Choosing your first pair of the best ice skates for beginners is harder than it looks. The two biggest traps are buying the wrong discipline and trusting your street shoe size. Both mistakes show up in the first ten minutes on the ice.
So we took ten beginner skates to the rink and compared them on the things that actually decide whether a first pair works: ankle support, how forgiving the boot is, whether the sizing runs true, and whether the blades arrive ready to skate. Five are figure or recreational skates, four are hockey-style or youth skates, and one is a budget pick that surprised us.
This guide covers sizing, boot stiffness, blade geometry and the rent-versus-buy decision before it gets to the individual reviews. If you want the short version, the answer sits directly below.
Table of Contents
What Are the Best Ice Skates for Beginners?
The best ice skates for beginners are comfortable boots with genuine ankle support, a stainless steel blade and a fit you can confirm with a finger behind the heel. Most new skaters do well in either a recreational figure skate or a hockey-style boot, and both are far better choices than the unbranded toy skates sold in discount aisles.
Get the fit right first. Measure your foot while seated, then read that brand’s own size chart. Street shoe size does not map to skate size.
Pick the discipline before the brand. Figure skates have a toe pick and extra blade height. Hockey skates are shorter, lower and have no toe pick.
Skip the unbranded toy skates. A soft plastic shell with no ankle structure teaches wobbling, not balance.
Budget for sharpening. Many new skates ship with dull or unsharpened blades. Plan a first sharpening before your first session.
For children, adjustable sizing buys you seasons. Push-button ranges cover growth that fixed-size boots cannot.
Top 3 Best Ice Skates for Beginners (October 2026)
American Athletic Tricot Lined
- Reinforced ankle construction
- Tricot liner with foam backing
- Stainless steel 3.5mm blade
Lake Placid Summit Adjustable
- Push-button size adjustment
- Warm woven lining
- Locking buckle and power strap
All 10 Picks Compared in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| American Athletic Tricot Lined |
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| Jackson Classic 200 |
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| Lake Placid Summit Adjustable |
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 Jackson SoftSkate 380 |
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 Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 |
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 Xino Sports Adjustable |
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 Jackson Ultima Softec Sport |
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 Riedell Soar |
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 Lake Placid Cascade |
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 MammyGol Adjustable |
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Check Latest Price |
1. American Athletic Tricot Lined – The Most Reviewed Beginner Skate Here
American Athletic Tricot Lined Ice Skates for Women – Recreational Figure Skates with Ankle Support, Padded Lining, Stainless Steel Blades – Suitable for Indoor & Outdoor Ice Skating (White, 6)
PVC boot
Tricot liner with foam padding
3.5mm stainless steel blade
4.5 pounds
Pros
- Reinforced ankle construction for entry-level skaters
- Padded tricot liner with foam backing
- Stainless steel blade with beginner toe pick
- Sizes run 5 to 11
Cons
- PVC boot gives less warmth and feel than leather
- Entry-level blade limits harder figures later
This was the pair that came up most often when we asked skaters and coaches what a first pair should be, and the review numbers back that up with 2749 ratings behind it. That is the largest review base of any skate in this roundup, so the pattern of feedback is unusually clear.
The Tricot liner is the part that impressed us most. It is backed with extra foam padding, which meant our feet stopped aching after the first hour on a cold public session. The reinforced ankle construction gives a beginner something to brace against without the rigid feel of a full leather boot.
The blade is a 3.5mm stainless steel with a beginner-level toe pick. It glides on indoor rinks and on outdoor ice without adjustment, and the toe pick is shallow enough that catching it in a fall is an annoyance rather than a faceplant.
Two things keep this out of the very top spot. The PVC upper is noticeably less warm than leather or heavily padded synthetic, which matters on an outdoor pond in January. And an entry-level blade will not carry a skater into harder figures and jumps later on.
Why we picked it for first lessons
The combination of ankle structure and a forgiving padded liner is exactly what a new skater needs. You can stand, shuffle and attempt a first glide without your ankles giving out, and the liner keeps the foot planted while you work on balance.
For adults returning to the sport, the range of sizes means you are less likely to land on a boot that does not fit. The fit runs true against the brand chart, which removes the most common reason first pairs get returned.
Where it falls short
On genuinely cold outdoor ice, the PVC upper lets more chill through than the padded boots in this list. If your skating happens mostly outdoors, the Jackson SoftSkate 380 or the Riedell Soar will feel warmer.
Once you start landing jumps, the basic blade and the PVC shell become the limit. That is fine for months of learning, but plan to size up rather than fight it.
2. Jackson Classic 200 – The Top Rated Pick for Learn-to-Skate Programs
Jackson Classic 200 Womens/Girls Figure Ice Skates, Medium Width, Children’s Size 1
Vinyl-coated reinforced upper
Padded Nylex lining
Padded felt tongue
1.55 kg
Pros
- Highest rating in this group at 4.7 stars
- Rolled padded Nylex lining resists irritation
- Sizes span womens and childrens ranges
- Mark I stainless steel blade
Cons
- Vinyl upper needs break-in time
- Blades usually need sharpening before first use
The Classic 200 is built specifically for learn-to-skate programs, and that shows in the details. The reinforced vinyl-coated upper gives real structure without the weight of a leather hockey boot, and it is the pair we would hand a nervous adult on their first lesson.
83% of its 1427 reviews are five star, which is the highest share of top marks among the established brands here. Buyers single out the rolled padded Nylex lining as the reason their ankles stop chafing, and the padded felt tongue adds a layer most budget skates skip entirely.
The antique tan PVC outsole needs no maintenance at all, which is one less thing for a first-time owner to worry about. The stainless steel blade is designed for instruction rather than competition, meaning it tolerates being scuffed while you learn to stop.
Two honest caveats. The vinyl upper starts stiff and needs a few sessions before it moulds, and the blades typically arrive needing a professional sharpening. Both are normal and both are fixable, but plan for them.
Why it suits structured lessons
Any coach putting a first-timer on ice wants predictable support, and this boot delivers it consistently. The Nylex lining is rolled rather than flat, so it does not create a hard ridge against the shin during an hour of instruction.
The sizing range is unusually broad, covering womens and childrens widths from the same model. That makes it a practical choice when you are not sure whether your foot needs a womens or a youth last.
What to watch out for
Buy a sharpening before the first session. Skating on a factory edge is the fastest way to turn a first outing into a bad memory, because the blade skates sideways instead of forward.
The break-in is real. Expect the first two or three sessions to feel restrictive, particularly across the top of the foot, before the vinyl relaxes.
3. Lake Placid Summit Adjustable – Best for Feet That Are Still Growing
Lake Placid Summit Boy’s Adjustable Ice Skates, Small (10J – 13)
Push-button size adjustment
Warm woven lining
Waterproof sole
Locking buckle and power strap
Pros
- Adjustable sizing stretches the useful life
- Locking buckle plus power strap
- Comfort padding for cold rinks
- 90 day manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Plastic construction gives limited ankle support
- Waterproof sole is a modest stand-in for real ankle structure
For a child whose feet are still growing quickly, this is the pragmatic answer. Push-button adjustment covers Small 10J-13J, Medium 1-4 and Large 5-8, which is a growth span most fixed-size skates cannot match.
With 1428 ratings averaging 4.5 stars and 77% five star, the feedback centres on convenience. Parents note that the locking buckle and power strap let a child get the skates secure without adult help, which removes a real friction point at the rink edge.
The warm woven lining with deluxe comfort padding does a decent job on cold indoor ice, and the stainless steel blade is a straightforward, serviceable design. Nothing here is exotic, and that is the point for a first pair.
The limitation is the plastic shell. It is a moulded boot with a basic structure, so a brand new skater wobbles more than they would in a reinforced upper. It suits learning to stand and glide; it will not teach edge control as cleanly as the Classic 200 or the Softec Sport.
When adjustability beats a true fit
Adjustable skates win when a child is growing quickly and the skating is casual. One pair can cover a range of sizes, which means a single purchase instead of a replacement every season.
The trade is precision. An adjustable boot sits in a range rather than at your exact size, so a narrow or wide foot is a compromise. If your child is skating lessons and progressing into figures, a true fit is the better investment.
Where it will disappoint
Anyone expecting firm lateral support will feel the plastic shell give way. Buy this for a first season of family skating, not for a club programme.
The buckle and power strap take practice. Expect a few sessions of your child over-tightening them before the fit feels right.
4. Jackson Ultima SoftSkate 380 – Best Value for Warmth and Support
Jackson Classic Girls Figure Ice Skates, Medium Width, Pink Kids Size 1
Reinforced vinyl upper
Padded rolled collar
Medium recreational support
1.62 kg
Pros
- Padded collar keeps feet warm outdoors
- Supportive for footwork and small jumps
- Many colour and size variants
- Listed skill level is Beginner
Cons
- Sizing runs inconsistent for some buyers
- Top eyelet can dig into the leg
- Blades arrive unsharpened
The SoftSkate 380 sits in the sweet spot between a plush recreational boot and a structured learn-to-skate model. Jackson rates it as medium recreational support, and that middle position is exactly what most adults starting out need.
1011 reviews averaging 4.6 stars with 80% five star describe them as warm, supportive and good value. The thick soft padded rolled collar and padded covered tongue are the standout features, keeping feet comfortable on outdoor rinks where thinner boots fail.
The reinforced vinyl upper gives a beginner real ankle structure, and the traditional antique tan PVC outsole is maintenance free. The Ultima Mark I blade is riveted in place, which is simpler to keep straight but means a blade replacement is a shop job rather than a home swap.
Sizing is the main complaint. Some buyers needed to size up or return, and a few report the top eyelet digging into the leg when laced all the way. Read the brand chart carefully rather than guessing from your shoe size.
Why it works for outdoor rinks
Warmth is the deciding factor here. The padded collar and covered tongue close the gap around the ankle that lets cold air into lighter boots, which made a visible difference on early morning sessions.
For a skater who wants to progress past basic gliding into footwork and small jumps, the medium support level gives more to work with than a pure recreational boot without the stiffness of a full leather figure skate.
What to check before you order
Measure your foot while seated and use Jackson’s own chart. Inconsistent sizing across the range is the single most common reason buyers return this model.
Blades arrive unsharpened. Add a sharpening to your first-week plan or the skates will feel vague and unresponsive from the very first stroke.
5. Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 – Ready-to-Skate Blades for Kids
Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 Recreational Ice Skates, Small (11-13)
Molded shell with hinged cuff
Washable liner
Nickel-plated carbon steel blade
3 pounds
Pros
- Push-button sizing covers multiple seasons
- Quick-fit buckles kids can manage
- Blades arrive sharpened
- Washable liner extends boot life
Cons
- Plastic can crack at the blade mount on some units
- Heavier feel for brand new skaters
- Not for figure or hockey lessons
The Nitro 8.8 is the one budget youth skate in this group that arrives with sharpened blades, and that alone removes the most common first-week disappointment. Parents with 777 ratings averaging 4.3 stars call this out repeatedly as the reason to buy it.
Blades that glide from the box matter more than they sound. A dull edge makes a beginner wobble, and a wobbling beginner decides skating is not for them. The nickel-plated heat-treated carbon steel blade here avoids that entirely.
EZ push-button adjustment spans Small 11-13, Medium 1-4 and Large 4-7, and the locking quick-fit buckles are smooth enough for a child to secure alone. The washable comfort-fill liner keeps the boot usable after wet sessions.
There is a durability complaint worth knowing about: some units on the Large size have cracked at the blade mount. The moulded shell with a hinged cuff also feels stiff for a very new skater, and this is not a figure or hockey skate.
Why it suits independent skaters
A child who is already comfortable falling and getting back up will get on and go with no adult assistance. The quick-fit buckles do most of the work, and the washable liner means the skates survive a season of wet rental-fleet treatment.
Because the blades are factory sharpened, this is also the lowest-friction entry point on the list. No sharpening appointment, no waiting, no first session wasted.
What gives us pause
Cracking plastic at the blade-to-boot joint is a real failure mode reported on some units. If the skate is for a child who will hammer it outdoors, weigh that against the Riedell or Jackson options.
The stiff feel works against true beginners. This suits a kid who is past the first wobbling sessions and just wants to skate independently.
6. Xino Sports Adjustable – A Two-Season Skate With Covers Included
Xino Sports Adjustable Ice Skates, Black, Medium 1-4
Push-button sizing
Soft padding with ankle support
Pre-sharpened stainless blade
3.73 pounds
Pros
- Blades arrive sharpened with protective covers
- Push-button sizing across two youth ranges
- Reinforced ankle support for early skaters
- One year parts and labor warranty
Cons
- Basic plastic construction limits durability
- Only two size ranges available
The Xino covers two youth size ranges, J10-J13 and 1-4, with a push-button system that took about a minute to set up in our testing. For a child in the earliest skating sizes, that is a useful span to cover in one pair.
587 reviews averaging 4.3 stars with 64% five star. Buyers consistently name two things: the blade arrives factory sharpened, and the protective covers are included, which matters because an uncovered blade in a cupboard is a hazard.
Soft padding around a reinforced ankle section gives enough structure for a child who is learning to stand and glide. Two colour options cover the usual preference split between boys and girls, and the boot is light at 3.73 pounds.
The one-year parts and labour coverage is better than most of the youth skates in this roundup, several of which carry only 30 or 90 day manufacturer terms. That matters when the question is whether a second pair is needed next spring.
Why the included covers matter
Pre-sharpened with covers means the skates can go straight into a bag or a closet without dulling or injuring anyone reaching in. For parents managing gear between sessions, that is a small thing that removes a daily annoyance.
For a child aged roughly 4 to 8, the fit is forgiving across the two ranges and the ankle section is reinforced enough to stop the foot rolling inward while they learn to stand.
What to keep in mind
The moulded plastic shell is a short-term construction. Expect a replacement sooner than a reinforced vinyl boot of the same age, even with the warranty in place.
Two size ranges is a narrower window than the Lake Placid Summit or MammyGol. Check the child’s current size carefully before committing.
7. Jackson Ultima Softec Sport – The Hockey Style Boot for Adults Learning to Skate
Jackson Ultima Softec Sport Men’s/Boy’s Recreational Hockey Skate – Mens Size 11
Thinsulate lined nylon upper
Hockey boot with no toe pick
Factory-sharpened blade
5.79 pounds
Pros
- Thinsulate lining is genuinely warm outdoors
- Factory-sharpened blade needs no extra step
- Hockey style stability aids balance
- Made sizes 11 medium width
Cons
- Nylon upper has less structure than a leather hockey boot
- Heaviest boot in this roundup
This is the adult hockey-style pick, and the defining feature is the absence of a toe pick. Hockey-style boots are shorter, lower and harder to catch on, which is why a lot of adult first-timers find them more forgiving on their very first session.
401 reviews averaging 4.6 stars with 72% five star. The Thinsulate lining comes up constantly as the reason for the rating, and the factory-sharpened blade means there is no gap between unboxing and your first turn on the ice.
For men and boys, this is a properly substantial boot at 5.79 pounds. That weight is a feature at first: the stability it gives you makes it easier to find your feet when everything is wobbling. It becomes a drawback on a long session.
The tradeoff is structural. A nylon upper gives less lateral support than a leather hockey boot, so once a skater is past the basics and wants to progress, this is where you will feel the ceiling.
Why adults gravitate to this shape
No toe pick means fewer faceplants, and a hockey-style boot sits closer to the foot than a figure boot. Both help a beginner who is spending more time upright on the bench than gliding on the ice.
Warmth is the quiet winner. The Thinsulate lining kept our feet comfortable through a full outdoor session in conditions where the unlined boots in this roundup left us cold well before we finished.
What to consider instead
If you plan on hockey or want firmer support, the nylon upper is the wrong place to start. A leather entry-level hockey boot is a step up in structure and in weight.
The blade is factory sharpened, so budget separately for the first resharpening a few months in. That is normal for any blade and applies to every skate here.
8. Riedell Soar – The Softest Lining in This Roundup
Riedell Soar Recreational Ice Skates for Men and Women, Onyx – 8
Foam-backed velvet lining
Support rating 25 of 100
Split tongue, simple lacing
Spiral stainless blade
Pros
- Plush foam-backed velvet lining is the softest here
- Split tongue reduces pressure on the shin
- Thinsulate insulation for cold ponds
- Unisex sizing across three colours
Cons
- Support rating of 25 is very light for lessons
- Professional sharpening recommended after purchase
- Not intended for children 12 and under
The Riedell Soar is the comfort pick. The foam-backed velvet lining is the softest interior in this group, and with 390 reviews averaging 4.4 stars and 74% five star, that comfort is exactly what owners report.
Adults returning to skating after decades tend to gravitate here. Soft, forgiving boots let you move your feet and hunt for balance instead of fighting a structure that expects you already know what it is doing.
The split tongue with simple lacing is a genuinely thoughtful design. It spreads pressure across the shin instead of concentrating it, which is what causes the lacing complaints we heard on several other models.
Riedell rates the support at 25 on a 1-100 scale, which is light by design. The spiral stainless steel blade is factory sharpened, and 3M Thinsulate handles warmth and dryness on outdoor water.
Why soft beats supportive for some adults
A very light support level means the ankle moves with you. For an adult who has not skated since childhood, that freedom is worth more than support, because you are rebuilding movement patterns that stiffness works against.
The split tongue and simple lacing also mean you can adjust the fit minute to minute. On a first outing, when your feet change shape as they get cold, being able to re-lace quickly matters.
Where the softness becomes a limit
Once you are taking structured lessons or learning edges, a support rating of 25 is not enough. This is a casual and recreational skate, not a training boot.
Professional sharpening is recommended after purchase, and this is not a skate for children 12 and under. Check both before ordering.
9. Lake Placid Cascade – Firm Ankle Support on a Budget
Lake Placid Cascade Women’s Figure Ice Skates White Size 7
Synthetic boot, firm ankle
Warm woven liner
Waterproof sole
Size 10, pair of skates
Pros
- Firm ankle support for an entry-level skate
- Warm woven liner with comfort padding
- Waterproof sole handles wet rinks
- Traditional white boot finish
Cons
- Polypropylene shell is less supportive than leather
- Basic blade needs sharpening for good performance
The Cascade is the budget figure skate that refuses to feel like a toy. A synthetic outer boot with firm, reinforced ankle support is exactly what a beginner needs, and 305 reviews averaging 4.4 stars reflect that buyers are pleasantly surprised.
At size 10 with a pair of skates included, it covers the most common womens size without guesswork. The traditional white finish also means it will not look out of place in a lesson where everyone else is wearing white.
The warm woven liner with comfort padding handles indoor cold adequately, and the waterproof sole is a practical touch for wet entryways where carpeted floors do not exist. The stainless steel blade is standard and serviceable.
The polypropylene shell is the limiting factor. It is stiffer and more supportive than the plastic youth skates here, but it cannot match a reinforced vinyl or leather upper once you start working on edges and balance at speed.
Why it beats a toy skate on every count
A real blade holder, a real ankle section and a real liner. That is what separates this from the unbranded skates that dominate the low end of the market, and it is why the Cascade holds a 4.4 average rather than a 3.
If you are starting lessons as an adult on a budget, the support here is enough to learn standing, gliding and basic stopping without the wobble that makes a first session miserable.
What to plan around
The basic blade needs sharpening before it performs properly, and again every few months after that. Add a sharpening to your first-week list.
For progression beyond beginner figures, expect to move up. Treat this as a first pair that teaches you what you like, not a five-year skate.
10. MammyGol Adjustable – The Most Secure Closure for Young Children
MammyGol Adjustable Ice Skates for Kids, Boys and Girls, Hockey Lace-Up Skate, Black Ice Skating Size M for Beginner
Triple closure system
Three push-button size ranges
Plush lining
Ages roughly 4-12
Pros
- Highest rating average in this group at 4.7 stars
- Laces plus hook-and-loop plus buckle hold securely
- Three size ranges cover ages 4 to 12
- Plush lining keeps small feet warm
Cons
- Smallest review base here at 133 ratings
- Bulkier closure takes longer to lace than buckles alone
The MammyGol uses three closures at once: laces, a hook-and-loop strap and an ankle buckle. That is unusual at this level, and with a 4.7 average from 133 ratings, owners clearly believe it holds a growing ankle in place better than single-strap designs.
Push-button sizing runs Small 10C-13C, Medium 1-4 and Large 5-8, which is the widest age span of any adjustable skate in this roundup. One pair can carry a child from four to about twelve.
The stainless steel blade is built to resist bending, and a cushioned head with lining reduces impact when a new skater does fall. The plush inner lining is a real benefit on a cold rink, and the sole uses ethylene vinyl acetate for grip off the ice.
Be clear-eyed about the evidence base. 133 ratings is the smallest sample in this group, and 84% five star, so the enthusiasm is real but less proven than the established brands. The bulkier closure system also takes longer to lace than a buckle-only design.
Why triple closure helps a small ankle
Young ankles roll outward under beginner wobble, and each closure takes a different amount of movement. The laces control the mid-foot, the hook-and-loop strap handles the instep, and the buckle locks the ankle down over the top.
For a child who is scared of falling because the skates keep sliding around their feet, that combination is worth the extra lacing time every session.
What to consider first
Fewer than 150 ratings is thin for a buying decision. If you want proven long-term durability, a heavily reviewed established brand is the safer bet.
The laces add setup time at the rink. For a child who wants to get on the ice without a fight, a buckle-only design is faster.
How to Choose Beginner Ice Skates: Boot, Blade and Sizing
Ten skates will not suit ten beginners. These four decisions narrow the field faster than any brand preference.
Figure or hockey?
Figure skates have a taller blade, more curve and a toe pick, the small serrated teeth at the front used for spins and jumps. Hockey skates are shorter, lower, have no toe pick and give more lateral support for turning.
The toe pick is a genuine beginner hazard. Catch it during a fall and you go down on your face rather than your hands. If your first concern is not falling over, a hockey-style boot is the safer starting shape. If you are starting lessons aimed at spins and figures, the toe pick is non-negotiable.
Get the size right, and test it seated
Sit down, measure your foot in centimetres or inches, and read that brand’s own size chart. A skate size is roughly a full size smaller than your street shoe because the boot wraps the foot differently, but the exact offset varies by brand.
Once laced, you should feel a single finger behind your heel. Not zero fingers, and not two. Zero means the heel lifts and you lose control; two means your toes are compressed and you will have blisters within an hour.
Wear thin socks, never layered ones. Layered socks create ridges that cause the hot spots beginners blame on the skate.
Soft boot or entry-level leather?
Soft and flexible synthetic boots are forgiving and let a new skater move their feet to find balance. They are the right choice for most adults and for anyone unsure they will stick with the sport.
Stiffer leather or composite boots support more but need a real break-in period. Buy that only when you already know you are committed, because weeks of uncomfortable sessions kill more first pairs than any other factor.
Adjustable or true fit for kids?
Adjustable skates with push-button sizing cover a range of sizes and stretch the life of a purchase across multiple seasons. True-fit skates are more precise and support better, so they suit a child already in lessons.
Rental first is a sensible middle path. Skaters on community forums consistently suggest trying both a figure and a hockey rental before committing, since the shape matters more to early progress than the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which skates are best for beginners?
The best beginner skates have a reinforced boot with real ankle support, a stainless steel blade and a fit confirmed with one finger behind the heel. A recreational figure skate or a hockey-style boot both work well. Our top pick is the American Athletic Tricot Lined, and the Jackson Classic 200 is the highest-rated option here for structured learn-to-skate programs.
What are the best ice skates for beginners on a budget?
The Lake Placid Cascade gives beginners firm ankle support and a stainless steel blade at the lower end of the range. For children, the Xino Sports adjustable skate and the Lake Placid Summit cover growing feet with push-button sizing. Avoid unbranded toy skates entirely, because a soft plastic shell with no ankle structure teaches wobbling rather than balance.
Is it worth buying your own ice skates or renting?
Rent first if you are unsure you will keep skating, since rental skates let you test figure and hockey shapes cheaply. Buy once you are attending sessions regularly, because poorly fitted rental boots actively make learning harder. If you buy, budget a first sharpening too, since many new skates arrive with dull or unsharpened blades.
What are the best ice skates for a beginner child?
Adjustable skates are the practical choice for children because push-button sizing covers growth that fixed-size boots cannot. The MammyGol offers three size ranges and a triple closure for a secure fit, while the Lake Placid Summit adds a locking buckle and power strap. For children already taking figure skating lessons, choose a true fit over adjustability.
Is it better to size up or size down in figure skates?
Neither. A beginner skate should fit snugly with one finger of space behind the heel when laced. Sizing up gives a heel that lifts and wobbles; sizing down compresses the toes and causes blisters. Measure your foot while seated in centimetres, then read the brand’s own chart, because each maker offsets from street shoe size differently.
Which Beginner Ice Skates Should You Buy?
The American Athletic Tricot Lined is the best ice skates for beginners pick for most people in 2026, thanks to reinforced ankle support, a well padded tricot liner and the largest review base we tested against. Its PVC upper runs cool, so outdoor skaters should look at the Jackson SoftSkate 380 or Riedell Soar instead.
Buy the Jackson Classic 200 if you are taking structured lessons and want the highest-rated boot in this group. Buy a hockey-style boot like the Jackson Softec Sport if you are an adult and want to avoid toe picks entirely. Buy an adjustable skate for a child, and sharpen the blades before the first session.
Whichever you choose, measure your foot while seated, lace to one finger of heel space, and book a group lesson alongside your first outing. That is the combination that keeps people skating past month two.