10 Best Ice Skates For Beginners 2026 in the United States

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.

The Riedell Soar Ice Skates are a solid choice for beginners looking for comfortable and reliable skates for casual use on rinks or ponds. They feature a plush foam-backed velvet lining with 3M Thinsulate insulation, which keeps your feet warm and cozy during cold skating sessions. The boots offer light ankle support with a flexible split tongue design, striking a good balance between stability and freedom of movement, although this support might feel minimal for those needing stronger ankle control. The simple lacing system makes it easy to adjust fit without hassle, which is great for beginners still learning how to get comfortable in skates. The stainless steel Spiral blades are designed to provide smooth gliding, suitable for recreational skating rather than advanced tricks or jumps. However, these skates are not intended for children 12 and under, so they are better suited for teens and adults starting out.

The boots have PVC soles and durable uppers that are maintenance-free, but they may not offer the highest level of rigidity found in more performance-focused skates. The Riedell Soar provides warmth, reasonable support, and ease of use in a stylish skate, making it well-suited for those new to ice skating, especially for casual skating sessions.

The Jackson Ultima Excel ice skates are designed with beginners in mind, especially women and girls starting in figure or recreational skating. They offer a comfortable fit thanks to a reinforced vinyl upper with a soft, padded collar that reduces irritation. The boot provides light support, which is good for those learning to skate as it allows some ankle movement needed for balance and control. The foam-backed tongue adds extra comfort and support around the foot, helping skaters feel secure without being too stiff.

The skates come with factory-sharpened Ultima Mark II stainless steel blades, which are attached securely to the sole, providing decent blade quality for beginners to improve their edge control. These blades are suitable for learning basic figure skating moves and recreational skating but might not meet the needs of more advanced skaters looking for higher precision or durability.

Lacing is the traditional style, which beginners might find easy to adjust for a snug fit, though it requires effort to get just right every time. The medium width boot fits most average foot shapes comfortably but might feel a bit narrow or wide for some users. While these skates offer light support, those needing stronger ankle stability might find them less suitable for more intense training. The materials used are durable but mostly PVC and vinyl, which could wear faster than leather boots. These skates balance comfort, support, and blade quality for new skaters wanting reliable, beginner-friendly figure skates without a high price tag.