Prices for recreational skates range from less than $150 to more than $150 for skating instruction and ice skates. Figure skates for advanced levels with a higher amount of support for $250 and above. SKATES caters to all levels of skaters, whether they compete in figure skating, ice hockey, or simply want to skate for leisure. As far as quality goes, prices tend to reflect the quality of the product. The lower end of the price range will usually be made of plastic while the higher end will be made of wood. Skates that are manufactured specifically for children may not have the same quality materials used for adult models. Children's ice skates should fit properly and allow for enough room between the blade and your child's foot to allow for growth. Make sure that the blades are straight and not bent back toward the shoe. Check the alignment of the toe stops, which should be perpendicular to the floor. Adult ice skates should fit comfortably and provide adequate support. Make sure that the boots can be tightened down securely or else your feet will slip around when you skate. The heel should be high but not too high that it causes your legs to bend excessively when you walk or stand still. An ideal size shoe for an adult is one that is just a little small, allowing for some swelling after a cold or injury. Price ranges for ice skates also vary depending on the type of material used to make them.