Comparing Figure Skates By Fit & Design

Always consider skill level, boot shape, age, body type and intention when purchasing skates. For ease of understanding, we have broken down skill level categories into simple divisions. Recreational, Beginner, Instructional, Competitive, and Advanced Competitive. These divisions take into account the stiffness level, boot construction and design, plus the amount of time spent on the ice. The guide also refers to USFS, ISI and other national skating organization comparative test levels, plus manufacturer, coach and professional recommendations.

Skates are all basically the same… feet are not. The best fit for your individual feet considers: age and weight, time spent on the ice, your accurate foot measurements ( see “How to measure your feet for skates”) and your intentions/aspirations. For example, a recreational or pond skater should not invest in a pair of competitive boots. They will be way too stiff to break in, uncomfortable, and inappropriately designed for this skater’s skill level and intentions.

First let’s look at general boot/foot shape:

Brand	Shape	Description	Best fit
Jackson	Inverted triangle Available in widths from AA-D boot and skate packages both available	Boots are generally wide and rounded at the toe box and narrow at the heel with a medium high instep with arch support in the insole. Extra padding in the heel area to grip the Achilles tendon. Newest models offer carbon fiber soles for lighter weight. Very wide variety of styles and designs.	Foot with several toes the same length or slightly shorter than the big toe, (Roman Foot, Square foot, Irregular foot) a medium to high arch and medium to narrow heel.
Riedell	Elongated rectangle Boots and skate packages both available	Boots have a tapered toe box, running slightly narrow. Low level boots are flat with no arch support but offer a wider toe box. Instructional and competitive boots offer a moderate arch. The heel is medium width. Upper levels offer additional gripper padding. Wide variety of styles and designs.	Foot has toes that taper at a downward angle from the big toe.(Greek Foot, Stretched Foot, Irregular foot ) Good for narrow feet with a medium arch. Flat arches may need additional support added.
Risport	“D” shape tapered toe with the outside rounded to a medium heel. Boots and skate packages are both available.	Recently redesigned to accommodate the trend for lighter boots. They have a tapered, but slightly wider toe, medium arch and heel. Ultra thin sole provides better blade control, requires special mounting screws.	Foot has toes that taper at a mild downward angle from the big toe. Exterior side of foot has slight curve. .(Greek Foot, Stretched Foot, Irregular foot ) Good for a narrow/ medium width foot where small toe is easily cramped.
Edea	Slightly tapered elongated “D” Primarily boots, some low level skate packages added in summer of 2017	Using the latest lightweight technology and memory foam, Edeas adjust to most foot shapes and arches. Initially the standard C width fits a narrow/medium foot best, special orders of a B ( narrow) and D or E width for wide and ultra wide can be made. Ultra thin sole has a shock absorbent layer and requires special screws and mounting. Boots are all synthetic material.	Fits most foot types,(all foot types work, excellent with Greek and irregular) best for a medium width and may need special order width for wide feet, especially in smaller sizes. Make sure manufacturer’s fitting and lacing guide are followed exactly or warranty is void.
Graf	Inverted, rounded triangle Boots only	Similar to the Jackson cut but a higher more rounded toe box and a higher vertical arch. Slightly wider in the transition from toe to heel.	Feet which have several toes the same length as the big toe and slightly broader across the instep. (Roman Foot, Square foot, )Medium to high arch with a medium to narrow heel.
Gam	Inverted rounded rectangle Boots and skate packages both available	Similar to the Jackson cut but a wider toe box and a higher vertical arch. Slightly wider in the transition from toe to heel. Narrow heel and special lacing system to prevent lace bite on high instep.	Foot with several toes the same length or slightly shorter than the big toe, (Roman Foot, Square foot), a medium to high arch and medium to narrow heel. Good for those with a combo width foot, wide toe narrow heel.
Harlick	2 cuts: Standard which has an elongated D cut and X-line which offers a wider rounded toe box Boots only	Harlick can truly fit any style foot because they are pretty much made to order. The standard last has a long tapered width and extra features to accommodate any individual nuances like a custom arch insole, asymmetric padding and lambswool tongue may be added. The new X-Line accommodates wider feet with a broader, higher toe box. New lightweight carbon fiber sole is now available as an option.	Most foot styles are easily fit, however Harlicks are not available in lower levels. Standard last works well for a narrow to medium foot,(Greek Foot, Stretched foot) X-Line, for a wider, square toe line. (Roman Foot, Square foot, )Arches are made to order.

For more information about figure skating equipment, read our other guides or contact us. We're always happy to help!