Not much really, except what foot shape you have.  Which affects how skates will fit you.  Which affects whether you will go on to be the next derby household name STOOPID-star.  Or if, instead of THAT you will grow an extra branch from one of your toes.

We've all been there at some point or another, when you’re frustrated and in pain and falling out partway through practice because your toes are smashed into your skates, or because your feet have fallen asleep due to the tight lacing needed to keep you from slipping around in your own blister juices.

All of the above is what comes from skating in ill-fitting boots.  Boots can be too big, too small, or just the wrong shape or width for your feet, and with any of these situations you reduce your ability to perform at your highest level and face an increased risk of injury.

Triton Plates come standard on a few of the intermediate-level complete skate packages like the She-Devil and Minx, for instance. 

I got my new skates, fools!

I recently had the pleasure of touring Riedell's facility in Red Wing, Minnesota. It was an eye opening experience to say the least, and I have a new respect for the time and care each pair of skates receives. Almost everything is hand made right there in their warehouse and 1 pair of boots can pass through upwards of 15 different hands. Run by the Reigalman family, the company has very little turnover and many of those employed by Riedell have worked there at least 20 years. Knowledge of their boot-building craft is apparent and they have made a proficient system for each detailed step involved in fabricating every pair of boots. I was surprised to learn that some of the machines used in their manufacturing have been around since the early 1900's!

Needless to say, it was an enlightening experience and I thought I'd share what I learned so you can get the lowdown on what it takes to get those pretty boots under your feet….

Most entry-level skates have the following features: they consist of a padded synthetic or lower grade leather boot, a nylon plate, and basic to mid-level wheels and bearings. Almost all of these boots are available in full sizes only. They vary slightly in their width and overall fit. Determining which entry-level skate is right for you can be done by answering the following question: