The Best Ice Skates for Kids

Whether you're looking for hockey skates or figure skates, finding the perfect pair for your child can be a challenge. Choosing the right size, style, and color are all important decisions that can feel daunting. But not to worry – we've rounded up some of our favorite ice skates for kids so you can pick from our list to make life a little easier.

Lake Placid Summit Boys Adjustable Ice Skate

A Versatile & Classic Skate

These adjustable skates are for boys of all sizes.
Best For Boys

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With push-button adjustable sizing, these skates are versatile for kids of all ages. The interior woven lining has cushioned padding for a cozy and snug fit. The waterproof sole will keep your feet dry, even after hours of skating, and the stainless steel blade is sharp, durable, and rust-proof, so it’ll stand the test of time. Tie these skates on quickly thanks to the locking buckle and power strap, and you’ll be on the ice before you know it.

Pros:

  • The skates are available in three different sizes to accommodate children of different ages
  • The stainless steel blade is designed for longevity and can be easily sharpened
  • The padded and cushioned interior will keep feet comfortable all day

Cons:

  • For young children, it can be more challenging to learn on hockey-style skates without a toe-stop
  • The blade is very curved for beginner skaters

Lake Placid Girls Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Ice Skates

Bold & Bright Skates for Little Ones

This bright and airy option is one any girl will love.
Best for Girls

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These white ice skates are accented with vibrant hints of turquoise and hot pink to create a feminine and girly design that kids can’t wait to put on.  The easy-push buttons make putting them on and getting them off a breeze, and the quick-fit cam buckles give you adjustable sizing options for ultimate comfort. The interior liner is comfortable and washable, so you can remove it and freshen it up as needed. Plus, the heat-treated, nickel-plated carbon steel blades will skim the ice easily for an unbeatable skating experience.

Pros:

  • The interior liner is removable and washable for easy maintenance and cleaning
  • The quick-fit cam buckles make it easy to get the sizing just right
  • The blades are heat-treated and nickel-plated carbon steel for ultimate durability

Cons:

  • These skates are designed for hockey skating and not figure skating

American Athletic Girl’s Tricot Lined Ice Skates

The Skates You Need to Look Like a Pro

These figure skates will give you the grace and style you need to make an impression.
Best Figure Skates

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These classic figure skates are designed for peak performance. The durable faux leather upper delivers stability and strength, allowing you to wear them over and over again—without rubbing or blisters. The form-fitted tongue is padded to deliver extra comfort, along with full-quarter padding that lets you skate for hours. With multi-layer ankle support and a nickel-plated steel blade, these are the perfect skates to put in hours of practice, show off your skills in a competition, or go for a relaxed and laid-back skate.

Pros:

  • The skates have multi-layer ankle support to ensure you always feel stable and secure
  • The PVC upper is durable and easy to clean to keep your boots in like-new condition
  • The nickel-plated steel blade is sharp and smooth on the ice

Cons:

  • The skates run small, so consider sizing up
  • The skates are ideal for beginners, but not supportive enough for advanced skating

Jackson Ultima Finesse Women’s/Girls Figure Skate

Designed to look fashionable on the ice, these skates make a statement. The vinyl upper is sleek and shiny for a timeless look, while the padded, covered tongue and rolled collar add extra support at the ankles. The interior features a fleece lining that adds a hint of style while also keeping your feet and ankles warm. With a foam-padded lining and an all-purpose nickel blade, these skates are both pretty and practical for the best of both worlds on the ice.

Pros:

  • The fleece lining adds coziness and comfort
  • The interior has cushioned foam padding to maximize comfort for long skating sessions

Cons:

  • The skates are a bit stiff and require some breaking in

Jackson Ultima Figure Ice Skates for Men, Boys in Black Color

Dark Figure Skates Designed for the Boys

These traditional skates are perfect for boys who are just getting the hang of ice skating.
Best in Black

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These skates have a black vinyl-coated upper for added strength and durability. The traditional style has chrome inserts for a little metallic flash, plus special PVC outsoles that are designed to require limited maintenance. The padded lining and extra ankle foam give you the support you need without any rubbing or irritation. And the stainless steel blade is the perfect option for beginners so they can get a feel for the ice.

Pros:

  • The skates come in a range of junior, youth, and adults sizes, so they will fit any skater
  • The exterior has reinforced vinyl-coated uppers and PVC outsoles to prioritize durability
  • The stainless steel blade is designed especially for beginners to make it easier to learn

Cons:

  • The stainless steel blades are durable, but will eventually need to be resharpened

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ice skates come sharpened?

Typically, hockey skates do not come sharpened and will need to be sharpened by a professional before use. Many figure skates, on the other hand, come sharpened. If you’re unsure if a skate is sharp, test it with your fingernail. If you can feel the edge catch along your nail, it means the blade is sharp. On the other hand, if it glides smoothly along the blade, it could be an indicator that they need to be sharpened.

How do you maintain ice skates?

You should dry off the blades and the boots after you get off the ice. Always wear skate guards when walking around the rink, and store your skates in a cool, dry place. Be sure to get them sharpened regularly as well.

How long should ice skates last? 

For moderate skaters, ice skates can last anywhere from five to eight years when properly maintained.