| Ice skating is a great exercise for all ages. Children as | | | | tight. The middle is then tied tightly.. but not tight enough |
| young as two years old can learn how to ice skate | | | | to cut off circulation. The top third is tied as the |
| and once learned ... it is a lifetime exercise. | | | | bottom... loosely.. snug but not tight. This sequence |
| Three common questions about ice skates are how | | | | allows for good circulation in the boot and will not |
| do you choose a pair of skates, how do you fit them | | | | cause "pins and needles" from a cut off of circulation |
| to size and how do you care for them? | | | | in the foot from over tightening the skate. |
| How do you choose a pair of ice skates? Choose a | | | | How do you care for ice skates? Care for them as |
| good leather boot. Vinyl boots do not breathe and do | | | | you would a good pair of leather shoes or boots. Oil |
| not offer the support needed for such a vigorous | | | | them regularly with a good boot oil to keep the leather |
| sport. Remember.... the complete body weight is being | | | | supple. Should the inside become wet from sweaty |
| placed on two blades of steel. The boot on those | | | | feet.... air dry them by hanging upside down with skate |
| blades needs to be strong and supportive. It is better | | | | open as widely as possible. Keep a soft cloth in with |
| to pay a better price for a better skate that will not | | | | your ice skates so when you are finished ice skating, |
| buckle or fold at the ankle than to look for a bargain .. | | | | you can wipe the blades dry. It will keep the blades |
| with the result being that "fold over" boot. | | | | from rusting. Invest in a good blade cover to snap on |
| How do you size a pair of skates? You size them no | | | | the blades only after they are thoroughly dried. Never |
| differently than if you were buying a pair of shoes. | | | | ever walk on your ice skates on anything other than |
| You need them to fit properly. Do not buy a pair that | | | | ice without the blade protectors in place. Should a lace |
| pinches in any way. When trying skates on for size, | | | | break.. make sure you replace it .. not just tie it back |
| kick the heel of your foot back so it fits comfortably at | | | | together. |
| the back of the skate. Your toes should have plenty | | | | When not in use, tying the laces together of both |
| of room to wiggle around. Lace the boot up. If it | | | | skates and hanging the ice skates is a good way to |
| pinches anywhere ... it is the wrong size. Skates will not | | | | store them. Hang them in a dry place when not in use |
| "loosen up" after using them ... do not buy with that in | | | | for any length of time. |
| mind. Never buy "by shoe size" as ice skate sizes | | | | Choose your skates wisely when buying .... fit them |
| differ from shoe sizes. | | | | carefully for size ...... care for them with tlc.. and they will |
| What is the proper way to lace ice skates? "Loose, | | | | last you for years. |
| tight , loose" is the sequence to remember. Tie the | | | | Enjoy! |
| bottom third of the boot rather loosely .. snug but not | | | | |