Upgrading skates - which to get.

[rachskates]

I’m currently skate uk star bronze level and have been skating since Dec 2016 (with a significant chunk of 2017 off due to bad neck).

When I first stated I purchased a pair of Graf 500 as advised by the skate shop at the time, as I wasn’t sure if I would be able to skate regurlarly and keep up lessons due to work commitments, and didn’t want to fork out a lot on a pair of skates at that time if there was a chance they wouldn’t get enough use.

I’m now considering new skates as I feel the Graf 500 are breaking down on me, and I’m skating more regularly than I originally thought I would be able to!

My skates feel a lot looser now, particularly my left foot and I feel like I’m now coming off sessions with sore feet, which I haven’t since i first broke my skates in. There is also significant creasing in the flex notch.

As I’m still relatively new to skating what would your suggestions be for what skates/blade to go for next?

I’m an adult skater, on the heavier side (175lbs) currently working on skate uk Star Bronze work.

 

[bostonskaterguy86]

I (and I’m guessing most folks here) would recommend getting fitted at a pro shop, by a reputable fitter, if at all possible. It’s vitally important that you get a well-fitted skate that works for your level and your foot type.

You can find a lot of good deals on new skates online - and while that’s certainly a good way to save money, I’d still recommend getting fitted in person. See if your pro shop will measure you for a small fee, or if they will even price match any good deals you find online.

All of that being said - in terms of which skates to go with, I would say to be aware that “stiffness levels” can vary a lot between manufacturers, and as an adult skater on the heavier side, the “recommended skills” you’ll see on many websites for specific models may not apply to you. A skate that would be fine for a 100lb kid doing single jumps may not be supportive enough for a 175lb adult to do a single jump in.

 

[Ange]

The answer above gives excellent advice. Keep in mind that the brand you go for will be determined by your foot shape, as they all fit differently so don't go in with one particular brand in mind - find what works for you.

As an adult, you can go for a stiffer boot as the stiffness ratings are mostly designed with youth in mind. When my coach recommended skates for me as a beginner, she recommended I go for around 60 stiffness support rating. (I did actually end up trying on a 90 support rating boot in the shop for size only and I immediately felt the overbooting. In the right support rating you will be able to get a good knee bend without the boot causing major pain anywhere - slight discomfort is normal until they are broken in).

I found this website to be really helpful to give me a better idea of the skates she suggested: https://www.kinziescloset.com/skate-comparison-guide.html

I hope this helps somewhat Good luck!