Figure Skating & Hockey

Unleash Your Ice Skills: The Best Places to Buy Figure Skating & Hockey Gear in the UK

Why choosing the right store matters

Buying skates and protective gear isn’t like picking a pair of trainers online and hoping they fit. Skates are part precision tool and part personal fit—like a violin for your feet. The right store can make the difference between skates that help you soar and skates that give you blisters. In the UK, you’ll find everything from big sports retailers to tiny specialist shops and rink pro-shops. Each type of store brings strengths: range, expert fitting, price, or rare specialist brands. Understanding what each offers helps you get the best value for your budget and the right gear for your level.

Meet the retailers: who to check out in the UK

There’s no single best store for everyone, but a handful consistently stand out. Vista Expert appears in listings focused on skating supplies and is a useful place to start if you want specialist attention. Major sports chains like Decathlon and Sports Direct (including SkateHut products) are great for entry-level skates and budget-friendly accessories. For serious skaters, independent UK shops—often called skate boutiques or pro-shops—offer brands like Jackson Ultima, Riedell, and Edea, plus custom fitting and blade services. Mix and match: use a big retailer for basics and a specialist for boots, blades, and fitting.

Specialist shops vs big-box retailers

Think of big-box stores as supermarkets and specialist shops as craft bakeries. Decathlon and Sports Direct stock a wide variety, quick delivery options, and affordable starter kits. They’re perfect for beginners or families buying for a first season. Specialist shops and rink pro-shops, on the other hand, focus on fit, blade options, and performance brands. They’ll measure your feet, recommend stiffness levels, and often offer sharpening on-site. If you’re after peak performance, take the time to visit a specialist.

Why Vista Expert can be useful

Vista Expert tends to come up in UK skating directories as a focused option for skaters looking for knowledgeable advice and a curated selection. If they stock brands you love and provide fitting services, they can bridge the gap between mainstream value and boutique expertise. Use them for mid-range to high-end purchases when you want guidance without hunting down the most expensive boutiques.

What to look for when buying figure skates

When choosing figure skates, you’re balancing comfort, support, and blade performance. Key features include boot fit (snug but not painful), ankle support and stiffness, the type and length of blades, and weight. A typical pair of adult figure skates weighs around 2 to 3 pounds, so comfort matters on longer sessions. Don’t chase looks alone—white leather and fancy trims are great, but fit and blade quality determine your jumping and spinning ability.

Boot fit essentials

Boot fit is everything. Your toes should barely touch the front with a small wiggle room—about a thumb’s width is a useful feel-check. The heel must lock in place without slipping, and your ankle should be supported so you can feel the blade under you. If you often have numb toes or red marks, the boot might be the wrong width or last. A pro fitting session in-store can save you months of discomfort and costly replacements.

Blade type and length

Figure blades vary by maker and model, but most adult blades fall in a length that leaves 1 to 2 inches of boot remaining behind the heel. The blade’s toe pick and rocker shape affect jumps and spins—shallower rockers favor stability, deeper rockers favor maneuverability. Hollow radius (the groove under the blade) is often adjusted by skaters and is commonly chosen between about 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch depending on weight and skill level. Talk to a technician about hollow depth; it changes bite and glide.

Hockey skates: what to consider

Hockey skates are built for speed, quick turns, and protection. Unlike figure skates with toe picks, hockey skates have shorter, flatter blades for quick pivoting. When shopping, focus on sock fit, ankle padding, boot stiffness, and blade holder quality. Popular UK stores and specialists stock major brands like Bauer and CCM, which are reliable choices. Try on multiple models—hockey skate sizing often runs different from shoe sizing, so always fit on thin socks or the socks you’ll skate in.

Protective gear and accessories to prioritize

Helmet, mouthguard, shin guards, gloves, and neck protection are non-negotiable for hockey players. For figure skaters, ankle supports, boot pads, blade guards, and blade covers are essentials. If you’re shopping at general sports stores like Decathlon or SkateHut, you’ll find starter kits. Specialist shops offer higher-grade items like reinforced gloves and custom guards. Don’t forget off-ice gear: quality practice wear and skate bags protect your investment and make life easier between sessions.

Fitting tips and sizing advice

Bring the socks you’ll skate in, and allow time for try-on. For figure skates, many skaters wear a half to a full size smaller than their street shoe, depending on the brand and model. For hockey skates, the rule of thumb is often closer to one to one-and-a-half sizes down in North American sizing. Use inches if you measure foot length—measure from heel to the tip of your longest toe and compare to the brand’s sizing chart. If a store offers heat-molding or custom footbeds, consider them—those tweaks make a big difference.

Kids and youth sizing

Buying for kids? Anticipate growth. For beginners, buying a slightly roomier skate that can be tightened with thick socks or tongue pads works for a short season. For committed kids, invest in properly fitted boots—too-large boots can cause bad technique and injuries. Some UK shops offer exchange programs or blade upgrades, which can be cost-effective as your child grows.

Online buying: pros, cons, and how to shop smart

Online stores often have better stock and competitive prices, especially for limited models. Yet you miss hands-on fitting. If buying online from retailers like Sports Direct or SkateHut, read size guides carefully and choose stores with clear size conversion charts. Seek out retailers that list blade lengths in inches and provide clear measurements. For higher-end boots, buy in-store or from an online specialist that offers virtual fitting consultations.

Using comparison tools and finding bargains

Comparison sites and price trackers help you spot seasonal deals. Look for off-season sales, pre-season discounts, or package deals that include guards and a bag. However, be wary of used or “as-is” listings without clear condition descriptions. If you buy used, inspect the boot structure, check for cracking in the leather or composite, ensure blades aren’t heavily pitted, and confirm the hollow hasn’t been over-sharpened.

Care and maintenance: keep skates performance-ready

Maintaining skates is like tuning a musical instrument—you need regular attention. After every session, dry blades and boots with a soft cloth, remove moisture from the tongue and liners, and store blades on dry guards. Replace soft blade guards with hard guards for travel so blades don’t nick. Sharpen blades based on ice time; for casual skaters, every 10 to 20 hours of ice time is common, while competitive skaters may sharpen after each intense session. Keep a log in inches of your blade’s hollow preference for consistent feel.

When to get professional sharpening

Leave complex sharpening tasks to a pro. A skate technician can set the correct hollow depth (commonly between about 1/8 and 1/4 inch) and check blade alignment. Shops like Vista Expert and rink pro-shops typically provide quick turnarounds and can test your blade on the ice after service. If your edges feel dull, there’s vibration during turns, or you lose bite on starts, those are signs you need sharpening.

Top brands to consider in the UK

Brands matter. For figure skaters, Jackson Ultima, Riedell, and Edea are favorites for boots and blades that support jumps and spins. For hockey, Bauer and CCM are industry standards with many models for different budgets. Boots and blades from these makers are widely stocked by both specialists and larger retailers. Try different brands to find which last (the boot shape) fits your foot best—comfort can vary widely between makers even at similar price points.

Budgeting: getting the best value without compromising safety

You don’t need to spend a fortune to start, but don’t skimp on safety or fit. A good starter package with decent skates, guards, and a helmet can cost less when bought in a bundle through retailers such as Decathlon or SkateHut. If you’re progressing, allocate budget toward a better boot and pro sharpening—these upgrades often improve performance more than cosmetic add-ons. Keep an eye out for trade-in programs at specialist shops which can be a smart way to move up in gear without paying full retail.

Local clubs and rink pro-shops: hidden gems

Never underestimate the value of your local rink’s pro-shop. These spots often provide personalized service, blade fitting, and advice tailored to the rink’s ice and the community’s needs. Many clubs have recommendations for trusted shops and technicians. If you join lessons or a team, coaches can point you toward stores that understand the specific demands of figure or hockey training. It’s like having a trusted mechanic for your car—local professionals know the subtle tweaks that make skates feel right.

Final thoughts: making the right choice

Buying skating gear in the UK is a mix of research, hands-on fitting, and a little trial and error. Start at a retailer that matches your level—big stores for entry-level, specialists for performance—and don’t be shy about asking questions. Value comes from fit, service, and support as much as price. With the right combination of store, fitting, and care, you’ll be spending more time enjoying the ice and less time thinking about sore feet or dull blades. Lace up, get out there, and let the ice do the rest.

Conclusion: Your skates are an extension of you—choose stores that treat them that way. Whether you start with a budget-friendly set from a large retailer or invest in custom boots from a specialist like Vista Expert, fit, maintenance, and proper advice will keep you skating confidently.