The best way to learn about new skates is from recommendations from friends or podium envy. You may get recommendations from other speed skaters, trainers, stores, and internet vendors. Still, you should know exactly what you want before you shop. And suppose you're too young to recognize the difference between carbon and cotton fiber. In that case, you'll need a lot of help getting started.

Expect no more than can be reasonably achieved. Slippers aren't the same thing as speed skates. They take some effort to get your foot inside the first few times because of how stiff and tight they are. That's to be anticipated, of course. Until you've worn them for a few weeks and broken them in, they won't be comfortable, no matter how tight they are.

For size details, visit the speed skates brand's site or do a web search for available fit comparisons. Knowing that most manufacturers would accept a returned boot is very useful for beginning skaters. Skating boots are certain to make you happy because they fit your foot the way a high-quality boot should and because of the design that goes into making them.

Choosing Your Skates

While some manufacturers focus on producing just one kind of skate, others provide a wide variety. A consumer's exposure to a brand often begins with a personal suggestion or endorsement. Suppose you're looking for the widest selection possible but don't have a strong preference for a certain brand. In that case, we recommend searching by skate type.

The navigation and filter for skates are divided into several sections for men, women, unisex, and children. Skate manufacturers often tailor the skate's shape, color, and size to the intended user's gender.

• Men's styles are crafted specifically for male feet and are sized according to US Men's standards.
• Women's versions are tailored to the unique needs of female consumers. For a more flattering and comfortable fit, women's sneakers have lower cuffs and, in some cases, a broader forefoot than men's styles.
• In the case of more specialized skates, such as those used for speed skating or slalom, the use of unisex models is commonplace. These are unisex skates that fit men and women, but the sizing is based on men's.

After a correct fit, the ultra-stiff structure of a pair of Speed Skates allows for maximum power transmission, making them ideal for competitive skaters who specialize in marathons. They are often not comfy right out of the box and must be heated to adapt to your feet. A longer, stronger stride is possible thanks to the low-cut shape of speed boots, which provide the wearer a competitive advantage while riding the big wheels.

This boot style is not something a skater should begin with but rather work toward. Though the cuffs on entry-level speed skates are raised slightly for extra support, these skates are not intended for novice skaters. Speed skating demands ankle strength that can only be attained through practice and experience. The cost varies because it is tied to the level of engineering and design innovation required to achieve peak performance.