Jackson Figure Skates
CCM Figure Skates

Riedell Figure Skates



Welcome to
"Ask the Coach!"



Common Misconceptions

   Before you buy your new skates, there are a few things that you should be aware of. First, you may have heard that beginning skaters should learn on dull blades, and sharpen them more as they advance. This is not only false, but dangerous. No one should ever skate on dull or unsharpened blades. Your skating edge will help you turn and maneuver as well as keep your balance.

Coach says,
"I'll help you make an informed purchase."

   The second myth you may have heard is that people with "weak ankles" will never be able to skate. These skaters may find that their feet flop from side to side and in worst cases find themselves skating on their insteps. Most often this disability can be remedied by properly fitted skates bought from a specialized retailer, like us. Department store skates will not offer the support or comfort of a quality skate, and will usually sacrifice performance and delay improvement of skill.


Jackson Figure Skates

Fitting:   Boots should be comfortable (there will be initial discomfort at ankles and "pressure" points). The skater's heel should fit snugly back into the heel "cup" and the toes should not be cramped and should have room to raise slightly (In a standing position the skater's big toe should just lightly touch the toe cap).

Sizing:   Recommended sizes for Jackson skates are one (1) full size smaller than standard U.S. shoe sizes. For example, if you wear an 8.0 standard size your Jackson boot should be a 7.0. Another sizing method is to measure your foot in inches or centimeters to find the equivalent boot size. Once measured, a Jackson representative can recommend a size at 1-800-263-1666. Also, all Jackson leather sole skates come with their patented Heat Moldable Fit System. For a small fee, your local specialty skate shop will heat your skates and adjust any areas of discomfort for a perfect fit!


Breaking In Your Jackson Skates

Off Ice:
  • DO NOT walk on boots that are not bladed. Once bladed and with skate guards on, lace them up somewhat loosely at the top. Do knee bends and/or walk up stairs slowly and carefully. Stop this process periodically and unlace and relace skates. Do not ignore chafing or irritation - blisters could result.
On Ice:
  • Wear thin socks
  • Lace and unlace boots several times before each skating session
  • Lacing at top of boot should be loose
  • Keep initial skating sessions short
  • Do not allow pressure points to blister and become infected. Cover pressure points with moleskin, medical tape or foam pads. Periodically apply Vaseline to pressure points.
  • If necessary, have pressure points, especially around the ankle area, 'punched out'. Your skate dealer or local orthopedic shop could help you with this.

Care and Mainenance of Jackson Skates

  • Dry the sole and heel area of boot after skating
  • DO NOT leave boots in skate bag when not in use. Leave boots in the open to air out and dry completely; loosen laces and open boot 'throat' to allow better air flow [ NOTE: blades should also be dried and left with skate guards off - condensation will keep blades wet for some time - Absorbent 'terry cloth' blade covers may be left on blades and may help absorb condensation]
  • Check sole and heel screws periodically. Water will follow threads and eventually soften the leather. Loose screws can be tightened by 'plugging' holes with small piece of leather or hard wood peg and reapplying screws
  • Leather soles and heels should be waterproofed prior to installation of blade for best results. Also this maintenance should be continued periodically to stop water penetration into the leather and possible leather rot.
Some waterproofing materials are:
  • Sole enamel (black or white - it will build up over time and should be periodically sanded down)
  • Bees wax or similar wax-like substance (heat with hair dryer after application. Easy to apply and no build up like enamel; however more frequent applications are required)
  • Regular shoe polish (very effective, frequent applications needed and leaves marks)

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CCM Figure Skates

Sizing

   CCM skates generally run true to shoe size. For example, if you wear a size ten (10.0) standard, you would order a size ten (10.0) CCM figure skate.

Fitting

   The best way to break-in a pair of skates is to skate in them. CCM does not recommend using other methods (i.e. heating the skate) to expedite the process.

Skate Fitting Tips

  • Remove your shoes and put on a pair of thin sport socks. It is not suggested to wear skates bare foot as this promotes bacteria and corrosion of the materials.
  • Put the skate on your foot and kick back in order to lock the heel into the back of the skate. Lace the skate firmly with the most lace pressure at the top 4 eyelets. Always try on both skates laced to the top as you would when playing.
  • Walk around to feel if there is any painful pressure points or heel slippage. Adjust the size accordingly with the ultimate fit coming with the toes feathering the toe box in an upright position and a consistent pressure surrounding the foot.
  • Skate laces should never be wrapped around the ankle, as the skate will loosen.
  • Do not wear thick socks (wool or other) as a longer, wider skate will be needed and the proper fit will not be achieved. A white cotton sock is ideal.

Care and Maintenence

  • All skate blades will rust if not properly cared for. Runners should be wiped dry after each use. The skate should then be removed from the hockey bag to air out.
  • Remove footbeds after every game as rivets and insoles will corrode if exposed to constant moisture.

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Riedell Figure Skates

Sizing   

You can use the charts below to assist you in choosing the correct size Riedell Figure Skates. You can also contact a Riedell Customer Service representative at 651-388-8251.

To find your proper size of Riedell figure skate - Place a ruler or tape measure on the ground (must be a flat surface, like tile or cement) with one end against the wall. Stand on the tape measure with your heel against the wall. Stand up straight with equal pressure on both feet. Measure from your longest toe to the heel. Repeat this procedure for the other foot. There are two charts below - one for childrens sizes and another for adult sizes. Look at the charts below and find the measurement of your feet in the left column. If one foot is longer than the other, use the measurement of the longer foot. The number in the right column will be the size Riedell skate you need. For example, if your left foot measured 9 inches and your right foot measured 9 3/16 inches, you would use the 9 3/16 inch measurement. Looking at the chart on the right (for adults) find 9 3/16 inches. You will see that your Riedell skate size is size 5.0.

Girl's & Boy's Riedell Skate Sizes
Women's & Men's Riedell Skate Sizes
Foot Length in Inches
Skate Size
5 3/16 6.0
5 1/2 7.0
5 7/8 8.0
6 3/16 9.0
6 3/8 10.0
6 11/16 10.5
6 13/16 11.0
7 11.5
7 3/16 12.0
7 3/8 12.5
7 1/2 13.0
7 11/16 13.5
7 7/8 1.0
8 1.5
8 3/16 2.0
8 3/8 2.5
8 1/2 3.0
8 11/16 3.5
Foot Length in Inches
Skate Size
8 7/8 4.0
9 4.5
9 3/16 5.0
9 3/8 5.5
9 1/2 6.0
9 11/16 6.5
9 7/8 7.0
10 7.5
10 3/16 8.0
10 3/8 8.5
10 1/2 9.0
10 11/16 9.5
10 7/8 10.0
11 10.5
11 3/16 11.0
11 3/8 11.5
11 1/2 12.0
11 1/16 12.5
11 7/8 13.0

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