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10 Best Ice Skates For Beginners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Jackson Ultima Classic 200/500 Womens Ice Skates for Women & Girls Ice Skates – Comfortable Figure Skates for Ice Skating & Recreational Figure Skating, Size 12 Medium Width – White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,265
Fit and Comfort
Boot Support
Blade Quality

Most important from
1202 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These skates offer excellent comfort, significantly better than rented options, making longer practice sessions more enjoyable.
Boot Support
While supportive, the boots are best suited for recreational use and may not meet the demands of advanced figure skating.
Blade Quality
Blades come factory-sharpened but often require additional sharpening before first use to optimize performance.
Lacing System
The traditional lacing system allows a secure fit but may need some adjustment to achieve optimal support.

The Jackson Ultima Classic 200/500 ice skates are designed with beginners in mind, especially women and girls learning recreational figure skating. They feature a padded lining and felt tongue that provide good comfort and help reduce irritation, which is important for new skaters who may spend longer times building confidence on the ice. The reinforced vinyl upper offers decent boot support to aid balance and control, though it may not be as firm as higher-end models meant for advanced skaters.

The factory-sharpened stainless steel Ultima Mark I blade is suitable for beginners, helping with edge control but might require resharpening after some use. The lacing system is traditional and straightforward, allowing for a secure fit but might take some time to adjust properly for best support. Sized at a children's 12 medium width, these skates are lightweight and manageable, which helps beginners develop their skills comfortably.

The boot material and overall build are more geared towards casual or recreational use, so those aiming for serious figure skating might eventually need to upgrade. These skates offer good comfort, decent support, and beginner-friendly blades, making them a solid choice for women and girls just starting out on the ice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,265
Fit and Comfort
Boot Support
Blade Quality

Most important from
1202 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These skates offer excellent comfort, significantly better than rented options, making longer practice sessions more enjoyable.
Boot Support
While supportive, the boots are best suited for recreational use and may not meet the demands of advanced figure skating.
Blade Quality
Blades come factory-sharpened but often require additional sharpening before first use to optimize performance.
Lacing System
The traditional lacing system allows a secure fit but may need some adjustment to achieve optimal support.
#2

Jackson Ultima SoftSkate Womens/Girls Figure Ice Skates - Children's Size 1, Medium Width

Rating
8.2
Fit and Comfort
Boot Support
Blade Quality

Most important from
1936 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These skates fit perfectly with thick socks and provide excellent support, making them ideal for beginner skaters.
Boot Support
The skates are sturdy and hold ankles straight, ensuring a stable and secure fit.
Blade Quality
The skates came sharpened and ready for beginner use, and the silver detailing adds a nice touch.
Lacing System
Although the original laces might be flimsy, using thicker hockey laces can help keep the skates tightened effectively.

The Jackson Ultima SoftSkate Womens/Girls Figure Ice Skates are a solid choice for beginners in ice skating. These skates feature a synthetic upper and tongue combined with cushy foam padding, ensuring a comfortable fit. The medium support provided by the design helps with the necessary boot support for new skaters. The included Ultima MARK I figure blade is suitable for basic ice skating maneuvers, making it an ideal entry-level blade for those learning the sport.

The high-top lace-up style contributes to the secure fit and support around the ankles, which is crucial for maintaining balance and stability on the ice. The white and pink color scheme is visually appealing, particularly for young girls and women. However, a synthetic outer material may not offer the same durability or breathability as leather alternatives. Also, the size 1 Misses might limit availability for older beginners needing larger sizes.

These skates are reasonably lightweight at 1.63 kilograms, making them easy to carry around. Beginners will appreciate the medium-level support and comfortable fit, although more advanced skaters might seek a higher level of blade performance and boot support. These skates are perfect for young girls and women who are just starting to explore figure skating.

Rating
8.2
Fit and Comfort
Boot Support
Blade Quality

Most important from
1936 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These skates fit perfectly with thick socks and provide excellent support, making them ideal for beginner skaters.
Boot Support
The skates are sturdy and hold ankles straight, ensuring a stable and secure fit.
Blade Quality
The skates came sharpened and ready for beginner use, and the silver detailing adds a nice touch.
Lacing System
Although the original laces might be flimsy, using thicker hockey laces can help keep the skates tightened effectively.
#3

Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skate Black/White Large (5-8)

Rating
7.9
Fit and Comfort
Boot Support
Lacing System

Most important from
1356 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Comfort is impressive, with cozy, warm padding that keeps little feet snug during skating.
Boot Support
The ankle and foot support stand out, providing stability especially for beginners still building skating muscles.
Lacing System
The easy push-button adjustment makes resizing quick and hassle-free, perfect for growing kids.
Skate Type
Ideal as a first skate, delivering on expectations for beginner-friendly performance and fit.

The Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skates are designed with beginners in mind, especially kids who are still growing. One of the biggest benefits is the push-button adjustable sizing, which allows the skate to grow with the child, covering sizes 5 to 8. This feature offers good value and convenience, so you don't have to buy new skates each season. Comfort is well-considered with warm woven lining and deluxe padding, helping keep little feet cozy during skating sessions. The skates also have a waterproof sole, which is useful for wet conditions around the rink.

For support, the locking buckle combined with a power strap helps secure the foot firmly, which is important for stability and control as beginners learn to skate. The stainless steel blade is a solid choice for entry-level skates, providing decent durability and smooth gliding on the ice. However, since the boot material is plastic, it might not offer the highest level of ankle support compared to leather or more rigid materials, which could be a factor for kids needing extra stability. Additionally, while the lacing system is replaced by the buckle and strap setup for quick fastening, this may not allow for as customized a fit as traditional laces.

These skates serve as a practical and popular option for beginner boys, balancing ease of use, comfort, and adjustable sizing to help young skaters get started and progress comfortably.

Rating
7.9
Fit and Comfort
Boot Support
Lacing System

Most important from
1356 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Comfort is impressive, with cozy, warm padding that keeps little feet snug during skating.
Boot Support
The ankle and foot support stand out, providing stability especially for beginners still building skating muscles.
Lacing System
The easy push-button adjustment makes resizing quick and hassle-free, perfect for growing kids.
Skate Type
Ideal as a first skate, delivering on expectations for beginner-friendly performance and fit.

Buying Guide for the Best Ice Skates For Beginners

Choosing the right ice skates for beginners is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the ice. The right pair of skates can help you learn faster, prevent injuries, and make skating more fun. When selecting ice skates, it's important to consider several key specifications that will affect your performance and comfort. Here are the main factors to consider when picking ice skates for beginners.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are the most important factors when choosing ice skates. A well-fitting skate will provide the necessary support and control while preventing blisters and discomfort. Skates should fit snugly but not be too tight. When trying on skates, wear the same type of socks you plan to wear while skating. Make sure there is no excessive pressure on any part of your foot, and that your toes have a little wiggle room. Beginners should look for skates with good padding and a comfortable lining to enhance comfort during longer skating sessions.
Boot SupportBoot support refers to the stiffness and structure of the skate's boot. This is important because it provides the necessary ankle support and stability, which is crucial for beginners who are still learning to balance on the ice. Skates with good boot support will help prevent ankle injuries and improve control. For beginners, a medium level of stiffness is ideal. Too much stiffness can be uncomfortable and difficult to maneuver, while too little support can lead to instability and poor performance.
Blade QualityThe quality of the blade is essential for a smooth and controlled skating experience. Blades are typically made of stainless steel and should be sharp enough to provide good grip on the ice. For beginners, it is important to choose skates with blades that are not too thin or too thick. A medium-width blade offers a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Additionally, ensure that the blades are properly aligned and securely attached to the boot. Regular maintenance, such as sharpening the blades, is also important to keep them in good condition.
Lacing SystemThe lacing system of ice skates affects how securely the skates fit and how easy they are to put on and take off. Traditional laces offer the most customizable fit, allowing you to adjust the tightness at different points of the boot. However, they can be time-consuming to lace up. Some beginner skates come with quick-lace systems or Velcro straps, which are easier and faster to use but may not provide as precise a fit. Choose a lacing system that you find convenient and that provides a secure fit for your feet.
Skate TypeThere are different types of ice skates designed for various activities, such as figure skating, hockey, and recreational skating. For beginners, recreational skates are usually the best choice as they are designed for general use and provide a good balance of comfort and support. Figure skates have a longer blade with a toe pick, which can be useful for learning basic skating techniques but may be challenging for complete beginners. Hockey skates are designed for speed and agility but may lack the comfort and support needed for new skaters. Consider your intended use and choose a skate type that matches your needs.

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