At Willies.co.uk, we offer a range of secure and flexible payment options to make checkout quick, easy, and stress‑free. You can pay using all major debit and credit cards, or choose one of our trusted buy‑now‑pay‑later partners to spread the cost with no interest and no hidden fees. Whether you’re upgrading your skates, grabbing new kit, or stocking up on essentials, we’ve got a payment method that fits your budget.

Payment options available at Willies.co.uk:

• Debit & Credit Cards – Fast, secure payments with all major card providers.
• Klarna – Pay in 30 days or split your order into 3 interest‑free instalments.
• Clearpay – Spread the cost over 4 interest‑free payments, starting at checkout.

These flexible options give you more freedom to get the gear you want, when you want it — with total peace of mind.

We work hard to ship orders as quickly as possible, which means there’s only a short window to make changes once your order has been placed. If you need to update or cancel your order, contact our customer service team straight away and we’ll do everything we can to help before it’s dispatched.

If your order has already been shipped, we’re still here to support you — you can return any unwanted items following our standard returns process.

In short:

• Contact us immediately for any changes or cancellations
• We can only amend orders before they’re dispatched
• Once shipped, items can be returned through our returns policy

Yes — Willies.co.uk offers flexible, interest‑free financing options so you can get the gear you want without the upfront cost. At checkout, you can choose from our trusted buy‑now‑pay‑later partners to split your order into manageable instalments with no hidden fees.

Financing options available:

• Klarna – Pay in 30 days or split your purchase into 3 interest‑free instalments.
• Clearpay – Spread the cost over 4 interest‑free payments, starting at checkout.

These options give you more freedom to upgrade your skates, replace worn‑out kit, or gear up for the season in a way that suits your budget.

You can apply a discount code during checkout on Willies.co.uk. Once you’ve added your items to the basket, head to the checkout page and look for the “Discount code” or “Gift card” box. Enter your code exactly as it appears, click Apply, and your savings will be updated instantly before you complete your order.

Quick steps:

• Add your items to the basket
• Go to checkout
• Enter your discount code in the “Discount code” box
• Click Apply to update your total

If your code isn’t working, double‑check the expiry date and terms, or get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.

A payment can be declined for a few different reasons, and it’s usually down to your bank or payment provider. At Willies.co.uk, we never reject payments manually — our system simply passes the request to your bank or buy‑now‑pay‑later provider for approval. If something doesn’t match their security checks, the payment may not go through.

Common reasons for a declined payment:

• Your bank blocked the transaction for security reasons
• Insufficient funds or spending limits
• Incorrect card details entered
• Your bank doesn’t recognise the transaction as usual activity
• Klarna or Clearpay were unable to approve the instalment plan

If your payment is declined, we recommend contacting your bank or payment provider directly, as they can confirm the exact reason. You’re also welcome to try another payment method at checkout.

At Willies.co.uk, we offer reliable UK and international delivery with clear pricing and trusted couriers. All UK orders are shipped with DPD, including sticks and oversize parcels. Delivery times begin once your order has been collected by the courier, and all orders are processed Monday–Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

UK Mainland (excluding Northern Ireland & British Islands)

• Standard Delivery: £4.95 on orders up to £99
• Free Standard Delivery: Orders over £99
• Express Delivery: £8.45
• Sticks & Oversize Items: £9.95 (orders up to £99) / £4.95 (orders over £99)
• Oversize Express: £14.95
• All UK mainland parcels are shipped via DPD Next Day (delivery 3–5 working days)

Northern Ireland

Regular Parcels – DPD 2‑Day (3–5 working days)

• £9.95 on orders up to £199
• Free on orders over £199

Sticks & Oversize Items – DPD 2‑Day (3–5 working days)

• £14.95 on orders up to £199
• £6.95 on orders over £199

Express delivery is not available for Northern Ireland.

British Islands

Regular Parcels – DPD 2‑Day (3–5 working days)

• £19.95 on all orders

Sticks & Oversize Items – DPD 2‑Day (3–5 working days)

• £29.95 on all sticks and oversize items

Express delivery is not available for the British Islands.

Important Notes

• All UK orders ship with DPD.
• If your order contains an oversize item, the entire order ships at the oversize rate.
• Delivery timeframes start from the day your parcel is collected by the courier.
• Orders placed outside warehouse hours are processed the next working day.

Delivery times at Willies.co.uk depend on your location and the type of items in your order. All UK orders are shipped with DPD, and delivery timeframes begin once your parcel is collected from our warehouse. Orders are processed Monday–Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

UK Mainland (excluding Northern Ireland & British Islands)

• DPD Next Day Service
  
  Estimated delivery: 3–5 working days
• Regular parcels and oversize items both ship via DPD
• Express delivery available for faster turnaround

Northern Ireland

• DPD 2‑Day Service
  
  Estimated delivery: 3–5 working days
• Express delivery is not available

British Islands

• DPD 2‑Day Service
  
  Estimated delivery: 3–5 working days
• Express delivery is not available

Note: If your order includes an oversize item, the entire order will ship at the oversize rate. Orders placed outside warehouse hours will be processed the next working day.

Yes — Willies.co.uk offers international shipping to selected destinations including Europe, the USA, and Canada. All international orders are shipped via trusted couriers, and delivery typically takes 3–5 working days from the date your parcel is collected from our warehouse.

International shipping rates:

• Europe: £34.50
• USA & Canada: £44.50

Important notes:

• Sticks and oversize items cannot be shipped internationally
• Delivery times may vary depending on location and customs processing
• Customers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, or fees
• Return shipping from outside the UK is at the customer’s expense

Yes — once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Willies.co.uk with your DPD tracking number. Simply follow the link in that email to view real-time updates on your parcel’s journey.

How it works:

• You’ll get a dispatch email once your order leaves our warehouse
• That email includes a tracking link from DPD
• Click the link to follow your delivery in real time

If you haven’t received your tracking email or need help, our customer service team is happy to assist.

Yes, we do. Willies.co.uk offers free in-store collection from our Coventry store. If you’d prefer to pick up your order in person, simply select the “Collect In Store” option at checkout. Once your order is ready, we’ll send you a confirmation email with collection details.

Collection location:

Willies

Unit 4, Challenge Park

Challenge Close

Coventry, CV1 5JG

Call Us: 02476 274019

How it works:

• Choose “Collect In Store” at checkout
• Wait for your confirmation email before visiting
• Bring your order confirmation and ID when collecting

If you would like to collect from either our Sheffield or Nottingham store please let our team know and we can get this sorted for you.

If you have any questions about your collection, our team is happy to help.

If your order hasn’t arrived within the expected delivery window, here’s what to do:

1. Check your dispatch email

• You’ll receive a dispatch confirmation email once your order leaves our warehouse.
• This email includes a DPD tracking link — click it to view real-time updates.

2. Allow for delivery time

• UK mainland delivery: 3–5 working days
• Northern Ireland & British Islands: 3–5 working days (no express service)
• Orders are processed Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm. Orders placed outside these hours are processed the next working day.

3. Still waiting?

If your parcel hasn’t arrived after the expected timeframe:

• Double-check your tracking link for updates or delivery attempts
• Check with neighbours or safe places
• Contact our customer service team with your order number — we’ll help track it down

Give us a call: 02476 274019
Drop us an email: shop@willies.co.uk

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. That’s why Willies.co.uk offers a 30-day returns policy — giving you plenty of time to return or exchange items that aren’t quite right.

Here’s how it works:

• You have 30 days from the date you receive your order to start a return
• Complete the returns form included with your order, or download a copy from our website
• Use a tracked or signed-for delivery service — items are your responsibility until they reach us
• Return items in unused, original condition with all tags and packaging intact

Return address:

RETURNS DEPT

Willies

Unit 4, Challenge Park

Challenge Close

Coventry

CV1 5JG

Once we receive and inspect your return, we’ll process your refund or exchange as quickly as possible.

READ MORE HERE

Returning an item to Willies.co.uk is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

Step-by-step returns process:

1. Complete the returns form

• Use the form included with your order
• Or download a copy from the Returns Policy page

2. Package your item securely

• Items must be unused, in original condition, with all tags and packaging intact

3. Use our DPD Returns label or a courier of your choice

• You are responsible for the item until it reaches us
• We recommend keeping your proof of postage

4. Send your return to:

RETURNS DEPT
Willies
Unit 4, Challenge Park
Challenge Close
Coventry
CV1 5JG

Once your return is received and inspected, we’ll process your refund or exchange as quickly as possible.

To create your label visit the UK Returns Page

Absolutely. If you need a different size, simply return the original item to us within 30 days of receiving it and request the size you need on the returns form.

Here’s how to request an exchange:

• Complete the returns form included with your order or if you did not receive one you can download one HERE
• Clearly state the new size you’d like in the “Exchange” section
• Package the item in unused, original condition with all tags and packaging
• Use our DPD returns label or a tracked or signed-for delivery service of your choice— items are your responsibility until they reach us
• Send your return to:
  
  RETURNS DEPT
  Willies
  Unit 4, Challenge Park
  Challenge Close
  Coventry
  CV1 5JG

Once we receive and inspect your return, we’ll send out the replacement size as soon as possible. If the requested size is unavailable, we’ll issue a refund instead.

Once your return arrives at Willies.co.uk and passes inspection, your refund will be processed as quickly as possible. The time it takes for the funds to appear in your account depends on your payment provider.

Here’s what to expect:

• Refunds are issued after your return is received and approved
• Processing time varies by payment method (e.g. banks, Klarna, Clearpay)
• Most refunds appear within 3–10 working days, but some providers may take longer
• You’ll receive a confirmation email once your refund has been issued

If you haven’t received your refund after 10 working days from confirmation, we recommend contacting your payment provider first.

Yes. Willies.co.uk accepts returns on sale, discounted, and clearance items as long as they meet the standard return conditions:

• Returned within 30 days of receiving your order
• Unused, in original condition, with all tags and packaging intact
• Accompanied by a completed returns form
• Sent using our DPD Returns Service or a tracked or signed-for delivery service of your choice.

Return address:

RETURNS DEPT
Willies
Unit 4, Challenge Park
Challenge Close
Coventry
CV1 5JG

Once your return is received and inspected, your refund or exchange will be processed promptly.

1. General Sizing Rule

• Hockey skates typically fit 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your UK shoe size.
• Example: If you wear a UK size 9 shoe, start by trying a UK 7.5 or 8 in skates.

2. Measure Your Feet

• Trace your foot on paper while standing, then measure from heel to toe in centimetres.
• Use this measurement to compare against the brand’s official size chart (e.g. Bauer, CCM, TRUE).

3. Check Your Width

• Skate widths vary by brand and model:
• C/N = Narrow
• D/R = Regular
• EE/W = Wide
• Willies.co.uk offers Fit Systems like Bauer’s 3D Fit (Fit 1, 2, 3) and CCM’s Tapered/Regular/Wide to help match your foot shape.

4. Try Them On

• Your toes should just brush the toe cap when standing upright.
• When you bend your knees into a skating stance, your toes should pull back slightly.
• The heel should feel snug with no lift or slippage.

5. Heat Molding (Baking)

• Most modern skates can be heat-molded in-store for a custom fit.
• Willies offers skate fitting and baking services at their stores to reduce break-in time and improve comfort.

Pro Tips from Willies.co.uk

• Visit the Coventry store for a Bauer FitLab Scan or Visit Nottingham or Sheffield Store for top tier advice and fitting. — especially helpful for first-time buyers or upgrading players.
• If you're buying online, check the brand-specific size charts on each product page.
• Not sure? Contact the Willies team for expert advice — they’re skaters too.

Yes, we do. Willies.co.uk provides expert skate sharpening services for hockey, figure, and recreational skaters.

In-Store Skate Sharpening

• Available at all Willies Stores!
• Price: £9 per pair
• Booking required? No — just drop in
• Service time: While you wait

Mail-In Sharpening Service

• Live further away? You can post your skates to us for sharpening.
• Ideal for regular maintenance or if you can’t visit in person.
• Visit the Skate Sharpening & Repair Services page for full instructions.

Additional Services

• Blade profiling
• Holder mounting
• Boot stretching
• Rivet and eyelet repairs
• Heat moulding (baking)

Willies.co.uk offers a range of standard hollows to suit different skating styles and preferences. Our most commonly requested cuts are:

• 3/8" – Maximum grip, ideal for lightweight or highly agile skaters
• 7/16" – Deep bite with slightly more glide than 3/8"
• 1/2" – Balanced grip and glide, great all-rounder for most hockey players
• 9/16" – Slightly shallower for smoother glide with moderate bite
• 5/8" – More glide, less bite — ideal for heavier skaters or those seeking speed

Need something specific?

If you’re after a particular hollow or custom cut, just get in touch — our team will be happy to help.

Skate sharpening is available at all three of our stores, no booking required — just drop in!

Hockey sticks are grouped into three tiers based on performance, materials, and price:

Beginner sticks are best for new or casual players. They’re heavier, more durable, and feature basic blades with forgiving flex. Expect to pay around £40–£90.

Intermediate sticks suit developing players (typically U13–U15). They’re lighter, better balanced, and made with 30–70% carbon for improved feel and performance. Prices range from £90–£160.

Elite sticks are designed for competitive and pro-level players. They’re ultra-lightweight, made with 90–100% carbon, and offer maximum power, responsiveness, and advanced blade tech. These typically cost £180–£320+.

Willies.co.uk Tip

• Beginners benefit from control and durability
• Intermediate players get better balance and puck feel
• Elite sticks deliver top-tier performance and shot power

Need help choosing? Visit us in Coventry, Nottingham, or Sheffield — or contact our team for expert advice.

Stick flex refers to how much force (in pounds) it takes to bend the shaft one inch. Choosing the right flex helps you get the most power and control from your shot.

General rule: Start with a flex that’s about half your body weight in pounds.

Example: A player weighing 170 lbs would typically use an 85 flex.

Suggested Flex by Weight:

• Under 100 lbs → 40–50 flex
• 100–130 lbs → 50–60 flex
• 130–160 lbs → 65–75 flex
• 160–190 lbs → 80–90 flex
• 190+ lbs → 100–110+ flex

Adjust for:

• Strength: Stronger players may prefer stiffer flex
• Shot type: Quick-release shooters may drop down in flex
• Position: Forwards often go lower for snap/wrist shots; D-men may go higher for slap shots

Willies.co.uk Tip:

• Intermediate sticks = 55–75 flex
• Senior sticks = 75–110+ flex
• Visit us in Coventry, Nottingham, or Sheffield for expert fitting advice.

No — figure skates are sized differently from standard shoes. Here’s what you need to know:

General Sizing Guidelines

• Adult skates: Usually 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your UK shoe size
• Example: If you wear a UK 7 shoe, you may need a UK 5.5 or 6 in figure skates
• Youth skates: Often half a size smaller than regular shoe size

Fit Tips

• Snug heel fit is essential — your heel should not lift inside the boot
• Toes should just brush the front of the boot without curling
• Try skates on with your skating socks for the most accurate fit
• Each brand fits differently — always refer to the manufacturer’s size chart (e.g. Jackson, Edea, Risport)

Willies.co.uk Tip

• Visit us in Coventry, Nottingham, or Sheffield for a free in-store fitting
• Our staff will measure your feet and recommend the right size and width
• We also offer blade mounting and heat moulding for a custom fit

To play ice hockey safely, you’ll need a full set of protective gear. Here’s what’s required:

Core protective gear:

• Helmet with cage or visor
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Gloves
• Shin guards
• Hockey pants
• Neck guard (required in many leagues)
• Mouthguard
• Jock or Jill (groin protection)

Skates and stick:

• Ice hockey skates (proper fit is essential)
• Hockey stick (choose based on height, flex, and handedness)

Base layers and extras:

• Base layer top and bottoms
• Hockey socks and jersey
• Kit bag to carry your gear

Willies.co.uk offers beginner bundles and expert fitting in-store. Visit us in Coventry, Nottingham, or Sheffield for help getting started

Hockey Sticks

• Warranty period: 30 days from date of purchase
• Covers: Manufacturing defects (not wear and tear or misuse)
• Brands covered: Bauer, CCM, TRUE, Warrior, Sher-Wood
• Claim process:
• Submit within 30 days of purchase
• Provide order number, purchase date, and photos of the break or defect
• Use the Willies Warranty Claim Form or email full details to the team
• Willies will liaise with the brand to process your claim

Skates and Equipment (e.g. helmets, gloves, pads)

• Warranty periods vary by brand and item type
• Bauer, CCM, TRUE, Jackson, Edea, and others each have specific policies
• Typically ranges from 90 days to 1 year for manufacturing defects
• Claim requirements:
• Proof of purchase
• Clear photos or video of the issue
• Description of how and when the fault occurred

Important Notes

• Willies is required to consult with the manufacturer before approving any warranty claim
• Warranties do not cover damage from misuse, improper care, or normal wear and tear
• Claims must be submitted promptly and with full documentation

Skate Sharpening

• Available at: Coventry, Nottingham, and Sheffield stores
• Price: £9 per pair
• Booking: Not required — walk-ins welcome
• Service time: While you wait
• Mail-in option: Available for customers who can’t visit in person

Skate Profiling

• What it is: Custom shaping of your blade’s rocker to match your skating style
• Benefits: Improved balance, smoother strides, better edge control
• Ideal for: Players upgrading skates, switching brands, or looking to fine-tune performance
• Get in touch to get your profile sorted.

General Fitting Help (Free)

• For basic fittings or to check stock and sizing, you can walk into any of the following stores:
• Coventry
• Nottingham
• Sheffield

Premium Boot Fitting Service (£45)

• What’s included: One-on-one expert fitting session for skates or boots, including measurement, assessment, and recommendations tailored to your foot shape and skating needs.
• Available at:
• Coventry
• Sheffield
• How to book:
• Visit the Willies Premium Boot Fitting Service page
• Select your preferred store and date and purchase the service

Services Offered

1. Heat Moulding (Skate Baking)

• Purpose: Achieves a near-custom fit by softening the boot and forming it to your foot shape
• Free for skates purchased from Willies
• £20 for skates purchased elsewhere
• Recommended cooldown time: 24 hours before skating

2. Custom Skate Fitting

• Includes:
• Foot measurement and width assessment
• Fit matching across brands (Bauer, CCM, TRUE, etc.)
• Advice on stiffness, volume, and performance needs
• Optional profiling and hollow selection
• Available for hockey, figure, and inline skate

Yes. Willies offers blade profiling only on hockey skates and this service is available in our Sheffield and Coventry stores.

What we offer:

• Professional profiling carried out by trained technicians
• A range of popular profiles to choose from
• Advice on which profile suits your skating style and position
• Sharpening can be done at the same time
• Custom requests available — just ask

If you’re after a specific profile or want guidance on what’s best for your game, get in touch and we’ll help.

Willies has three store locations across the UK. Here are the correct details:

Coventry (Head Office & Superstore)

Unit 4, Challenge Park
Challenge Close
Coventry
CV1 5JG

Nottingham (Inside the National Ice Centre)

Willies Nottingham
National Ice Centre
Bolero Square
Nottingham
NG1 1LA

Sheffield (Inside Ice Sheffield)

Willies Sheffield
Ice Sheffield
23 Coleridge Road
Sheffield
S9 5DA

All stores offer skate fitting, sharpening, and equipment advice. Profiling is available in Coventry and Sheffield

Willies has three store locations across the UK. Here are the correct details:

Coventry (Head Office & Superstore)

Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm

Sat: 10am - 5pm

Sun: 10am - 4pm

Nottingham (Inside the National Ice Centre)

Mon - Tue: 4pm - 9pm

Wed - Fri: 1pm - 9pm

Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm

Sheffield (Inside Ice Sheffield)

Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm

Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm

Yes. All Willies stores offer expert skate fittings carried out by trained staff with experience in hockey and figure skating.

What’s included in an expert fitting:

• Full foot measurement and width assessment
• Brand and model recommendations based on foot shape and skating level
• Guidance on stiffness, fit profiles, and boot construction
• Heat moulding (baking) where applicable
• Advice on blades, hollows, and profiling options
• Support with lace techniques and break‑in tips

Where fittings are available:

• Coventry Superstore – full fitting service, profiling, sharpening, and moulding
• Nottingham (inside the National Ice Centre) – full fitting service and sharpening
• Sheffield (inside Ice Sheffield) – full fitting service, profiling, and sharpening

Premium Boot Fitting Service:

A paid, bookable fitting option is available in Coventry and Sheffield for players who want extended one‑to‑one time and a deeper assessment.

Yes. Parking is available at all Willies locations, but the setup varies by store.

Coventry (Superstore)

Free on‑site customer parking is available directly outside the store.

Nottingham (Inside the National Ice Centre)

Parking is available in the National Ice Centre car park. Standard rink parking charges apply.

Sheffield (Inside Ice Sheffield)

Parking is available in the Ice Sheffield car park. Standard rink parking charges apply.

If you’re visiting for a fitting, sharpening, or profiling, we recommend allowing a little extra time during busy rink hours.

No. You can place an order on Willies.co.uk as a guest without creating an account.

Creating an account is optional, but it does offer a few benefits:

• Faster checkout on future orders
• Easy access to order history and tracking
• Ability to manage returns and warranty claims more smoothly

If you prefer not to create an account, you can still complete your purchase and receive all order confirmations and updates by email

You can create an account on Willies.co.uk during checkout or directly through the account page.

To create an account:

1. Go to www.willies.co.uk
2. Click “Account” at the top of the page
3. Select “Create Account”
4. Enter your name, email address, and a password
5. Submit the form to set up your account

Once your account is created, you can log in to view orders, track deliveries, and manage returns or warranty claims.

To check your order history on Willies.co.uk, you’ll need to log in to your account.

Steps to view your order history:

1. Go to www.willies.co.uk
2. Click “Account” at the top of the page
3. Log in with your email and password
4. Once logged in, select “Order History” or “My Orders”
5. Your past and current orders will be listed with status updates

If you placed your order as a guest, you won’t see it in your account, but you can still track it using the link in your confirmation email

Yes. Willies.co.uk offers a loyalty program where customers can earn points on purchases and redeem them for discounts on future orders.

How it works:

• Create an account on Willies.co.uk
• Earn points automatically every time you shop
• Redeem points at checkout for money off your next purchase
• Access exclusive offers and early access promotions when available

You can view your points balance and rewards by logging into your account.

If you’re new to hockey, you’ll need the core protective kit to stay safe and build confidence on the ice. Here’s the full beginner setup:

Essential beginner hockey gear:

• Helmet with cage
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Gloves
• Shin guards
• Hockey pants
• Skates
• Stick
• Mouthguard
• Jock or Jill
• Hockey socks and base layers

Optional but recommended:

• Neck guard (mandatory in some leagues)
• Padded shirt or compression shorts
• Equipment bag

This setup covers everything needed for training sessions, learn‑to‑play programmes, and recreational hockey.

Choosing the right hockey stick comes down to three key factors: flex, curve, and kick point. Getting these right will make shooting, passing, and puck control much easier as a beginner.

1. Flex (how much the stick bends)

• A good starting point is a flex that’s roughly half your body weight.
• Lighter players benefit from lower flex for easier shooting.
• Stronger players may prefer a stiffer flex for more power.

2. Curve (shape of the blade)

• Beginners usually do best with a mid curve.
• It helps with shooting accuracy, puck control, and backhands.
• Popular beginner-friendly patterns include P92 (Bauer/CCM) or TC2 (TRUE).

3. Kick Point (where the stick loads power)

• Low kick: quick release, great for snapshots
• Mid kick: more power, great for slapshots and all‑round play
• Beginners typically find mid kick easiest to learn with.

4. Stick Length

• The stick should reach between your chin and nose in skates, or around your nose in shoes.
• Shorter sticks = better control
• Longer sticks = more reach and power

Lie

The lie is the angle between the blade and the shaft. It affects how the blade sits on the ice.

• A higher lie keeps the blade more upright — good for players who skate more upright or stickhandle close to the body.
• A lower lie keeps the blade flatter — good for players who skate lower or reach further out.
  
  If the toe of your stick keeps wearing down, you likely need a higher lie.

Flex

Flex is how much the stick bends when you shoot.

• A good starting point is a flex that’s roughly half your body weight.
• Lower flex = easier to load and shoot
• Higher flex = more power if you’re strong enough to use it
  
  Flex affects shot power, release speed, and control.

Curve

The curve is the shape of the blade. It affects how you shoot, pass, and control the puck.

• Mid curves (like P92/TC2) are the most beginner‑friendly
• Toe curves help with quick shots
• Heel curves help with sweeping passes and slapshots
  
  Curve also affects how easy it is to lift the puck and how your backhand feels

How often you need to sharpen your skates depends on how often you skate and the ice conditions, but most players follow these general guidelines:

Typical sharpening frequency:

• Regular players (1–2 times a week): every 10–15 hours of ice time
• Frequent players (3+ times a week): every 5–10 hours
• Beginners: every 10–15 hours, or whenever the edges start to feel dull
• Outdoor or soft ice: sharpen more often, as edges wear faster

Signs your skates need sharpening:

• You’re slipping or struggling to stop
• Turns feel less controlled
• You need to dig deeper to get an edge
• The blade feels rounded when you run a finger gently across the edge (without touching the sharp part)

Tip:

If you’re unsure, bring your skates into any Willies store — our staff can check your edges and advise on the right hollow for your skating style.

Yes — most ice hockey boots can be converted to inline, and Willies offers this service in‑store. Compatibility depends on the boot’s construction and the chassis being fitted.

What to know before converting:

• Most modern hockey boots are stiff enough to support an inline chassis
• Some entry‑level or softer boots may not be suitable due to limited ankle support
• Goalie skates cannot be converted because of their unique boot and holder design
• Mounting patterns vary, so some boots may require new holes during installation
• Proper alignment is essential to ensure the chassis sits correctly under the boot

In‑store conversion service:

Willies technicians can assess your boots, confirm compatibility, and professionally mount the chassis for you in‑store.

The wheels you need depend on how hard or soft the surface is. Choosing the right hardness will give you better grip, control, and durability.

Indoor sport court (plastic tile / smooth indoor rink)

Use soft wheels.

• Best grip
• Helps with quick stops and tight turns
• Typical range: very soft to soft

Indoor wooden floors / polished sports halls

Use soft to medium wheels.

• Still need grip, but not as soft as sport court
• Helps prevent slipping without feeling too sticky

Outdoor concrete / asphalt

Use hard wheels.

• More durable
• Won’t wear down quickly
• Better stability on rough surfaces

Outdoor smooth tarmac

Use medium‑hard wheels.

• A balance of grip and durability
• Good for mixed outdoor conditions

Quick rule of thumb:

• Soft wheels = more grip, less durability
• Hard wheels = more durability, less grip

If you’re unsure, bring your skates into any Willies store — our staff can check your setup and recommend the right wheels for your surface and skating style.

Inline skates generally fit very similar to ice hockey skates, but getting the right size is important for comfort, control, and performance.

How to choose the right size:

• Inline skates should fit snug but not painful
• Your toes should brush the end of the boot when standing straight
• When you bend your knees into a skating stance, your toes should pull back slightly
• Most players go for the same size as their ice hockey skates
• If you’re new to skating, avoid sizing up — a loose boot reduces control and can cause blisters

Width and foot shape matter too:

• Narrow feet may need a slimmer boot
• Wider feet may need a wider fit or a boot with more volume
• A proper fit helps with balance, turning, and stopping

In‑store fitting available:

Willies offers expert inline and ice skate fittings in all stores. Our staff can measure your feet, check your stance, and recommend the best size and model for your skating level.

Yes — most figure skating boots can be converted to inline, and Willies offers this service in‑store. A great example is our Off‑Ice Skate range, which uses the Snow White chassis to convert traditional figure boots into high‑performance off‑ice skates.

What to know before converting:

• Most modern figure boots are stiff enough to support an inline chassis
• Some entry‑level or softer boots may not be suitable due to limited ankle support
• Mounting patterns vary between brands, so some boots may require new holes during installation
• Proper alignment is essential to ensure the chassis sits correctly under the boot
• Toe‑pick‑style chassis (like Snow White) are designed specifically for figure skaters transitioning to off‑ice training

In‑store conversion service:

Willies technicians can assess your figure boots, confirm compatibility, and professionally mount the chassis for you. If you want a setup similar to our Off‑Ice Skate range, we can fit a Snow White chassis to suitable boots in‑store

It depends on your experience level, strength, and the type of skating you plan to do. Most new skaters are best suited to beginner or intermediate‑level boots, while advanced boots are only needed for higher‑level jumps and intensive training.

Beginner figure skates are best if you:

• Are new to skating or taking early‑stage lessons
• Are learning basic skills, edges, crossovers, and simple turns
• Don’t need the stiffness required for jumps
• Want a comfortable, supportive boot that’s easy to break in

Advanced figure skates are best if you:

• Are working on single, double, or triple jumps
• Train multiple times per week
• Need a stiffer boot for stability and landing support
• Have been advised by a coach to move up in boot level

Why choosing the right level matters:

A boot that’s too soft won’t give enough support, but a boot that’s too stiff can make it harder to progress and may cause discomfort for beginners.

In‑store fitting available:

Willies offers expert figure‑skate fittings in all stores. Our staff can assess your level, check your foot shape, and recommend the right boot category for your skating goals.

Figure skates should fit snug, supportive, and secure, giving you full control on the ice without causing pain. A proper fit helps with balance, edges, and overall progression.

What a correct fit feels like:

• Your toes should lightly brush the front of the boot when standing straight
• When you bend your knees into a skating stance, your toes should pull back slightly
• Your heel should feel locked in place with no lifting
• The boot should feel firm and supportive, not loose or sloppy
• There should be no pressure points or pinching

Why tightness matters:

Figure boots are designed to be supportive. A boot that’s too big makes it harder to balance, control edges, or progress through skills. A properly fitted boot will feel snug at first but should not be painful.

Break‑in expectations:

New figure boots will feel stiff for the first few sessions. As the padding moulds to your foot, they become more comfortable while still offering the support you need.

In‑store fitting available:

Willies offers expert figure‑skate fittings in all stores. Our staff can measure your feet, assess your level, and recommend the right size and stiffness for your skating goals

How often you need to sharpen figure skates depends on how often you skate and the type of training you’re doing. Most skaters follow these general guidelines:

Typical sharpening frequency:

• Beginners: every 20–30 hours of ice time
• Regular skaters (1–2 sessions per week): every 15–20 hours
• Advanced skaters or jump training: every 10–15 hours
• Outdoor or soft ice: sharpen more often, as edges wear faster

Signs your figure skates need sharpening:

• You’re slipping on edges or struggling to hold curves
• Three‑turns, mohawks, or spins feel unstable
• Stopping takes more effort
• The blade feels rounded when you gently check the edge (without touching the sharp part)

Why sharpening matters:

Figure blades rely on clean, even edges for control, balance, and precision. Dull edges make it harder to progress and can increase the risk of falls.

In‑store sharpening available:

Willies offers professional figure skate sharpening in all stores, using the correct technique for figure blades — not the same method used for hockey skates

Figure skate blades come in different levels, and each level is designed for a specific stage of skating. The main differences are in toe picks, blade profile, and materials, all of which affect control, stability, and jump support.

Beginner Blades

• Simple, entry‑level design
• Smaller, less aggressive toe pick
• Softer steel
• Ideal for basic skills: balance, edges, crossovers, simple turns
• Easier to control for new skaters

Intermediate Blades

• Larger, more defined toe pick
• Higher‑quality steel for better edge retention
• More advanced rocker profile for spins and footwork
• Suitable for skaters learning 3‑turns, mohawks, basic spins, and single jumps

Advanced / Competitive Blades

• Precision‑cut, high‑grade steel
• Aggressive toe pick for take‑off power
• Rocker designed for fast spins and complex footwork
• Excellent edge hold for double and triple jumps
• Only needed if you’re training at a higher level or following a coach’s recommendation

Why blade level matters

Using a blade that’s too advanced can make learning harder, while a blade that’s too basic can limit progress. Matching the blade to your skill level helps with stability, edge control, and jump development.

In‑store guidance available

Willies staff can assess your skating level and recommend the right blade type for your boots and training goals.