What Ice Skates Are Best for Beginners?
The best ice skates for beginners offer both comfort and functionality. Many prefer quality, affordable models that support skill development. These skates are a great starting point without the complexities of competitive skates, which are tailored for advanced performance needs.
Beginner boots are often made from microfiber or PVC and have a range of capabilities despite their casual context. These materials provide superior comfort and great ankle support. You can also find a wide range of adult and kids’ ice skates in casual model designs.
What Makes a Great Ice Skate?
We mentioned comfort and functionality. But, what does that mean for an ice skate? An ice skate boot should hug the skater’s ankle without choking it.
Likewise, the skater’s toes shouldn’t be crammed against the tip of the boot but have enough wiggle room (literally) for the foot to breathe a little. Try to steer clear of boot material and designs that compromise these fitting aspects, as much of the ability to skate relies on the foot’s relation to the boot.
The ice skate blade is just as important. Good blades are made of stainless steel and titanium or aluminum. Then there’s the toe pick, which is equally important depending on the application. The toe pick assists figure skaters by adding traction for jumping. Toe pick styles on the blade are typically one of two different types: cross-cut and straight-cut.
Some blades are designed to provide experienced skaters with the lightweight build necessary for competition-level performance. Other blades are more straightforward and intended for recreational or beginner use. Most beginner blades have a straight-cut pick.
See Riedell’s blade chart for more information.
What Are the Best Ice Skates for Beginners?
When finding the best ice skates for beginners, it’s important to look for options that balance comfort, durability, and support. Beginner skates should offer enough structure to help with stability but remain comfortable enough for long skating sessions.
Features like padded linings, secure closures, and moisture-wicking materials can enhance the overall experience, while a quality blade ensures smooth gliding.
With these factors in mind, certain models stand out for providing the ideal combination of functionality and comfort for entry-level skaters.
The Riedell Soar Ice Skates are an excellent option for beginners, offering a balance of comfort and support. The plush foam-backed velvet lining and Thinsulate insulation keep feet warm and comfortable, especially during outdoor skating. With a secure fit thanks to the Velcro power-strap and split tongue design, these skates offer great stability on the ice.
The stainless steel Spiral blade ensures smooth gliding, while the lightweight, maintenance-free PVC soles make care easy. These features make the Soar skates a good choice for recreational skaters looking for ease and comfort.
How to Choose Ice Skates for Beginners
When selecting ice skates for beginners, prioritize comfort, support, and durability. Look for skates with ankle support and a soft boot design, which provide added comfort during recreational skating. A stainless steel blade is essential for smooth gliding, while moisture-wicking materials help keep feet dry.
For growing or kid skaters, adjustable skates are a good choice, ensuring the right fit as foot size changes. Whether opting for figure ice skates or hockey skates, a well-fitted pair of skates can significantly enhance the learning experience.
It’s also helpful to consider the type of ice skate boot. While soft boots provide enhanced comfort, they may not offer the same support as stiffer models. Beginners who need more structure for balance may benefit from stiffer, more durable boots, whereas recreational skaters may prefer the added comfort of softer boots.
Regardless of skate type, ensuring a proper fit significantly enhances the learning experience and reduces the risk of injury on the ice.
Which Skates Are Better for Beginners, Hockey or Figure?
Choosing between hockey and figure skates largely depends on the type of skating experience you aim for. Figure skates are ideal for beginners who want to learn spins, jumps, and basic techniques like stopping or gliding. They feature toe picks, which provide extra grip and control on the ice, making it easier to learn jumps and more intricate movements.
Additionally, figure skates typically offer more ankle support, which is helpful for beginners focusing on balance and control. The softer boot design also adds comfort, particularly for those spending long periods practicing.
On the other hand, hockey skates are built for speed, making them a great option for those interested in fast-paced skating or pursuing hockey. They don’t have toe picks, which allows for more agility but requires better balance from the skater.
Hockey skates tend to have a more rigid boot design to support quick stops, sharp turns, and fast acceleration. They’re also designed to withstand the rough, high-intensity nature of hockey, making them highly durable.
Both options can be comfortable and durable for entry-level skaters, but your decision should be based on the skating style you want to focus on. If you’re more interested in artistic movements, balance, and control, figure skates are likely the better choice. Hockey skates may suit you better if speed and agility are more important.
Ice Skate Tips for Beginners
Properly tying your ice skate boots is crucial for safety and ice performance. A well-laced boot ensures your foot remains securely in place, preventing blisters, reducing the risk of injury, and giving you better control. Loose or uneven lacing can lead to discomfort and instability, affecting your ability to skate smoothly.
Properly Tie an Ice Skate Boot
By following the correct lacing technique, you can achieve the right balance of support and flexibility, allowing for better ankle movement and an overall more enjoyable skating experience. Here is a step-by-step to help you do it properly:
- From the laces woven in the first eyelet (near your toes), snugly tighten each row of laces, working your way up the boot.
- Be sure to maintain even tension through the laces at the instep.
- At the top of your eyelets, lace with cross twists and tighten the laces around each boot hook with medium tension.
- Your heel should be firmly in place while allowing maximum flexibility at the ankle joint.
- Finally, note that laces left too long can create tripping hazards.
Expert Note: Laces should not pinch or pull the boot opening around the tongue or throat area any smaller than when the laces are loose.
Caring for Your Boots and Blades
To extend the life of your skates, take proper care of both the boots and blades.
After each use, dry the blades thoroughly with a towel to prevent rusting, and always use blade guards when walking off the ice. Store your skates in a dry, cool place to avoid moisture damage to the boots, and periodically check the blade edges for sharpening.
Finally, skating on dull blades can negatively impact your performance and make it harder to stop or turn.
Why Is Ankle Support So Important for Ice Skaters?
Ankle support is essential for skaters of all levels, from casual hobbyists to serious competitors, because it plays a key role in maintaining balance and reducing the risk of serious injuries like sprains and minor issues like blisters.
For beginners, this support is crucial, as learning basic techniques like stopping, gliding, or turning can put unexpected pressure on the joints. Without the right level of support, beginners are more prone to losing balance or twisting their ankles, which can slow down their progress or lead to painful injuries.
Riedell utilizes a 100-point scale to measure ankle support, helping skaters choose the right level for their needs. Higher ratings indicate firmer support, which is great for competitive athletes but may be too rigid for beginners.
For those just starting out, a lower rating allows more flexibility, making it easier to achieve the necessary knee bend and ankle flexion required to learn proper technique. Finding the right balance of support and flexibility is key for beginners to confidently grow their skills.
Kids, Women’s, and Men’s Ice Skates from Riedell Ice
Riedell has manufactured ice skates for over 75 years. From locally at our first home in Red Wing, Minnesota, to dealers in Canada and Europe, you can find our ice skates internationally. We offer ice skate models for the whole family, including matching sets for kids and adults.