Guide to Buying Ice Skates for Children

The top children's ice skates offer stability, comfort, and enjoyment. When selecting skates for your child, it's crucial to consider elements like balance, comfortable liners, and robust ankle support.

Regardless of whether your child is new to ice skating or has some previous experience, picking the right pair is essential as it can significantly affect their enjoyment and motivation. This guide explores some of the key aspects when choosing kids' ice skates:

Categories of ice skates: Hockey, figure, or recreational hybrid skates?
Boot Options: Hard or soft boots
Blade Variations: Hockey or figure skate blades
Closure Systems: Laces and buckles

Overview

Varieties of Ice Skates for Children

Checklist for Selecting Kids' Ice Skates

Ice Skating Safety Gear

Overview

Varieties of Ice Skates for Children

Checklist for Selecting Kids' Ice Skates

Ice Skating Safety Gear

Varieties of Ice Skates for Children

Here is a concise overview of the distinct styles of ice skates for kids. Determining your child's interest in a specific skate style will streamline your options and simplify the selection process.

Kids' Figure Skates

The term 'figure skates' pertains to skates with a toe pick at the blade's front and a soft boot. This toe pick aids children in acquiring better control as they acclimatise to gliding on ice. Initially, figure skates for youngsters are less about perfecting ice dancing and more about leveraging the stability they provide.

Stability: Figure skates feature flat blades that, while they may seem less agile, provide enhanced stability for novices.
Style: If your child is inclined towards artistic skating, figure skates are a natural preference.
Toe pick: Toe picks can assist children by making it easier to push off and accelerate. However, they may also cause falls by becoming an obstacle.

Kids' Hockey Skates

Hockey skates are fitted with a curved blade, offering agility but less stability compared to figure skates. If your child aims to play hockey and is somewhat comfortable on the ice, hockey skates make a logical choice. One benefit of hockey skates is their hard, supportive boot construction.

Agility: The curvature of hockey skate blades enhances maneuverability, suitable for quick turns and backward skating.
Speed: Hockey skates allow for quicker acceleration.
Hard boots: These boots not only shield feet but also provide substantial ankle support.
Level: Hockey skates can be a suitable choice for total novices, particularly those interested in playing hockey.

Recreational ice skates generally offer more comfort and ease for beginners compared to hockey skates.

Beginner Kids' Recreational Ice Skates

Recreational ice skates are a blend of hockey and figure skates, making them an ideal option for novices by offering a balanced alternative to more specialized skates. These skates come equipped with simple lacing and buckle systems and straightforward blades; some models feature toe picks, while others do not.

These skates are crafted for comfort and enjoyment, making them perfect for children who wish to have fun on the ice without focusing heavily on performance. The design includes a soft boot shell, similar to fitness inline skates.

Comfort: Liners are designed to be insulating and breathable, keeping feet warm and dry.
Style: Certain models accommodate casual dance movements (with toe picks) or laid-back hockey games (without toe picks).
Level: These skates are optimal for beginners just starting their ice exploration.

Adjustable Ice Skates for Young Beginners

Several children's ice skates are adjustable to fit growing feet, extending their usability. Although the design of adjustable skates can present more potential weak points, a quality pair is a sound option for kids partaking in recreational skating.

Growing feet: Offering a range spanning 3 to 4 sizes, these skates provide prolonged use, saving money and ensuring proper fit as your child's feet grow.
Fit: These skates offer a custom fit, preventing blisters and other issues caused by improperly sized skates.

Step-In Toddler Ice Skates – Double Bladed

If eager to introduce your toddler to the ice, specially designed toddler skates are available. These come with dual blades for additional stability and can be worn over regular boots or shoes, offering an adjustable fit and a secure introduction to ice skating.

Buy Kids Ice Skates

Checklist for Selecting Kids' Ice Skates

Utilize the checklist provided to effortlessly identify the perfect pair of ice skates for your child. Cover these four important criteria, and selecting the right skates becomes straightforward.

Selecting the Right Size for Kids' Ice Skates

Ensuring the right skate size is vital. With online shopping, trying on skates isn't possible, but our convenient sizing guides simplify the process. Measure your child's foot length and match it with our size chart for the perfect fit.

Measure the child's feet: Rest the foot against a wall and measure from the wall to the tip of the big toe. For ease, place a paper beneath and mark the spot.
Click "Show size chart": Use the specific skate's size chart to align your child's foot length with the correct skate size.
Size adjustability: Many kids' skates offer size adjustment, making it easier to find a pair fitting your child's size range.

Varieties of Blade Types for Kids' Ice Skates

Check if the blades are flat or curved and look for toe picks on the blade front.

Figure skate blades: Generally flatter with front toe picks, these provide stability, suitable for beginners.
Hockey blades: Curved for agility, perfect for children keen on hockey or those with skating experience.

Each blade type offers distinct benefits to children. If accustomed to toe picks, they may prefer them in the future. Conversely, adapting to more agile hockey blades can make transitioning to longer blades with toe picks challenging.

Skill Level Considerations

Consider your child's skill level, as their progress will dictate their skating needs and preferences.

Beginners: Focus on comfort, ankle support, and ease of learning. Look for skates with cushioned liners and solid ankle support.
Intermediate: As skills develop, skates can be chosen based on personal preferences, style, and discipline. Hockey blades excel for fast, agile moves, while figure blades suit artistic, dance-based skating.

Intended Skating Use/Style

Contemplate your child's intended skating style. It's crucial if they have set goals or simply wish to have fun on ice. Choose among the main skate varieties:

Recreational skates for kids: Equipped with user-friendly buckles, laces, and liners, recreational skates are perfect for beginners seeking fun. They share many characteristics with inline skates, making them ideal for children already acquainted with similar skates.
Hockey skates: If the focus is on ice hockey, dedicated hockey skates are recommended.
Figure skates: For those passionate about artistic skating, figure skates are the way to go.

To wrap up: Once you know your required skate size and have chosen a skate type, you're ready to select the best ice skates for your child.