rink *Thanks for all the tips in the video anyway :>

It's really difficult to know if you will like it long term without trying it out! The best tip I can provide you to save money on skates is to buy the least expensive option that is recommended for you. However, if you do that and love it, you will have to buy an upgrade of skates sooner rather than later.

[@kira_h7546]

@ thank you!!

You're welcome!

[@user-jy9rq8nj7q]

Also psychologically we are less likely to stop doing things we had to invest in ourselves, so if youre paying for all or part of them that should motivate you to continue. Also that your feet are still growing so you have to get the most use of them now because they probably won't fit later if you want to take it up again years later.

[@meharkaur3359]

Hi Aimee! I’ve watched quite a few of your other videos and they very specifically say not to get skates online, but i found these really nice Jackson skates on Amazon with really good reviews and I really like that model. there is a skate shop near by where i live but i’m 90% sure they don’t have to model i want. So should I just buy them online? i already know which size jackson i am and the skates have really good reviews but i don’t know if i should get them. Please give me some advice.

Most shops will order what you need if they don’t have them in stock, after you have been measured and fitted. Please don’t purchase them online unless you have no other options.

[@meharkaur3359]

ok thanks! i was thinking if i had to go there to get them sharpened anyways then it’d be better if i just got them from there too.

Exactly! Most shops include your first sharpening and heat molding with your skate purchase.

[@meharkaur3359]

also do you have any specific recommendations for which brand skate guards to get? i’m definitely not getting Edea ones tho because those are pretty expensive. i’m probably gonna get guard dogs or rockerz. But i don’t know which soakers to get, i don’t think it matters that much tho?

@@meharkaur3359 Rockerz are not that much cheaper than the Edea E-Guards and the E-Guards are totally worth the slightly higher price as they feel much better walking around and allow water to drain better - keeping your blades from rusting. Just remember to always take the off, wipe down the blades and put soakers on after skating!

[@aparnamanoj5807]

Heyy I'm a roller skater I've been skating for about 4 years and recently I've been interested in figure skating. I watched your other videos about getting skates. I don't have any shops near me and buying online is also kind of hard for me because I don't know which one to choose as there are different types of skates for different levels. Can you please suggest me a brand? I'm 14 yrs old and 85 lbs

Talk to you coach! Otherwise here’s a video that may help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6K8nniIeJqnnc0

[@aparnamanoj5807]

@ Thanks! I'm actually a roller skater and never tried ice skating. I'm from India and I haven't heard of any ice rinks near my city. I'm moving to Texas in a month so I was thinking of starting figure skating there. English is my 2nd language sorry for the mistakes.

Both roller skaters and figure skaters have coaches!

[@stephanieweingarten7934]

I play hockey as a hobby and I only skated in rentals once. Horrible experience. Getting the right fitted skates is worth every penny.

I completely agree!

[@kennyhogg5820]

This has nothing to do with the video. I suppose you get adult skaters who've never skated before, even roller skates. These type of people from time to time ask me advise. The types who are hugging the wall and just too freaked out to do anything. I'm not super good, just very comfortable going forward, doing one foot plow stops and curving around people. The only thing I know to say is explain there's an inside edge that helps your foot not to slip out from under you when pushing off slightly to the side. What do you do with these people? Have you thought about making a video on tips for these extreme beginners? That psychological block of "I'm going to fall" is really debilitating for some. Others (usually younger guys) will just bite the bullet and get out there, but I've seen a few men hug the wall too.

Honestly, you can’t learn to skate from watching videos. The best thing to do is to take beginner lessons!

[@julijepp]

@ This wasn't their question though? Sorry I'm confused 😅 maybe the edit to their comment changed the context

@@julijepp To be more specific, I advise people like the skater is describing to take lessons. In lessons, the first thing we do is fall down and get up - usually off the ice and then on the ice. We do this with everyone, adults included!

[@stephanieweingarten7934]

I was one of those absolute beginner 4 years ago (age 39). I was so afraid of falling I didn’t make any progress. So I hired myself a teacher who happened to be a hockey player. He put me into hockey gear and taught me how to fall safely and that falling isn’t all that bad. I started wearing protect gear when ice skating on my own (knee pads, one of those padded pants and a helmet) and was finally able to experiment. Getting to know my edges was a huge thing. Finally being able to do cross overs and simple stops as well. Now I’m playing hockey with other adults that started late. So much fun.