which do you think would work better, since i will be competing basic alpha this august?

If there's no significant difference in the cost, go for the new boots. If the 2nd-hand ones are cheaper, then go for them - with the proviso that you need to get someone who knows about skates (your coach or instructor would be a good person, or could recommend someone) to have a look and make sure they aren't too broken-down to be of no use to you at all.

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Mrs Redboots
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Ice dancers have lovely big curves!