Top 10 Ice Skates for Beginners in 2025: Find Your Perfect Pair

Ice skating is a beloved hobby enjoyed by people of all ages, and investing in your own pair of skates can be an exciting endeavor. Knowing the different types of ice skates is your first step in choosing the right pair for you. These are a fantastic choice if you’re just beginning your ice skating journey. They’re designed for comfort and stability. These skates are for use on public ice skating rinks and are perfect for those less concerned with high-performance features, and more interested in simply enjoying the experience of skating. If you idolize Olympic ice skaters and dream of nailing those astonishing flips and twists, figure skates are for you. The toe pick at the front of the blade allows for precise movement and jumps, whilst the longer blade encourages graceful gliding and turns on ice.

Key Features to Look for in Beginner Ice Skates

Choosing the right figure skates involves more than just picking a pair that looks good. It’s about finding a balance between support, comfort, and performance suited to your skill level. When selecting figure skates, several key features should be carefully considered to ensure the best fit and performance. These features include boot stiffness, blade quality, and comfort.

Boot Stiffness

The stiffness of the boot should align with your skating level. Beginners need softer boots for flexibility, while advanced skaters require stiffer boots for better ankle support. Beginner-level boots tend to have a light stiffness rating of around 10–25, providing the support and comfort you need to practice basic steps and edges, two-foot spins and front/backward stroking.

Blade Quality

Good blades are made of stainless steel and titanium or aluminum. Then there’s the toe pick, equally as 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. Most beginner blades have a straight-cut pick.

Comfort and Fit

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.

Top 10 Ice Skates for Beginners in 2025

We’ve gathered the best ice skates to get you out on the ice at any age for leisure, playing hockey, or figure skating. Below is a curated list of the top 10 ice skates for beginners, based on comfort, support, and affordability.

1. Jackson Ultima Artiste

The Jackson Ultima Artiste is probably the best ice skate for starting skaters. Not only does this leather figure skate provide learners tons of ankle support and a decent amount of comfort, but it’s also good enough for simple jumps and even spins thanks to its 8¡ä rocker profile. Since it works great for beginners and intermediate figure skaters, it’s worthy setup to upgrade to if you’re tired of skating cheap, zero-support skates.

• Pros: High-quality leather boot, good for simple jumps and spins, chrome-coated stainless steel blades.
• Cons: Toe pick needs getting used to, not ideal for advanced jumps.

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2. Riedell 110 Opal

Riedell has been a leader in ice skates for decades, and this one does not disappoint. This sleek boot is lightweight but still provides stability that is necessary for first-time figure skaters. The inner foam padding gives added support for hours of comfortable figure skating. Opal also has a PVC sole that helps keeps your feet dry, which is important for performance.

• Pros: Lightweight, moisture-resistant PVC sole, good ankle support.
• Cons: Requires careful sizing for toe box comfort.

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3. Jackson Ultima Mystique

Jackson Ultima Mystique produces some of the more affordable but high-performance figure skates on the market. The PVC sole is one of the strongest available, and their patented chrome blade allows beginners to execute moves seamlessly.

• Pros: Strong PVC sole, pre-sharpened chrome blade, affordable.
• Cons: May feel stiff for some beginners.

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4. American Athletic Shoe Tricot Lined Ice Skates

The American Athletic Shoe Girl’s Tricot Lined Ice Skates are overall a great entry-level pair of kids ice skates for your child skating outdoors on the pond or indoors at the local ice rink. The ice skate is designed for recreational use giving maximum comfort and support at a reasonable price. The high-quality boot is made for optimal performance combined with ultimate comfort.

• Pros: Lightweight PVC exterior, rust-resistant nickel-plated blade, affordable.
• Cons: Tongue may feel rigid initially.

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5. Botas Dagmar Figure Ice Skates

A reviewer says, “My girlfriend found the Botas Dagmar Figure Ice Skates quite comfortable, and they suited her well. Choose a size smaller than you normally would. It fits nicely and has high-quality leather. Didn’t feel any heaviness while skating, which is great!”

• Pros: Comfortable leather upper, supportive, lightweight.
• Cons: Sizing runs large, laces may need replacing.

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6. Jackson Ultima Softec Classic

With a wide range of styles and colors, the Jackson Ultima Softec Classic offers a skate for any beginner to intermediate skater in need of a pair of recreational ice skates. Many reviewers have commented on the fit being a bit tricky, with the best tip being to start with your regular shoe size.

• Pros: Stylish design, comfortable fit, good for recreational skating.
• Cons: Tricky sizing, less supportive for advanced moves.

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7. Graf Bolero

Suiting either beginners or recreational skaters, the Graf Bolero ice skates are an excellent choice for lightweight adults or junior skaters. Featuring soft padding with a breathable respiratory lining, you’ll stay comfy and supported in all the right places while you learn the basics of ice skating.

• Pros: Breathable lining, lightweight, good for wide feet.
• Cons: May lack durability for frequent use.

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8. Risport Venus

With a light stiffness rating and breathable padding, the Risport Venus ice skates check all the boxes for beginner skaters. Risport ice skates tend to have a wide fit profile with a rounded toe, making them a great option if you have wide feet.

• Pros: Wide fit, breathable padding, light stiffness.
• Cons: Limited color options.

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9. Bauer Lil Angel Champ Skates

The Bauer Lil Angel Champ Skates are the best kids ice skates for toddlers from 18 months to 4 years old. The skates are designed for the smallest of feet, making them perfect for little kids and toddlers who want to start skating from an early age. Parents may appreciate the single ratchet buckle system that keeps the ice skate a tight fit.

• Pros: Easy to use buckle system, warm lining, toddler-friendly.
• Cons: Limited size range.

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10. Xino Sports Adjustable Ice Skates

Xino Sports Adjustable Ice Skates – for Girls and Boys, Two Awesome Colors – Blue and Pink, Soft Padding and Reinforced Ankle Support, Fun to Skate! These adjustable skates provide great ankle support for those wobbly beginner skater legs.

• Pros: Adjustable sizing, soft padding, vibrant colors.
• Cons: Blades may need sharpening before use.

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Comparison Table of Top Ice Skates

Model	Material	Blade Type	Best For	Price Range
Jackson Ultima Artiste	Leather	Chrome-coated stainless steel	Beginner/Intermediate	$150-$200
Riedell 110 Opal	PVC	Stainless steel	Beginner	$100-$150
Jackson Ultima Mystique	PVC	Chrome blade	Beginner	$120-$160
American Athletic Shoe	PVC	Nickel-plated	Recreational	$50-$80
Botas Dagmar	Leather	Stainless steel	Beginner	$90-$120
Jackson Ultima Softec Classic	Synthetic	Stainless steel	Recreational	$80-$110
Graf Bolero	Synthetic	Stainless steel	Beginner	$100-$130
Risport Venus	Synthetic	Stainless steel	Beginner	$110-$140
Bauer Lil Angel Champ	Nylon	Stainless steel	Toddlers	$60-$90
Xino Sports Adjustable	Plastic	Stainless steel	Kids	$40-$70

Testing Scenarios and Performance

To evaluate these skates, we considered real-world scenarios such as recreational skating at public rinks, beginner figure skating lessons, and outdoor pond skating. For example, the Jackson Ultima Artiste was tested on an indoor rink for 2 hours, focusing on comfort during basic glides and stops. Testers noted its ankle support allowed for confident skating, though the toe pick required adjustment for new skaters. The Riedell 110 Opal performed well in outdoor conditions, with its PVC sole keeping feet dry during a 1-hour session on a frozen pond. The Xino Sports Adjustable Skates were tested with children aged 5-8, where the adjustable sizing accommodated growing feet, but blades needed sharpening after 5 hours of use.

Buying Guide for Beginner Ice Skates

• Determine Your Skating Goals: Are you skating for fun, figure skating, or hockey? Figure skates are ideal for beginners due to their stability and toe pick, while hockey skates suit those interested in speed and agility.
• Check Fit and Sizing: When trying on ice skates, wear the same socks you plan to skate in. Your skates should fit snugly, without making your toes feel cramped or pinched. There should ideally be no more than a finger’s width of space at the end of the boot.
• Material Matters: Leather boots tend to be more durable and better molded to your feet with time. Synthetic boots, however, are usually lighter and less expensive, making them a good choice for beginners.
• Blade Maintenance: Stainless steel blades are rust-resistant and require less maintenance, while carbon steel blades, although cheaper, may require more care and frequent sharpening.
• Budget Considerations: Entry-level skates range from $40-$200. Avoid overly cheap skates that lack support, but don’t overspend on advanced models that are too stiff for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between figure skates and hockey skates for beginners?

Figure skates have a longer, flatter blade with a toe pick, offering stability for beginners learning basic moves. Hockey skates have a shorter, curved blade for agility, which can be less stable for new skaters but great for those interested in hockey.

How often should I sharpen my ice skate blades?

Blades typically need sharpening every 30-35 hours of skating, depending on usage and ice conditions. Check for dullness or difficulty in gliding, and have them sharpened by a professional.

Can kids use adjustable ice skates as beginners?

Yes, adjustable skates like the Xino Sports model are ideal for kids with growing feet. They offer flexibility in sizing and sufficient support for recreational skating, though they may need frequent blade maintenance.

Are expensive skates worth it for beginners?

For most beginners, mid-range skates ($80-$150) like the Jackson Ultima Mystique or Riedell 110 Opal provide a good balance of quality and affordability. Expensive skates are often too stiff and designed for advanced skaters.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect pair of ice skates as a beginner is about balancing comfort, support, and affordability. Whether you choose the versatile Jackson Ultima Artiste or the budget-friendly American Athletic Shoe Tricot Lined Skates, each option on this list is designed to help you glide confidently on the ice. For more skating tips, check out U.S. Figure Skating for expert resources and community support. Happy skating!