Finding the best beginner ice skates for adults can be a daunting task with plenty of options available in the market.
Which brands? What criteria to look at? Hockey or figure skates?
Below is my guide with tips to choose and my selection and reviews of the best ice skates for beginners (adults and teens). Great choices for recreational ice skaters and adults looking to advance from rental ice skates to self-owned ice skates)
Note that the ice skates listed in this article has not been written with kids and toddlers in mind. If this is what your need, head to:
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).
Overview - Best ice skates for beginners (adults and teens)
In this article, I will recommend the best ice hockey skates as well as the best figures skates for beginners. Here's a quick overview for you -
Best figure skates for beginners - Good value for price - absolute beginner only
Lake Placid Cascade
Best hockey skates for beginners for price - absolute beginner only
Bladerunner Zephyr
Best men's figure skates for trying tricks -
Jackson Ultima JS 452 Figure Skates
Best ice skates for adult beginners
Hockey skates vs. Figure skates for beginners
If you are wondering which type of ice skates are best for beginners - hockey skates or figure skates -, let me give help you decide:
Figure skates are ideal for someone who -
- prefers a thicker blade for quicker development of balance,
- is interested in an artistic sport,
- would like to spin, jump and perform tricks,
- prefers a softer, more lightweight pair of ice skates.
Hockey skates are ideal for someone who -
- is interested in playing hockey, of course,
- who would like to engage in speedier, quick movements,
- prefers a solid boot with more structure and support,
- who doesn't mind spending time learning how to balance on thinner blades with more of a rocker.
New skates vs. Used skates
Buying used skates is often a tempting idea when you are hesitant about spending money on brand new ice skates.
Used skates often come with the following problems -
- flexing of the boot as per the foot of the previous user (which is not ideal for your flexion),
- rust spots on blades,
- wear and tear at the ankle level,
- worn-out padding,
- loose, worn-out laces.
Buying used skates is only suitable for recreational skaters who are unlikely to use ice skates more than a couple of times in a year.
However, if you are planning to go regularly and want to make some progress, I recommend buying new skates.
Factors to consider when choosing beginner ice skates
Here are some criteria that you must take into consideration in order to zero down on the best ice skates for adults -
Ankle Support
This is essential - I often see people who purchase ice skates because they were cheap and pretty. But with very little force the boot is bending in all directions.
Lack of proper ankle support can exert pressure on the shins, lead to improper technique, and can put you at the risk of injuries because you don't find good balance.
Thus, do not fall prey to bargain deals and cheap price tags.
Comfort
If your ice skates are not comfortable, you would not want to spend time wearing them. Therefore, comfort should be the topmost factor that you should consider when buying beginner ice skates.
What makes ice skates comfortable?
- Proper fit (discussed in-depth below)
- Breathability
- Ankle support
- Appropriate padding
- Retention of warmth
- Light-weightiness
If you are buying ice skates online where you can't try out the skates, look at all the specifications in detail. Reading customer reviews and customer queries can also be of great help.
Fit
A great fit is essential not only for superior comfort but also for developing proper ice skating technique.
When choosing beginner skates for adults, here are some rules to ensure a perfect fit -
- The ice skates should feel snugger on your feet than regular shoes
- The ice skates should leave enough room for your toes to breathe
- The ice skates should hold your heel in place
- The ice skates should not leave too much extra room around your ankle, a single finger when flexing the ankle is good.
Different brands have different fit (wider, higher arch...)
Size
Remember that ice skates usually fit small. Therefore, in most cases, you will need to buy ice skates that are 1-2 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size.
The best way to ensure you buy a size that fits you perfectly is by -
- Wearing thin ice skating socks and measuring your foot
- Referring to the brand-specific sizing chart
- Reading customer reviews for more insights
For half-sizes, the brand usually suggests what size to settle down on. Read the product description carefully.
If you are looking for ice skates for wide feet, you will often need to go up a size for better comfort. But in any case, it is best to refer to brand suggestions or read customer reviews thoroughly to figure out if the skates are right for your foot-type.
Weight
The overall weight of ice skates will determine your ease of movement. When it comes to choosing good skates for beginners, you should remember that -
- Lighter skates further better movement but
- A heavier blade ensures better control
Thus, at beginner level, it is best to buy ice skates with a shoe that does not feel bulky when worn, and that comes with a basic stainless-steel blade.
As you get better, you can opt for lighter blades for faster speed and advanced tricks and turns.
Best Ice Skates for Beginners - Reviews of hockey skates
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable with padded Thinsulate lining
- Secure structure for ideal support
- A closure that ensures the perfect fit
- Long-lasting stainless-steel blades
Cons
- "Female" variant is unavailable
Features and Review
The Bladerunner Zephyr is one of the best ice skates for hockey for beginners.
Since they come with the hockey-style blade, the boot comes with a firm molded shell that instantly helps balance. Its low center of gravity quickly builds confidence.
The boot can also be secured with a quality lacing system enhanced with a buckle closure at the top.
These features make these skates the ideal first ice skates for beginners looking for adequate ankle support, stability, and control.
The high point of these skates that makes them the perfect choice lies in their comfort value. These skates are incredibly lightweight because of the use of Thinsulate (thinnest material for insulation). The use of Thinsulate not only cuts weights but also keeps the feet warm at all times.
While these are the great ice hockey skates for beginners, unfortunately, they only come in a men-specific variant.
Jackson Ultima Softec Skates - review
Type - Hockey
Ideal for - Beginner / Recreational ice hockey skater
Pros
- Lightweight
- Super comfortable
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Only suitable for recreational ice hockey players
Features and Review
These Jackson ice skates are one of the best recreational ice skates for men and women. They are popular amongst beginner adults learning to skate because of the supreme comfort that they provide.
These skates' comfort and ultralight weight allow beginners and recreational skaters to wear them for a more extended period and make the most of their time on the ice rink.
Just like the Bladerunner Zephyr, these ice skates also use Thinsulate lining for providing warmth to the skater.
However, in terms of comfort, these ice skates go a step further. These ice hockey skates use nylon upper and a soft foam padded tongue together with a Thinsulate lining. As a whole, all these features come beautifully together to provide the airy warmth to the feet of the skater without making the skates feel bulky.
Plus, the use of nylon for the uppers and synthetic on the outsoles makes these ice hockey skates durable.
However, given that these skates come with a leisure blade, they can only be used by recreational ice hockey players. Someone who practices ice hockey a bit more seriously may not benefit from these ice skates.
Best Ice Skates for adults - Reviews of figure skates
Lake Placid Cascade Women's Figure Skates
Type - Figure
Ideal for - Figure skating beginner
Pros
- Affordable
- Speed hooks for ease of wearing
- Waterproof sole
- Attractive
- Durable
Cons
- Ankle support not suitable for serious figure skaters
Features and Review
First of all, let me state that these skates are on this list because of the value they provide despite being one of the cheapest ice skates available online. These skates offer average ankle support but are not ideal for those that take figure skating seriously.
However, if you are someone that struggles with rental ice skates and are looking to buy affordable figure skates for beginners, these skates are perfect for you.
These figure skates come with a synthetic upper and a synthetic outsole for long-term use. Moreover, the woven lining allows quick drying. In terms of comfort, too, these skates fare adequately.
Even though these figure skates use a traditional lacing system, to save time lacing, these ice skates are equipped with speed hooks.
What is impressive about these figure skates is that the neat use of the gold accents does not make them look cheap despite their affordable price tag.
(Note: If you plan on ordering these ice skates, I strongly recommend you read the Lake Placid Ice Skates reviews under the product listing to find the perfect fit for you. Even though the brand recommends you order a size smaller, you may find it best to stick to your shoe sizing.
Riedell 110
Type - Figure
Ideal for - Recreational figure skater
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Minimal maintenance required
- Moderately priced
- Decent ankle support
Cons
- Average looks
Features and Review
These recreational Riedell Ice Skates are one of the best figure skates for adults.
Riedell, as a brand, focuses on comfort and durability. Therefore, these figure skates also use materials that last long. The PVC sole works perfectly without needing periodic maintenance, and the stainless)steel spiral blade is also suitable for long term use.
The foam quarter padding and Riedell-favorite split tongue design deliver adequate comfort. These classic-looking ice skates employ a traditional lacing system to make them simple to wear.
Riedell also enhances the safety of these ice skates by featuring quilted linings.
That said, to ensure high-quality ankle support, make sure you buy a size that fits perfectly, and that does not leave much room around the ankle.
The only downside of these skates is its bland look. I wish they came with a more attractive design with a few accents to appeal to the style-conscious figure skaters.
Jackson Ultima Excel review
Type - Figure
Ideal for - Beginner Adult (Women) trying to do tricks
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adequate support for beginner
- Durable
- Use a quality Mark-II blade
- Good value for money
Cons
- Only suitable for beginners
Features and Reviews
The real thrill of figure skating lies in learning to perform jumps, spins, and turns.
If you think you have reached a stage where you could look for figure skates that can support these skills, these women's ice skates are your best bet. They would make a great gift for a budding figure skater.
The Jackson Ultima Excel is a quality product in terms of its make. It uses vinyl-coated upper solidified with synthetic lining for durability.
The PVC outsole enhances the durability, further making these ice skates an excellent long-term investment.
For comfort, the mesh tongue, coupled with a light foam-padded back, makes the boot feel soft on the feet. Jackson rates these ice skates with a level 5 support that's perfect for beginner-level figure skating.
In my opinion, it is this comfort, powered by the use of the Mark II blade, that makes these the best ice skates for women learning new tricks.
However, once you start advancing, you will need to upgrade to better figure skates.
Jackson Ultima JS 452 Figure Skates
Type - Figure
Ideal for - Beginner Adult (Men) trying to do tricks
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adequate support
- Durable
- Use a quality Mark-I blade
- Good value for money
Cons
- Only suitable for beginners
Features and Reviews
At the outset, let me clarify that these figure skates are very similar in terms of functionality to the Jackson Ultima Excel. However, unfortunately, the age-old gender rule prescribes that white skates must be worn by female ice skaters, and men's ice skates must come in black color.
Therefore, I am only enlisting this variant here because it comes in a classic black color and is also suitable for men learning to do tricks.
These skates are very similar to the Jackson Ultima Excel and therefore are made using the same vinyl-coated upper and PVC outsole.
The Jackson Ultima JS 452 additionally uses a rolled padded lining and extra foam padding on the ankle. This ensures that the boots do not cut into the skin, causing irritation.
Also, these men's ice skates feature a Mark-I blade that is also suitable for supporting twirls and turns.
Additional Ice Skating Equipment
In addition to a pair of good ice skates, you will also need to buy some more essential equipment. You can check out my article about all the equipment to have in your ice skating bag. While some of those essential items can be bought over time, the ones that you must invest in right at the outset are -
Socks
The ice skating community is divided over the use of socks. Some believe that they are imperative, while others prefer skating without socks.
However, I have always used socks, and I find that socks help in providing warmth, wicking moisture, and keeping your feet dry.
But choosing the wrong type of socks could impede free movement. Thus, you should opt for socks that are -
- thin
- long and
- seamless
Gloves
Gloves not only provide warmth, but they also protect your hands in case of falls and collisions. As with socks, you must opt for gloves that are
- thin
- light
- fit well and
- dry fast
Water bottle
Hydration is very important. Just because you are in a cold environment and it looks like not much effort to glide, don't be fooled. It is demanding effort from a lot of muscles. You need to hydrate frequently. Here are some water bottles to go with your new passion - or see all my designs in my shop.
And if you are just starting out, check out my essential 10 tips to ice skate for the first time.
Tips to help you keep your ice skates in good condition
It is important to take proper care of your ice skates to protect them against wear and tear, rusting, and damage.
- Keep your blades sharp - Sharp blades ensure risk-free skating. Get your ice skates blades sharpened before the first use and then periodically after that. Learn more about sharpening figure skates
- Use blade guards - Use blade guards when stepping outside the ice rink with your skates on. Most ice skates come with basic blade guards. But make sure you do not use blade guards when storing skates in ice skates bags - see my article about the best guards for figure skates
- Keep the blades dry - Blades must remain rust-free for long term use, and drying blades after every use ensures that. Wipe with a clean absorbent towel and then pack your blades in ice skate soakers. Here are some fun absorbent towels to personalize (more designs in my shop):
- Keep the boots dry - Air dry your ice skates after every use. Take the insoles out to get rid of trapped moisture.
- Check your ice skates periodically - You must check your ice skates periodically to see if they need mending. Check the blades for dents and rust, the laces for thinning, the heel area for cuts and the blade holders for loose screws
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