Whether you’re gliding over the ice with elegance, about to fire a puck at a shaking goalie, or are more reminiscent of a young Bambi, no-one can say that ice skating isn't great fun. But before you take to the ice, you’re going to need a decent pair of skates!
Unless you’re an absolute pro, buying new ice skates can be tricky regardless of whether you’re replacing old ones or buying your first set. If you've ever wondered how to tell different styles of blades apart, or what particular features are appropriate for your skill level, we’ve created a buying guide to help you answer these questions and more. From there, we’ll share the ranking of our top 10 favourite ice hockey and figure skates on Amazon and eBay.
Quick List - Top Ice Skates
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Before we get going, let’s take a timeout and learn about the options available to us. In this segment, we’ll be focussing on the different types of skates, the blade material and other issues. These should ensure that you’re able to make an astute choice when the time comes.
The first thing you’ll have to think about is the different style of skates available. The most popular are figure or ice hockey skates. Other than their primary use, there are some differences in the design of the skates, so let’s have a look at each individually.
Figure skates are primarily used for, well, figure skating. This requires the skater to be able to glide smoothly, as well as execute a loop, axel or salchow. To accomplish this, the skates have toe picks at the front and longer blades that provide a little more control when doing daring manoeuvres.
For these reasons, figure skates require a stiff boot with a slightly more flexible upper. This is to allow for movement, while supporting the ankle and preventing it from twisting when turning and landing. The only issue with figure skates, particularly if you’re a beginner, is that the longer blades make it a little easier to trip over, which could see you spend more time on your bum.
When it comes to hockey skates, they're characterised by their shorter, less complicated blade. You’ll see no tail or toe pick! Instead, these skates have a gentle curve to the front and rear. This design encourages faster speeds and better manoeuvrability, whether you're going forwards or backwards.
Another feature of hockey skates is that the blades are generally narrower. This makes them more streamlined, and therefore quicker and more nimble. The downside is that they have a looser fit, which can see new skaters be a little unstable in them at first, which again, will see you spending more time on your bum.
The next most important feature is the material the blade is made out of. More often than not, you will find that beginner to intermediate blades are made from stainless steel. That's because this material is affordable, yet durable. However, it does require more care, and more frequent sharpening.
If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, then you could opt for blades made from stainless steel and aluminium, or carbon steel. These are both a little softer and more prone to dings, so are generally better for more experienced skaters. These styles also require less maintenance to keep them at their best, so they'll be ready to go on an almost daily basis.
In our ranking, we have skates designed for children, youths and adults. So, we thought it important to touch on the sizing before we get too far in. Generally speaking, we would encourage you to find a pair of ice skates that have a snug fit. This is because a fitted boot will keep your feet and ankles more secure, and warmer, when on the ice.
Now, for adults whose feet have stopped growing, this next point won't be so much of an issue for you. However, if you’re buying for a child that's shooting up like a weed, it might be worth opting for a pair that have a little more room to grow. Otherwise, you could be forking out of pocket sooner rather than later!
One way you can make up for any space in the boot is with extra thick socks. You might have to replace those soon, but hopefully you'll get a little more use out of the skates.
The weight of the skates will determine your ease of movement. Lighter blades ensure better fluidity, although you'll have less control, whereas heavier blades offer greater control, but with less flexibility.
When it comes to choosing what’s right for you, its generally considered that heavier blades are better for beginners and less experienced skaters. That said, there is rarely more than 0.5 kg difference in the boots, so while it may make a slight difference at first, once you’ve been out in them a few times, you should begin to get used to them fairly quickly.
The hard part is ascertaining what is 'heavy' or 'light', because all people have different strength capabilities. That said, in the name of giving you some guidance, we would recommend choosing anything under 2 kg if you're after a lighter skate.
The final thing to consider when picking up some ice skates, is what type of lining they have inside the boot. If your main priority is keeping your feet warm, you should look for Thinsulate, quilted or padded liners.
For training and intense activity, you might prefer a breathable lining. These will also be handy for those whose feet are prone to sweating. The best materials to pick are microfibre or synthetic sports linings. Some companies even use their own optimised materials, such as Dri-Lex from Riedell.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Riedell Women's 119 Emerald Skates | ![]() | Sometimes in Life, You Get What You Pay For | |
2 | Bauer NSX Ice Skates | ![]() | Beginner Boots From a Big Name | |
3 | Jackson Ultima Softec Classic | ![]() | Great Skates for the Whole Family | |
4 | Jackson Ultima Excel | ![]() | The Brand Loved by Professionals | |
5 | Bladerunner Zephyr | ![]() | A Brilliant Beginner Ice Skate | |
6 | Riedell Youth 10 Opal Skates | ![]() | The Junior Version of a Classic | |
7 | Hudora HD-216 Hockey Ice Skates | ![]() | A Chunky Pair With Extra Reinforcements | |
8 | Roces Paradise Ice Skates | ![]() | An Economical Option for Those Who Want Complete Movement | |
9 | Lake Placid Cascade Boys Figure Skates | ![]() | A Sleek and Sophisticated Figure Skate | |
10 | K2 F.I.T Pro Skates | ![]() | A Classic in-Line Boot for Ice Hockey |
These are the most expensive option in our ranking, but sometimes you get what you pay for, which these Riedells certainly prove. The boots are made from a double-reinforced synthetic material, with an open leather tongue. All of these are high-quality components which add protection and strength.
Moreover, the lining combines both Dri-Lex to keep you cool and a padding to keep you comfy. There's also an additional high-rolled collar around the back and a higher toe box, which provides more space inside the boot. All of these features might seem excessive if you're an occasional skater, but we promise you, you'll only think that till you've tried them.
Bauer is one of the biggest names in the ice skating game, and the NSX are a great example of why. They're a recreational option designed for players that are new to the sport. They use a stainless steel blade, and they're attached to an EVA foam footbed, which provides a lot of comfort.
Moving up the boots, there is a respectable amount of ankle padding, a durable microfibre liner and their signature injected weave quarter panelling on the outside. This offers impressive support at a lower weight.
These skates are available in a vast range of both adult and youth sizes, which means that you're more likely to get something that fits you, your child, your gran or whoever else is currently after a pair.
A classic sports-style skate, not only do they have a Thinsulate lining, but also thick foam padding for maximum comfort. They have a stylish two-tone nylon upper, which comes in a few different colours, and a synthetic outsole that helps to keep the weight down while remaining sturdy.
Jackson Ultima are a top choice for figure skaters, favoured by many professionals including US Olympian Nathan Chen. This particular design offers lighter support, making them ideal for recreational skating and for those learning the basic steps.
The boot includes a foam-backed vinyl and mesh tongue for added comfort, and a synthetic lining throughout to help keep your feet cool as you're swirling around the ice. Plus, these skates use a softer aluminium and steel blend blade, which is often the choice of those who take their skating seriously.
These skates, from the aptly named Bladerunner, are one of the best around for those new to skating, whether it be for sports or recreation. They're rather heavy, which gives you that little bit more control, helping you to feel more comfortable on the ice.
Furthermore, they have both buckles and laces. This provides an extra-secure fit to prevent injury. If that's not enough, the Thinsulate lining and long-lasting stainless steel blades should see that you get your money's worth!
Known for their easy comfort and distinguished looks, the Riedell 10 Opal is the junior version of the 110 Opal adult skates. They offer light support and cushioning, with a quilt-lined split tongue that provides additional stability when on the ice.
They utilise stainless steel blades, and come in either a black or white finish. Regrettably, they are known for being a little stiff, which could discourage your young one from wearing them, unless you can provide additional padding while breaking them in.
These surprisingly light ice hockey skates are from German brand Hudora. They're cold-resistant down to - 20°C, and are made from a mixture of nylon, heavy-duty mesh fabric and nubuck synthetic leather with a felt tongue for warmth and comfort.
The front and sides of the skates are further reinforced to provide additional protection. There is a pretty big downside though! These skates don't have any lining, which means that without a pair of nice cosy socks, you're going to be uncomfortable and likely to end up with blisters.
These lightweight skates from Roces are perfect for those looking for the ultimate range of movement from their skates. They're crafted using high-quality materials, from the leather upper to the strong laces, all of which means you can worry less about what you're wearing, and concentrate more on what you're doing!
Inside the boot, there is a microfibre lining for better ventilation, along with an anatomic footbed for additional comfort. That said, these skates may require more frequent sharpening due to the blades not being the best quality. Still, for the price, it's hard to complain.
These sleek and sophisticated skates from Lake Placid are made with additional ankle support. This is something that many male figure skaters will require, particularly as they become more skilled. They use the classic stainless steel blade, with traditional toe picks for all the manoeuvres you may require.
In addition to this, they have a woven synthetic liner throughout. Our only qualm is that we don't know exactly what it is, which is a bit of a shame, as that could be a crucial factor for some buyers.
These ice skates feature a classic boot design from the company K2. They use it in many of their designs, from in-line to ice skates, as it delivers both comfort and sturdiness. This is in part due to the Thinsulate lining, as well as the weightier blade.
The company have opted for a speed lacing system, which is a little more convenient - especially when wearing gloves. However, it doesn't produce quite as snug a fit, which is essential when trying to maintain balance on slippery ice.
Whether your nearest rink is indoors or outside, you're going to need to keep warm while you're on the ice. Now that you've hopefully got a pair of skates sorted, here are a few more articles to help you find some suitable sub-zero attire!
Whether you're looking to get on the ice regularly for sports or recreation, you're going to need a suitable set of skates that are comfortable to wear. Hopefully our buying guide and top 10 have pointed you in the right direction, so here's to enjoying your new hobby!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Riedell |Women's 119 Emerald Skates
No. 2: Bauer|NSX Ice Skates
No. 3: Jackson Ultima|Softec Classic
No. 4: Jackson Ultima|Excel
No. 5: Bladerunner|Zephyr
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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