As an ice rookie and a notorious tightwad with my cash (looking back, entering one of the most expensive sports known to mankind may have been a silly choice), I vowed to stay with rental skates through the end of my first Learn to Skate session. This was not an easy task considering I was lacing my feet into a veritable petri dish each week, but alas I made it through and last weekend bit the bullet to purchase new skates.
Upon the recommendation of my Learn to Skate instructor, I set up an appointment for a fitting at the local skate shop. Inevitably, the question of "what have you been skating in," came up and I proudly displayed my fuzzy pink cashmere socks- the same pair one might lounge, watching TV in when no one else is at home. Apparently "these and rental skates," was not the correct answer. Thankfully Skate Man did not go into cardiac arrest, but rather commenced sizing me for a boot. I nearly fell off the bench when he told me I was a size 5.5- not the size 7 I had previously been wearing. I consider not breaking an ankle these last few weeks to be perhaps the largest accomplishment of my skating (though just in case, my insurance card always is in gear bag).
I walked out with a shiny white pair of Riedell 229 TS skates and even splurged on the fancy inserts to stop my high arches from pronating to the inside edge. Marketed for upper-level basic skills students and early freestyle levels, the price point ($229 for the boot and blade set) seemed reasonable and after one session on them I pleased as punch- I hadn't realized quite how snug the skates ought to fit or what a difference a sharp blade makes. Moral of the story: trust the professional and keep the cashmere socks at home for 'Golden Girls' re-runs.
First pair of skates: Riedell 229 TS, sold as a set with Eclipse Astra blades
Total cost: $289 (skates, inserts, soakers and hard blade guards)
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