What defects should I look out for with used skates?

[Rapsfan]

I don't know about skates as I've never skated but I'm thinking of learning how to skate and teaching my cousin. I browsed through Facebook Marketplace and there's lots of used skates locally. As someone who has never skated before, what is the best way to test to see if the skates are functional or not? It's not like I'll have ice to test the skates at a store or meet up.

What are some less obvious damage/defects you can't see at first glance that I should look out for?

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[gswift]

The biggest thing is to make sure the skate is the right one for your foot. There are several shapes that each company has within their different skate product lines that fit different foot shapes. I'd suggest getting fitted for skates at a Pro Hockey Life & when you find the right fit, look for a used pair that are the same model. But if you already know what skate product line fits your foot, you'll wanna look for badly rusted rivets, both on the bottom of the skate & under the insole, look for rusty blades, look for mis-aligned blade holders & very worn down blades. Look for torn tendon guards & any general mistreatment of the skate.

 

[TGWL]

A little late here but if this is for your cousin who wants to join a somewhat high tie league at 15, then I'd suggest you get him some better skating lessons than learning how to skate yourself and teaching him.

 

[MDCSL]

Honestly your best bet is just to go to a used sports store that has lots of hockey gear, they will size him appropriately- there’s nothing beyond visual wear to the stitching and holder you need to look out for

 

[tarheelhockey]

I know some people disagree on this, but I would never buy a pair of skates that has already been broken in. You're putting your feet under enough strain in the best of circumstances. Someone else's skate is going to be broken into the shape of their foot, which means you're going to be asking for blisters and it will never fit quite right.

At an absolute minimum, go ahead and buy sole replacements at the same time you buy the skates. Your feet will thank you later.

Honestly your best bet is just to go to a used sports store that has lots of hockey gear, they will size him appropriately-

This is your best bet, seriously. IMO you at least need to have someone take a look at your/his feet and tell you what size is correct for skates (it's not the same as shoes) and also whether your feet are particularly wide or narrow relative to a standard sized boot. Again, this is one of those things where you never realize how important it is until you mess it up.

Even if you don't buy the skates there, a decent store will understand where you're coming from and give you some good pointers about how to find something that will fit you properly. Literally write down what they tell you so that you don't have to try and remember it later. The little things make a big difference when it comes to skate selection.

 

[SoupNazi]

Get your cousin skating lessons if you want him playing competitively within four years.

 

[patnyrnyg]

If you have never skated before it is going to take you a VERY long time to learn how to skate well enough to teach someone else.

 

[Yukon Joe]

If you have never skated before it is going to take you a VERY long time to learn how to skate well enough to teach someone else.

I mean - to be able to teach someone the basics - how to not fall down, how to move forward, how to stop - it's certainly possible.

But to be able to teach someone how to skate at a really high level - yeah not going to happen without years of training yourself.