Learn about your options when choosing the right beginner’s ice skates for kids and adults. Hockey skates are fast and maneuverable and offer good support of the foot, making them a good choice for beginners. Hybrid ice skates are with their soft-boot also a good choice for beginners who are only interested in using them for cozy rides. And if you wish to practice jumps, spins and other technical tricks, you should go for a figure skate.
There is no need to spend a whole lot of money on ice skates if you only intend to use them a couple of times every year. You can get cheap ice skates for about 25 pounds, however, be aware that more expensive ice skates usually provide better comfort and support around the ankle.
Buy your ice skates in the right size
It is important that you do not buy your ice skates too big - especially figure skates, where you need to have absolute control over the blade to make figures and jumps. The ice skates must have a firm fit without being too tight. Once the laces/buckles are loosened and your foot pushed forward, you should be able to have just enough space for a finger behind your heel. It is also a good idea to try the skates on with the same socks you are intending to use for ice skating.
A lot of kids’ ice skates exist in adjustable models, which means that the length of the boot can be expanded. This allows your child to grow about 3-4 sizes with the ice skates. Adjustable ice skates are intended for recreational use only, and quality wise they are equally good as regular models. We therefore recommend adjustable skates if your child is still in the growing phase and only needs them for casual skating.
We always recommend that you read the size guides if you have any doubts about what size to get. You will find a link for the guide at each product page.
Ice hockey Skates - for speed and beginners
As the name suggests, ice hockey skates are suitable for ice hockey, but they are equally good for regular skating on the ice if you are a beginner or if you have a “need for speed”.
The ice skate consists of a stiff shell that will protect your feet against hits during an ice hockey game. The interior is well-padded, making it comfortable to wear despite the stiff shell - which is also why they are suitable for beginners looking for comfortable skates. The boot is designed to provide good support for your ankle and foot. The blade is short and curved, making the ice skates easy-maneuverable and optimum for quick acceleration to obtain speed but less suitable for long rides. Unlike figure skates, hockey skates do not have toe picks in the front of the blade, and since the skates are not intended for making figures, your blade won’t get stuck in the ice accidentally making you lose balance.
At SkatePro, we offer hybrid ice skates that combine the blade of ice hockey skates with the soft boot of fitness inline skates. So if you are already used to a soft boot from your recreational inline skates, the transition will be easier, since you get the same comfortable feeling. Hybrid ice skates are only intended for “normal” ice skating.
Figure skates - for tricks and figures
Figure skates are for those who wish to make figures on the ice. With toe picks on the front of the blade, used for setting off, the classic figure skates allow for you to perform various figures like pirouettes and jumps. It is sufficient to have three to four toe picks.
The boot exists in both leather or synthetic leather. Leather is often seen in more expensive figure skates used for professional use. The boot is typically harder and thus less comfortable to wear, but, in addition, more ankle support is provided. Boots made of synthetic leather are typically more comfortable to wear, but provide less ankle support. However, some modern figure ice skates in synthetic leather actually provide better support than leather boots and even have better padding, making them comfortable.
Hybrid ice skates - Great for kids, beginners and intermediate riders
Stability and high comfort are the keywords when it comes to hybrid ice skate. This kind of ice skates has a soft boot, as you know from fitness inline skates. The blade can either be an ice hockey blade or figure skate blade with toe picks.
Figure skates, on the other hand, do not provide the same level of comfort, which is why it can be a good idea to buy a hybrid ice skate with a figure skate blade for younger children. This way they can practice figures without having to make any compromise on comfort or support. Regarding design, these skates will of course no longer have the classic figure skate look.
3-in-1 skates for kids
If your child also feels like running on regular skates, we offer 3-in-1 skates consisting of a boot to which you can attach either an ice blade, inline wheels or quad roller skate wheels. This way, the skates can be used for both the summer and winter season without the need of purchasing three pairs. The quality and performance of each part, however, is not as good as if you bought them separately, but they serve their purpose well if only intended for occasional use.
If you are still having doubts about which type of ice skates you should buy, you can start out by renting a pair at your local skate rink to get one step closer to your preferable taste.
See our wide selection of ice skates
You can also read our guides: Buying Ice hockey Skates and Maintenance of Ice skates
Feel free to contact us for further advice should you still have any questions. Our customer support team is always ready to help you. :-)
