Purchasing of ice skates
 Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center provides rental skates for skaters – which are fine for beginning levels, but are primarily for recreational use only. Once the skater begins to learn more detailed skills, the equipment must match appropriately for the best results. Skaters may get their own skates at any time when they begin skating, but at the Basic 3-4 level is when they are necessary to have the best chance at acquiring skating skills and strictly recreational skates will not provide the necessary support. All skaters will eventually need their own skates in order to progress. Levels and quality of skates vary greatly; as skaters move up in skill levels, the level of skates will also need to match. Stiffness of skating boot and quality of the steel and edge will increase with higher levels, and expect prices to reflect that increase.
 
BE SURE to make an educated decision when purchasing ice skates. They are not all created equal. There are many low quality, useless skates on the market that are dangerous for skaters to wear because they offer virtually no ankle support and may lead to injury and inhibit skaters from improving the skating skills. Beware of “bargain” priced skates as there’s a good chance that they will hurt rather than help a skater and be a waste of money. If the boot appears to be thin, flimsy vinyl or plastic, that’s a good indication of a low quality skate.
 
It’s recommend that skaters purchase from a specialty skate shop. The Pro Shop at Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center is a good place to start for new skates. We carry an assortment of skates from two of the most popular brands for beginner skates in the United States, Riedell and Jackson.  Ask Pro Shop employees for assistance in fitting and recommended models. A private instructor can also advise in what skates to purchase.

The Pro Shop carries quality Riedell and Jackson brand skates.

The Pro Shop carries quality Jackson and Riedell brand skates.

Fitting ice skates
Most fitting problems with skates can be corrected. Ankle area and toe boxes can be punched out for added comfort. Minor corrections to insoles can correct pronation (rolling in) or supination (rolling out).
Thin socks or tights should be worn when skating. A pantyhose or trouser sock material works well. Skates will fit and feel better, and there will be no crunched up tube socks in the toes, which create an uncomfortable lump. Sweaty feet from heavy wool socks can cause uncomfortable coldness.
Do not lace skates too tightly. When the knees are bent, the leg angles forward naturally. If the skate is laced too tightly, this flexible movement isn’t possible and can cause discomfort and difficulty in completing skating skills. You should be able to put two fingers between the tongue and the ankle when the foot is flat. After lacing skates, have the skater stand straight with feet about six inches apart and bend knees as deeply as possible. If a skater cannot get a nice deep bend, loosen the top two laces and try again. Make sure the heel is properly seated at the back of the boot. This can be accomplished by extending foot out while seated and tapping on the tail of the blade with the full weight of the boot (kicking back). This aligns the arch and gives the toes necessary room. If there is a gap, foot will slide forward immediately upon standing and make toes feel cramped. If the skates are very new, the skater may need to have the top two laces very loose at first and then gradually tighten as the skates become broken in.
When wearing new skates for the first time, try to bring the skater to skate on her own at least once before having a lesson because there will be an adjustment phase where she may struggle a bit. She/he should not get discouraged during this period and may need to start from lower level elements to slowly get a feel for the new skates and then work her way up as she feels comfortable doing the simplest of skills.

Care of Ice Skates
When you purchase skates, you should also purchase guards. These are the plastic covers that go over the blades and are only to be used when walking. This protects the blades from nicks and keeps then sharper longer. Do NOT store the skates with the guards on as that will cause rust and you must get the blades sharpened to remove the rust. Skate blades should be wiped dry with a towel after skating and wrapped with soakers. Soakers are a towel like material with elastic to fit perfectly on the blades. They will continuously absorb condensation that will come off the blades as they warm from coming off the ice and prevent rusting. Skate guards and soakers are also sold in the pro shop.
Blades will need to be sharpened periodically, about every 25 hours on the ice. For most beginner skaters that’s about once every few months, and anytime the skater feels like the blades are too dull (the edge won't hold, it will skid). Our pro shop provides sharpening services.  
Keep skates in room temperature, air conditioned environment. Avoid excessive heat or cold, as that may damage the glue of the skates. ONLY skates specifically built for heat molding can handle heat molding! If you are not sure, DO NOT have your skates heat molded as that can damage them. Do not leave skates in hot cars, garages, etc. It's best to let them air out between uses, so open the bag they are in or remove them from their storage bags. 

Plastic skate guards for walking

Soakers for storing. Do NOT store skates in walking guards!

Skates with soakers, ready to be stored.