If you’re a newbie, the best ice skates for beginners can make the sport enjoyable for you. Ice skating is a great recreation sport, not just for playing but also for watching. The effortless movements of skaters over the ice cover can make anyone want to give it a shot at least once, especially if they love adventure sports. The skater glides on the ice surface with blades attached to the shoe. If you’ve always wanted to learn and are looking for the best skates to begin your skating journey, keep scrolling to check out our list to find the right fit and design for yourself. This compilation is carefully researched and tested, so you don’t need to struggle to find one that makes your learning process effortless and fun.
Types Of Ice Skates
Figure Skates
Figure skates, meant specifically for figure skating, are a lighter form of ice skates that are most apt for beginners as they’re easy to practice in. They allow easy foot movement, and when you buy the right size for yourself, you can practice in figure ice skates for hours without straining your feet too much.
Hockey Skates
Hockey skates, unlike figure skates, do not feature toe picks. However, hockey skates are also just as suitable for beginners as are figure skates. They are more symmetrically shaped than their counterparts and offer great ankle support.
Recreational Skates
Recreational skates are a great pick for those who plan to have fun on the ice for a day or 2 as they are generally made out of plastic and ideal for short-term use.
Double Runner
Double runners are yet another suitable alternative for beginners, ideally for children who just begin to learn ice skating. They feature double blades that offer more stability and help learn how to balance while skating.
7 Best Ice Skates For Beginners
1. Best Child-Safe: Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Skates
Lake Placid nitro skates offer optimal adjustability as they can accommodate up to four shoe sizes to suit the needs of your growing child. These recreational skates are suitable for beginners and are long-lasting. Their lightweight, protective shell offers ample ankle support for smooth and balanced movement. The skates feature stainless steel hockey-style blades for better control and precision. Your child can use these skates for public skating or skating lessons. Pros
Comfort padding Warm lining Power strap, buckle, and laces for a secure fit Available in various sizes Available in three colors
Cons
Blades may have to be sharpened before use Skate guards may not stay on while walking
2. Best Durable : Jackson Ultima Classic SoftSkate 380 – Fleece Lining
These durable skates for women combine aesthetics and comfort. The ice skates come in a beautiful white color and feature reinforced vinyl upper that gives the ice skates added strength. They are a good pick for those who intend to commence their lessons in ice skating as beginners. The tongue is padded and covered, and the padded rolled collar helps keep your feet in place without compromising on comfort while adding warmth. Check out this video to learn more. Pros
Factory-sharpened Ultima Mark I blade for stability No maintenance PVC outsoles Provides good ankle support True to size
Cons
Blade protector may seem fragile to some May feel stiff to some
3. Best For Easy Balance: American Athletic Women’s Tricot Lined Ice Skates
These ice skates for women have a stylish and comfortable design for easy wear and use. They have stainless steel figure skating blades that offer a good grip and help you balance well. These skates do not feel bulky and are available in various adult sizes. If you have an outdoor skating session planned or wish to practice indoors, these white skating shoes can be a suitable option. Pros
Suitable for beginners Padded inner liner Reinforced ankle support Custom fit Beginner-style toe pick
Cons
May have to be sharpened before use May run a size small
4. Best Comfort : Riedell 625 Soar Ice Skates
These sturdy ice-skating shoes for beginners feature a simple lacing system and come in soft figures to offer maximum comfort while you skate. The foam-backed velvet lining adds a dash of coziness while offering great support. The boots feature maintenance-free uppers with a support rating of 20. Ice skating can mean sweaty feet, but these beginner ice skates for adults keep your feet dry, saving you from the hassle of dealing with wet boots while skating. So, pick the right one for yourself out of the many sizes and get ready to glide effortlessly on ice, on a rink, or on a pond. Pros
Split tongue design for flexibility Extra padded quilted linings for a cushioned feel Lightweight PVC soles Stainless steel blades for a firm grip
Cons
Plastic lace fittings may feel fragile to some Size may run a bit large for some
5. Best For Reliable Performance : Rollerblade Bladerunner Figure Ice Skates
The ice skates in clean white finish, come with ankle support and reinforced uppers to make your glide smooth and seamless. They also feature a lace closure with lace hooks for a reliable performance. This means you can adjust the laces and tighten or loosen them for a perfect fit. Giving you the pleasure of minimal maintenance and optimal performance, these are undoubtedly one of the best beginner ice skates out there. Watch this video for more information about the product. Pros
Rust-free stainless steel blades Padded tongue and ankle area for stability Easy to clean Toe pick design improves maneuverability
Cons
Fit may feel a bit tight to some
6. Best Heavy-Duty : Tour Hockey TR-750 Ice Hockey Skate
These heavy-duty beginner ice skates for hockey let you have fun with added safety with their stainless steel blades. The unique feature of this pair of skates is that it comes with composite quarter panels that hold your feet firmly in place and offer added protection. Another characteristic that makes this one of the best ice skates for hockey is the added hockey laces, which make ice skating a breeze. Pros
Padded felt tongue Synthetic outsole and upper for firm ankle support Comfort brushed tricot lining Suitable for gifting
Cons
Fit may feel stiff to some May require sharpening after each use
7. Best Flex Notch : Skate Guru Jackson Figure Ice Skates For Women – Artiste
Skate Guru figure ice skates for women are bundled with Guardog skate guards, making them a great pick for anyone pursuing ice skates for the very first time. With a support rating of level 25 meant for beginners, the pair comes equipped with all the features that are essential for a smooth glide on ice. It has a softer topline that adds comfort, while the microfiber lining ensures that your feet are supported. These ice skates also offer added flexibility with flex notch. So, get one for yourself and ace your ice skating adventure. Pros
Foam-backed vinyl and mesh comfort tongue Fits true to size PVC outsole with pretty aesthetics for simple care Blades are screw-attached for added stability
Cons
Some might find them a bit bulky
Factors To Consider When Choosing Ice Skates For Beginners
Fitting
Since ice skating requires a certain pace and a whole lot of control while you’re at it, it is extremely crucial to buy a pair of ice skates that offer a snug fit. When too loose, you may not be able to maneuver your skates well. And when too tight, you would experience discomfort and it may stop you from skating for long durations. So, make it a point to check the size and order ice skates that fit you well.
Skating level
The kind of ice skates you buy also depends to a great extent on what level you are at. For beginners, it is best to look for comfortable ice skates that aren’t stiff. Stiffer ice skates are ideally meant for intermediate and advanced levels to let you jump, spin, and perform other complicated stunts. If you’re still learning how to ice skate or plan to start learning, it is best to stick to beginner ice skates that aren’t stiff.
Boot material
Most ice skates for beginners feature leather boots as they’re a lot more flexible and offer greater control when skating. And if leather is not your pick, you can also settle for vinyl boots in ice skates. It is best to avoid fleece boots as they could reduce your control over feet movements, causing discomfort.
Blades
For beginners, it is always recommended to buy ice skates that feature attached blades. Ice skates of this type are easier to wear, manage, and don’t require sharpening very frequently. It is best to opt for blades separately once you’re at the intermediate level and know how to consider intricate details of blades.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Ice skating can be an enjoyable sport, but before you indulge in it, you need a perfect pair of ice skates. Sristi Suman, an adventure sports enthusiast, guides you through the correct process of buying these skates. Along with a list of some of the best ice skates available in the market, she includes a buying guide highlighting the factors that may make your purchase decision easy. Read the article to understand the features of different ice skates and how skating level, blades, and material guide your buying decisions.
Recommended Articles:
Best Skateboards For Kids Best Inflatable Loungers Best Closet Organizer Systems Best Wrist Guards