I think this is the most appropriate place to put this. I don't go often so I rent the skates. They have a rule that everyone has to take their shoes off before waiting on line. I'm wondering why my socks get so dirty if i just wait online with the rest of the people who also have their shoes off. And why do all the skates have the same smell? My socks smell like them afterwards? Should I be worrying so much? Or is this ok?

First of all, floors get dirty, other people who do not take their shoes off walk in that same area.. maintenance people, etc. Also, people perspire (sweat) in their shoes (and skates). Everyone does. These skates have likely not been cleaned in like, ever. And they could be decades old, who knows. Should you be worried? Perhaps a little. Kinda the same situation with bowling shoes you rent.

Immediately after you get home, put the socks into the laundry to get washed and carefully wash your feet with hot water and soap.. lots and lots of running water. Check your feet for cuts or abrasions (like a skinned knee sort of thing) or other open areas... like blisters. Sometimes you can get a blister from rubbing with ill-fitting shoes (and skates). Keep an eye on any open areas. Report to your parents or your doctor any cuts that appear to be getting infected and are not healing well.

Bacteria can be a problem, if you are not careful. So, be careful and HAVE FUN!

There's also the fact that some people (read: men) spit on the floor, sidewalk, etc. I'm not being sexist, I only said "men" because I have never seen a woman spit who did not have a mouthful of something nasty.

Catty

Ok. When I go bowling my socks dont get dirty at all and the bowling shoes look like they've been around since the 70's or somthing. Can you tell me why all the skates smell exactly the same? And to Catty, what does people spitting have to do with my socks getting dirty? My socks don't get wet because I avoid stepping in puddles and whatnot. That would be gross stepping in someones spit.

I usually dont get home right after i've been skating so should I be worried? My friend has this theory that the "dirtyness" varies with the type of sock. So we're conducting an experiment this saturday. I'll be wearing the same kind I was wearing before and my friend'll be wearing thinner ones. I dont believe in her theory but I'm curious.

catty- i have seen women spit on floors and sidewalks as well.

If you go skating often enough, get your own skates. Those rentals are poor quality. You will skate better with good supporting skates of your own.

I havn't bought any skates because I dont go skating so often. Usually its been about 3 or 4 times a year so it's not worth it. Anyway, we conducted our little experiment on saturday. I was wearing the same kind of socks as the last time which were white and kind of thick. My friend, the one that came up with the theory wore white socks but much thinner. 2 other friends that came with us did the same. The results were strange and didn't prove my friends theory. My socks were as dirty as last time. In fact I think they were dirier this time. My friend socks, the thinner ones, weren't as dirty as mine but not as clean as she thought. The other one's socks, the one with the thin ones too, were filthy and wet even though she didnt step in a puddle. And finnaly, the last one's socks, which were the same as mine, were almost as clean as before she put on the skates. So....WHAT THE HELL???

It depends. I know skating is seasonal. Have you grown to full size so that you aren't going to outgrow a pair of skates? If this is something you enjoy, this is great exercise even if seasonal. If this is something you enjoy doing, even if it is not available every day of the year, I stand by get your own skates.

I did the same as you. It didn't seem worth the money to buy skates for a few times a year. I have to put a qualifier on this AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GROW IN FOOT SIZE ANYMORE, owning your own skates is much better for your feet, fantastic exercise, improves your performance and ability, and it is great fun no matter what your age.

I don't own my own skates. I'm 39 years old. I think skating is a lot of fun still! Given my age, I now have exercise vs. lifestyle concerns. You will see later that you have to keep your body fit with exercise. It came as a complete shock to me.

If it is something you really enjoy, invest in good skates. It's worth it. I have extremely expensive roller blades. I would go skating in the winter if I had skates. I'm lousy with athletics, but we all need exercise and the more fun, the better!

I dont really go skating every year so it's not a big deal to me but I will buy the skates if renting them is a health hazard or somthing. I want to know why my socks get dirty but then my friend's that was wearing the same socks as mine were clean even though we walked in the same places and the same distance? Is it the skates or am I to blame?

nobody wants to answer me?

It could be your feet sweat more than your friend's. When they sweat, the moisture picks up more dust and dirt from inside your shoes and also as you walk dust may fall in your shoes.
If this is the case, you may want to use some type of powder to absorb the moisture. Ask your pharmacy, or the pharmacist.

My socks dont get dirty when I wear sneakers, they get dirty everytime I go ice skating but if it's just that my feet sweat more than my friends then I have nothing to worry about. Right?

I don't think any of us can give you an answer about why this occurs. My suggestion is if you have done growing buy a pair of skates.. they will last for decades if you take care of them (and skate as little as you say).

People aren't answering because there is no clear answer about the socks. The socks don't proove anything one way or the other. But, I agree with the above. Buy your own skates. You will love them.

oh ok thanks i'll go buy my skates tomorow