Adult Beginner Skates Recommendation

[can_y0u_hear_m3]

Hello, I'm an adult female 128lbs, and a little over 5'4," starting to work on USFS Basic 4 skills and skating around 3 times a week. I've been skating in recreational skates (Bladerunner Auroras, haha), since we bought them before I knew any better, but as it gets to crossovers, I'm starting to think I will need proper ones (and hopefully ones that will last me to waltz jumping). Probably not an important aside at this time, considering how low my level is, but I'd like to get to butterfly jump entries, hydroblading, spread eagles, and knee slides, but don't have any interest in jumps other than the waltz (I have no idea if any of those moves benefit from specific skate types). I am not super athletic atm, so my legs aren't especially muscular or anything.

In the MA USA area, so I'm thinking to go to Home Ice or Ice House Sports to try stuff on and get personalized recommendations, but wanted to get some thoughts and suggestions before I go.

My foot type is I think Egyptian? (Generally my toes are evenly shorter than the one before, but my first two toes bend pretty far in towards my pinky, which make them seem shorter relative to the toe next to them than they would be if they were stretched straight, especially on my left foot where the big toe sometimes looks almost shorter than the index. I'm a tad literal, so it's been a little difficult comparing my bendy foot to the picture chart). A crude ruler-guess of my feet width is 9cm ball, 5cm heel. I'm pretty sure I have normal arches.

 

[can_y0u_hear_m3]

Just checking in on this briefly.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Hello, I'm an adult female 128lbs, and a little over 5'4," starting to work on USFS Basic 4 skills and skating around 3 times a week. I've been skating in recreational skates (Bladerunner Auroras, haha), since we bought them before I knew any better, but as it gets to crossovers, I'm starting to think I will need proper ones (and hopefully ones that will last me to waltz jumping). Probably not an important aside at this time, considering how low my level is, but I'd like to get to butterfly jump entries, hydroblading, spread eagles, and knee slides, but don't have any interest in jumps other than the waltz (I have no idea if any of those moves benefit from specific skate types). I am not super athletic atm, so my legs aren't especially muscular or anything.

In the MA USA area, so I'm thinking to go to Home Ice or Ice House Sports to try stuff on and get personalized recommendations, but wanted to get some thoughts and suggestions before I go.

My foot type is I think Egyptian? (Generally my toes are evenly shorter than the one before, but my first two toes bend pretty far in towards my pinky, which make them seem shorter relative to the toe next to them than they would be if they were stretched straight, especially on my left foot where the big toe sometimes looks almost shorter than the index. I'm a tad literal, so it's been a little difficult comparing my bendy foot to the picture chart). A crude ruler-guess of my feet width is 9cm ball, 5cm heel. I'm pretty sure I have normal arches.

Sorry if you've felt ignored -- skating fans on GS are absorbed by the upcoming Olympics season at the moment. Who will be eligible, who should skate to what music, and so forth.

I didn't weigh in on your question because I'm over on the other side of the continent in west coast Canada, and don't know the fitters and shops in your area. As an adult, though, even as a beginner, you need stiffer boots than what a child beginner would wear even though you're not a large-size adult. Your feet are much the same shape as mine, and I wear Risports currently and have worn Riedells in the recent past. I haven't tried Graf boots, but I've had them recommended for me as well. Adult size, you might try the Risport RF3, Riedell Bronze Star, or the Graf Richmond models.

Edeas don't fit my high-arched Egyptian feet, nor do Jacksons these days although they used to be my boot of choice until they changed the shape. If the shop you go to has a limited range of brands, you may find they push Edeas, that being a popular brand sold in most shops. Try them on if you like, but then look elsewhere if possible for a place with a wider selection of brands and compare.

If your fitter recommends Risports, I don't know if their RF line or their Royal Pro line would work better on your feet, considering your arches are lower than mine and you have those bent toes to contend with. Molding can help, but how much I don't know without actually seeing the shape of your feet in person, and not having the complete measurements with circumference, heel shape, ankle circumference etc. Your fitter should take all those measurements -- it's impossible to measure yourself properly since you'd have to bend over to do that. At the very least you need a friend to do it while you stand upright.

Basic MK Pro or Coronation Ace blades (not their revolution or light forms) will see you through many levels of skating from beginner up to double jumps. Good luck!

 

[Diana Delafield]

Just checking in on this briefly.

See my reply to your original post. Sorry no one answered right away. This season's competitions are just over, and are being rehashed, and thoughts are turned to the upcoming Olympic season

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hello, I'm an adult female 128lbs, and a little over 5'4," starting to work on USFS Basic 4 skills and skating around 3 times a week. I've been skating in recreational skates (Bladerunner Auroras, haha), since we bought them before I knew any better, but as it gets to crossovers, I'm starting to think I will need proper ones (and hopefully ones that will last me to waltz jumping). Probably not an important aside at this time, considering how low my level is, but I'd like to get to butterfly jump entries, hydroblading, spread eagles, and knee slides, but don't have any interest in jumps other than the waltz (I have no idea if any of those moves benefit from specific skate types). I am not super athletic atm, so my legs aren't especially muscular or anything.

In the MA USA area, so I'm thinking to go to Home Ice or Ice House Sports to try stuff on and get personalized recommendations, but wanted to get some thoughts and suggestions before I go.

My foot type is I think Egyptian? (Generally my toes are evenly shorter than the one before, but my first two toes bend pretty far in towards my pinky, which make them seem shorter relative to the toe next to them than they would be if they were stretched straight, especially on my left foot where the big toe sometimes looks almost shorter than the index. I'm a tad literal, so it's been a little difficult comparing my bendy foot to the picture chart). A crude ruler-guess of my feet width is 9cm ball, 5cm heel. I'm pretty sure I have normal arches.

Hi. So is it hammer toes that you have? For you, try Riedell and Risport and possibly Graf. I wouldn't suggest Jackson or Edea for you.
Those shops especially Home Ice should be fine for you.

 

[can_y0u_hear_m3]

No worries, and thanks for the suggestions! I still have some time before I was planning to go, just wanted to make sure the thread didn't get lost eventually.

I think at least the skate shop further from me has a pretty wide range of boots, so I'll see what they recommend and try to stick to those three brands and relative stiffness!

No hammer toe. Not a deformity, just a little bit of an extra curve to the right or left. I have it in my fingers too, my middle fingers curve far enough that there's a gap you can see through between it and my ring fingers even when I squeeze them together, haha.

 

[can_y0u_hear_m3]

Just to update, went to skate tech and tried a lot of things, but the only ones that felt comfortable enough on my feet to withstand were the Risport Electra and the Aura Sky 50. The Aura Sky 50 was I'd say actually much more comfortable and easier to bend in, even, but I ended up with the Risport because it was more cost effective and good enough for my purposes, not being especially heavy or advanced. I'm really liking them. There's a lot of skills I still don't have, but I'm actually shocked at how much more in control I feel with solid boots that fit well on my feet.

I also got Aspire XP blades. Have been skating in them twice and they've already started rusting in the hollow! Since I can't be getting my skates sharpened every 2.5 hrs I skate, I rubbed them with red wine vinegar until the worst of the spots went away, quickly dried them, and then rubbed them with a little bit of the vegetable oil we use for my husband's cast iron pans. Probably not the best things to work with, but I wanted to deal with the rusty spots quickly, since we're entering high humidity season. I wipe them down after every skate with a cloth, and use soakers until either I get home or the blades aren't so cold that I can see condensation forming on them (as was the case when I first got home yesterday after my lesson). Then take the soakers off and let them sit upright tongue-open on a soft surface at home (our home is older and does not have central air). I am a little alarmed they started rusting so quickly, when I've been absolutely babying them, but I'm hoping getting some WD-40 to apply immediately after wiping them down will help???

 

[IceM]

Just to update, went to skate tech and tried a lot of things, but the only ones that felt comfortable enough on my feet to withstand were the Risport Electra and the Aura Sky 50. The Aura Sky 50 was I'd say actually much more comfortable and easier to bend in, even, but I ended up with the Risport because it was more cost effective and good enough for my purposes, not being especially heavy or advanced. I'm really liking them. There's a lot of skills I still don't have, but I'm actually shocked at how much more in control I feel with solid boots that fit well on my feet.

I also got Aspire XP blades. Have been skating in them twice and they've already started rusting in the hollow! Since I can't be getting my skates sharpened every 2.5 hrs I skate, I rubbed them with red wine vinegar until the worst of the spots went away, quickly dried them, and then rubbed them with a little bit of the vegetable oil we use for my husband's cast iron pans. Probably not the best things to work with, but I wanted to deal with the rusty spots quickly, since we're entering high humidity season. I wipe them down after every skate with a cloth, and use soakers until either I get home or the blades aren't so cold that I can see condensation forming on them (as was the case when I first got home yesterday after my lesson). Then take the soakers off and let them sit upright tongue-open on a soft surface at home (our home is older and does not have central air). I am a little alarmed they started rusting so quickly, when I've been absolutely babying them, but I'm hoping getting some WD-40 to apply immediately after wiping them down will help???

I commend you for the effort, but rust protects rust, so rubbing rust off is pointless, and will just help produce more rust. And oiling carbon steel blades is only beneficial when you store the blades for a longer period, like a summer break.

Just make sure you dry the blades properly and let your sharpener worry about the rest. The rust is normal in carbon steel blades.

Of course, for the next blades, you could get some in stainless steel and never worry about rust ever again, even if you left the blades wet in the bag for a week. And you also need to sharpen the blades like three times less often. Hint hint

 

[tstop4me]

I also got Aspire XP blades. Have been skating in them twice and they've already started rusting in the hollow! Since I can't be getting my skates sharpened every 2.5 hrs I skate, I rubbed them with red wine vinegar until the worst of the spots went away, quickly dried them, and then rubbed them with a little bit of the vegetable oil we use for my husband's cast iron pans. Probably not the best things to work with, but I wanted to deal with the rusty spots quickly, since we're entering high humidity season. I wipe them down after every skate with a cloth, and use soakers until either I get home or the blades aren't so cold that I can see condensation forming on them (as was the case when I first got home yesterday after my lesson). Then take the soakers off and let them sit upright tongue-open on a soft surface at home (our home is older and does not have central air). I am a little alarmed they started rusting so quickly, when I've been absolutely babying them, but I'm hoping getting some WD-40 to apply immediately after wiping them down will help???

* I will disagree with the above Post #8. Rust on plain carbon steel does not form a protective layer. Rust has a porous microstructure, trapping moisture and promoting further rust; in some instances, pits can form under the top rust layer.

* If I understand your post, you would like to apply a protective film onto the blades at the rink, after you have dried off the blades, when the blades are still cold, and there still may be residual moisture. If this is correct, then WD-40 is a good choice. WD-40 is now available in an applicator pen dispenser, ideal for stowing in a kit bag and a lot less messy than a spray can.

* If your home is not air conditioned and is subject to high humidity, then for short-term storage between sessions (not long-term storage), wipe down the blades again when you get home and re-apply WD-40. If you prefer not to use soakers at home, just be careful not to let the blades bang against each other or against hard surfaces (to protect the blades) or against surfaces that you don't want damaged by the blades.

* As a simple precaution, you should wipe down the blades at the rink next time before you lace up (to remove excess WD-40).

 

[koxlen33]

Sounds like you're on a fun journey—Basic 4 is where things really start to get exciting. Since you're skating regularly and aiming for things like crossovers and a waltz jump, it's definitely time to move on from the Bladerunners.
Jackson and Riedell both make great beginner-intermediate skates. Something like the Jackson Artiste or Riedell Pearl might be a good fit—supportive enough for progress but not overly stiff. Since you’re planning to try on in-store (great choice), the fit will matter most, especially with your foot shape.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Sounds like you're on a fun journey—Basic 4 is where things really start to get exciting. Since you're skating regularly and aiming for things like crossovers and a waltz jump, it's definitely time to move on from the Bladerunners.
Jackson and Riedell both make great beginner-intermediate skates. Something like the Jackson Artiste or Riedell Pearl might be a good fit—supportive enough for progress but not overly stiff. Since you’re planning to try on in-store (great choice), the fit will matter most, especially with your foot shape.

Artiste or Pearl will no way be stiff enough to support someone of their height and weight. They found their boots and blades for now.

 

[can_y0u_hear_m3]

* I will disagree with the above Post #8. Rust on plain carbon steel does not form a protective layer. Rust has a porous microstructure, trapping moisture and promoting further rust; in some instances, pits can form under the top rust layer.

* If I understand your post, you would like to apply a protective film onto the blades at the rink, after you have dried off the blades, when the blades are still cold, and there still may be residual moisture. If this is correct, then WD-40 is a good choice. WD-40 is now available in an applicator pen dispenser, ideal for stowing in a kit bag and a lot less messy than a spray can.

* If your home is not air conditioned and is subject to high humidity, then for short-term storage between sessions (not long-term storage), wipe down the blades again when you get home and re-apply WD-40. If you prefer not to use soakers at home, just be careful not to let the blades bang against each other or against hard surfaces (to protect the blades) or against surfaces that you don't want damaged by the blades.

* As a simple precaution, you should wipe down the blades at the rink next time before you lace up (to remove excess WD-40).

Late reply, but thanks so much for this. I got the WD-40 pen applicator, and I have to admit, my favorite part of the day is getting home, wiping down the blades a second time, and then "highlighting" the edges with the WD-40. I don't have any objections to using soakers at home, I just only have one set I prefer to use as soon as I've come off the rink and air out at home, and have seen some people say it's good to let the blades themselves air out, so prop them up on a towel on the couch. My blades have been rust-free so far!