Welcome to ThinkVail – shop our list of best ice skates for kids, featuring hockey and figure skates by Jackson, Riedell, K2, Bauer, Lake Placid and more.
Kids and ice skating go hand in hand. There is nothing more thrilling when you’re a kid than gliding across the ice and getting up the courage to try a trick, like a skate stop, backwards skate, or even, dare-I-say, a JUMP.
Bundled up in warm clothes, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the season with their new skates laced up tight is a memory your kiddo will cherish forever. But how do you get your kids started on this journey and what is the best ice skates for them to learn and advance?
It can be confusing choosing the best ice skates for children. Choose skates based on their current ability level and the skating they want to do. Types of skates include: recreational, figure skating, hockey and speed skating.
Most kids here in the Vail Valley start with recreational, freestyle skates that can be used for both hockey and figure skating. As they get older and their abilities improve, they will advance to more activity-specific skates as their skills develop. For now, in the beginning, the goal is to have fun and be comfortable.
It is recommended that children under the age of six, skate with a wide double rail (two blades) and a solid bottom. These skates are safer, more comfortable and prevent wobbly ankles on young skaters.
The Right Size
Correct fit is most important — if the skates are too small, they will hurt your child’s feet, but if they are too large, they won’t provide the necessary stability and can cause injury.
Try skates on while wearing thin socks. Skates should feel quite snug compared to regular shoes, but they should not be painful.
Lace up the skates completely to get a true sense of how the skates will fit.
Let the child stand and walk in the skates. If their heel lifts out of the boot, or if there is much wiggle room in the toes, the skates are too large.
If you cannot try the skates on in person, a good rule of thumb is to start with a pair of skates one size smaller than your child’s typical sneaker size. But to be sure always check out each skate company’ s sizing chart closely
Ankle Stability
Children’s skates should provide good ankle stability to prevent injury. This means that the skates need to have moderate stiffness, and your child should not be wobbly while standing.
.
Advertisement
Best Ice Skates for Kids
#1 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Lake Placid Girls Double Runners
For over 50 years Lake Placid ice skates has been delivering frozen fun! This great starter skate with double blades make it easy for kids to learn and gain confidence whether in the rink or skating outside on the frozen pond.
Sport boot design, makes putting on and taking off skates easy.
Double runner blades for added balance
No sharp edges for little ones to cut themselves.
Cute pink and white design is adorable for girls.
Smooth vinyl upper with soft padding for extra comfort.
Lace-up closure
Recommended for kids 6 years old and under
Available color: Pink
.
Advertisement
#2 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Lake Placid Boys Double Runners
Lake Placid has been providing quality, affordable ice skates for decades offering a range from beginners to seasoned veterans. These double blades are easy for kids to learn on while gaining confidence.
Sport boot design, makes putting on and taking off skates easy
A great starter skate for young kids
No sharp edges for little ones to cut themselves.
Classic design
Smooth vinyl upper with soft fleece boot collar insures comfort.
Lace up closure
Recommended for kids 6 years old and under
Available color: Black
.
.
Advertisement
#3 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Bauer Lil Champ
For over 80 years Bauer has been a leader in hockey and ice skating innovation. With the Lil Champ skate, they have created a great beginner skate that is trusted, and is perfect for kids to learn how and grow a life-long love for the sport.
One-piece nylon interior makes for a comfortable and warm skate with a good fit.
The inner liner is comfortable and keeps feet warm.
The single ratchet buckle system keeps the skate tight
Ratchet buckling system makes skates easy on and easy off. Anyone who has had a young child that has to go to the bathroom “NOW” knows how important this feature can be.
Single blade
Skates come with a factory edge but will need to be sharpened for optimal performance
.
.
.
.
#4 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Jackson Freestyle
The Jackson Freestyle skate embodies expertise, and the latest technology to enhance your young skater’s performance while the fleece lining makes them warm and comfortable and look oh-so cute.
Sleek, lightweight skate
Featuring a cut resistant microfiber upper, tongue
Soft top-line eliminates shin irritation
U-shaped cuff pattern and adjusted back height allows for maximum flexibility and support.
Lightweight Fusion sole
Ultima Aspire XP blade attached with screws.
Lace slits in tongue keep tongues in place
Reinforced heel with aluminum plates eliminates sole separation
Provides excellent ankle support.
Swarovski inlaid crystals looks stylish and elegant.
Available in a wide variety of kid and adults sizes
Available colors: Black / White
.
.
.
Advertisement
#5 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Riedell Beginner
Riedell has been designing and creating superior ice skates that feature fit, comfort and performance for four generations. This beginner level skate is no exception, providing extra cushion while looking great!
Recreational skates offer the new beginner or casual skater light support to keep you stable on the ice while allowing for freedom of movement. Support rating is 20 (Scale 1-100)
Beginner youth ice skates designed with a lightweight PVC sole, to keep your feet dry for hours of use.
Skates offer great performance whether on a rink or on a pond.
These skates are ideal for figure skating and hockey.
#6 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Jackson Ultima Freestyle
Jackson Ultima is a global leader in figure skate boots offering a complete range of recreational figure and leisure skates. This beginner to intermediate skate is very high-quality and is best for an older child.
They are great for figure skating and are good for all single jumps and beginning axle jumps.
Ultima Aspire blade are partially attached to the center line so blades can be adjusted for each skater’s feet with included screws.
Great ankle support, with reliable boot and blades.
Many people recommended heat molding skates to help break them in
Available colors: Black / White
Junior and adult sizes and 3 width sizes available
6-month guarantee
.
.
.
.
Advertisement
#7 Best Ice Skates for Kids – K2
Innovative K2 Rink Raven recreational ice skate offer 5 adjustable sizes to grow as your kiddos feet grow and the once you try the BOA closure system you will never go back to traditional laces. A very super comfortable skate for both boys and girls that they will love!
Expandable 5 individual sizes are easily adjusted so they grow with your child year after year.
Easy BOA closure makes skates easy to put on and take off.
Great ankle support cuff
Integrated blade mount lowers kid’s center of gravity, so it’s easier to stay balanced on the ice.
The Original K2 Softboot® with a brushed liner is soft and comfortable.
Skates have pre-sharpened, stainless steel blades
.
.
.
.
#8 Best Ice Skates for Kids – BladeRunner
These are beginner recreational skates from Bladerunner have an innovative adjustable sizing system is ideal for growing kids who want to have fun on the ice.
Featuring an adjustable sizing system, comfort, convenience and style.
Adjustable 4 size fit system
Utilizes an easy to use push-button mechanism enabling the skates to grow with the child’s feet.
Lightweight Micro structure offers the proper support and stability for kids and enables the perfect amount of forward flex and comfort.
Locking buckle, strap & lace closure system keep feet warm
Stainless blades hold their edge longer, prevent rusting and deliver consistent performance with minimal maintenance (factory presharpened)
.
.
.
Advertisement
#9 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Softec
The Jackson Utima Softec skate is engineered for comfort, warmth and durability. These cute beginner skates not only feel great but look incredible and makes learning to skate for girls or boys a breeze.
Fleece-lined upper & tongue for warmth & comfort
Softboot design provides comfort & support.
Unique two-color design
Softec high quality steel blade attached
Perfect for toddlers, youths, and adults, men, women, boys and girls
6-month guarantee
Available colors: Black /Navy / White / Pink
.
.
#10 Best Ice Skates for Kids – Lake Placid
Kid-friendly fit system expands the skates up to 4 full sizes, which means many years of use! Easy push button size adjustable grows with your kiddo.
Warm, woven lining and deluxe comfort padding ensures skates are soft and comfortable
Stainless steel blade is included but will need to be sharpened for optimal performance
Do you have any comments about the Best Ice Skates for Kids? Have we left off any ice skates that you feel should be on this list? How do your kids like their skates? Do you have any tips for purchasing beginner skates? We would love to hear your thoughts and comments.
Thanks for identifying ice skates that are super easy to get on and off. I have a young boy who is still working on his potty training, so, at any moment we have to drop everything to go to the bathroom. I have been very hesitant to go ice skating with him because I remember how long it took to lace and unlace the long shoelaces of ice skates. In comparison, these look so easy. I love the new ratcheting system, it is brilliant and they should have thought of it sooner. I am looking at the Xino Sports adjustable ice skates because not only are they easy on and easy off with the ratchet system but they are also adjustable in the size so even though my son seems to be gonig up a size every six months these skates could fit him a couple of seasons, all for a very affordable price!
Paul.
Hi Paul, thanks for the comment and yes, you have hit the nail on the head. When your young child is just learning, the ratcheting closure system can be a life saver! As they get better and begin to skate more they will need the traditional lacing system as it offers the best stability but when they are just getting started it should all be about fun, comfort and keeping Dad's sanity as he puts the skates on and takes them off, maybe multiple times at the skate rink. The Xino Sports adjustable ice skate offers a lot of great innovations for beginners at a really affordable price
Hello, I have just moved to the Vail Valley and I would like to take up ice skating again. I did it a lot when I was a child but it has been many years since I skated. I am looking for a good quality, beginner skate that is comfortable and will help me get back into the sport. I like the look and the features of the Jackson Ice Skate with Fleece, what are your thoughts?
Thanks so much for your questions and I am so happy you are getting back into ice skating, it is really so much fun! I think the Jackson Ice Skates with fleece is a great choice! Jackson is a trusted name brand that makes a quality product. The fleece lining will ensure comfort, and be way more comfort then just a felt tongue. These skates will do great for a beginner skater, will be very comfortable and offers a lot of ankle support. However, if you want to work on jumps or spins you will need to go up to a good intermediate skate. Don't forget to get the blades sharpened before use for optimal performance. Have a great time and good luck Kabirat!
Thanks for the article, I have one kid that is crazy for skates, and it is that time of a year when everyone is skating and he wants skates of his own. I will order the Lake Placid Summit Ice Skates for my boy and I am sure that he will like it. I love that I can adjust the size for a couple of years so he won't just outgrow them in one season. It is also very important to me that they are water proof.
Hi Daniel, I am so happy you found a pair of skates that will work for your son. The Lake Placid Summit Ice Adjustable Ice Skates are great choice. You should get a few years out of them as they can grow along with your kids feet- what an innovative idea! I understand your need for waterproof soles especially if your child is skating on natural ice like a lake or pond where sometimes there can be a lot of standing water. It's no fun to have to go home early because your feet are cold and wet!
Thank you for the review, my children have been skating for a few years, we started on the double rails, moved into the adjustable ice skates that grow with your kids and now I am looking for a little bit of a better quality skate as my daughter loves figure skating and is showing some skill at it. She will be taking lessons twice a week this winter, she is 10 what do you suggest?
Hi Hugo,
It is wonderful to hear that your child is doing so well with skating and seems to really enjoy it. In the ice skating world, Jackson and Riedell are known as the best figure skate manufacturers so I would stick with one of those. They do cost more, but they are high quality and will last a long time. The Jackson Ultima Freestyle ice skate is a great choice. You can adjust the blades because they come partially attached to the center line and can be adjusted to each skater's feet with the 16 included screws. They can also be heat molded to fit the skater's foot perfectly. These will serve her well.
OMG..... That video is too darned cute!!!! I am from Texas and have never been ice skating. Do they make adult sized versions of those red things in the video. I think I could benefit from one of those. Anyway.... I have been thinking about purchasing my family a trip to Vail around Spring Break. A gift boxes is more exciting than envelopeI was thinking that the airline tickets, etc. could be wrapped in a box with ice skates.
I appreciate your explanation of how to fit a pair of ice skates. Yet, it sounds like for as fast as kids feet grow, that I might be better off NOT getting him a pair of ice skates 3 or 4 months prior to his getting to use them.
You've got a great website. Thanks for sharing the information.
Hi Sondra, yes this video is so cute! I just love it. I hope you do visit Vail, it is a wonderful place for families and ice skating in the beautiful outdoor ice rinks decorated with twinkling lights, and music playing and big open fires with couches and s'mores, it's just perfect for making memories that last a lifetime. It is so special.
Yes, I would wait and buy ice skates till right before your trip, that way if they just don't fit your child, you could still send them back immediately and just rent skates at the rink if needed.
Great review. I am looking for ice skates for my 6 year old girl and 4 year boy. I have done some research about the best ice skates for kids. Thanks to your comprehensive review, I will try the Lake Placid Girls Double Runner Ice Skates and the Lake Placid Boys Double Runner Ice Skates for my girl and boy respectively, they seem to be the perfect match. I have bookmarked your website for future reference.
Thank you for writing and for bookmarking! I think double blade ice skates are great for kids six and under. It gets them comfortable on the ice, while having fun and it protects their ankles, which is so important for our littler kids. They will need to move into a single blade to really learn the skills and balance of skating but for now this is a great, safe introduction to the sport!
This is a great article for the best ice skates for kids. There is so much information and detail given in the top 10 Rated choices that is so helpful to parents who want to know their kids are safe on the ice.
I wasn't aware that the top 3 brands are Bauer, Riedell and Jackson.
I like the great design, colors and looks that kids get to choose that gives them their own personal style while skating with their friends. I noticed many of the skates from Jackson had a 6 month guarantee after purchase. Is that a typical time frame for most of the brands?
Hi John, so happy you liked the post about the Best Ice Skates for Kids. Guarantees definitely vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so always look at the fine print to see what the warranty is or contact the manufacturer directly
View Comments
Thanks for identifying ice skates that are super easy to get on and off. I have a young boy who is still working on his potty training, so, at any moment we have to drop everything to go to the bathroom. I have been very hesitant to go ice skating with him because I remember how long it took to lace and unlace the long shoelaces of ice skates. In comparison, these look so easy. I love the new ratcheting system, it is brilliant and they should have thought of it sooner. I am looking at the Xino Sports adjustable ice skates because not only are they easy on and easy off with the ratchet system but they are also adjustable in the size so even though my son seems to be gonig up a size every six months these skates could fit him a couple of seasons, all for a very affordable price!
Paul.
Hi Paul, thanks for the comment and yes, you have hit the nail on the head. When your young child is just learning, the ratcheting closure system can be a life saver! As they get better and begin to skate more they will need the traditional lacing system as it offers the best stability but when they are just getting started it should all be about fun, comfort and keeping Dad's sanity as he puts the skates on and takes them off, maybe multiple times at the skate rink. The Xino Sports adjustable ice skate offers a lot of great innovations for beginners at a really affordable price
Hello, I have just moved to the Vail Valley and I would like to take up ice skating again. I did it a lot when I was a child but it has been many years since I skated. I am looking for a good quality, beginner skate that is comfortable and will help me get back into the sport. I like the look and the features of the Jackson Ice Skate with Fleece, what are your thoughts?
Thanks so much for your questions and I am so happy you are getting back into ice skating, it is really so much fun! I think the Jackson Ice Skates with fleece is a great choice! Jackson is a trusted name brand that makes a quality product. The fleece lining will ensure comfort, and be way more comfort then just a felt tongue. These skates will do great for a beginner skater, will be very comfortable and offers a lot of ankle support. However, if you want to work on jumps or spins you will need to go up to a good intermediate skate. Don't forget to get the blades sharpened before use for optimal performance. Have a great time and good luck Kabirat!
Thanks for the article, I have one kid that is crazy for skates, and it is that time of a year when everyone is skating and he wants skates of his own. I will order the Lake Placid Summit Ice Skates for my boy and I am sure that he will like it. I love that I can adjust the size for a couple of years so he won't just outgrow them in one season. It is also very important to me that they are water proof.
Hi Daniel, I am so happy you found a pair of skates that will work for your son. The Lake Placid Summit Ice Adjustable Ice Skates are great choice. You should get a few years out of them as they can grow along with your kids feet- what an innovative idea! I understand your need for waterproof soles especially if your child is skating on natural ice like a lake or pond where sometimes there can be a lot of standing water. It's no fun to have to go home early because your feet are cold and wet!
Thank you for the review, my children have been skating for a few years, we started on the double rails, moved into the adjustable ice skates that grow with your kids and now I am looking for a little bit of a better quality skate as my daughter loves figure skating and is showing some skill at it. She will be taking lessons twice a week this winter, she is 10 what do you suggest?
Hi Hugo,
It is wonderful to hear that your child is doing so well with skating and seems to really enjoy it. In the ice skating world, Jackson and Riedell are known as the best figure skate manufacturers so I would stick with one of those. They do cost more, but they are high quality and will last a long time. The Jackson Ultima Freestyle ice skate is a great choice. You can adjust the blades because they come partially attached to the center line and can be adjusted to each skater's feet with the 16 included screws. They can also be heat molded to fit the skater's foot perfectly. These will serve her well.
OMG..... That video is too darned cute!!!! I am from Texas and have never been ice skating. Do they make adult sized versions of those red things in the video. I think I could benefit from one of those. Anyway.... I have been thinking about purchasing my family a trip to Vail around Spring Break. A gift boxes is more exciting than envelopeI was thinking that the airline tickets, etc. could be wrapped in a box with ice skates.
I appreciate your explanation of how to fit a pair of ice skates. Yet, it sounds like for as fast as kids feet grow, that I might be better off NOT getting him a pair of ice skates 3 or 4 months prior to his getting to use them.
You've got a great website. Thanks for sharing the information.
Hi Sondra, yes this video is so cute! I just love it. I hope you do visit Vail, it is a wonderful place for families and ice skating in the beautiful outdoor ice rinks decorated with twinkling lights, and music playing and big open fires with couches and s'mores, it's just perfect for making memories that last a lifetime. It is so special.
Yes, I would wait and buy ice skates till right before your trip, that way if they just don't fit your child, you could still send them back immediately and just rent skates at the rink if needed.
Great review. I am looking for ice skates for my 6 year old girl and 4 year boy. I have done some research about the best ice skates for kids. Thanks to your comprehensive review, I will try the Lake Placid Girls Double Runner Ice Skates and the Lake Placid Boys Double Runner Ice Skates for my girl and boy respectively, they seem to be the perfect match. I have bookmarked your website for future reference.
Thank you for writing and for bookmarking! I think double blade ice skates are great for kids six and under. It gets them comfortable on the ice, while having fun and it protects their ankles, which is so important for our littler kids. They will need to move into a single blade to really learn the skills and balance of skating but for now this is a great, safe introduction to the sport!
This is a great article for the best ice skates for kids. There is so much information and detail given in the top 10 Rated choices that is so helpful to parents who want to know their kids are safe on the ice.
I wasn't aware that the top 3 brands are Bauer, Riedell and Jackson.
I like the great design, colors and looks that kids get to choose that gives them their own personal style while skating with their friends. I noticed many of the skates from Jackson had a 6 month guarantee after purchase. Is that a typical time frame for most of the brands?
Hi John, so happy you liked the post about the Best Ice Skates for Kids. Guarantees definitely vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so always look at the fine print to see what the warranty is or contact the manufacturer directly