Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the questions we hear most often from our customers. If you do not find what you are looking for here, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

How do I know what size boot to order?

It depends on the brand, and the two work completely differently. EDEA sizes in millimetres taken directly from your measured foot length — see the EDEA sizing chart. Jackson uses US sizing across separate size runs and fits about 1 to 1.5 sizes below your street shoe — see Jackson boot sizing. Either way your skating size will differ from your street shoe size, and there is no conversion between the two brands: switching means sizing from scratch. Start with our Boot Sizing Guide for how to measure.

What stiffness rating do I need?

It depends on your body weight, skating level, and the jumps you are performing. Too stiff and the boot is uncomfortable and hard to break in — worse, it stops you bending your knees properly. Too soft and it will not support your landings and will break down prematurely.

Watch out for the numbers. EDEA rates stiffness 40–95; Jackson rates support 2–95 across a much wider range of skater. A Jackson 45 supports roughly what an EDEA 55 does, so never carry a number from one brand to the other. Our support and stiffness guide puts both scales side by side against the jumps they actually support.

Do I need to break in my boots?

Yes, but far less than you might expect if the boots are heat molded first. EDEA boots use a thermoformable tri-layer construction with memory foam, and a professional shaping session largely removes the need for a long break-in. Jackson's intermediate and elite boots mold too, in a convection oven rather than with a heat gun.

Whichever you buy, we recommend having them professionally shaped before your first skate. During break-in, do not lace to the very top, and build up jumps and spins gradually. Read our heat molding guide for what to expect.

Can I mount my own blades?

We strongly recommend having blades mounted by a qualified skating technician. Blade alignment is critical — even a small error in positioning can cause tracking problems, affect jump takeoffs and landings, and potentially lead to injury. A professional will ensure that the blade is centered correctly along the sole of the boot, positioned at the proper fore-aft location, and secured with the correct screws. We do not sell mounting screws separately — they come with the blade or from your technician. If you are buying a complete skate, the blade arrives already mounted and sharpened, so there is no decision to make. See Blade Mounting & Screws.

How often should I sharpen my blades?

Sharpening frequency depends on how often you skate, the type of skating you do, and personal preference. As a general guideline:

• Recreational skaters: Every 20-30 hours of ice time
• Competitive skaters in regular training: Every 10-20 hours of ice time
• Elite skaters in intensive training: Weekly or as needed

You will know it is time to sharpen when you notice your edges slipping on turns or landings, or when you can no longer feel a distinct edge by carefully running a fingernail across the blade. Proper care between sharpenings extends blade life significantly — see our blade protection and care guide for tips on drying, storing, and guarding your blades.

Do you ship internationally?

At this time, Cutting Edge Skates ships to the contiguous United States only. We are unable to ship to Alaska, Hawaii, US territories, or international destinations. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to expand our shipping options in the future.

What is your return policy?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Unused items in their original packaging may be returned within our return window. Boots that have been custom-shaped, mounted with blades, or worn on the ice cannot be returned. For full details on returns, exchanges, and refunds, please review our return and refund policy.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are processed within 1-2 business days. We ship via UPS Ground, which typically delivers within 3-7 business days depending on your location within the contiguous United States. You will receive a tracking number by email once your order ships. Expedited shipping options may be available at checkout for select items.

Are your products genuine?

Yes. Cutting Edge Skates is an authorized dealer for all brands we carry, including EDEA, Jackson, MK, John Wilson and Paramount. Every product we sell is 100% genuine and sourced directly from the manufacturer or their authorized distribution network. You will receive the full manufacturer warranty on all items purchased from our store.

How do I contact you?

We are here to help with sizing questions, product recommendations, or any other concerns. Visit our contact page for all available ways to reach us, including email and our contact form. We aim to respond to all inquiries within one business day.

Should I buy a complete skate or a boot and blade separately?

If you are in your first lessons or early freestyle, a complete skate is usually the better buy — it arrives mounted and sharpened, and every complete skate we carry costs less than the cheapest boot-and-blade pairing we could build. Buy separately once blade choice starts to matter, which is around the Axel and beyond, or when your coach starts naming specific blades. Full comparison in Complete Skates vs. Boot and Blade Separately.

What's the difference between EDEA and Jackson?

Both make excellent boots; they suit different skaters.

• EDEA is handmade in Italy and concentrates on the boot. Its range is boot-only, sized in millimetres, and known for being exceptionally light — Technomicro models run 25–45% lighter than comparable boots. A favourite of many competitive skaters.
• Jackson is designed in Canada and covers the widest range we carry, from a toddler's first skates to elite competition boots. US sizing across dedicated women's, men's and children's runs, plus complete ready-to-skate sets and its own blades.

Neither is better. If you want the lightest possible boot and will choose your blade separately, look at EDEA. If you want a complete skate, a wider fit, kids' sizing, or finer steps in support as you move into double jumps, look at Jackson. Find Your Skate walks through it properly.

Still Have Questions?

Browse our glossary of skating terms if you encounter unfamiliar terminology, or explore our learning center for in-depth guides on EDEA boots, Jackson boots, blade materials, REV carbon fibre and Matrix, Apex and Ultima blades.