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 a beginner or an advanced speed skater, wear a helmet. Even if you think you look stupid with it on, imagine how you would look if you hit took a dive without one.  Protective gear is not a ploy for companies to make more money, it is made to protect you, and they do a great job, too. It's worth a few dollars to know you'll be able avoid minor scrapes and bruises, or skate again after a nasty spill.

   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, quality 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.

Sizing Inline Skates

   Most of the recreational skates we offer here at Bargain Sports run true to shoe size when compared to a standard U.S. shoe size. Remember, inline skates should be snug for the best performance and support. For example, an 8.0 standard shoe size should wear an 8.0 skate.

Fitting Your Skates

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.
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 Inline 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 Inline 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 Inline Skates, check out our selection at Bargain Sports USA!