As we’re getting back on the ice (or waiting for our rinks to reopen) it may be time for new skates soon! This summer we wanted to share some information about the skate brands that we represent. These are the options available to you when you come to us for your fitting appointment. Our goal is to provide information that we may not get to explain when we’re focused on your feet.
Riedell Skates
In Red Wing, Minnesota, Riedell Skates has been making high-quality figure skating boots since 1945. A family business that grew over the years to a world-renowned brand, Riedell chooses top-quality materials that are turned into skates in the hands of dedicated craftsmen at their U.S.A. factory.
At The Skater’s Edge, we are an Authorized Dealer
In September 2018, Claire and Dawn travelled to Red Wing to visit Riedell’s factory and learn more about their figure skates. Vice President Dan Riegelman showed them around the offices, production site, and the city that has been home to Riedell for 75 years.
We saw first-hand how skates start as pieces of leather, padding, and linings that are cut, sewn, and glued together to form skating boots of all sizes, colors, and support levels.
After our tour and lunch in Red Wing, Claire and Dawn had over four hours discussing their experiences in fitting Riedell with Dan. He went over sizing skaters, different measurements to take, how to pair skate strength with the skater’s skill and build, as well as how to help skaters select custom boot features. It was quite the education!
When you are fitted for Riedell Skates at The Skater’s Edge, you have a wide range of skates available to you. Riedell has skates for recreation, beginning lessons, beginning to compete, and advanced/elite skates. So first, we measure and assess your foot to see which size we’re looking for. Then we discuss your skating goals for the season. Together we determine which Riedell skate model is a good option for you, and we will either have the skate on the shelf or need to order it.
Generally Riedell Skaters prefer:
The 615/625 Soar - For recreational skating, or just starting skating. The insulated lining and roomy toe box provides a level of comfort unmatched.
19/119 Emerald and 33/133 Diamond - These sets are great for learning crossovers, turns, and beginner jumps. They have gentle support and cushioning all around for developing skaters.
23/223 Stride - This boot only or skate set is recommended for beginner jumps through mid-level single jumps. This is where skaters first get to know the magic of heat molding for a semi-custom fit!
From here the next step will depend on the skater’s goals, skating schedule, and stature. Riedell offers boot-only options to personalize the support level and the blade choice when skaters are working on axels through double jumps and beyond. Or if a skate set will still suit your needs they are available through the Motion and Flair!
The Future Of Creative Skate Designs
Last winter Riedell introduced two new boots to their skate line. The Riedell Elara and the Riedell Vega are available at The Skater’s Edge! These boots are a combination of the best of Riedell’s craftsmanship with the latest in boot making technology.
Both Elara and Vega feature a waterproof sole, redesigned foot shape, and microfiber uppers to provide a lightweight and comfortable skating experience.
Vega is rated for upper level singles as well as double jumps. Elara has the strongest support available in a Riedell skate and is ready for doubles, triples, and even quads.
How Does Riedell Feel on Ice?
Claire has a special soft spot for Riedell skates.
Her last pair of new skates were trusty Riedell 1500s. They landed her Axel, passed her Senior Gold MIF test, and took her to synchro nationals twice— and they’re 11 years old now!
Thinking back to when they were brand new, she remembers them taking about a week to break in after heat molding. Having a new skate that fit her foot properly probably made the biggest difference in her skating.
Something that stands out after trying different boots and coming back to her Riedells, Claire notices the positioning of her center being more in the middle of her foot by her arch in Riedell skates while on the ice. Other boots she has tried place her forward at the ball of her foot without room to shift forward or back. She’s definitely a fan of how the leather of her Riedell skates fit to her foot over the years.
If this article gave you ideas about Riedell skates for your next skate, or if you have more questions please contact us!
We love talking skates, and if you think Riedell could be right for you, we as an Authorized Riedell Dealer want to help. Riedell skates offers options for all skaters— beginners through custom skates for elite competitors! With all things skating, each brand is going to feel different for each skater. What works well for one may not be so comfortable for another. So remember the only way to know if a skate is right for you is to try it on!
Call us, email us, or click here to schedule a fitting appointment with us!
The Skater’s Edge is Buffalo and Western New York’s one-stop figure skating store for new ice skates, competitive figure skates, and skate sharpening. The skate shop carries Riedell, Jackson, and Edea skates, as well as skating apparel and accessories. With technicians trained by a master sharpener of over 30 years, trust The Skater’s Edge with your next figure skate fitting, figure skate sharpening, hockey skate sharpening or hockey skate repair, as well as shaping your hockey blade radius or profiling.