Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide which figure skate boot model to choose?

The boot model depends on many things such as your skating discipline and level, as well as your size, personal preference, or feedback from your coach and dealer. To easily compare our different boot and skate models, check out our Find Your Boot guide and Find Your Blade guide.

Do I need to buy boots and blades separately, or can I buy them as a set?

For beginner and intermediate skating, we recommend buying skate sets. We provide multiple quality skate sets to choose from. The blade is always carefully chosen to correspond to the boot skating level. Starting from Stride 23/223, we offer separate boots as well as skate sets combined with the level corresponding Eclipse Blade model. Our Eclipse Blades are designed to meet every skater’s needs in every skating level, and they’re made out of the finest quality materials. You can easily compare our boot models as well as skate sets at our Find Your Boot guide.

How much ankle support do Riedell skates provide?

We assign a support rating level to all our skates based on a 100 point scale. 100 is the most firm and supportive level. For example, the Riedell Aria and Elara models have our strongest support level of 100 and they are capable of providing the most demanding skater the support necessary to perform triple and quad jumps yet offers perfect fit and comfort using lightweight top quality materials. Visit our Find Your Boot page to see how each Riedell boot is rated. There are choices for extra firm, firm, medium and light. For example, our Motion 255 is rated level 70 for firm support while the Diamond 133 offers medium support at level 40. No matter your support needs, we have a skate for you.

How do I know if my boot fits right?

A boot that fits right is the key to being the best skater you can be. Always purchase your figure skate boots from a knowledgeable, reputable dealer whom is willing and able to answer your fitting questions. To make sure that your boot fits correctly, keep the following six tips in mind:

1. Do not choose a figure skate boot based on shoe size or “rule of thumb” conversion. All shoe brands and skates fit differently
2. Your boot is long enough if there is no more extra length than1/4 inch for adults and 3/8 inch for children. An easy trick to use to measure the approximate length of the boot is to take out the footbed and carefully place your foot on the removed footbed while standing. If the ball of your foot is too far forward, in most cases, the boot will be too short. If the ball of your foot is too far back in the arch of the skate, the boot is too long.
3. Proper figure skate boot width is just as important as proper boot length. Figure skates that fit too wide or too narrow cause discomfort, possible injury, poor performance and premature product failure. When selecting the proper width, take a look at the lacing pattern of the figure skate when the skate is snuggly laced on your foot. If the laces are too close together, the skate is either too long, too wide or both. If the lacing pattern is too wide, the skate is either too narrow or too short or both.
4. A figure skate boot that fits right should be snug in the heel, arch and ball of your foot with generous toe room for slight movement to maintain proper balance.
5. For areas that are a bit too snug, your boots can be pressed or stretched in those areas, rather than upsizing. Pressing or stretching your boots to increase comfort, gives you semi-custom fitting and reduces foot slippage.
6. When being fit, ask questions and answers. A qualified dealer should be able to explain their fitting actions and recommendations. Proper fit is the key to skating comfort and success!

Is it important to purchase a quality figure skate boot for a beginner?

Yes! A quality figure skate boot gives the support and durability a beginner skater will need to succeed, continue to learn and also provides the comfort to enjoy the activity.

Should I purchase skates that are slightly large for my child to allow room for growth?

No. Purchasing oversized skates not only will result in poor performance, discomfort and possible injury, it will also cause early product failure. Buy figure skates that will last the entire skating season for growing skaters, but no longer.

How do I know if the dealer is qualified to meet my needs?

Our Authorized Riedell Dealers have a reputation for quality products and service. Find an awesome Authorized Riedell Dealer near you. Talk with your skater friends, parents and coaches to get their recommendations. Always remember — if the dealer is unable or unwilling to help you with your product, fit or questions or doesn’t carry our products, search for another dealer.

How can I purchase boots or blades outside North America?

We have dealers all over the globe! Find your nearest one from Find My Dealer page by typing your home country or city.

How do I properly lace my skates?

There are many ways to lace a figure skate boot, so it is also a matter of personal preference. Make sure you lace your skates in a way they are not too tight but not too loose. They fit snuggly on your feet. Ask your coach or contact your dealer if difficulties arise.

What is the best way to care for my boots?

Riedell provides a care guide with each pair of skating boots. Also, check out our step-by-step skate care guide. Qualified dealers can also answer any questions you may have. Especially if you have leather boots with leather outsoles, you’ll need to pay attention to moisture — internal moisture from perspiration and external moisture from snow and ice. Be sure to air dry your leather boots after each use and polish your boots with a quality polish to block exterior moisture absorption. All leather soles should be waterproofed with Sno-Seal wax before you first use them. Microfiber boots with Hydroshield or PVC outsoles are not as susceptible to moisture, but drying them after each use is also recommended.

What is the difference between leather and microfiber boots?

Choosing between our leather and microfiber boots is a matter of personal preference.

Leather is considered ‘more traditional, but is an outstanding boot material due to its durability, flexibility, and moldability. With heat-molding, leather molds to a skater's foot like a glove, and it can be adjusted for trouble areas, such as bunions.

Microfiber is lighter in weight and is completely moisture resistant, so it doesn’t need as much maintenance as leather. 

When choosing the material of your boot, we recommend testing both options on your feet at your nearest dealer and choosing whichever feels better on your feet. Each pair of feet is different, and you should always choose the boots that fit your unique feet the best!

Why Titanium ice skating blades?

The lightweight Eclipse Titanium figure skating blades have a 100% titanium alloy body with a stainless-steel runner. At 45% lighter than carbon steel alloys, titanium offers the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. It is 60% denser than aluminum and twice as strong. The Swedish stainless-steel runners offer precise edges which maintain long blade life and resist rust or corrosion.

A pair of Eclipse Titanium Infinity size 10-inch blades weighs just 14.2 oz. (402.56 g), lighter than any other blade on the market! Less weight with less resistance means you will cover the ice faster and jump higher than ever before. Be amazed at the difference you will feel the first time on the ice with Eclipse Titanium blades.