The Best Ice Skates of 2024

For an entry-level skate with extra comfort and warmth, the Jackson Ultima SoftSkate offers a slightly wider foot with a stainless steel blade. The skate boot is a leather upper, with some reviewers reporting it to be very comfortable, while others note that it’s a stiffer boot than they expected.

One shopper felt it was worth spending a bit more on these adult skates, even as a beginner, commenting on the leather of the boot and the quality of the skate blade. Several reviewers experienced issues with the eyelet hooks snapping or bending; however, that hasn’t been a reported issue for several years. The more common concern is with sizing. Use the sizing chart carefully, since there is a charge for restocking.

These American Athletic ice skates—a sturdy skate with a reliable fit—are frequently found at skate-rental offices. When you buy your own, you’ll find that your skates should fit snugly as they grow accustomed to your feet over time. They ship ready to use and offer great value. (As one shopper observed, if you get these skates sharpened, the cost is almost half of the skate itself.)

The included skate guards can reportedly be easy to damage or crack, so some reviewers planned to replace them to help keep the blades in better condition, since the blades can have a tendency to rust. Overall, this is a great alternative to frequent rental fees if you’re a regular skater.

With a wide range of styles and colors, the Jackson Ultima Softec Classic offers a skate for any beginner to intermediate skater in need of a pair of recreational ice skates. Offered in both traditional hook-and-eyelet style as well as boots with a velcro closure, the Softec covers a range of options for skate styles and includes a soft fleece lining. The blades are a high-quality stainless steel, so remember to dry after use.

Many reviewers have commented on the fit being a bit tricky, with the best tip being to start with your regular shoe size. For children, the most frequent recommendation is to move up by one size. Many shoppers comment on the comfort and support being helpful for beginners.

A sport-style skate, the Jackson Ultima Softec Sport has a Thinsulate liner and a poly-composite boot for great support. With a blade that ships sharp from the factory, these skates will get you out on the ice quickly.

While many reviewers found the skates fit well using the detailed fitting guide, others found the support to be a little too much. They noted that the upper velcro is a bit tight for larger legs, while the width isn’t appropriate for wider feet. Since the boot is not as supportive as others, these are best for an experienced skater.

A supportive boot—with extra padding in the heel and tongue—gives the Botas Draft 281 skate an upgraded feel. The boot is made out of several different synthetics, including PVC for increased water repellency and a plastic toe to protect your tender bits.

Many reviewers mentioned that as beginners, they found the boot had sufficient foot and ankle support and is comfortable. For some shoppers, the best feature was the range of sizes, which includes large shoe sizes like 12 and 13. The skate comes in any color you like, as long as that color is black.

As a beginner to intermediate skater, you’re looking for support and comfort. If balancing on a thin blade isn’t challenging enough, add in a sore spot or two and skating isn’t fun any longer. To keep skating a fun, foot-friendly pastime, consider a supportive beginners’ line like Botas’s Diana, Dagmar, and David models. With a leather upper and fleece lining, this Botas ice skate has plenty of ankle and foot support, and should keep your feet warm.

Several reviewers commented that the laces weren’t as strong as expected, and encouraged shoppers to replace them early. Sizing is also a bit tricky; a number of reviewers have questioned the accuracy of the size chart. Generally, the skates fit a bit narrow, with a small toe box. One reviewer suggested fully lacing up the skate before making a decision on size, since a seam that initially felt irritating disappeared after doing up the skate.