Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do the skates come pre-sharpened?

Answer: Yes, they come pre-sharpened. Further sharpening instructions are available on the sharpening page and an information sheet is included in the packaging.

2. Do the skates fit true to size, same size as figure or stitched hockey boot?

Answer: Balance Blades are a plastic molded boot which is an entirely different fit from a Figure and Hockey skate boot. A leather or stitched skate boot is fitted specifically for a particular size. Balance Blades plastic molded boot may be larger depending on the child's foot size.
Balance Blades is adjustable and have a range of sizes in order to fit the child throughout the learning process. As children's feet grow very fast it's best to avoid having to change sizes frequently which you will not have to do with the adjustable skate.

The adjustable skates come in sizes 8-11 and 12-2, the 8-11 is the smallest size available. The hockey skates come in various sizes ranging from 6-13. Visit Winnwell Hockey to order. 

For this reason we do not accept returns and shipping fees are non-refundable. Please see return policy: Return Policy

Please be sure to choose correct sizing, if unsure visit a retailer to have your child try them on as we do not exchange, return or refund skates if wrong size selected. Visit retailer page: Retailers

3. When to initiate the transitional sharpening?

Answer:  Once your child is skating confidently without a skate aid or holding onto something that can assist with skating...push aid, chair, pylon, hockey stick with both hands is the time to start slowly sharpening down the front indentations. The indentations should be sharpened half way off during the first transitional sharpening and then all the way off on the final transitioned sharpening. 

4. How do I adjust the skate sizing?

Answer: The skates adjust by four sizes and can be done by pushing the button on the side, while pulling out the toe. Please see  video 

5. How do I buckle the top strap?

Answer: Please ensure you are depressing the buttons on each side before sliding the strap in and out for opening and closing. This will help to ensure the plastic does not get stripped and the strap locks into place. Please follow the video to ensure you are doing them up correctly. video 

6. How are Balance Blades different from other skates. 

Answer: The blade was specifically designed for beginners, to make it easier for learning to skate. The blade was placed on a plastic adjustable boot to make it more affordable to parents, so that they do not need to purchase a new pair of skates every year.

The inventor of Balance Blades was a National Canadian Pairs Figure Skater and a Learn to Skate Canada, CanSkate Coach. 

The blade has a Canada and U.S. patent and has many benefits and features that are unlike any other blade. Balance Blades have 4 blade features which makes it better than any other beginner skate.

  • Rear indentations to help prevent rear falls,
  • Front indentations to assist with basic skill of standing up, standing in one place and pushing off,
  • Flatter middle to make it easier for the child to balance on the ice and,
  • Transitional sharpening phases that allow the parent the control to slowly remove the benefits provided by the blade during the sharpening process. The blade slowly changes back to a regular skate blade.

There are many learn to skate programs using Balance Blades as part of their skate inventory in Canada and the USA. 

7. What other stores sell Balance Blades?

Answer: Please visit the Retailers page to see the list of stores that sell Balance Blades. Click on the Winnwell Hockey link to purchase the Balance Blades hockey skate.

Balance Blades is sold in Canadian Tire stores in Canada, which is an official partner with CanSkate, the flagship learn to skate program in Canada.

Please note: We do not distribute to any store that sells Balance Blades as they have their own manufacturer and the product is licensed by Winnwell Hockey. The skates sold in stores are Winnwell brand skates powered by Balance Blades. Although the branding and model of boot can differ, the utility of the blade is the same. 

8. Do you provide replacement parts or accept returns? 

Answer: No, the parts on the skates are not replaceable and we do not sell replacement blades, therefore we do not have parts available. We inspect each pair of skates and all products before packaging and shipping to ensure they are not defective from the manufacturer. If damaged during shipping, the skates and, or other products would have to be returned and replaced if new, unused and qualifies under the warranty/return policy for each individual store. As stated above, we do not distribute to any company that sells Balance Blades as they have their own manufacturer and the product is licensed by Winnwell Hockey, therefore you would have to check with them regarding their return and replacement policy. If purchased on our website, please see our policy. Return Policy

9. What are shipping options and cost?

Answer: Orders are shipped from Canada and can be shipped to destinations within Canada and the U.S., excluding Puerto Rico, Guam, Hawaii, or Alaska. For full details please see: Shipping

Packages are shipped by regular FedEx Ground and International Ground service, not express services. FedEx Ground is the most economical and reliable shipping service at this time. We regularly review options to ensure we are passing along the best rates to our customers. 

The cost is dependent on your location. Shipping rates and times will be displayed at checkout and will provide you with the most economical rate. Quotes for pricing and shipping times are provided directly from the FedEx system. We are not responsible for either of these quotes. The delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
For other purchasing options in Canada please visit Canadian Tire and Winnwell Hockey for U.S. orders. Winnwell Hockey is able to ship directly from within the U.S. Therefore, shipping prices are potentially less. 

10. Do you offer discounts for large quantity orders?

Answer: Balance Blades are licensed by Winnwell Hockey and are therefore able to provide larger quantities. Please email info@winnwell.ca for further details.