We all know the blindingly obvious: that figure skaters wear figure skates on the ice. But have you been wondering what you can wear inside your skates, to maximise comfort and minimise damage to your skin and feet? Whether you're a beginner on the ice, or a seasoned skater looking for some fresh insights into gaining that little bit of extra comfort this season read on for my take on what to wear on your feet during your skating session!

Today's post is such an exciting one for me because I have finally branched out into the wonderful world of vlogging! I've recorded two videos so far: one teeny tiny introductory video of myself (click here to see it), and this one, describing how to tape your figure skates for protection during training. This will help to keep your boots looking their best for as long as possible.

This post may seem somewhat basic to the seasoned skater or skating-person (coach, parents, siblings, fan, the list goes on!), but I hope it will be useful to beginners starting out, or people who simply want to know more about figure skates. Here I'm going to introduce figure skates, also known as skating boots, or simply boots, and have a look at the different parts that make them up, and then talk a little about skate types, and brands.

You just bought that new pair of boots. They're lying there, on their sides, in the box that smells of fresh cardboard. You leave the box open on your bedroom floor, and glance at the smooth leather, the perfectly formed hooks, the rich brown sole. *sigh*

I just love a pair of new boots (not that I've had any for a while now, and don't plan on it either)! They seem to symbolise a new beginning, a renewal of faith in yourself, and undying motivation to chase after those dreams. So what can be done to keep those little gems from becoming quite frankly disgusting, over the next few months?

Ahh, yes. Those boots. Without them, you'd be nothing. Skatingly-speaking, of course.
So how do you know when a pair of skates are finito, and what then, needs to be done about it?

Skating boots aren't unlike us humans really: they better with age up to a certain point, then start having mechanical problems. No matter whether you wear entry-line boots or a $500 pair, you need to know when it's time to change them up.

Yes, I know. Skating, and skating-related products cost an absolute small fortune. Your annual budget could probably feed the population of a small developing country for a month. So any little suggestion to keep your feet from wandering into pro skating shops, and those all important £££ / $$$ (replace with relevant currency) in your bank account, you'll take it, right? I know I would have.

So here are three products which can be bought from non professional skating shops, which will make your (rink) life easier.

Breaking in skates is one of the most painful, and annoying, things a skater has to go through. Although many skaters go through a pair of skates a year (or season...) I know a lot who keep theirs a great deal longer.