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Best Ice Skates for Kids & Youth: Beginner and Growth Friendly Options
Getting your child into ice skating is an investment in their confidence and fitness. The biggest hurdle for most parents is choosing a skate that won’t cause pain or wobbly ankles. The best ice skates for kids are the Riedell Soar for figure skating and the Bauer X-LS for hockey because they offer unmatched comfort and beginner friendly stability. These top rated models ensure your child spends more time gliding and less time falling.
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Best Figure Skates for Kids and Youth
If your child’s feet are growing rapidly, adjustable skates offer the best value for your money. These models can expand to fit several shoe sizes.
1. Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skates
The Lake Placid Summit Adjustable ice skates provide the smartest solution for parents tired of buying new gear every season. These skates are the best value for growing kids because they expand across four full sizes while providing the warmth and ankle support needed for beginners. This grow with you design ensures your child stays comfortable on the ice for years, not just one winter. The Lake Placid Summit bridges the gap between a soft recreational boot and a sturdy hockey skate. It uses a hybrid design that feels like a sneaker on the inside but protects like a hard-shell boot on the outside.
Adjustable Sizing at the Push of a Button: The standout feature is the EZ Push Button system. You simply press a button on the side of the boot and pull the toe forward to adjust the length.
- Small: Fits junior sizes 10 to 13.
- Medium: Fits sizes 1 to 4.
- Large: Fits sizes 5 to 8.
Triple Closure for Maximum Safety: Keeping a child’s ankle straight is the most important part of ice skating. The Summit uses three different layers to lock the foot in place:
- Laces: These provide a snug fit across the top of the foot.
- Power Strap: This Velcro strap pulls the heel back into the boot.
- Locking Buckle: The top buckle secures the ankle to prevent wobbling.
Perfomance & Comfort: Unlike thin rental skates, the Summit features deluxe comfort padding and a woven lining. This insulation traps heat, allowing your child to skate longer without complaining about cold toes. The stainless steel blades are durable and come with a beginner friendly toe pick, making it easy for kids to push off and find their balance.
2. Nattork Adjustable Kid’s Ice Skates
The Nattork Adjustable Kid’s Ice Skates are an excellent choice for parents looking for a long-lasting and safe option for their children. These skates feature an easytouse button that expands the boot across four different sizes, ensuring they grow with your child for several seasons. This saves you money while providing your young skater with a consistent and familiar feel on the ice.
Build & Comfort: Many kids find the transition to ice skating difficult because of cold feet or uncomfortable boots. The Nattork model addresses these issues with a thick fleece lining that keeps feet warm and cushioned during long skating sessions.
Customizable Fit: A simple one button adjustment system allows the skate to grow as your child’s feet do, covering a range of shoe sizes.
Triple Protection: These skates use a locking buckle, a power strap, and traditional laces to provide maximum ankle support and a secure fit.
Safety Features: The reinforced plastic shell protects small feet from bumps and falls, making them ideal for beginners who are still finding their balance.
Perfomance & Durability: The stainless steel blades are designed for recreational use and hold their edge well, meaning you won’t need to sharpen them as often. The blades also come with a beginner friendly toe pick to help kids learn basic manoeuvres and find their centre of gravity more easily.
Best Ice Figure Skates for Kids and Youth
Figure skates are ideal for kids who want to learn artistic movements or simply enjoy a stable, traditional feel on the ice.
1. Riedell Soar Junior Kid’s Ice Skates
The Riedell Soar Junior ice skates prioritize comfort and warmth for young skaters. These skates are the best choice for beginners because they combine a soft, foambacked velvet lining with a supportive boot that stays comfortable for hours. This ensures your child focuses on learning to glide rather than on sore feet.
Build & Comfort: Most traditional figure skates use stiff leather that takes weeks to “break in.” The Riedell Soar uses a modern synthetic upper that feels flexible the moment you put it on. It provides enough support to keep ankles straight without the painful pinching often found in cheaper models.
The interior features thinsulate insulation, which keeps toes warm even at chilly outdoor rinks. The PVC soles are lightweight and water resistant, so they won’t warp if they get wet. The smaller sizes often include a power strap that helps kids tighten their own skates securely.
Performance on ice: These skates feature a stainless steel spiral blade. This blade is rust-resistant and holds its sharpness well through many public skating sessions. The toe pick is designed to be beginner friendly, meaning it is large enough for basic skills but not so aggressive that it causes frequent tripping.
2. Jackson Ultima SoftSkate for Girls
The Jackson Ultima 380 SoftSkate is a top-tier choice for young girls who want to look like professional figure skaters while staying incredibly comfortable. This skate stands out because it combines a traditional, elegant look with a fleece lined interior that feels as soft as a pair of slippers. It eliminates the stiffness that usually makes learning to skate difficult for beginners.
Build & comfort: Most beginner skates are made of hard plastic or stiff leather that can pinch small feet. The SoftSkate uses a reinforced vinyl upper that provides the right amount of support for the ankle while remaining flexible enough for natural movement.
The thick fleece lining and padded tongue trap heat, making these ideal for cold indoor rinks or outdoor ponds. Unlike professional boots, these are ready to wear immediately. Your child won’t have to suffer through blisters to get a good fit. The classic white boot features chrome accents and a sleek shape that makes every young skater feel confident on the ice.
Perfomace: ackson equips this model with the Ultima Mark I blade. This stainless steel blade is specifically designed for learners. It features a smaller toe pick, which helps prevent toe picking (accidentally tripping over the front of the blade) while still allowing girls to learn basic figure skating stops and turns.
3. Jackson Classic 552 Boys Ice Skates
The Jackson Classic 552 is a reliable and sturdy choice for boys who are serious about learning to skate. This skate excels because it offers the perfect balance of ankle support and flexibility, allowing young skaters to master new skills without their feet feeling restricted. It provides a professional look and feel that builds confidence on the ice from day one.
Build & Comfort: Many beginner skates are either too soft, causing the ankles to wobble, or too stiff, making it hard to move. The Jackson Classic 552 hits the sweet spot with its reinforced vinyl upper. This material is tough enough to protect the foot but supple enough to move with the skater.
The boot features a medium support rating, which keeps the foot vertical and stable during glides and basic turns. The outsole keeps moisture out, ensuring the skates stay lightweight and don’t rot over time. A fully padded lining cushions the foot and helps prevent the rubbing that often leads to blisters.
Best Ice Hockey Skates for Youth
Hockey skates are designed for speed and agility. They lack a toe pick, which makes them a great choice for kids who just want to zoom around the rink.
1. Bauer X-LS Kid’s Ice Hockey Skates
The Bauer X-LS Kid’s Ice Hockey Skates provide the perfect foundation for any child ready to trade their shoes for blades. These skates stand out because they feature a unique Learn to Skate blade that makes balancing much easier for beginners. They help your child build confidence and stay upright right from their very first stride.
Build & Comfort: Unlike professional hockey skates that can feel stiff and unforgiving, the Bauer X-LS uses a soft microfiber liner and a flexible boot construction. This design ensures the skate moves with your child’s foot rather than against it. The blade is slightly longer and flatter than a standard hockey blade, which provides a more stable platform to help kids find their centre of gravity.
Most youth sizes feature Velcro straps instead of laces. This allows kids to put on their own skates and lets parents get them ready in seconds. The interior padding is thick and plush, which means no painful adjustment period or blisters after the first day.
Durability & Protection: Bauer builds these skates with a 3D Poly Carb shell. This lightweight material protects small feet from accidental bumps and stray pucks while keeping the skate light enough for a child to lift easily. The stainless steel blade is pre-sharpened and holds its edge through many hours of practice.
Quick Comparison: Top Kids’ Ice Skates
| Model | Style | Growth |
| Riedell Soar | Figure | Fixed Size |
| Jackson SoftSkate | Figure | Fixed Size |
| Bauer X-LS | Hockey | Fixed Size |
| Lake Placid Summit | Hybrid | Adjustable |
| Nattork | Hybrid | Adjustable |
Finding the Perfect Fit
Ice skates must fit snugly to provide control. Follow these steps to ensure you choose the right size:
- Check the Brand Chart: Skate sizes are NOT the same as shoe sizes. A Bauer size 1 is different from a Jackson size 1.
- The Heel Test: With the skate unlaced, have your child slide their foot forward. You should be able to fit one finger behind the heel.
- Lace it Tight: The skates should be tightest around the ankle and slightly looser near the toes.
- Use Thin Socks: Thick wool socks can actually make feet colder by restricting circulation. Stick to thin, moisture wicking socks.
Conclusion
Finding the right gear doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If your child wants a classic experience, the Riedell Soar or Jackson SoftSkate are fantastic choices. For those who want to play hockey or just skate fast, the Bauer X-LS is unbeatable. If you are worried about growth spurts, the Lake Placid Summit offers the best longevity. Invest in a quality pair today and watch your child fall in love with the ice!
