Another helpful sporting goods guide by "The Coach",
brought to you by Bargain Sports USA                   

Common Misconceptions

   Before you buy your new skates, there are a few things that you should be aware of. First, if you are an advanced aggro skater and have been known to skate rails, ramps, or rooftops, wear a helmet. Even if you think you look stupid with it on, imagine how you would look if your head had a flat side, seriously. Protective gear is not a ploy for companies to make more money, they are made to protect you, and they do a great job of it. It's worth a few dollars to know you'll be able to skate again after a nasty spill.

Sizing Aggressive Skates

   Most aggressive skates run true to standard U.S. shoe size. If you have a wide foot, I recommend going 1/2 size larger. Remember, aggressive skates should be snug for the best performance and support. For example, an 8.0 standard shoe size should wear an 8.0-8.5 skate.

Fitting Your Skates

Remove your shoes and put on a pair of thin sport socks. It is not suggested to
wear skates barefoot as this promotes bacteria and corrosion of the materials.
When trying on your skates for the first time, put the skate on your foot and kick back in order to lock the heel into the back of the skate.
Stand with your skates laced and your heel snug in the heel cup. Your toes should just barely feather the end of the toe box. Then bend forward into a skating stance. Your toes should pull back slightly from the toe box. Cramped toes are bad, but so are loose sloppy ones.

Breaking In Your Aggressive Skates

Do not wear thick socks (wool or other), because your liner will loosen and eventually not provide the snug fit you need for maximum support and comfort. A white cotton sock is ideal.
The best way to break-in a pair of skates is to skate in them. We do not recommend using other methods to expedite the process.

Care and Maintenance of Aggressive Skates

Rotate your wheels to promote even wear. A good rule of thumb is every 40-60 miles. When rotating the wheels from front to back, turn them so the inside edge (which receives most wear), faces out. This assures an even wear on both sides.
Bearings need to be serviced when needed. Build up of contaminates and dirt will effect your mobility. Serviceable bearings have a removable out ring and can be degreased and relubricated. Non-serviceable bearings should be wiped clean with a dry cloth. NEVER lubricate the outside of the bearing, because this only attracts dirt and other contaminates.

Problems and Solutions Guide

- General Looseness: If the skate length is fine, but the feel is just a bit loose, try elevating the foot by use of pads. This may
      help.
- Forward-Back looseness: If the skate is of a good fit, but tends to wobble forward and back, try adding a tongue pad in.
     This helps push the foot back and is good for solving problems like this.
- Sensitive Instep: Adding a pad in the tongue away from the sensitive spot tends to help relieve pressure.
- Skates too wide: If it is just a little too wide, put a pad along the outside of the liner. If it is way too lose, put a bad both
     along the inside and outside.
- Loose heel: A heel cushion is helpful if the ankle bone is below the ankle pocket. You should place the pad inside the liner.
- Pronation and supination: A heel wedge will help with support and stance in both cases. If it is a severe case, custom
     insoles may be needed.

 For great deals on Aggressive Inline Skates and more, check out our selection at Bargain Sports USA!