A child's foot grows at different rates depending on its age. From 3 years the feet grow 1mm/months, from 7 years a little less. Girls' feet grow out between the age of 14 and 16, and boys' feet grow out at the age of 18. Exceptions prove the rule, so allow for a little toe room if in doubt. As a rule, please leave about 4-5mm of toe space unless you can try on the boots. The boots should have a rather tight fit, but the toes still need some space in the toe cap as it is reinforced.
Children that are still growing need one pair of skates per year as they should fit well. For the first course or for recreational sports, the Prima Hobby or Prima model is the perfect choice. The Prima with the Mark II or Flight blade are one of the best children's ice skates in the world and come at a price.
NEW! To ensure that your child has the best possible equipment, the WIFA outlet is offering WIFA children's skates as rental skates for the entire season (€100).
NEW! To ensure that your child has the best possible equipment, the WIFA outlet is offering WIFA children's skates as rental skates for the entire season (€100).
As soon as the child starts training at a club, choosing the right boot model/size & width and the right blade becomes an important issue. We recommend consulting our model guide and the coach. You also will find detailed information on each model in our catalogue. If you still have doubts, we will be happy to advise you if you send us a short email at customercare@wifa.at. For this we need precise information on age, weight, training hours per week and performance level (jumps and freestyle class).
Once your feet are fully grown out, you look for a WIFA boot that you will have for a lifetime. It should therefore be the right leather model.
If you only want to skate or roller-skate for fun over many years, the new "DUO" model is the right one to choose. Firm enough for ice skating, soft enough for roller skating. The DUO can be purchased as a boots or "set". Depending on the season, the boots will be mounted with a figure skating blade or with a quad frame. It is convertible and takes one hour’s work to change the frames or blades. In the Outlet we charge €45 for the conversion from Ice skates to roller skates and vice versa.
If you are thinking of taking figure skating classes and want to improve your skating skills, you can choose between two models:
For children as well as lightweight juveniles, the Prima is the best model; for skaters with a weight of 45 kg or more, the Prima Intermediate is the "boot".
If you only want to skate or roller-skate for fun over many years, the new "DUO" model is the right one to choose. Firm enough for ice skating, soft enough for roller skating. The DUO can be purchased as a boots or "set". Depending on the season, the boots will be mounted with a figure skating blade or with a quad frame. It is convertible and takes one hour’s work to change the frames or blades. In the Outlet we charge €45 for the conversion from Ice skates to roller skates and vice versa.
If you are thinking of taking figure skating classes and want to improve your skating skills, you can choose between two models:
For children as well as lightweight juveniles, the Prima is the best model; for skaters with a weight of 45 kg or more, the Prima Intermediate is the "boot".
If you attend a figure skating course, then the Prima is the right choice for light-weight juveniles or children, and the Prima Intermediate for skaters with a weight of 50 kg or more. First jumps can already be made with these models.
If you are skilled and want to train regularly for several hours a week (dance or figure skating), a Champion Lights will be the right model. While children and juveniles can train up to triple jumps with this model (average weight 45 kg), adults can master all single jumps in it. It always depends on the training intensity and weight.
Then you will also have to choose the right blades. If you have mastered most of the single jumps, you should already choose the better "MK Galaxy" blades.
If you are skilled and want to train regularly for several hours a week (dance or figure skating), a Champion Lights will be the right model. While children and juveniles can train up to triple jumps with this model (average weight 45 kg), adults can master all single jumps in it. It always depends on the training intensity and weight.
Then you will also have to choose the right blades. If you have mastered most of the single jumps, you should already choose the better "MK Galaxy" blades.
If you are a skilled or passionate skater training regularly for several hours a week (dance and/or figure skating), a Champion Lights will be the right model for you. Adults can do everything in this model that dance offers at an intermediate level. The Champion Light is ideal for dancers because of its lower shaft, it’s soft ending at the shaft and flexibility. It is also used for competitive sports (dance youth). Thanks to the special functional notch, it is broken in after 5 hours.
Adult competitive athletes use the reinforced version Champion Light or Champion Reinforced. Hobby dancers appreciate the flexibility of the Champion Light and prefer changing boots rather than skating in a stiffer boot. It is a personal choice between a softer but more flexible boot and a stable and more durable boot. Male dancers rather take a Champion Reinforced.
This season, we offer the John Wilson Coronation Dance that we will stock from autumn for the skilled hobby dancers. These blades are about half an inch shorter than the figure skating blades.
Adult competitive athletes use the reinforced version Champion Light or Champion Reinforced. Hobby dancers appreciate the flexibility of the Champion Light and prefer changing boots rather than skating in a stiffer boot. It is a personal choice between a softer but more flexible boot and a stable and more durable boot. Male dancers rather take a Champion Reinforced.
This season, we offer the John Wilson Coronation Dance that we will stock from autumn for the skilled hobby dancers. These blades are about half an inch shorter than the figure skating blades.
While the DUO is a purely recreational model, two skating models are ideal for both sports: Prima Intermediate - for slightly advanced skaters and Champion Lights for advanced skaters. For children, the INTI (27-31) and Champion Light Kids (1-3 = 32-35) are the perfect choice. The advantage of these models is that they can be ordered in several widths and are also heat mouldable.
After heat moulding them, the boots fit like a second skin and adapt to the shape of the feet. The feet hardly move inside which is less tyring during heavy training.
All models mentioned above can be used for ice skating / inline artistic skating / park skating/ jam & rhythm skating on quads.
After heat moulding them, the boots fit like a second skin and adapt to the shape of the feet. The feet hardly move inside which is less tyring during heavy training.
All models mentioned above can be used for ice skating / inline artistic skating / park skating/ jam & rhythm skating on quads.
The mounting service is included with a "SET" and is free of charge.
As we only work with the best blade manufacturers, all blades have a very good industrial sharpening, which is usually sufficient for pure leisure skating, i.e., you can skate right away and resharpen in the next season.
If you need a figure skating sharpening, please order it separately. A figure skating grind is recommended as soon as attending the first basic figure skating course.
For SETS with Flight, we recommend a standard sharpening (net 7,50 €), for SETS with Galaxy a sharpening with additional fine polish (net 15 €) , for SETS with MK Professional or JW Coronation Ace a professional sharpening should be ordered (net 40 € - delivery +7 days as it has to be sent to our sharpener for professionals).
Mounting is done according to general rules: flush at the front, at the heel with approx. 5mm. By consulting our SIZE CHARTS, you can figure out the blade size you need – some blades fit on two boot sizes.
NOTE! Not all screws are set. A few holes are always left free for replacement screws or for remounting purposes.
NOTE! Not all screws are set. A few holes are always left free for replacement screws or for remounting purposes.
We are the manufacturers of the WIFA boots and work mainly with bulk orders. Our stock levels are therefore fluctuating. Stocks can be very tight on some models, so unfortunately, we are generally unable to send two pairs for fitting. Once blades are fitted, the pair is considered "custom made" and cannot be returned.
If you are ordering for the first time and are unsure, please contact our customer service customercare@wifa.at. After considering your details, you will be given a recommendation on model choice/size and width. For this we need precise information on age/weight/training hours per week and performance level (jumps and freestyle class) the exact foot length (right and left foot) as well as the ball of the foot measurement and as a final check also the normal shoe size. Please follow the guidelines in our Technical Guide when measuring.
If our customer care team thinks that you are really between two sizes, we can exceptionally send two pairs - blades are only enclosed, not mounted. You try them on, have them mounted on site and send back the pair that does not fit on your costs.
If you cannot have the blades mounted on site, we will send you the boots only, you try them on and send both back - one will be mounted and resent to you on our costs. Returns are only possible for customers from the EU. You can also find the important information on fitting here: WHAT SIZE AND WIDTH DO I NEED? (Q11)
If you are ordering for the first time and are unsure, please contact our customer service customercare@wifa.at. After considering your details, you will be given a recommendation on model choice/size and width. For this we need precise information on age/weight/training hours per week and performance level (jumps and freestyle class) the exact foot length (right and left foot) as well as the ball of the foot measurement and as a final check also the normal shoe size. Please follow the guidelines in our Technical Guide when measuring.
If our customer care team thinks that you are really between two sizes, we can exceptionally send two pairs - blades are only enclosed, not mounted. You try them on, have them mounted on site and send back the pair that does not fit on your costs.
If you cannot have the blades mounted on site, we will send you the boots only, you try them on and send both back - one will be mounted and resent to you on our costs. Returns are only possible for customers from the EU. You can also find the important information on fitting here: WHAT SIZE AND WIDTH DO I NEED? (Q11)
WIFA ice skates and roller skates run big. You will be needing one or half a size smaller than your street shoes.
The easiest way to determine the right size is to use our SIZE CHARTS and – in order to double check, print out the inner soles to visualize the toe space you would need.
NOTE! Please be sure to measure the length after printing out the insoles, as, depending on the setting of your printer, the printed insoles do not match 100%.
Adults should add at least 4-5mm and max. 1 cm toe space - less only if tried on site. For children, add a space for growth depending on age and foot shape, it will be an average of 8-15 mm. From the age of 3 children grow 1mm per month, after the age of 7 a little less than 1 mm.
Recreational skaters or skaters attending their first course will tend to take the wider standard width "C" (for adults) or the widest width "LL" (for children). Often, they skate outdoors and need some room for socks. Once you or your child have mastered the basics of figure skating and are taking figure skating classes on a regular basis, you will need a tighter fit. Please consult our Technical Guide where you will find important information on the topics listed below:
- General information about WIFA sizes.
- Determining the right size and width.
- What width is ideal for my foot shape?
- How much toe space do I need?
- Heat moulding with our WIFA fitting oven.
- Care instructions
Under Tutorial you will find a video on the correct measurement for roller skaters. Since we use the same lasts for ice and roller skates this video is basically also valid for ice skates. Ice skates have more widths and are firm at the ball area so please measure the length and the ball of the foot to determine the width.
The easiest way to determine the right size is to use our SIZE CHARTS and – in order to double check, print out the inner soles to visualize the toe space you would need.
NOTE! Please be sure to measure the length after printing out the insoles, as, depending on the setting of your printer, the printed insoles do not match 100%.
Adults should add at least 4-5mm and max. 1 cm toe space - less only if tried on site. For children, add a space for growth depending on age and foot shape, it will be an average of 8-15 mm. From the age of 3 children grow 1mm per month, after the age of 7 a little less than 1 mm.
Recreational skaters or skaters attending their first course will tend to take the wider standard width "C" (for adults) or the widest width "LL" (for children). Often, they skate outdoors and need some room for socks. Once you or your child have mastered the basics of figure skating and are taking figure skating classes on a regular basis, you will need a tighter fit. Please consult our Technical Guide where you will find important information on the topics listed below:
- General information about WIFA sizes.
- Determining the right size and width.
- What width is ideal for my foot shape?
- How much toe space do I need?
- Heat moulding with our WIFA fitting oven.
- Care instructions
Under Tutorial you will find a video on the correct measurement for roller skaters. Since we use the same lasts for ice and roller skates this video is basically also valid for ice skates. Ice skates have more widths and are firm at the ball area so please measure the length and the ball of the foot to determine the width.
It is the nature of leather to be flexible, durable, breathable, and long-lasting. It feels like a second skin and moves with the foot. All WIFA skates are lined and padded and have an upper made of firm and thick leather (2.2-2.4 mm).
A thin layer of thermoplastic reinforcement allows each WIFA to be heat moulded. The boots are put into an oven and “baked” during 8 to 12 minutes at an average temperature of 80°C. Then the skater put them on and lace them tightly. After cooling down the boots are moulded to the skater’s feet. The heat moulding process shortens the break-in time and eliminates pressure points within just an hour. You will find detailed instructions in our Technical Guide.
Leave laces very loose in the ball area if you want to widen the boots or if you have any foot problems in the toe area. But, if you want to make boots narrower, lace the boots very tightly in the ball area.
Please remain seated until the boots cool off (30 min). Your legs should be at a 90° angle. In the ankle area lacing should be tight but do not pull too hard - otherwise hooks might get loose.
Ice skates & roller skates
We do not recommend to heat mould NUBUCK boots or boots made of Suede leather.
A thin layer of thermoplastic reinforcement allows each WIFA to be heat moulded. The boots are put into an oven and “baked” during 8 to 12 minutes at an average temperature of 80°C. Then the skater put them on and lace them tightly. After cooling down the boots are moulded to the skater’s feet. The heat moulding process shortens the break-in time and eliminates pressure points within just an hour. You will find detailed instructions in our Technical Guide.
Leave laces very loose in the ball area if you want to widen the boots or if you have any foot problems in the toe area. But, if you want to make boots narrower, lace the boots very tightly in the ball area.
Please remain seated until the boots cool off (30 min). Your legs should be at a 90° angle. In the ankle area lacing should be tight but do not pull too hard - otherwise hooks might get loose.
Ice skates & roller skates
We do not recommend to heat mould NUBUCK boots or boots made of Suede leather.
IMPORTANT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Like all quality products, WIFA boots deserve the best possible care. All feet sweat during training - some more than others, and even though the boots are made of breathable leather, they can get very damp inside. After a training session the boots should be carefully dried inside and outside. Skating bags should only be used for carrying boots home. Skating boots should never be put on top of, or near to a radiator, or in the sun. They should be left in a well ventilated place. If the boots are very damp, please use moisture absorbing products like „boot bananas“ or simply use the old school method of stuffing paper into the leather boots.
The right care of the upper material
The very thick split leathers used for ice skates have an easy-care and water-repellent polyurethane coating. Dirt can be easily removed with warm water and mild soap. Please do not use aggressive cleaning products.
Ice skates or roller skates made of NUBUCK leather can become greasy over time if they are not adequately cared for. Use a nubuck rubber brush to clean the boots. Leather color can be freshened up with a nubuck spray. Our NUBUK boots are water-repellent (hydrophobic), but please imprignate after longer use. All care products mentioned above are available in every well-stocked specialist shoe shop or on the Internet.
The right care of the soles
Although the soles are waxed, abrasion marks develop over time, especially when skating on edges. These should be covered with natural wax or transparent shoe balm on a regular basis so that no moisture penetrates. If the boots were used during wet weather or on ice areas with water puddles, soles have to be dryed immediately and waxed additionally. We advise against using varnishes, as leather needs to breathe. Special impregnation sprays with natural components should only be used as a temporary solution.
However, if mold has already formed on the surface, we recommend using a 1:1 mixture of transparent vinegar-essence solution (25% acetic acid) and water. Please cealn the areas thoroughly and apply wax when dry. If the mold has already penetrated the sole, damage will occur which is often difficult to repair. This damage is not covered by the warranty. Please check regularly that the blades or plates are securely fastened to the sole. If not, the screws must be retightened, otherwise moisture can penetrate the leather and cause damage. If the screw holes are worn out and screws have no grip, put small wooden sticks into the holes and insert the screws. Also use free holes in the plates to insert new screws.
The right care of the blades
The blades should be sharpened by a professional as soon as the blades loose their grip, i.e. when the edges become blunt and you slip off the ice. Please check occasionally whether the blade screws are tight. Blades should always be dried well after use so that rust cannot form on the sharpened surface. Residual moisture can be absorbed by using fabric protectors (soakers).