My Rollercoaster Ride with the Nordway Nicole Skates

I'm not exactly the next Olympic figure skater, but I've been trying to get into ice skating this year. To be honest, I've only managed to get out on the ice four times, which is more than I ever thought I'd do!

Growing up without access to a decent ice rink, I still prefer sledding over ice skating. But I tried it a few times with friends at a paid ice rink, and it just didn't click with me.

That all changed when I got a pair of ice skates as a gift. I was excited and terrified to give them a try, but I only managed to skate once, two years ago, because it was hard to get everyone together.

This year, I found some friends to skate with, and I ended up going out a few times during the holidays. My biggest achievement is that I finally learned how to properly tie my skates, so I didn't experience any pain like I used to. I guess that's why I enjoyed it more.

So, my trusty ice skates are the Nordway Nicole - a great pair of figure skating ice skates that have become my go-to choice.

Mine were bought from Spormaster for 2700 rubles.

I've kept all the tags and receipts

I also bought some protective gear for the blades and a special bag, which I might review separately in future posts.

Nordway Nicole are figure skating ice skates, so they don't have any extra cushioning at the top, just the material and a thin lining. They're stitched together well and evenly, but there are some stray threads inside.

I was a bit skeptical about the product dimensions at first, but the manufacturer's specs are clearly labeled on the packaging.

I love how the buckles for lacing up my skates have these little rings to secure the bottom of my foot - it's a game-changer for getting the fit just right. And the weird hooks for tightening up past the ankle are a lifesaver.

The material is surprisingly dense, and if you over-tighten the laces, the edges will dig into your skin. But the soft inlays at the heel and toes are a nice touch, so you don't get any pressure there. Just be careful not to overdo it - I only use six buckles and leave one loose, then secure with the strap and hooks.

The sole is a classic design with a heel strap, and it's been holding up really well. The blade and sole attachments are made from stainless steel. Of course, rust can still be a problem, but I make sure to wipe down the blade with a cloth after every use, at least to remove any snow or moisture. And when I'm back home, I dry everything out on the balcony on a warm surface.

After a night, everything's dry and I'm good to go again the next day.When it comes to choosing the right size for my skates, I always go for one size bigger than my usual to ensure a snug fit without any pressure points. I find that opting for thinner socks, whether it's wool or thermal, does the trick. This way, my foot stays firmly in place without feeling cramped or constricted.

One minor downside is that my foot doesn't get cold after an hour of skating and standing on the ice. The level of glide, however, depends on the quality of the ice and the sharpness of the blades. I've only had to sharpen these blades once, when I first bought them, and after five not-so-glamorous skating sessions, the majority of the blade is still intact, but the edges are starting to show some wear and tear.Given that I'm not the most coordinated skater, I've found myself falling more frequently, and it's usually due to getting caught on something. I was gliding along like a pro, only to have the ice slap me in the face – not exactly the most pleasant experience. I've had the chance to skate on both an outdoor rink near my house with a surface that's as smooth as glass and an indoor rink where the ice is regularly resurfaced. While the indoor rink is definitely more pleasant, the smooth glide and reduced risk of getting caught on a bump make it a more enjoyable experience. However, it's also a lot busier. On the other hand, the outdoor rink can be just as enjoyable, especially if the snow has been cleared and the ice is well-maintained.I've noticed that the blades glide smoothly, and the difference between a covered rink and this one is barely noticeable. The only exception is the small bumps that form when the water freezes unevenly.

But as soon as it snows, or the rink gets crowded, the surface turns into a mushy mess, and I feel like I'm cutting through it like a dull knife.

In this case, the blades tend to catch on bumps and protrusions, making it harder to move around.

I think this might be partly due to the blades getting closer to the edges, which creates the unevenness.

As a result, I've found myself getting stuck more often, and I even fell hard once.

So, if possible, it's better to choose a smooth sheet of ice and sharpen the blades regularly. The Nordway Nicole skates are perfect for both casual skating and performing tricks.I'm still a beginner, and I'm not confident enough to try more complex moves yet – I'm still working on overcoming my fear of falling.

However, I'm sure I'll get to the point where I'll enjoy doing crossovers or rotations.

After using these skates, I've come up with a list of pros:

✅️The skates fit comfortably on my feet and look great

✅️They glide smoothly on a well-maintained indoor rink and a clean outdoor surface

✅️The material doesn't get damaged when stored

✅️They're a great value for the price

The only con I've found is the lack of cushioning on top, but when the laces aren't too tight, the boot doesn't feel constricting.

I'm really happy with these skates. I can only compare them to rental skates, but I think the Nordway Nicole skates are a thousand times better!

I've even grown to love skating in general. Now, I try to go out to the backyard as often as I can❄️