Skate upgrade!

[figureskaterrrr]

Hi, my name is Sophia, and I’m looking for advice on what figure skates to get now or in 8 months.

I’m 17, live in London, 168cm, 67kg, with quite flat, egyptian-shaped feet (size 7), and I skate a couple times a week during term-time (school days, I do more off-ice than ice practice due to lack of time) and more frequently during holiday breaks. I’ve been skating for 2 and a half years now. I’m working on the loop jump, scratch/backspin/camel/sit spin, BI rockers (I’ve got decent power pulls) and more on skills test 4 of the BIS program, simple jump and spin combos, etc. I’ll compete in the summer if I find the opportunity. I’d like a blade more suited to spins but ideally a skate that comes with the boot and blade together.

*** pretty much the main info but feel free to keep reading

Some context: My current skates are Graf 500 (stiffness 20/25) which I got at the end of Learn to Skate (level 7/8 - ik it's late) last summer 2024 as that was what was recommended to me by the skate shop where I only tried 2 pairs on. I'll go somewhere more professional like Everglide next time.
I noticed a crease within the first month or so in the right skate which I am wary about. I’ve had other concerns which I’ve gotten used to/have gone away such as the skates being too big for me. I’m having to re-tie them when I skate now.
If they're about £200 (incl alterations and anything) I may be able to get them this Christmas, or else I won’t be able to until next summer (where I can save for smthn more expensive) when I get a part time job since my parents don’t like me skating. I’ll then take the skates with me to uni (does anyone know any good on/off-ice/choreo coaches in Leeds?) so I do hope they last a couple years at least.

With that in mind, does anyone have experience with upgrading their skates and what advice/suggestions do you have for me?
I’m thinking I should get a slightly stiffer boot (or one of the adult ones in the document below) than needed due to my height/weight and the fact that I’ll have progressed in the next 8 months when I’m financially ready to get them - could you lmk the typical prices as well please.

Thanks sm!

 

[Diana Delafield]

Hi, my name is Sophia, and I’m looking for advice on what figure skates to get now or in 8 months.

I’m 17, live in London, 168cm, 67kg, with quite flat, egyptian-shaped feet (size 7), and I skate a couple times a week during term-time (school days, I do more off-ice than ice practice due to lack of time) and more frequently during holiday breaks. I’ve been skating for 2 and a half years now. I’m working on the loop jump, scratch/backspin/camel/sit spin, BI rockers (I’ve got decent power pulls) and more on skills test 4 of the BIS program, simple jump and spin combos, etc. I’ll compete in the summer if I find the opportunity. I’d like a blade more suited to spins but ideally a skate that comes with the boot and blade together.

*** pretty much the main info but feel free to keep reading

Some context: My current skates are Graf 500 (stiffness 20/25) which I got at the end of Learn to Skate (level 7/8 - ik it's late) last summer 2024 as that was what was recommended to me by the skate shop where I only tried 2 pairs on. I'll go somewhere more professional like Everglide next time.
I noticed a crease within the first month or so in the right skate which I am wary about. I’ve had other concerns which I’ve gotten used to/have gone away such as the skates being too big for me. I’m having to re-tie them when I skate now.
If they're about £200 (incl alterations and anything) I may be able to get them this Christmas, or else I won’t be able to until next summer (where I can save for smthn more expensive) when I get a part time job since my parents don’t like me skating. I’ll then take the skates with me to uni (does anyone know any good on/off-ice/choreo coaches in Leeds?) so I do hope they last a couple years at least.

With that in mind, does anyone have experience with upgrading their skates and what advice/suggestions do you have for me?
I’m thinking I should get a slightly stiffer boot (or one of the adult ones in the document below) than needed due to my height/weight and the fact that I’ll have progressed in the next 8 months when I’m financially ready to get them - could you lmk the typical prices as well please.

Thanks sm!

Hi: Sorry you haven't had any replies to this yet. People are a bit caught up in competitions (as fans) these days.

You are definitely in much too soft skates for an adult. Boot stiffness depends on the skater's height and weight as well as the skill level. If you can get to Everglides, they will be able to give you the best recommendations because they'll see you and measure your feet in person. Avoid the general sporting goods shops with a skate section, or the pro shop at a rink. Skating is an expensive sport, and one in which you can't progress safely in weak equipment. Make a visit to Everglides a priority. If you can't get there for some reason, come back and ask us again and we'll do our best to make suggestions as to brands and models if you'll describe your foot shape type, whether your arches are low, average or high, and give us your height and weight. Good luck!