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The best kids' ice skates are stable, comfortable, and fun. When choosing ice skates for your child, it’s important to consider factors like balance, comfortable liners, and strong ankle support.
Whether your child is stepping onto the ice for the first time or already has some experience, selecting the right skates makes a big difference – it can greatly impact their enjoyment and motivation. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most important aspects of choosing ice skates for kids:
- Types of ice skates: Hockey, figure or recreational hybrid ice skates?
- Boots: Hard or soft boots
- Blades: Hockey or figure skate blades
- Buckle systems: Lacing systems and buckles
Types of Ice Skates for Kids
Here’s a brief introduction to the different types of ice skates for kids. By identifying the type of skates your child is interested in, you can quickly narrow down the options and make the selection process easier.
Figure Skates for Kids
In this context, ‘figure skates’ refer to skates with a toe pick at the front of the blade and a soft boot. The toe pick can help kids gain better control while getting used to the sensation of gliding on ice. Often, figure skates for beginner kids are less about learning to dance on the ice and more about benefiting from the stability they provide.
- Stability: Figure skates have flat blades that feel less agile but offer greater stability for beginners.
- Style: If your child is already interested in artistic skating, figure skates are the natural first choice.
- Toe pick: Toe picks can be beneficial for kids as they help make it easier to push off and gain speed. However, they can quickly become an impediment, causing kids to fall.
Hockey Skates for Kids
Hockey skates have a curved blade, making them more agile but less stable than figure skates. If your child aspires to play hockey and is already a bit accustomed to ice skating, hockey skates are the natural choice. One advantage of choosing hockey skates for your child is that they typically feature a hard, supportive boot.
- Agility: Hockey skate blades are designed for agility, making them great for quick maneuvers and also for skating backwards.
- Speed: Hockey skates are easier to accelerate.
- Hard boots: Hard boots provide the benefit of protecting the feet while offering substantial ankle support.
- Level: If your child is completely new to ice skating, hockey skates can be a good option, especially for playing hockey.
Keep in mind that recreational ice skates often provide greater comfort and are easier to use for beginners than ice hockey skates.
Recreational Ice Skates for Beginner Kids
Recreational ice skates are more or less hybridized versions of hockey and figure skates, and they are an excellent choice for beginner kids, offering a balanced alternative to the more specialized figure or hockey skates. These ice skates feature easy-to-use lacing and buckle systems, along with simple blades. Some of them have toe picks and others don’t.
Designed for comfort and enjoyment, recreational skates are perfect for kids who want to have fun on the ice without focusing too much on performance. They feature a soft boot shell, similar to those commonly found on fitness inline skates.
- Comfort: Comfortable liners with insulating and breathable properties keep feet warm and dry.
- Style: Some models are suitable for casual dance moves (with toe picks) or a low-key game of hockey (without toe picks).
- Level: Recreational ice skates are ideal for beginners who are just starting to explore the ice.
Adjustable Ice Skates for Beginner Kids
Many models of ice skates for kids are size adjustable so they can accommodate growing feet to extend the time that your kid will be able to fit them. While adjustable skates may have more potential weak points due to their design, a quality pair is often a great choice for kids skating recreationally.
- Growing feet: Spanning 3 to 4 sizes, your child will be able to use the same skates for longer. This saves money and ensures a proper fit as your child's feet grow.
- Fit: Adjustable skates offer a customizable fit, helping to prevent blisters and other issues that can arise from skates being too big or too small.
Toddler Ice Skates – Step-In Ice Skates With Double Blades
If you can't wait to get your little one on the ice, there are ice skates specifically designed for toddlers. These skates feature dual blades for added stability and can be strapped over your child's regular boots or shoes. They are size adjustable, providing a great way to introduce young kids to the ice while ensuring they have fun and feel secure.
Your Checklist for Buying Ice Skates for Kids
Follow the checklist below as a shortcut to easily find the perfect pair of ice skates for your child. Choosing the right skates becomes simple once you’ve covered these four key points.
Sizing Kids’ Ice Skates
Be sure to select the right size of ice skates for your child. Shopping online means you can't try the skates on to see if they fit, but we've made it as easy as possible by providing size guides for each pair of skates we sell. Simply measure the length of your child’s feet and use the size chart to find the perfect fit.
- Measure the child’s feet: Place the foot against a wall and measure the distance from the wall to the tip of the big toe. Placing a piece of paper underneath and marking the point can be helpful.
- Click “Show size chart”: Use the size chart for the specific skates you want to buy to match your child’s foot length with the appropriate skate size.
- Size adjustability: Many kids' ice skates are size adjustable, which is a significant advantage, as you only need to find a pair that covers the size range your child’s feet fall within.
Blade Types on Kids’ Ice Skates
Examine the blades to see if they are curved or flat, and check for toe picks at the front of the blade.
- Figure skate blades: Flatter in design and featuring toe picks at the front, these blades provide enhanced stability, making them an excellent choice for kids who are new to ice skating.
- Hockey blades: With a curved design, these blades are more agile, making them ideal for children interested in hockey or those who have already gained some skating experience.
Both types of blades have their advantages for kids. If they become accustomed to skating with toe picks, they are likely to prefer them in the future. On the other hand, if they start with the more agile hockey blades, they may find the longer blades with toe picks clunky should they decide to switch later on.
Skill Level
Your child’s skill level should be taken into consideration, as their progression will influence their needs and preferences.
- Beginners: Prioritize comfort, ankle support, and ease of learning when selecting skates. Look for skates with a cushioned liner, sturdy ankle support.
- Intermediate: As your child advances, their choice of skates can be guided more by personal preferences, including style and discipline. Hockey blades are ideal for fast-paced, agile maneuvers, while figure skate blades are better suited for elegant dance-oriented moves.
Intended Use / Style of Skating
Consider the type of skating your child plans to pursue. It makes a big difference if your kid wants to pursue a specific goal or if it is just going on the ice to have fun. Choose between the three main types of skates:
- Recreational skates for kids: Featuring easy-to-use buckles and laces, along with comfortable liners, recreational skates are an excellent choice for kids who are just starting to skate and want to have fun. Recreational skates for kids share many similarities with inline skates, so they are ideal for kids who already enjoy similar inline skates.
- Hockey skates: If your child is interested in ice skating to play ice hockey, the natural choice is to opt for a dedicated pair of hockey skates.
- Figure skates: If your kid is passionate about learning artistic skating, get figure skates.
To sum up: If you have an idea about what size of skates you need, and also decided which type of skates, you are ready to go and find the perfect ice skates for your child.
Safety Equipment for Ice Skating
Don't send your kids out on the ice without proper safety gear. There's not much to say about this – falls are inevitable, so it's essential to ensure they have adequate protection.
You can use the same safety equipment they wear for inline or roller skating. If you don't have any yet, feel free to browse our selection of helmets and protective sets:
