Skate Guards vs Soakers: Which Do Figure Skaters Need?

Use hard skate guards when walking off the ice and soft soakers after drying your blades for the journey home. They do different jobs: guards protect sharp edges from hard surfaces, while absorbent soakers help manage residual moisture and prevent blades knocking against other belongings. Neither should stay on damp blades indefinitely, and you must remove both before skating.

What is the difference between guards and soakers?

A figure-skating blade has two working edges, the narrow sides of the blade's skating surface. The groove between them is the hollow, and the gently curved blade profile from front to back is the rocker. Damage or corrosion can affect how those surfaces contact the ice.

Hard guards are generally plastic or another firm material shaped to cover the blade during short walks on suitable rink flooring. Soakers are padded fabric sleeves that protect the blade in a bag and absorb remaining moisture after you've wiped it.

The Jackson Ultima care instructions specifically recommend guards when walking off ice, wiping blades dry and using soakers for transport. Ice Skating Australia's Aussie Skate parent guide makes the same distinction, warning against storing blades inside hard guards. These instructions apply to adult skaters too, even though the Australian guide is addressed to parents.

Why not walk in soakers?

Most fabric soakers aren't designed to carry body weight or resist sharp debris on the floor. A soft cover can wear through and may not protect a blade from a small stone or a hard surface. Even a clean-looking rubber mat can contain grit.

The Skater's Companion maintenance guide distinguishes walking guards from transport soakers and cautions that debris can damage an edge. The Jackson Ultima guidance likewise recommends guards whenever you walk in skates away from ice.

A few specialised products may be advertised as walkable soft covers. Check the actual manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming that every padded sleeve is safe for walking. If a product's use is unclear, choose properly fitted hard guards for the short walk.

Never try walking through an unsuitable area merely because guards are fitted. Follow the rink's designated route and ask staff if the flooring is safe.

Why shouldn't hard guards stay on overnight?

Moisture from melted ice can remain inside the guard. Because the blade is enclosed, that water may stay in contact with the steel. Jackson's blade-care guidance warns that rust can form quickly in wet guards, which is why it tells skaters to remove snow, dry the blade and use soakers for transport instead.

Ice Skating Australia's guide explicitly says not to leave guards on when skates are put away, because corrosion may result. This isn't a reason to panic if you accidentally left them fitted once: remove them, inspect the blades and dry everything before the next session.

If you notice orange or brown discolouration, don't attempt to grind it away with household abrasives. Read how to prevent blade rust and ask a reputable figure-skate sharpener to assess significant damage.

How do you dry blades properly after skating?

A practical routine follows the manufacturer's sequence:

1. Step off the ice and fit hard guards before walking to the bench.
2. Remove the guards once seated safely.
3. Wipe snow and visible water from the blade, including around the mounting area, using a clean absorbent towel.
4. Put on dry, correctly sized soakers for the journey home.
5. Once home, remove the soakers, check for condensation and dry the blades again if needed.
6. Let boots, covers and guards dry separately in a suitable ventilated place.

Jackson Ultima specifically notes that condensation can form as a cold blade warms, and recommends another wipe. Its boot-care advice also recommends opening the tongue and laces for airflow and avoiding direct heating vents.

These are equipment-care recommendations, not a guarantee against rust. Humid weather, wet bags and how long skates remain packed can all change the result.

Can you leave soakers on for storage?

Guidance differs in emphasis. The Aussie Skate parent guide recommends soakers after drying rather than hard guards. Jackson says to use soakers for transport but remove them afterwards. The Skater's Companion similarly favours allowing the equipment to dry fully.

A sensible default is to remove damp covers once home and let the blades and fabric dry separately. For long-term storage, follow your particular blade manufacturer's instructions and ensure no moisture is trapped. A dry room with stable temperature is preferable to a hot car boot or a damp cupboard.

If you store skates for weeks rather than days, check them occasionally. Don't assume an absorbent cover remains dry indefinitely in a humid environment.

How should hard guards fit?

A hard guard should cover the relevant blade length securely without pressing awkwardly against the toe pick or allowing the skate to slip out. Some designs need assembly or trimming; others use an adjustable mechanism. Different blade lengths and shapes can affect fit.

Before walking, check that both covers are correctly attached and aren't loose or cracked. Follow the specific guard manufacturer's fitting instructions, especially if it uses a spring or adjustable sections. If you're unsure, ask the skate technician who fitted your blades.

Don't cut or modify a guard by guessing at measurements from another skater's boot size. The blade's actual length matters more than the label printed on the boot.

Do guards prevent the need for sharpening?

No. Guards reduce avoidable contact with debris, but skating itself gradually changes the working edges. How frequently sharpening is needed depends on blade condition, use, ice and the skater's preferences.

Jackson Ultima advises using a reputable figure-skate sharpener and keeping a record of skating time between sharpenings. That is more useful than assuming every blade needs attention after a fixed number of calendar weeks.

See how to tell when blades need sharpening for the symptoms to discuss with a specialist. A blade that feels unexpectedly slippery may have an edge issue, but technique and ice conditions can produce similar sensations.

What belongs in a beginner's skate bag?

You don't need an elaborate kit. A sensible starting set is a pair of correctly fitting hard guards, a pair of absorbent soakers and a clean towel large enough to dry both blades. A separate dry cloth or bag compartment can help keep wet accessories away from your boots.

Keep an eye on the condition of the covers. Fabric that stays wet or smells musty needs cleaning and drying according to its care label. Hard guards that trap grit should be cleaned before use. Don't place a dirty cover back onto freshly wiped blades.

If you share a changing area, keep accessories together so you don't confuse your guards with someone else's. The practical routine matters more than decorative designs.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is treating guards and soakers as interchangeable. Walking in soft covers risks damage; leaving wet hard guards on for storage traps moisture. Another common mistake is wiping only the bottom of the blade while ignoring the sides and mounting area.

Don't use a radiator to speed up drying. Jackson's boot-care instructions warn that heat can damage boot materials. Avoid making equipment decisions based on a single rust-free week: consistent care matters over time.

For other equipment questions, browse the blade sharpening and care hub and first figure skates for adult beginners.

Key takeaways

• Hard guards are for walking off ice; soakers are for protecting towel-dried blades during transport.
• Remove all covers before stepping onto the ice.
• Wipe blades thoroughly and check again for condensation after travelling.
• Don't leave wet guards or damp soakers on blades in storage.
• Use correctly fitted covers and consult your blade manufacturer or skate technician when uncertain.