We know you have many questions and we hope we can answer them now to save you time.

Most skates run slightly smaller than shoe size. As a result, a good rule of thumb is to size up 1/2 size from your shoe size. We have more returns because skaters do not get a big enough size. When they return there skates they more often than not go up 2 sizes from there original order/ 1 full size. This, we feel is because they went with there shoe size and the parents decided they need more growth room. 

If the skater is 13 or under, many size up 1 to 1 1/2 sizes. We think that 1 shoe size higher is ideal for those 13 and under, because the skate will normally stretch as well. The younger the skater, the more you should size up. Never size up more than 1 1/2 sizes however. Any more and the skater will be swimming in the skate which causes the skate to not give a precise fit. This causes your money to be wasted on a really good skate, but the lack of precision does not allow for you to get that benefit.

Any peculiarities in the foot should be accounted for as well. A wide foot normally allows for a 1/2 skate size increase to allow for the width, as a long toe, or one foot bigger than the other, would cause that need. It is much safer to size up than it is to try and buy the perfect fit skate.

You can always take up room in a skate, but it is much more complicated to make it bigger. If the skates you buy seem too big, you can go to Walmart and buy what is called 'Equate air pillow insoles'. They are flat inserts that are white and have mini holes in them for breathability. The flat cushion is about 1/4 inch thick. You can buy 2 to take up enough space. They do flatten out so thats usually a good idea. They are only $.76 cents (last we checked) a pair. You can find them in the foot deodorizing and medicating department next to other pharmaceutical items. Any questions be sure to email us. Thanks again for your order.

If the skates you buy seem too big, you can go to Walmart and buy what is called 'Equate air pillow insoles'. They are flat inserts that are white and have mini holes in them for breathability. The flat cushion is about 1/4 inch thick. You can buy 2 to take up enough space. They do flatten out so thats usually a good idea. They are only $.76 cents (last we checked) a pair. You can find them in the foot deodorizing and medicating department next to other pharmaceutical items. Any questions be sure to email us. Thanks again for your order.

We are not allowed to recommend a specific brand over another. This is due to our manufacturers not wanting to be slighted. As a result, we carry only the best brands, and models from each company that we sell so that we feel you will be happy no matter what. If the quality is not worth the value, we often do not offer the skate.

As far as brands go, we can tell you the main differences. In the aggressive category, USD Skates offer interchangability, and customization, along with lots of soul space, fast grinds, and an excellent warranty program should something go wrong. Salomon offers comfort, precise fit, lightweight design, and total reliability.  Razor offers slight customization, decent soul space, with a traditional style boot, that is reliable. Roces offers durability, and bulletproof styling with, a huge outer soul area. K2 offers excellent durability, comfort, and some different technological advancements that set there skates apart. Softboot design allows for a durable, comfortable, and lightweight skate.