Do You Need to Buy Skates? A Guide to Purchasing Your First Pair
At some point in every skater’s journey, the question comes up:
“Do we need to buy our own skates?”
For beginners, rental skates are often the easiest place to start.
But as skills develop, having the right equipment becomes increasingly important.
So how do you know when it’s time—and what should you look for?
When Rental Skates Are Enough
If you/your skater is:
Brand new to skating
Attending occasional sessions
Still deciding if they enjoy the sport
Then rental skates are perfectly fine.
They allow skaters to:
Try skating without a big upfront investment
Get comfortable on the ice
Build initial confidence
At this stage, the focus should be on experience—not equipment.
Signs It’s Time to Buy Skates
As skaters begin progressing, the limitations of rental skates become more noticeable.
You may want to consider purchasing skates if you/your skater:
Is skating consistently (weekly or more)
Has passed early beginner levels
Is starting to learn skills like backward skating, spins, or early jumps
Is showing commitment and enthusiasm for the sport
Is uncomfortable in rental skates (some first time skaters may prefer starting out in their own skates since they will always be a better fit than rentals!)
→ This often aligns with the stage where families start thinking about how fast kids can progress in figure skating and how to support that progress.
Why Properly Fitted Skates Matter
Figure skates are not one-size-fits-all.
A properly fitted skate:
Provides the right level of support
Helps prevent injury
Improves balance and control
Allows skaters to develop correct technique
Poorly fitted or low-quality skates can:
Slow progress
Cause discomfort or pain
Lead to bad habits that are hard to fix later
→ This is why professional fitting is strongly recommended.
Where to Get Skates Fitted
When purchasing your first pair, working with experienced professionals makes a big difference.
We recommend:
Patti Larkin and her team at Houston Skate and Sport Orthotics, who specialize in proper skate fitting and orthotics
Our own Coach Dmytro at Skate VIDA, who can size and fit skates and provide guidance based on your child’s level and goals
Having someone who understands both equipment and skating technique ensures the best fit for long-term development.
If you do feel comfortable sizing and buying online, use this referral link to FigureSkatingStore.com and coupon code REWARDINGBULLFR to get 10% off your order.
Brands We Commonly Recommend
At Skate VIDA, we work with trusted brands known for quality and support, including:
The right brand and model will depend on:
Your child’s skill level
Foot shape
Training frequency
→ This is another reason why personalized fitting matters. Don’t buy a skate based on level; buy it based on YOUR foot and what feels best.
Don’t Skip This Step: Professional Sharpening
Here’s something many don’t realize:
Brand new skates do NOT come ready to use.
At best, they come with a basic factory sharpening—which is not sufficient for proper skating.
Before stepping on the ice, new skates should always be:
Professionally sharpened
Checked for proper blade alignment
At Skate VIDA, Coach Dmytro provides:
Professional sharpening
Mounting and adjustments
Ongoing maintenance to keep skates performing properly
This step makes a huge difference in how skates feel and perform.
Taking Care of Your New Skates
Once you’ve invested in skates, proper care is essential.
This includes:
Drying blades after every session
Using soft soakers to absorb moisture
Wearing hard guards when walking off the ice
Keeping skates protected in your bag
→ If you’re not sure what you need, check out our guide: What’s in Your Bag? Essential Gear for Figure Skaters
Taking care of your skates helps them last longer—and perform better.
A Note on Budget
Skates are an investment—but they don’t need to be top-of-the-line right away.
A good first pair should:
Fit properly
Provide appropriate support
Match your child’s current level
Avoid:
Buying oversized skates “to grow into”
Choosing the cheapest option without support
Skipping professional fitting
→ The goal is to support development, not just save short-term cost.
Used skates in good condition, where the support of the ankle is not already worn down, are also a great cost-effective option to consider!
How Skate VIDA Helps Families Choose the Right Skates
We know this process can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the sport.
At Skate VIDA, we help families:
Determine when it’s the right time to buy
Choose appropriate brands and models
Ensure proper fit and setup
Maintain skates over time
Because the right equipment doesn’t just make skating easier → it makes progress smoother and more enjoyable.
Not Sure If It’s Time?
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for their own skates, we’re happy to help guide you.
→ Reach out for personalized recommendations based on your child’s level, goals, and training schedule.
Coming Up Next
Thinking about summer programs or getting started?
→ Stay tuned for our next post:
“Beginner Skating Camps: What to Expect”