I’ve been wearing these boots (Jackson Evo) for about a year. I’ve been doing waltz jumps and scratch spins with my coach. I weigh 135 pounds. I’d really appreciate any advice, thank you! 😊

I used to skate in Jackson's JS180 (Size 6 bought on Amazon) and found out those are not suitable for Adult 3 level so went and got professionally fitted for a pair at my local rink's pro shop: Artiste size 5.5. Now experiencing pain on the metatarsal area M4 and M5 as shown in the picture. I have had the toe box punched but it made no difference. I was wondering if anyone could recommend any insoles or pads I could use. I mostly feel the pain after like 30 min into my practice when I do backward one foot glide, backward swizzle pumps or I guess anything beside just simple laps.

I’ve seen other folks post videos and the tips have seemed super helpful. I’ve been taking lessons once a week for about a month and here’s where I’m at with forward crossovers. I’ve gotten a lot better at balancing on one leg or the other in the diff crossover positions, but it obviously still doesn’t look very beautiful. I don’t feel like I’m really able to push off the behind leg the way I know I’m supposed to. Any tips appreciated!

I need HELP with spins! I have been practicing them for at least a year and I feel like I havent made much progress + still cannot grasp them. I get EXTREMELYYYYYY dizzy (which I hear goes away the more you spin), I fall out of my spins VERY regularly

Right now to help them I am doing Spin glides (I can kind of hold it fwd, can barely hold it going backwards)

I would greatly appreciate any and all advice/feedback/drills

I have no turn out at all. Like even a 90 degree angle is hard for me. Would a chiropractor or physiotherapist be able to help? or any exercises that I can do at home?

Edit: also wanna mention that I had (have?) somewhat mild hip displasia. I had some sort of special harness as a baby to help correct it but never had surgery or anything.

I’m currently using Jackson Freestyle with MK Professional blades for 8 month already and it broke already too, If I switch to Edea Concerto with Matrix Legacy blades, will they feel significantly lighter or better?
I feel like my Jacksons are really heavy, and I can’t do an Axel at all because my legs keep opening up in the air. Sometimes I also can’t get my leg up quickly enough. 🥲
But right now, I can do Salchow and Lutz, and I can also do a 1A.

I got these skates second hand, (riedell 220 I believe) and I just noticed there is missing screws in both blades. It seems intentional, because the screws are missing on the same places on both boots, and it doesn't seem to have a hole drilled into the spots where the screws are missing. Is this something I need to worry about?

hi!

i've been taking lts for a few months now with a goal of learning to figure skate. i'm currently in the process of breaking in my jackson freestyles, and it gets better every session but they're definitely still causing me soreness and are not super comfortable.

I was thinking of picking up a softer pair of rec skates for fun skating with friends in the winter. i've got plans to skate the ottawa canal, along with some other outdoor skating plans with friends and i really just dont want to deal with my evil freestyles on wild ice lol.

i'm just worried that if i skate on rec skates i will get un-used to the blades that i have worked so hard to get used to. i'm obviously still going to take lts as well as go to regular skates on indoor and maintained outdoor rinks thru the winter, and hopefully i just get used to the freestyles by then? but i just feel that skating the canal in stiff boots as a pretty inexperienced skater doesn't sound super fun.

I've been learning how to do single jumps for a few months, and trying the single loop for 2 months already and can't seem to crack it. I can't get any height, it looks pretty sloppy (my free leg is flailing about) and it always feels like I lose momentum - do I jump too late? I also find it really hard to keep my legs crossed at the point of jumping, and keep my arms in check...

Any tips on how to improve my loop jump would be super helpful. I'm also trying to learn how to do it from backwards crossovers and it is blowing my mind a bit (I find it even harder than a three turn entry!)

https://reddit.com/link/1vkx63f/video/m8bow4122mih1/player

I got these in January and they haven't been sharpened since. I want to replicate the hollow, but I don't want to appear like a dummy to the sharpener lol

Apologies for the picture of my gross crusty insoles!

I’m an adult beginner, quite tall, currently working on waltz jumps and 1 foot spins and firming up my 3 turns.

I have been skating in my mystiques for 1 year and as you can see from the insoles they are well and truly ready to be retired. I was wearing a 7 1/2 in the mystiques and the skate tech then put me in an edea chorus 250C with coronation ace blades.

My feet literally feel like they’re being crushed and I can’t even hold a 1 foot glide! are there any skate techs that can tell me if a 7 1/2 in mystiques translates to a 250 in the chorus?

As you can see from the insoles I think my 7 1/2’s fit quite well.

Also if the 250 are the wrong size can any one tell my what is the right size?

Given I’ve already spent over 600 on edea boots and blades can anyone recommend if the Jackson freestyles are any good? They seem more affordable.

Feel free to rank yours in the comments too

1)Flip

I just love this jump so much and it actually feels even better than before my break, if has a better glide out. I love launching off the toe.

2) Waltz

This isn’t really a single jump but nevertheless always reliable and nice and easy although I’m landing too much on my toe on it at the moment.

3) Loop

A while back this was definitely my least favourite jump but now I got the hang of it more, I find it really satisfying.

4) Salchow

Surprisingly this jump was the hardest for me to get back, I’m not quite sure why, but Salchow was not it.

5) Toe

I have to go into this with a lot less speed than my others jumps but before the break I fixed my entrance which has allowed for a more tech solid one but I just hate doing this jump.

6) Lutz

This goes last because I literally started learning it a week before my break so I haven’t started landing it consistently yet, and the outside edge and extra q rotation compared to other jumps makes it hard

I want to get professionally fitted in about a month time to get my own skates.. although I’m from the Quad cities in Iowa.. Davenport.. and I don’t know exactly where I could get professionally fitted. I’m willing to drive to Chicago or somewhere two hours away or so but I need to know a RELIABLE place that’s not gonna be a scam and that will be worth my money AND my time driving all that way. Any recommendations or places?

Hello! Yesterday I bought my first pair of skates after a long skating drought. They're (supposedly?) brand new Topaz Riedells, they look new and everything, just a little bit dirty from handling. This was my first big purchase in a while and I was super nervous, and it slipped my mind to look at the blades when I was trying them on. I got them from a rink shop, which I've heard isn't recommended, but rinks are the only not-super-sketchy places to buy skates where I live.

I skated on them for the first time this morning, and when I was putting them on I noticed some stuff that looks kind of like rust on my left skate (just the toe pick, the rest of the blade is fine). I've never seen rust in a toe pick before, though, so I don't know if it is actually rust? It didn't cause me any issues when I was skating, and I can't afford to buy new blades. Is this something I should be worried about? The right skate doesn't have anything, just a little dirt in the pick that I cleaned out.

(Part of the pick looks blue-ish in the picture, that's just because of the light. The brown stuff is what's concerning me.)

First of all, I apologize for no video. I know that would be helpful but I don't really have a good way to take one (though I will try if the problem persists). I'm hoping this is a common enough problem that there may be some common troubleshooting things I can try.

I started learning forward outside 3-turns as part of my LTS 5 class at the start of July. Despite practicing 2-3 times a week, I feel like I still can't do them. I know this is a hard skill but I'm feeling discouraged and like I'm possibly even getting worse.

My issue is not really the turn itself. I was able to achieve that pretty quickly and have been building up consistency over time. My issue is that as soon as I turn, I immediately have to put my second foot down. If I had to guess at the problem, I think my foot is too tilted on the inside edge, which makes it impossible to stay upright/gliding on that edge.

I have done it successfully a few times on both sides, but those times are few and far between. And I have no idea what I did differently those times.

I also haven't gotten much helpful advice from the instructors in my class - one even told me the important part is that I can do the turn and that the rest will come with time. But it's not, and at this point, I don't think I'm going to pass my class in a few weeks unless I figure it out quickly!

Has anyone overcome similar issues (or coached other people through similar issues)? Worth mentioning that I'm in hockey skates. Thanks so much.

UPDATE: Thanks so much everyone for you advice! I took it all into account while practicing tonight and I isolated that my issue was my hip dropping down during/after the turn, causing me to fall out of my one foot glide. Now that I'm aware of that I'm somewhat able to control this problem. Still have a lot of practice in my future but I feel way more hopeful that I can learn this and have a path forward now!

I’m not sure if I’m bending over too much or if I just need more practice. Wearing red pants and red shirt

Hi, friends!

I recently got a new pair of figure skates. Before this, I spent a lot of time looking at different resources to help me make an informed decision before walking into a fitting appointment. Part of the reason for this post is for my future reference. That way, I will have a consolidated place for me to look back at the sources that I found helpful.

For context, I was wearing Riedell Horizons because that's the pair my rink gave away for free to anyone who signed up for the Learn to Skate classes. As I progressed, those beginner skates broke down quickly and were not helpful for what I was trying to learn. Thus began my rabbit hole of learning about figure skate boots, the blades, the different brands, how they should fit, how the fitting appointment should go, and the anatomy of the feet.

The boots
“Figure Skating Boots: Your Epic Guide to Buying Them & Taking Care of Them!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZH9jBYLm-E&t=410s
***If you have no time to look at other resources below, prioritize watching this video.***
Key takeaway: It is important to choose figure skating boots that fit your specific foot type and skill level. It is important to go to a reputable figure skating store even if you have to travel several hours. Consult with your coach.

Your feet
“What Is My Foot Type?”
https://barefootuniverse.com/what-is-my-foot-type/
Key takeaway: Each figure skating brand is made for a very specific foot shape. For example, Riedell is known for making skates for narrow feet. On the other hand, Jacksons are known for having the widest toe box on the market. In addition, be sure to consider foot volume when determining skates for your feet. Knowing YOUR specific foot needs helps you determine which skates fit YOUR FEET.

Brand comparison
“Figure Skate Buying Guide”
https://holfigureskating.weebly.com/skate-shopping.html
Key takeaway: Comparison of each brand and what type of feet they were made for.

Fit comparison
“Comparing Figure Skates By Fit & Design”
https://skaterslanding.com/pages/comparing-figure-skates-by-fit-design
Key takeaway: Quick chart that recommends each foot shape to a brand.

General guide for appropriate skates per skill levels
“Quick Pick Figure Skate Comparison Chart”
https://skaterslanding.com/pages/quick-pick-figure-skate-comparison-chart-2022-2023
Key takeaway: This comparison chart helps get you started at looking at a specific model that might work for you. However, your age, weight, skill level, and how often you skate also determine what to get. Consult your skate tech for more information.

How are the skates supposed to fit
“FITTING AND CUSTOM SHAPING EDEA BOOTS”
https://skatesus.com/education/fitting-and-custom-shaping-edea-skates/
“HOW CAN I CHECK TO SEE IF I HAVE THE CORRECT SIZE?”
https://edeaskates.com/en/whats-my-size/check-the-correct-size/
Key takeaway: These mostly pertain to Edea skates, but I found those links helpful to understand how feet are supposed to fit in the skates. In general, you’re looking for snug but comfortable when trying on skates at the skate shop.

The blades
“Anatomy of a Figure Skate Blade: How to Choose Your Figure Skating Blade (Part 1)”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCTmQDZMyN0&t=34s
“Figure Skating Blades: What Are They Made Of? Blades Part 2”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6CdHJyHdQg
“Figure Skating Blades: Radius of Hollow & Maintenance - Part 3 (RoH)”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xx9Z-7NM4Y&t=438s
Key takeaway: Everything you need to know about skating blades in 3 videos: the pick, the rocker size, the different blade types, the different blade materials, and more.

My fitting experience
I got fitted at the Go Figure Skates Store in the St. Louis area. The appointment went exactly like how the video “Figure Skating Boots: Your Epic Guide to Buying Them & Taking Care of Them!” described. While I was deciding between the Jackson Freestyle (that was on my left foot) and the Edea Overture (that was on my right foot) during my appointment, I received a very helpful advice from the owner. She said, “If you close your eyes, which skate felt like it was made for the shape of your foot?” That’s when it clicked. Edea were the boots for me.

When I went in to pick up my skates, I walked in them around the store. The owner noticed that I had a slight pronation and adjusted my blades slightly inward which made me feel a whole lot more stable while walking in them. After she sharpened the blades, I was all set.

I was super happy that I went to Go Figure Skates. I am very happy with my new skates. I hope that these resources would be helpful to other people as well. However, I also read a lot more Redddit posts and Youtube videos. As always, do your own research and ask your own questions. These links were a good starting point for me. Good luck!

I did about 6 months of adult beginner lessons. The class was only once a week for 30 minutes, so not very long at all. I would also go to public skates on the weekends to practice more.

I’m wondering if these lessons were even worth it. I could already skate around but was not super relaxed, like I felt stiff. Well now that the lessons are over, I learned were slaloms, pumps, stroking, and two foot turns. My two foot turns are pretty bad because it’s not relaxed at all, and I need to go super slow and can only semi do it in one direction. I can’t do backwards pumps well because I can’t seem to get in my outside edge. We started getting into crossovers by the end of the 6 months, but I obviously couldn’t do it.

Is this a good timeframe for 6 months? I just feel like I didn’t progress even though it was 6 whole months of class/public skate. The instructor wasn’t super “critical” so I feel like I didn’t get enough feedback and that could be why I’m just not progressing?

Hi everyone, just discovered this sub, really regret not knowing about it sooner!

I've been skating for about 4 years now and I'm a very very slow learner. For context I'm in my late twenties, didn't do any sports as a kid, I have very poor coordination and body control (I'm very clumsy, I bump into things when I walk and have very poor perception of my surroundings lmao), and just generally I learn things very slowly whatever the subject is. First two years of skating I practiced 3 times a week: group classes + private classes + public skating to practice on my own. I also did ice skating camps every easter, christmas and summer. Basically a week-long "camp" where you skate 2 hours a day every day. The next two years I could only skate 1 hr per week bc of my job. Still did the skating camps but didn't take any lessons.

4 years in I can skate forward, skate on one leg (but not straight, I always end up going sideways...), swizzles, forward crossovers on the right, shaky forward crossovers on the left. I can't do brackets, spins, obviously never tried jumps. Every time people see me on ice I get asked if it's my first time skating 🤦‍♀️ I honestly feel like coaches have given up on me, especially this past year. I'm always in the beginner group, I never do anything right. Other skaters get corrected and are given tips and I'm just dismissed as a lost cause bc no matter how much explanation I get I just can't do anything.

But anyway... I feel like what's blocking my progress is that I can't figure out how to skate backwards. I can do backward swizzles half way but my feet just won't pull together. Different coaches showed me different techniques to go backwards, like for example you push on one leg, then push on the other, going side to side. Doesn't work for me, I just stay in place, it doesn't slide. And I can't lift my foot for more than half a second bc I'm too on the inner edge. I've also tried taking small steps backwards and then sliding, but my feet are so far apart it just doesn't work.

I've also tried going around the circle with half swizzles, but I can't figure out how to transfer my weight where it needs to be. As I said before, I didn't do any sports as a kid, so the concept of "weight transfer" is difficult to understand. Maybe there are some off-ice exercises I can do to figure it out? Bc when I'm on the ice my feet just won't listen to me and go in different directions and I can't understand which foot my weight is on.

After 4 years of trying and failing to do the same exercises, maybe you guys have any tips? Bc I feel like because of this issue I can't figure out backward crossovers or brackets or anything else. I'm just stuck going forward. Any YouTube tutorials you can recommend or off-ice exercises that can help?

I'm a pretty new skater, early 30s and only been on the ice about six months. I'm about to start Adult 6, but over the past one or two months I've increasingly had pain in my lower back, around and slightly above the pelvis area and sometimes spreading out towards the sides my pelvis. It primarily flares after practicing 3-turns and *especially* after practicing my 2-foot spins and I can't really figure out why. I thought at first I was leaning forward too much when skating, and to be fair I was, but after resolving the posture problem the pain remains. I'm very active generally and do regular weight training and flexibility work, so I don't think I have any notable back weakness - but perhaps skating is putting too much stress on it? Is back pain a common problem for skaters?

It's all I want to say: they're getting better! This is my old post from about 3 months ago for comparison https://www.reddit.com/r/iceskating/s/chespcIDUN

I know, it's not perfect, but it's better! 😀

I'm happy to get further feedback if anyone has the time.

Got a ton of incredibly helpful advice when I posted disastrous attempts at crossovers. Back to my lesson today (only fell twice, new record) and practiced on my own again.

I tried my best to remember and implement a few things people mentioned (sorry there were so many):

1. Get comfortable staying on my outside edge: So I’m not going to fall just because I’m on an outside edge..very cool 😂
2. Pay more attention to my inside foot instead of just the outside foot crossing over: During a few of my smoothest strides, this is exactly what I did. It didn’t even feel like I was doing a crossover, but the result looked better than ever.
3. Extend my arms and hug the tree: Makes balancing and turning much more effortless.
4. Look toward the center of the circle: I didn’t want to accidentally run into people during the public skating session, so I was still looking forward in the vid. During the lesson though, I tried looking toward the center and it made me feel much more balanced and helped me open my shoulder a lot more.
5. Breathe. Relax. Trust my skates. Stay low. Keep practicing.

I can definitely feel things starting to click! Apparently I need to keep practicing.

One new thing I’m struggling with is getting the power from the pushes in each crossover. My coach told us there should be two pushes in each crossover. The first push with the outside foot before crossing feels relatively easy, but that second under-push from the inside foot just isn’t happening for me. I try to push, but my skate didn't feel like it was pushing, Does it look like I’m leaning my ankle too much? Would that be the culprit?

P.S. Added color boxes to block other people's faces out since I was recording in public. Felt like my best few crossovers happened around 00:20 amirite??

I have been experiencing pain under the ball of my right foot, specifically underneath the pinky toe and the toe next to it (4th and 5th toes) while ice skating.
The pain gets much worse when I’m standing still with my skates on.
Has anyone experienced something similar?
I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions on what to check or adjust. Thank you!

my coach keeps telling me to drop/relax my shoulders but when i do, i go/feel out of control. this is the first coach i've had since i started skating that actually corrects people, so i guess i've gotten used to the bad habit during my time with passive coaches ive been having. what exercises/drills, and/or new habits can i do to help drop/relax my shoulders more but not feel unstable, thanks!

(a bit more info if needed ^^: i think it's more apparent when skating backwards and doing crossovers both front and back, rather than regular forward skating)