Ice Skates for Beginners and Intermediates: Buying Tips

Your choice of ice skates will define your experience on the ice. Factors like ice skating discipline, fit, and ankle support are important, whether you’re a beginner buying your first ice skates or an intermediate looking for the right ice skates to refine your skills.

With this guide, we’ll help you to make an informed decision. Here are some of the key things to consider before we dive in:

Types of ice skates: Should you go for recreational skates, figure skates, or hockey skates?
Fit: Snug enough for control, yet comfortable enough for long sessions.
Comfort vs. performance: Are you prioritizing comfort or aiming for peak performance?
Blades: Flat blades with toe picks for stability, or curved blades for speed and agility?
Ice skates blade sharpening: New skates require a good initial sharpening.

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Types of Ice Skates

Here's an overview of the different types of ice skates available. By identifying the type of skates that align with your interests and skill level, you can narrow down your options and simplify the selection process.

Each type of skate has a unique balance point and feels noticeably different on the ice. To determine what suits your needs best, you can read about the various types of skates below or, better yet, try different pairs of rental skates. Testing them firsthand can help you discover which style feels most natural and comfortable for you.

Recreational Ice Skates

Recreational ice skates are a great option for beginners and occasional ice skaters. They provide a well-balanced mix of comfort, support, and performance, and they are often seen as a middle ground between figure skates and hockey skates.

If you decide to specialize and advance in either discipline, you’ll eventually need a pair designed specifically for your chosen discipline.

Comfortable, insulated liners to keep feet warm and dry.
Easy-to-use lacing and buckle systems.
Suitable for casual skating and basic maneuvers.
Support and stability for the ankles.
Slightly curved blades for easy turns (however, some recreational skates feature flat, stable figure skate blades with toe picks).

Having soft, comfortable boots along with ankle support, recreational ice skates have a lot in common with fitness inline skates. If you are already familiar with fitness inline skates, you will probably love a good pair of recreational skates.

Buy Recreational Ice Skates

Figure Skates

Figure skates are a great choice for adults interested in artistic skating or those who value stability on the ice. With their flat, stable blades and iconic toe picks, they’re sometimes recommended as entry-level ice skates for absolute beginners. They are definitely the right skate to learn the basics on if your ultimate goal is to pursue figure skating.

Flat blades with toe picks for better control and stability.
Softer boots provide flexibility for ankle movement but offer less ankle support.
Suitable for learning jumps, spins, and other figure skating techniques.

Due to the minimal ankle support in figure skate boots, many beginners feel more confident on recreational skates. While some beginners find toe picks challenging, as they can get in the way, others appreciate them for the added traction they provide during their initial strides on the ice.

Buy Figure Skates

Hockey Skates

Hockey skates are designed for speed and agility, making them suitable for adults interested in playing ice hockey or those who prefer a more dynamic skating experience, where speed and agility are key focus points.

Curved blades for quick maneuvers and acceleration.
Hard, supportive boots for protection and ankle support.
Ideal for fast-paced skating and hockey-specific movements.

For beginners, hockey skates can be an excellent choice. Entry-level hockey skates are often more affordable and designed specifically with beginners in mind. They typically feature comfortable interiors and more flexible boot shells, making them easier to use while you’re still learning the basics.

Sizing Ice Skates

Proper sizing is crucial for comfort and performance. When shopping online, use these tips to find the right fit:

Measure your feet: Place your foot against a wall and measure the distance from the wall to the tip of your big toe.
Use size charts: Consult the size chart provided for each product to match your foot length with the appropriate skate size.
Consider width: Some brands offer different width options, so take this into account for a better fit.

For some performance-oriented skates, beginners may be advised to choose one size larger than the size recommended in the chart. This allows for greater comfort, which is often more important than performance when learning the basics of ice skating. Read the product description and sizing guide for the given pair of ice skates to see all relevant information about sizing.

Break-In New Ice Skates

The break-in period for new ice skates varies a lot, but there are a few general things you can do if you want to minimize the risk of blisters during the break-in.

Short sessions: Do shorter skating sessions and take breaks to loosen your skates and rest your feet.
Lacing: Lace up your skates properly, perhaps slightly looser than normally.
Basic movements: Focus on basic movements rather than attempting complex maneuvers or playing intense hockey matches.
Wear them at home: On days you’re not on the ice, continue the break-in process by wearing your skates at home. With hard skate guards, you can safely walk around and get your feet accustomed to the skates.

All of these tips are designed to ensure a gradual break-in process. In fact, our advice can be summed up in one simple rule: don’t rush the break-in process. New skates need time to mold to your feet, and it will take time for you to adjust to the feel of them as well. Patience is key to achieving the best fit and comfort.

Heat Moldable Ice Skate Boots

New ice skates come with a general anatomical shape that may not perfectly fit your feet. However, if you're serious about progressing in figure skating or ice hockey, a heat-molded boot can provide a more personalized fit, improving both comfort and performance.

It’s highly recommended to have your skates molded by a professional. Attempting to bake your ice skates at home can risk damaging them, as the heat may weaken glue joints and stitches, compromising the skates' durability and performance.

Heat-moldable skates are typically found in the higher price range, and you should never attempt to heat mold them unless the specifications clearly state that the boots are designed for heat molding.

Ice Skate Blades

The blades of your ice skates play a crucial role in determining their gliding properties. Made from various metals, often with some carbon content, blade materials and design vary based on quality and intended use. Regardless of whether skates come pre-sharpened, most new blades are relatively dull out of the box.

The initial sharpening of a new blade is particularly important, as it sets the blade’s hollow – a groove along the surface that allows the blade to grip the ice. This grip provides the control essential for all skaters, regardless of skill level.

To ensure the best results, it’s recommended to have newly acquired skates sharpened by a professional. At SkatePro, we offer professional sharpening services to save you the hassle and ensure your blades are ready for optimal performance right out of the box. Proper sharpening makes your skates significantly easier to use.

For maintenance between sessions, handheld skate sharpeners are available. While they don’t deliver the precision of professional sharpening, they’re a convenient way to keep your blades sharp and performing well.

Types of Ice Skates Blades

Ice skate blades generally fall into two categories: figure skate blades and hockey skate blades. Each type is designed for the unique demands of its respective sport.

Hockey skate blades: Hockey blades are curved, with a smaller contact surface on the ice. This design enhances agility, maneuverability, and speed—key traits for the sharp turns and quick accelerations integral to hockey.

Figure skate blades: Figure skate blades are flatter, offering greater stability for the graceful maneuvers of figure skating. The toe pick is a standout feature, providing a friction point that assists in powerful jumps and generating rotational momentum. It’s also useful for intricate footwork and allows for more controlled, sudden stops.

Stay Protected!

Don’t let the fear of falling hold you back, or worse, injuries that could have been easily prevented. Protective gear can boost your confidence and help you progress faster. If style is a concern, choose gear that can be worn discreetly under your clothes.

Already have protective equipment for inline skating? Good news—it works just as well on the ice. If not, we’ve got you covered with a wide selection of gear, including helmets, knee pads, wrist guards, and impact shorts to protect your tailbone and hips. Stay safe and enjoy the journey!