Ice Skating Boot Selection Guide

This area deals mainly with Ice Skating Boots, for Ice Skate Comparison Charts & Ice Skating Blade information continue to scroll down.

Below are our recommend charts for figure skates based upon an individual's skill level. We refer to the test levels of the United Skate Figure Skating Association (USFSA) and the Ice Skating Institiute (ISI). Recommendations follow the advice provided from our manufacturers and on observations and experiences of the customers who have bought the skates.

• Too Big (length or width): The boot will form creases near the toes and blisters will form from feet slipping.

• Too Small (length or width): The skater will need to recognize that the boot is too small. The toes will often curl on top of each other (width) or the toe knuckles will curl up and rise (length). Boots that are too small may be “relasted” (stretched) one half size to release the length/width to accommodate the skater’s feet. For specific pressure points the boot can be molded to release pressure (outside toes, ankles, navicular bones [arches]).
  

• Boot Twisting: Boot twisting is usually caused by the pronation of the skater’s feet. This may be reduced by, choosing a custom fit boot and using an Orthotic correction (Dr. Orthotic, Harlick Skating Orthotic, Inside Wedge, and/or Asymmetrical Lacing).
  

• Arch Cramping: When the skater’s navicular bone, arch muscle, and/or low/flat arches do not match the shape of the arch counter of the boot, the skater will experience pain and cramping in the arch and plantar muscle. This may be corrected by, choosing a custom fit boot and using an Orthotic correction (Dr. Orthotic, Harlick Skating Orthotic, Inside Wedge, and/or Asymmetrical Lacing).
  

• Slipping Heels: Heels will slip when the shape of the foot is narrower in the heel area of the boot than the shape of the boot. To correct this problem the skater needs a custom fit boot (boot is built more narrow in the heel area) or a combination width stock boot (only one size difference from ball to heel is available in stock boots). In custom boots Heel Hugger and Achilles tendon padding may also be added to the boots to help prevent the heels from slipping.