How Long Have You Gotten out of a Pair of Figure Skating Boots?

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I'm right there with you – Usually 9-10 months before they break down. This year I got her as stiff a boot as I could so we'll see if she can get a year out of them.

LOL. In my case it was 16 years. I found out I was pregnant one month after I got my new boots and had to quit skating. I didn't get back on the ice until 16 years later. I was forced to buy new boots four months later because my feet had changed so much in the intervening years.

Pregnancy aside, I guess it comes down to boot stiffness, amount of hours on the ice, skating level and skater's weight and skill. More knee bending means more boot flexing. More boot flexing means faster breakdown. It would also be a matter of sweat since that chemically breaks down the leather. Is the skater on the ice so much the boots don't have a chance to dry out in between? Do they get left in the car during weather extremes? Etc.

About a year on the last pair. This pair, I'm guessing about the same? We waited too long before getting a new boots last time. There were two or three days of duct tape involved to get us through until the new boots came in. She looked like Bad News Bears…On Ice!

Funny you should ask this question as we just had to buy new skates for our skater girl. The old ones lasted about 10 months and this time she actually outgrew them before breaking them down, the last time she broke them down in just over 6 months! We had to change brands this time and so far so good…
Of course buying new skates comes at a time when there are many large expenses for our skater girl…June had 5 weeks of lessons instead of 4, skating clinic is coming up in July, and some competitions and testing are coming in the next few months as well…not to mention club dues and all that fun stuff…learned to just breathe and take one event at a time!!

An adult skater here….I'm still on my first pair of “serious” boots (Riedell bronze star/Coronation Ace blades) and blades since getting back into the ice 5 years ago. I guess it's good I am done growing! My coach estimates that the next time I have to upgrade provided the boots don't break down before then, would be when I start learning the axel. (I think the Coronation Ace is also only good up until then so those will have to be changed as well). I got awhile to go since I am still learning the loop, lol.

Oh, no. 6 months. that's terrible.

I hear you: boot expenses always come at a time when money's tight: either Christmas, Easter, club dues month, Back-to-School, Regionals.

Wait. There isn't a good time of year to get new boots!

I'm just happy that Ice Girl's new pair won't need new blades.

Type of boot: SP Teri Super Teri

Skater level: pre-pre

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: 9 months

Skater height: 5' 4″

Skater weight: 110 lbs.

Other: $459 for the boot originally. Moving up to a SP Teri K2.

I guess I'm lucky. My son is at the pre-juv level, is 4'10'' and weighs about 75 lbs. His last pair of Jackson 2012s lasted him 1.5 years skating 3-4 hours per week before he outgrew them, and they were still in good enough condition that the skate shop took them on consignment. His current pair are also Jackson 2012s, and he's still got some room in them. He's had them 10 months skating 4-6 hours per week (excluding the 8 weeks he was off the ice with a broken arm) and there's still plenty of wear in them. He's only 11, and I'm dreading in a couple years when he goes through his growth spurt. He has a Transpack skate bag and we keep his skates in his bag in the side vented pouches when he's not skating.

My daughter has always worn Riedells & she has done so well in them we would never switch. She has always gotten a year to a year and a half out of her boots. One time I think we got a year and 9 months. She has usually out grown them before they break down too badly. She has always had really narrow feet which makes Riedells perfect for her, she used to have to get a 2A ball and a 3A heel, she had super tiny heels. Our first pair of Riedells caused her problems only because the heels were not narrow enough & she was slipping in the heel area. Then I became educated & found out about the “only good guy” to go to for boot fittings in our area. He got her fitted for the really narrow boots, never a problem since. The last pair we bought (Fall '09) her feet had not grown longer but they had grown a little bit wider. She has always had good break ins on her skates, usually she can do doubles the first day or at least by the third day at the latest. She's never had the blister problems her friends have, has never had to wear Bungas or anything. One thing we have done to stretch out the life of her skates is to have the toes punched out near the end, that can get us an extra 2 to 3 months, also one time we took out the insoles. (To answer IceMom's questions my daughter has always been tall for her age, average weight, is now 14 & an Intermediate Lady, probably will test Novice this winter, she passed her ISI Freestyle 8 test just before she turned 12. She used to wear the Gold Star Reidells, now they have changed there boot names, I can't remember what her new ones are…) I've found that the stiffer the boots the better once they are working on axel and up, if you go to a good boot fitting person they will know what the child needs. I have heard of some pros & cons of other boot brands though, IceMom, maybe you could ask the boot expert about this…? Like: Jackson's are cheap but also break down easily. SPTeri's are good but just not right for some kids feet (I've seen some horrible blisters from this brand!) I've also been told that you can do tracings & measurements of your kids feet and fax them to Rainbow & they will tell you what brand your kid needs, has anyone ever done that? I guess that might come in handy if you don't have a good boot fitter in your area. I've also been told that if your skater is a bit on the heavier side they will break down their boots a lot faster. Or if they practice their jumps a million times a freestyle – the “obsessive /complusive” type jumper will break down boots faster. There used to be a girl at our rink who practiced her jumps so much her boots would break down in 6 months! She ended up being too “obsessive/compulsive” – she was injured often & ended up quitting skating by 16. :~( I noticed no one is discussing what brand of boots their daughter/son (or they) wear…? Anyway, now that my daughter's feet seem to be done growing it will be interesting to see how often we have to get new boots. Her coach claims that boots break down after only 9 months!?!? 8~0

My daughter has always worn Riedells & she has done so well in them we would never switch. She has always gotten a year to a year and a half out of her boots. One time I think we got a year and 9 months. She has usually out grown them before they break down too badly. She has always had really narrow feet which makes Riedells perfect for her, she used to have to get a 2A ball and a 3A heel, she had super tiny heels. Our first pair of Riedells caused her problems only because the heels were not narrow enough & she was slipping in the heel area. Then I became educated & found out about the “only good guy” to go to for boot fittings in our area. He got her fitted for the really narrow boots, never a problem since. The last pair we bought (Fall '09) her feet had not grown longer but they had grown a little bit wider. She has always had good break ins on her skates, usually she can do doubles the first day or at least by the third day at the latest. She's never had the blister problems her friends have, has never had to wear Bungas or anything. One thing we have done to stretch out the life of her skates is to have the toes punched out near the end, that can get us an extra 2 to 3 months, also one time we took out the insoles. (To answer IceMom's questions my daughter has always been tall for her age, average weight, is now 14 & an Intermediate Lady, probably will test Novice this winter, she passed her ISI Freestyle 8 test just before she turned 12. She used to wear the Gold Star Reidells, now they have changed there boot names, I can't remember what her new ones are…) I've found that the stiffer the boots the better once they are working on axel and up, if you go to a good boot fitting person they will know what the child needs. I have heard of some pros & cons of other boot brands though, IceMom, maybe you could ask the boot expert about this…? Like: Jackson's are cheap but also break down easily. SPTeri's are good but just not right for some kids feet (I've seen some horrible blisters from this brand!) I've also been told that you can do tracings & measurements of your kids feet and fax them to Rainbow & they will tell you what brand your kid needs, has anyone ever done that? I guess that might come in handy if you don't have a good boot fitter in your area. I've also been told that if your skater is a bit on the heavier side they will break down their boots a lot faster. Or if they practice their jumps a million times a freestyle – the “obsessive /complusive” type jumper will break down boots faster. There used to be a girl at our rink who practiced her jumps so much her boots would break down in 6 months! She ended up being too “obsessive/compulsive” – she was injured often & ended up quitting skating by 16. :~( I noticed no one is discussing what brand of boots their daughter/son (or they) wear…? Anyway, now that my daughter's feet seem to be done growing it will be interesting to see how often we have to get new boots. Her coach claims that boots break down after only 9 months!?!? 8~0

Whoops, forgot to say that we almost never leave the skates in the car, although neither do we take them out of the Zuca bag at home either. She has used Coronation Ace blades for years, hasn't needed anything else, can do jumps up to double axel (working on that one.) This last pair of sktaes was the first time ever – we finally got to reuse her blades! :~) I think we may consider more expensive blades if she ever gets serious about learning triples though… Any blade recommendations welcome!

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Type of boot:Reidell 910(not the LS,becuase mine are only a 2,only LS if size 6 and up)

My level:Just landed my axel,going into USFSA soon.

Boots age before breakdown:Well,I've only had them since the first week of January and so I'm going to TRY and make these last untill hannukka or christmas;I'm going to tell my parents that the ONLY thing I want is custom Klingbeils.But of course I'm going to have to want 7 other things for hannukka.

My height:4'3 (I'm 11 and short for my age)

My weight:67 lbs(I've never been average weight;when I was 7 I weighed 40 lbs)

Other:Riedells arn't good if you have wide feet like me.It took us about 90 minutes to find skates that were wide enough for me.I ended up with a 2 W.I amoslt always have a probem with my skates though. Like everyday I have lace bight on my right foot and I have to re-tie it 2 times before I can skate.And on my left foot the tounge is always crooked.It'[s fine once I tie it but still……. other than that I cherish my skates because they helped me land my axel….22 times on the first day! I counted…..

There is one good part to just breaking down skates and not outgrowing them- You can transfer the blades!

Very true! I'd rather spend $600 than $1,000 +!

I just got an email from Rainbo that their Jackson Days are coming up or happening right now (just glanced at it briefly since I am not in the market for new boots)

I do like the Coronation Ace…the bigger toe pick took some time getting used to after switching from my recreational skates, but now I do love them. It was the guy at the skate shop (and the Wilson blades site) that advised that after the axel it will be time for an upgrade…I guess they want their money Good to hear that it can last beyond that from someone who is skating at tsuch a high level. I don't anticipate going beyond axel or double sal so if I do need the blades replaced eventually maybe I'll just get another Coronation Ace. The price isn't bad neither.

Yes, it is great that my daughter is still using her Coro Ace blades… there are many girls at our rink doing doubles in those same blades, I had never heard that they would need anything better unless they have trouble with toe-pick jumps (toe/flip/lutz) and then they may need a blade with an even bigger toe pick. My daughter's coach said there is no need to switch since she is strong on her toe jumps & that even if we wanted to a better blade would cost double what the Ace's cost! 8~O

Type of boot: Jackson Classique

Skater level: Basic 5

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth:We seem to make a year, we buy a half size bigger and then take out the insole pads as they start to get small.

Skater height:4ft

Skater weight:70lbs.

Other: My daughter is 6 years old so I'm not sure how much this helps. LOL

Type of boot: Reidell 875LS We've had them for a year and they are still good. She grew out of her last pair, which she also had for a year. They were Reidell Bronze Medallion or Bronze Star, whichever was the higher level. Reidells are great as she has narrow heels and was in Jacksons before that. They were always pinching her feet, even if we got them bumped at the side of the toes. She's never broken down a pair of boots, always grown out of them, but I think her feet have stopped growing now, so it'll be interesting to see how long we get from the boots. We have Paramount blades, which she loves, but we have a problem getting them sharpened here, so have to mail them back to the skate shop.

Skater level: She's going to take her pre-novice test this summer (same as intermediate in US) she is working on her Gold dances and Gold skills, has all her doubles and working on double axel

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: one year and counting!

Skater height: 5' 4″

Skater weight: 100lbs

Other:

Here's my skating boot “breakdown” (lol) of the past two pairs that I have had. It's been my experience that mine always break down easily, but this is most likely due to my size and my love for jumping. I've always broken them down before I outgrew them.

In 2008:
Type of boot: Jackson Freestyle
Skater level: Pre-Preliminary (with Axel)
Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: 6 months
Skater height: 5' 2″
Skater weight: 110lbs
Other: Age 14 / When I told the employees after I got my new skates that these brand new Jacksons only lasted me 6mo before they broke down, they were flabbergasted! They worked well for me at the time, but when I was done, they had REALLY bad creases in them. However, they have (for 1 year now) and are continuing to work well for my sister.

In 2009
Type of boot: SP Teri Super Teri
Skater level: Preliminary (Axel/2Sal)
Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: 18 months (with preliminary breakdown beginning to show at the 1yr mark)
Skater height: 5' 3″
Skater weight: 120lbs
Other: Age 15 / I LOVED these skates! They worked so well for me, and although stiff to begin with, provided continuous wonderful support all the way to the end. I was unaccustomed to the extra leather and support the boots gave me, (not to mention the fact that they were super comfortable) but it proved to be just what I needed!

I am now wearing the SP Teri KT2, and absolutely love them! I've been wearing them less than a month now, and they are just incredible – I know that they'll prove successful for me. I really like how they come with the PowerTab attachment (mine has the leather powertab instead of the plastic – it provides great support in that area, plus thats where I always got those insane creases on my skates, and I have heard many a time about that plastic tab cracking) Albeit stiffer at first than any boot I've skated in, I love the extra support and would bet money that because of the boot quality, the amount of support, plus the power tab, that I finally won't have to deal with those annoying creases for a long time! Icemom – Although I know every skater and their boot needs are different, I'm confident IceGirl will enjoy these skates!!

Type of boot: just switched to Edea Concerto, before this she had two pairs of Riedell 2010LS

Skater level: Intermediate/Novice (working on 2axel, 3sal, 3flip and 3loop)

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: The first 2010s lasted a year, we talked about the Edeas then but it was two months till Regionals and she didn't want something new. 2nd pair lasted 5 months, got them stitched to last another four.

Skater height: 5' 6″

Skater weight: 125lbs

Other: The Edeas took much longer to break in then the 2010s and are heavier but will hopefully last a full year (through the competitive season)

The next blade up is usually something like the Phantom or Gold Seal. Our Ice Coach says that they are good after you have learned your doubles so that you have good jumping technique before going with the larger toe pick. Also, I think I remember that weight has something to do with it. Like heavier and larger skaters can benefit from the larger toe pick. My IceBoy just outgrew his Coronation Ace blades which he had for almost three years. Haha. They were pretty done by then. Yup, there is a big price jump, so if you can stick with the CA, lucky for you!

Type of boot:riedell 2010
Skater level:Intermediate
Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: always had Riedells from the very beginning. We manage to get about one year before they are outgrown. The 1610 (2 pairs of boots for the previous two years) were kind of broken down when they were outgrown, but still had life in them.
Skater height:5'6.5″
Skater weight:120
Other:Ice boy is in the growth spurt years. His foot may stop growing soon, but not yet. He's always had great luck with Riedells. We also have a wonderful boot fitter, that helps immensely. We always buy boots in Feb/March if he can last that long, during the off season, so that it can make it until December. This is a good time frame if your child's growth cooperates. LOL. You don't have to get boots mid season right before Regionals. STRESS!!

2 girls at our rink had these Edea skates, they said that they did take longer to break in. Both girls (14/15 year olds, one slim the other a little heavier) said that the boots seemed to break down fairly quickly. Both girls were Intermediate then, the slim girl was duck taping hers at the end, she was working on double axels/triple sals. I don't know what kind of Edeas exactly though, I'm not familiar enough with them to know all of their boots. One of those girls is now in Riedells, the other in SPTeris. That is terrible that you had a pair of Riedells that only lasted 5 months though 8~O

Well, she'd always worn Riedell from the very beginning (started in Blue Ribbons!) but a friend got the same Edea Concerto at the same time she got the 2nd 2010s and his are still holding up to the onslaught of 2axels and triples. I think we got a bum pair of 2010s last time, a friend bought a pair the same night and hers are still fine. Granted, she is only doing single jumps and axels but is working on Novice Moves and is a adult so weighs more then my slim skater. Also, our 2010s split the back seam open after about 4 months of use, leading me to think something might be wrong with this pair.

You'll have to let us know how the Edea skates do. (BTW that is great to hear of a skater working on triples who is 5'6″!!! I rarely see skaters that tall get to your daughter's level. All the girls we know who are landing triples are maybe 13 to 15 years old but sooooo tiny they look like they are 8 – 11 years old! My daughter is 14 and nearly 5'7″ and she is working on double axels but doesn't have great double lutz consistancy since she grew last year. :~/ She also grew too lazy, I don't think she will ever seriously work on triples, nor does she put in the off ice time!) It does sound like you bought a bad pair of Riedells, they should have sent you a new pair. Hopefully the Edeas will have her landing some good jumps! :~)

Type of boot:Edmonton Graf

Skater level:Novice

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth:last 2 pair of boots have only lasted 1 year but usually my skater breaks down the boot before he outgrows them. Blades (Gold Seal) have lasted for two pairs of boots thank goodness!

Skater height:5'7″

Skater weight:about 148

Other:skater is VERY flat-footed and has always broken down the boot before outgrowing them – the new boots on order are coming in the same size as the ones he wears now so maybe his foot has stopped growing – lucky me!

I haven't broken down any boots yet, but I heard of an adult skater who skates once a week getting… wait for it… 14 years out of some boots/blades. Yikes! So I guess it would also have to do with the number of hours skating as well as the time length.

I have a question about boots. If my feet have stopped growing, when I break down the boots can I skip the fitting and order the next pair online (assuming I haven't moved up to needing stiffer boots and the old pair still fit fine)?

Type of boot: Risport Etoiles

Skater level: I don’t know what the equivalent is but I’m working on NISA element 3 & some things from 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Ice_Skating_Association#Elements

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: These ones have lasted me almost 2 years and are still going strong but I’ve outgrown then ability-wise, they’re beginner boots really and coach says their not stiff enough so when I start working on axels which should be pretty soon because she says I’m landing new jumps quite quickly, I’ll need new ones.

Skater height: almost 5’3

Skater weight: it varies, between 100lbs and 105lbs

Other: Risport etoiles were £85 including blade so I’ve found them to be a really good deal seeing as they’ve lasted really quite a long time. I’ve already picked out my new boots, they’re over £250 not including balde and my parents aren’t happy

Type of boot: Ridell , Don't now kind but low level
Skater level: prim. (when the skates were new begining singles, when old close to landing axels and starting doubles)
Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: 1 year (broke down not outgrew)
Skater height: 5ft 4 in
Skater weight: 135 lb.
Other: Big creases, can't transfer the blades because my blades (double stars) wont work for axel and double jumbs

Type of boot: ridell 2010
Skater level:juvenile/ working on double axel
Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: breakdown 1.5 years
Skater height: 5,4
Skater weight:105
Other:skates 6 days a week

type of boot: Riedell 875TS

Skater level: Non-test

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: we outgrow within about 10 months, with stretching, never broken down

Skater height: 48 inches

Skater weight: 50lbs, soaking wet

Other: we get another 10 months out of boots with little sis, then are able to “resell” them at club b/c neither kiddo can break them down. Finally, our oldest is starting to crease the boot and truly break them in!

I started in Riedell, but they broke down after about a year. And by broke down I mean the back of the boot was bending in half and causing really bad blisters on my heels, the tongue ripped out, and the lining was ripping…

I moved on to Jacksons for a few years because they didn't bend in half in the back, they instead split down the seams which could be fixed with a lot of duct tape for a few extra months. Also, the lining would rip out and these boots had the most severe odor issues of all the brands I have tried.

I was interested in getting SP Teri boots, but when I visited them at a competition they told me I would need to get custom boots and essentially would not serve me because they could not sell to me on the spot. I did not like the rude treatment and decided I would not buy from them ever.

I was finally able to get to a good fitting place and they told me I should look at getting Harlick's because of the shape of my foot. I have gotten 2 custom pairs (one pair specially for dance) and both have lasted 3 years and are still going strong. I may need to replace the sole on one pair eventually, but Harlick will do this for a cost of $125 (much cheaper than a new $900 boot!). They fit really well and have actually improved my skating because of it. When I first got them they felt really tight, but after a few hours they felt very comfortable. I spend about 4 hours/week in each set of boots doing intermediate/advanced level skating.

Type of boot: Ridell 910

Skater level: FS 4

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: 1 year is the best we've done

Skater height: 48in / 121cm

Skater weight: 47# / 21kg

Other: Growth of young feet and the typical quick acceleration of skills make skates a big, unpredictable expense. This is our first purchase of blades & boots not grouped as a set. Fitting took more than 90 minutes. Oh yes and the blades are PINK!

I had the exact same problem with my riedells! The tongue would never stay straight and I got really bad lacebite and tendonitis…ouch . I got lacebite bunga pads which helped a lot. When I had those skates they were the 25 TS. Now my new skates are the 43 TS which have a lace bar thing on the tongue and I have never had any of the problems again . You could get a hook or bar put on your tongue because that helps. Otherwhise Riedells are great…I got all my doubles really fast and they never give me blisters

I had the exact same problem with my riedells! The tongue would never stay straight and I got really bad lacebite and tendonitis…ouch . I got lacebite bunga pads which helped a lot. When I had those skates they were the 25 TS. Now my new skates are the 43 TS which have a lace bar thing on the tongue and I have never had any of the problems again . You could get a hook or bar put on your tongue because that helps. Otherwhise Riedells are great…I got all my doubles really fast and they never give me blisters

Type of boot: Riedell 25 TS

Skater level: Pre-Juvenile (have a double lutz)

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: full year

Skater height: 4’11”

Skater weight:78 lbs

Other:
I’ve skated on riedells my whole life and I love them!

Type of boot: Riedell 25 TS

Skater level: Pre-Juvenile (have a double lutz)

Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: full year

Skater height: 4'11''

Skater weight:78 lbs

Other:
I've skated on riedells my whole life and I love them!

First pair of skates:

Type of boot:  Jackson Freestyle
Skater level: When I got them I was USFSA basic 6 and when they broke down I was USFSA freeskate 4ish
Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: They broke down after 8 months
Skater height: 5 foot 7 inches
Skater weight: 134 lbs
Other: I know other girls landing doubles in these!

Second pair of skates:

Type of boot: Jackson Premiere
Skater level: USFSA Freeskate 5 – Pre preliminary (With a very inconsistant axel)
Boot’s age before breakdown/outgrowth: They are breaking down now at 8 months :( Grrr – I wish they were still stiff!
Skater height: 5 Foot 7 inches
Skater weight: 134 lbs
Other: I know some girls that are landing double lutzes in these…

I skate with a lot of knee bend and I’m a strong skater with high jumps and a pretty low sit spin – I hope to get more time out of my next pair…