Ice Skates Purchase Guide for Kids and Adults

Discover the possibilities when selecting the right ice skates for beginners, both young and old. Hockey skates are known for speed, good manoeuvrability, and providing excellent foot support, which makes them suitable for newcomers. Hybrid ice skates are another good option for those seeking comfortable, leisurely skating with their soft boots. For practising jumps, spins, and technical feats, figure skates are the go-to choice.

If your intention is to skate only a few times a year, there's no need to invest heavily in ice skates. Affordable options are available around 25 pounds, though keep in mind that pricier skates generally offer enhanced comfort and ankle support.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Ice Skates

It's crucial not to purchase ice skates that are excessively large, especially figure skates, as control over the blade is necessary for executing jumps and figures. Ensure a snug fit without being overly constrictive. When loosening the laces/buckles and pushing your foot forward, there should be just enough room for a finger behind your heel. Additionally, it’s wise to test the skates with the socks you plan to use while skating.

Many children's ice skates come in adjustable designs, allowing for boot length expansion. This feature is ideal for kids, accommodating growth over 3-4 sizes. Adjustable skates are best suited for casual skating, maintaining quality on par with traditional models. We suggest these if your child is still growing and needs skates for recreational purposes.

When uncertain about sizing, reviewing the size guides is always a good idea. A link to the guide is available on each product page.

Ice Hockey Skates - Optimal for Speed and Beginners

As implied by the name, ice hockey skates work well for hockey, but also perform admirably on ice for beginners or speed enthusiasts.

Design-wise, these skates feature a durable shell that shields your feet during a game, while the padded interior ensures comfort despite the rigid exterior. This makes them ideal for beginners seeking cozy skates. The design also supports the ankle and foot. Their short, curved blades cater to easy manoeuvrability and swift acceleration but are not fit for lengthy skating sessions. In contrast to figure skates, hockey skates lack toe picks, preventing unintentional blade obstruction that could cause a balance loss.

At SkatePro, we offer hybrid ice skates, melding the blade of a hockey skate with the soft boot typical of inline fitness skates. For inline skaters familiar with soft boots, this provides a smooth transition due to shared comfort. Such hybrid skates suit standard ice skating.

Figure Skates - Perfect for Tricks and Figures

Figure skates cater to those keen on performing figures on ice. The front blade toe picks, crucial for various moves like pirouettes and jumps, are present in classic figure skates, with three to four toe picks being adequate.

Boots are available in leather or synthetic leather. Professional figure skates often employ leather, offering enhanced ankle support but are typically harder and less comfortable. Synthetic leather boots, conversely, are generally more comfortable but provide less support. Some modern synthetic leather figure skates offer superior support compared to leather, alongside improved padding, for added comfort.

Hybrid Ice Skates - Ideal for Kids, Beginners, and Intermediate Levels

Hybrid ice skates emphasize stability and comfort, featuring a soft boot like fitness inline skates. The blade may replicate either a hockey or figure skate, equipped with toe picks when needed.

Figure skates offer less comfort compared to hybrids, making hybrid skates with figure blades a good option for younger children keen on figures without sacrificing comfort or support. Design-wise, these deviate from traditional figure skate aesthetics.

3-in-1 Skates for Children

We provide 3-in-1 skates with convertible attachments—ice blades, inline, or quad wheels—catering to both summer and winter activities without needing to buy separate pairs. While the quality and performance may not match dedicated counterparts when purchased separately, they are perfectly suitable for casual use.

Still undecided on which ice skates to buy? Consider renting a pair at your local rink to refine your preferences.

Check out our extensive selection of ice skates

You might also find our guides helpful: Buying Ice Hockey Skates and Ice Skates Maintenance

If further guidance is needed, do not hesitate to reach out. Our customer support team is available to assist you. :-)