The Complete Handbook of Figure Skate Boots

It's a solid reference, and I kept it near the workbench for a week after it arrived. The chapter on sole construction is good and the troubleshooting section is useful. I only took off points because the forward section on blade mounting is quite basic, and I disagree with the book's recommendation on heat molding, which I find too conservative. Still, it's the best single source I've found for actual boot anatomy. Good for a beginner shop, but a pro with 10 years experience might find parts of it too introductory.

As a coach, I often get asked by parents and skaters about what boot to buy, and this gives me a concrete way to explain the differences between them. I especially liked the breakdown of boot stiffness and the emphasis on how the boot should work with the skater's weight and arch, not against it. The writing is dry, but that's exactly what it needs to be. I've already recommended it to a few of my adult students who are serious about their equipment.

I own a small pro shop and this has become my go-to reference for answering customer questions and helping them order the right equipment. The chapter on business opportunities gave me a few ideas for expanding my rental program, which I hadn't considered. It would benefit from more photography, as the text descriptions of certain boot features can be a little complex. But as a purely practical text, it delivers. I feel much more confident handling the technical side of my business now.

This is a fine manual, but it felt a bit academic in places. I was hoping for some more real-world anecdotes or a direct comparison of, say, the top three brands' current models. The book stays wisely neutral, which is good for a handbook, but it might leave a buyer wanting more specific opinion. The section on maintenance is thorough and the advice on lace tension is worth the price alone. It's a good book for the shelf, just not the final word for me.

It covers all the basics you need to know, and it does it without a ton of fluff. I'm a hobbyist, and I found the diagrams (the text descriptions) of the boot's anatomy to be extremely helpful, as I never knew what the function of certain parts was. I just wish it had a more practical buying guide with a few more specific product recommendations, even if they might age. As a general reference, it's great and I'll use it for a long time.

Finally, a book that treats skating equipment with the seriousness of a textbook. The details on last shapes and how they relate to foot morphology are fascinating and useful for anyone doing fittings. I use the chapter on installing blades to train my junior staff, and it has saved us from a few costly mistakes. A minor gripe: the list of brands is thorough but the market positioning will shift quickly, so don't expect the final word on that. For the technical core, this is a five-star resource.

What I appreciate most is that it never talks down to the reader. Even when explaining complex concepts like boot geometry and pitch, it trusts you to follow along, and it always brings it back to practical application. The chapters on choosing a boot gave me a clear framework that I used to finally upgrade my own pair. It lacks the glossy photos you'd find in a marketing catalog, but this is a reference book, not a brochure. A highly valuable addition to any skater's library.