Ice Skates

Whether you’re practicing your slapshot on a frozen pond or working on your toe loop at the local skating rink, you need the right ice skates for the job.

Ice Hockey Skates vs Figure Skates

The first step in choosing a pair of ice skates is deciding between figure skates and skates designed for ice hockey. 

Hockey players need to change directions on a moment’s notice and pick up plenty of speed, while ice hockey skates feature blades that are curved in the front and back. The blades themselves are also narrower than figure-skating blades.

Figure skates have a toe pick and a blade that’s longer with a straight tail. Figure skates also come in two styles. One is the traditional design with leather uppers and laces with grommets. The other is a sportier setup reminiscent of rollerblades.

Features to Look for in Ice Skates

No two pairs of ice skates are exactly alike. From material choices to proprietary technology, pay attention to features and specifications as you shop.

Ankle Support

Rigid ankle support is an important design feature to look for when you’re searching for your next pair of skates. Many rollerblade-style skates offer a reinforced ankle cuff made of hard, durable plastic to help keep your ankles aligned.

Water Repellent and Insulated Materials

When your skates fit perfectly, you don’t have the option of wearing extra thick socks to combat the cold. That’s why it’s important to choose ice skates with built-in insulation and waterproofing. Whether you’re skating indoors in a controlled environment or outside in the weather, you’ll be much more comfortable when your feet are warm and dry.

Closures

Lace-up skates are classic, but they can be time-consuming to don and doff. Plus, with a lacing system, slight variations in the fit of your skates may affect performance. This is why some people prefer rollerblade-style ice skates, which include adjustable cuff buckles for a more precise, consistent fit.

Ice Skates for Kids

Kids’ feet grow quickly, so save yourself the hassle and expense of investing in new skates every time your little ones change shoe sizes. Size-adjustable skates fit up to four different shoe sizes with a push-button system. 

Best Brands for Ice Skates

Bladerunner and K2 Sports are two of the top brands for high-quality ice skates. Their impressive skates feature durable materials, comfort-focused details, and precision-sharpened stainless-steel blades.