Best Ice Skates of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026

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Ice skates are a popular piece of equipment used for ice skating, whether it's for recreational or competitive purposes. They are designed to provide a smooth glide over the ice, with blades made of hardened steel that are sharpened to a fine edge. Ice skates come in various styles and sizes, from traditional figure skates with a toe pick for jumps and spins, to hockey skates with a shorter blade for quick turns and stops. They also come in different levels of stiffness and support, depending on the skater's skill level and preference. Proper fitting and maintenance of ice skates are essential for optimal performance and safety on the ice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skates Cover #TOP 1
Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skates
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Ice Skate Cover #TOP 2
Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Ice Skate
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lake Placid Cascade Women's Figure Ice Skate Cover #TOP 3
Lake Placid Cascade Women's Figure Ice Skate
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Ice Skates

#TOP 1

Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skates

Lake Placid
LP104BS
Black/White/Grey,
Small (10J-13)
Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skates Cover
Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skate Black/White Small (10J – 13)

The Lake Placid Summit Boy's Adjustable Ice Skates are a great choice for kids who are just starting out. The push button size adjustment allows for a comfortable fit, and the warm, woven lining and deluxe comfort padding provide extra comfort. The stainless steel blade and waterproof sole make these skates durable and long-lasting. Customers love the adjustable feature and the comfort of the skates, although some have noted that the button to adjust size can get stuck and the blade sticks out too far on the smaller settings.

What We Like
Adjustable sizing
Easy to fasten and adjust
Comfortable and supportive fit
Good value for price
Warm and sturdy materials
What We Don't Like
Blade covers thin
Blades may need sharpening
#TOP 2

Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Ice Skate

Lake Placid
LP102
Grey
Large (4-7)
Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Ice Skate Cover
Lake Placid Boys Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Figure Ice Skate, Grey/Black, Large (4-7)

The Lake Placid Nitro Ice Skate is designed for comfort and convenience. Its molded shell with a hinged cuff offers solid ankle support, helping you stay stable while skating. The washable comfort liner keeps your feet cozy and fresh after each use. Quick-fit locking buckles make it easy to secure the skate firmly, so you can put them on and take them off quickly without hassle. Plus, the carbon steel blade is nickel-plated and heat-treated, providing durability and smooth gliding on the ice. These features make the skate a great choice for young skaters looking for reliable gear.

What We Like
Adjustable sizing feature
Easy to put on
Comfortable fit
Good support and stability
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Plastic may crack over time
May require professional sharpening
#TOP 3

Lake Placid Cascade Women's Figure Ice Skate

Lake Placid
LP312W08
White
Lake Placid Cascade Women's Figure Ice Skate Cover
Lake Placid Cascade Women's Figure Ice Skate White Size 8

The Lake Placid Women's Ice Skate is a top-quality figure skate designed for women. The synthetic upper outer boot provides firm ankle support, while the warm, woven liners with comfort padding keep your feet cozy and comfortable. The reinforced ankle support ensures that your feet stay secure and stable during even the most intricate skating moves. The stainless steel blade is durable and long-lasting, providing excellent performance on the ice. Additionally, the water-proof sole ensures that your feet stay dry even when skating on wet ice. With these features, the Lake Placid Women's Ice Skate is perfect for women who want to skate comfortably and confidently.

What We Like
Comfortable fit and padding
Good ankle support
Sharp, quality blades
Attractive, classic design
Great value for beginners
What We Don't Like
Slightly stiff tongue
Not for professional use
#TOP 4

Jackson Classic 200 Womens/Girls Figure Ice Skates

JC200.WH.070
White
Womens Size-7
Jackson Classic 200 Womens/Girls Figure Ice Skates Cover
Jackson Ultima Classic 200/500 Womens Ice Skates for Women & Girls Ice Skates – Comfortable Figure Skates for Ice Skating & Recreational Figure Skating, Size 7 Medium Width – White

The Jackson Classic 200 Womens/Girls Figure Ice Skates offer light recreational support, reinforced vinyl upper with padded lining, padded felt tongues, and a factory sharpened Ultima Mark I blade. They provide strength, durability, comfort, and support, making them perfect for learn-to-skate programs. The PVC sole with rivets ensures better security. The skates are white and come in women's size 7 with medium width.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Good ankle support
Attractive appearance
Affordable price
Ideal for beginners
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for advanced moves
Blades may need sharpening
#TOP 5

Lake Placid Cascade Girl's Ice Skates

Lake Placid
LP206G03
White
Lake Placid Cascade Girl's Ice Skates Cover
Lake Placid Cascade Girl's Figure Ice Skates White Size 3

The Lake Placid Girl's Skates are designed for comfort and support. The synthetic upper provides a sturdy structure that keeps your ankle secure while skating, enhancing your stability. Inside, the warm woven liners with comfort padding ensure your feet stay cozy during long practice sessions. The stainless steel blade offers excellent glide and durability, making it perfect for figure skating. Additionally, reinforced lacing hooks give you the ability to adjust your fit easily, ensuring you feel supported and confident on the ice.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Great value for money
Good for beginners
Durable quality
Attractive design
What We Don't Like
Runs small in sizing
Moderate ankle support
#TOP 6

Franklin Sports Kids Ice Skating Trainer

Franklin Sports Kids Ice Skating Trainer Cover
Franklin Sports Ice Skating Trainer

The Franklin Sports Kids Ice Skating Trainer is a great tool for beginners to learn how to skate. It comes with a leash that can be clipped to the handle bar and pulled around the ice. As the child advances, they can push the trainer themselves. The trainer has two adjustable heights of 18.5" and 22.5", and can be quickly locked into place for easy assembly. It is perfect for children who are learning to skate.

What We Like
Easy assembly
Adjustable height
Sturdy construction
Confidence booster
Good for young children
What We Don't Like
Minor rust concern
Occasional defect
#TOP 7

Nattork Adjustable Girls Ice Skates

Butterfly Purple
Small(10C-13C)
Nattork Adjustable Girls Ice Skates Cover
Nattork Girls Ice Skates for Kids 4 Size Adjustable Butterfly Ice Skate with Fleece Lining for Outdoor & Rink Small(10C-13C) Purple

The Nattork Girls Ice Skates offer great value with their adjustable sizing, letting you easily fit growing feet without needing new skates often. These skates are made from cold-resistant materials, so they hold up well whether you're skating outdoors or on an indoor rink. The sturdy stainless steel blades provide durability and reliable performance on the ice. Safety and comfort are priorities too, with a supportive plastic shell to protect ankles and a cozy fleece lining that keeps your feet warm during chilly skating sessions. Plus, the fun butterfly design adds a colorful, motivating touch that makes skating even more enjoyable for kids.

What We Like
Adjustable sizing
Warm fleece lining
Easy to put on
Attractive colors
True to size fit
What We Don't Like
No toe pick for figure skating
Size markings confusing
#TOP 8

5th Element Stealth Ice Hockey Skates

5th Element
Black/White
11.0
5th Element Stealth Ice Hockey Skates Cover
5th Element Stealth Ice Hockey Skates - Perfect for Recreational Ice Skating and Hockey - True-to-Size Fit and Moisture Resistant Liner Ice Skates for Men (Black/White, 11.0)

The 5th Element Stealth Skates offer premium stainless steel blades that provide durability and smooth performance on the ice, making them great for both beginners and experienced players. They fit true to your shoe size, giving you a snug feel around the heel and midfoot while allowing enough room for your toes to move comfortably. The moisture-resistant liner helps keep your feet dry and comfortable, which is essential for long skating sessions and quick turns. Plus, the reinforced outsole adds stability and lightweight support, so you can skate confidently whether you’re on an indoor rink or outside.

What We Like
True-to-size fit
Excellent comfort
Good ankle support
Durable construction
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Limited half sizes
Basic design

Nattork Adjustable Kids Ice Skates

Black
Nattork Adjustable Kids Ice Skates Cover
Nattork Ice Skates 4 Sizes Adjustable for Boys Girls Kids,Beginner Ice Skating for Outdoor, Soft and Comfortable Hard Protection for Children Youth Adult 11 12 13 14 Black

The Nattork Kids Ice Skates are designed to grow with your child, featuring adjustable sizes that expand up to four shoe sizes. This means you won't need to buy new skates every season as your child’s feet grow. They also offer a triple-lock safety system combining buckles, strong Velcro, and reinforced laces to keep little feet secure, whether your child is just starting out or improving their skills. The skates come with pre-sharpened, high-quality stainless steel blades for smooth and steady gliding. Plus, the warm thermal lining and padded ankles keep your child’s feet cozy during chilly outdoor skating sessions, making these skates perfect for winter fun.

What We Like
Adjustable sizing
Easy to put on
Comfortable fit
High quality materials
Good value
What We Don't Like
Not very warm
Runs slightly large
#TOP 10

Tryly Toddler Adjustable 2-in-1 Ice Skates

Blue
ajustable
Tryly Toddler Adjustable 2-in-1 Ice Skates Cover
Tryly 1Pair Upgraded Toddler Ice Skates, Kids Adjustable 2-in-1 Double & Single Convertible Blade Skates with Hook and Loop Fastener Straps for Winter Toddler Training Shoes Beginner (Blue)

The Tryly Toddler Ice Skates offer a smart 2-in-1 design that lets you start your child with a stable double blade setup for easy balance, then switch to a single blade as their skills improve. This feature helps your little one build confidence and smoothly transition to real ice skating. The skates also adjust in size to fit growing feet, making them a great long-term choice for kids aged 2 to 5. Strong nylon straps keep your child’s ankles secure, providing extra support while skating. Plus, the durable plastic body and zinc-coated blades stand up to rough play, ensuring these skates last through all their practice sessions.

What We Like
Easy assembly and adjustment
Fits various toddler shoe sizes
Stable double blade design
Good for ice skating beginners
Affordable price point
What We Don't Like
Assembly may require extra steps
Blades not very sharp
Buying Guide Image

Choose the Best Ice Skates for Your Needs

Things to Consider Before Buying Ice Skates

Ice skating is an enjoyable activity that comes with its own unique set of considerations. It’s important to think carefully before purchasing a pair of ice skates, as they can be expensive and uncomfortable if not chosen correctly. Here are some things to think about before buying ice skates.

Fit & Comfort

One of the most important factors when choosing ice skates is the fit and comfort. Skates that are too big or too small can cause pain and blisters, making it difficult to enjoy skating. To make sure they fit correctly, buy skates in person, if possible, and try them on with the socks you plan to wear while skating. If you’re buying skates online, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s size chart and select a size that fits your foot length, width, and arch.

Durability & Quality

Durability and quality are also important when selecting ice skates. Look for skates that are made of sturdy materials and feature good cushioning and support. Check for good ankle support and adjustability, as well as a snug fit that won’t slip off during skating. Investing in a quality pair of skates will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable skating experience.

Price

Ice skates can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred. Determine your budget and prioritize what features and qualities you need in a pair of skates. If you’re purchasing a pair of skates for a beginner, look for a cost-effective option that won’t break the bank. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced skater, you may want to invest in a higher-quality pair of skates that will last.

Type of Skate

The type of skate you need will depend on what type of skating you plan to do. Ice hockey skates are designed for maneuverability and speed, figure skates are designed for spins and jumps, and recreational skates are designed for beginners and casual skaters. Do some research and determine which type of skate is best for your needs.

Blade

The blade is one of the most important parts of an ice skate. Look for a blade that is sharp and durable, and made of stainless steel that won’t corrode or rust. Most blades are pre-sharpened, but if you’re a more advanced skater you may want to have your blades sharpened professionally.

Take Care of Your Skates

Finally, it’s important to take good care of your ice skates. After skating, wipe down the blades with a clean cloth and allow your skates to dry naturally before storing them in a dry place. Regularly check your skates for any wear and tear, and if the blades become too dull, have them sharpened.

By taking the time to choose the right pair of ice skates, you’ll be sure to enjoy a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable skating experience. Consider the fit, durability, type, and blade of the skates, and don’t forget to take good care of them. With the right pair of skates, you’ll be ready to hit the ice in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I choose ice skates?

Choosing ice skates involves considering several factors. First, think about the style of skating you want to do. Next, consider your level of experience and age. Additionally, determine the level of support you require. Finally, select the size based on whether you need more or less supportive ice skates.

2. How do I know my ice skate size?

To determine your ice skate size, there are general guidelines to follow. For youth and junior figure skates, they usually fit a half size down from your regular shoe size. Adult skates, on the other hand, generally fit 1.0 size down from your regular shoe size. For example, if you wear a size 9.0 shoe, you would select a size 8.0 figure skate.

3. How do I know what size skates I need?

The easiest way to determine the skate size you need is by using your shoe size as a reference. Assuming your shoe size is correct, it is recommended to select a skate size that is half to one size below your shoe size. This should help ensure the best fit for your ice skates.

Editor's Notes

During our ice skate research, we found 24 ice skate products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,527 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ice skates list. We found that most customers choose ice skates with an average price of $33.24.

The ice skates are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ice skates, including Lake Placid, Jackson Ultima, Franklin Sports, Nattork, 5th Element. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.