Best Figure Skating Skates for 2021

Which brand of hockey skates is better to choose?

This rating examines the products of 7 manufacturers with a good reputation and affordable prices. This includes several products from individual companies.

Introducing the leaders in the production of hockey skates:

• Larsen - the company produces various balls, skis, exercise equipment, and skates under its own brand. They are sold in the budget and mid-price range. Basically, we are talking about black models with white laces and carbon steel blades. The insoles are made primarily of EVA material, and the tongues are made of felt. They are chosen for their comfortable fit and good ankle support.
• ICE Blade - the company supplies the market with children's and junior figure and hockey skates for training and professional competitions. The company's assortment includes both small and large sizes (up to 45-47). On average, they weigh 1.5 kg and fit comfortably on the foot. The blades for them are made of high-carbon steel, and the frame itself is made of artificial leather, resistant to frost and moisture. They come with a warranty of up to 1 year.
• KHL is a brand under which sports goods are sold, in particular, sticks and hockey skates for adults and children over 5 years old. They are in the middle price range, weigh about 2 kg, and are made of plastic, textiles, leather and metal. The products are manufactured in China. Their advantages include quick adaptation to the anatomy of the foot, a secure fit and a low likelihood of injury due to reliable ankle protection.
• Action – this brand sells both roller skates and ice skates, including sliding ones. Basically, you can find children's models here, but there are also junior options, as well as several products for adults with small feet. His boots are made of artificial leather and have a toe reinforced with polyurethane. They are distinguished by a soft lining, albeit made of synthetics, a convenient lacing system and abrasion resistance of the stainless steel blade.
• Bauer is a brand that offers to buy skates for playing hockey both outdoors and on an indoor rink. There are suitable options for beginners, professionals and amateurs. Most of the range is premium models, quite expensive. However, this price is fully justified by the convenient lacing system, the asymmetrical reinforced toe, which eliminates injuries and increases the comfort of wearing, as well as the long service life due to the high-quality leather frame and a sharp metal blade with easy sharpening.
• SK is a manufacturing and trading company founded in 1996 and engaged in the creation of ice and roller skates, as well as a number of other sporting goods. They sell well because of their high-quality, sharp blades and the ability to be used both outdoors and on an indoor skating rink. They are also chosen due to their comfortable fit and tight fit to the leg, which reduces the likelihood of injury and discomfort during training or play.
• CCM is a Canadian company that began operations in 1899 in Weston. At the beginning of its activity, the company produced bicycles, and 6 years later it launched production of hockey equipment. Today, its assortment includes a large selection of skates with a number of advantages - slow wear, fast sharpening and safety of the blades, their resistance to rust. They are characterized by a reinforced toe and high heel, which ensures comfortable wearing.

What kind of skates are there?

Surely many have noticed that athletes’ shoes vary depending on the type of sport. The skates of figure skaters, speed skaters and hockey players are very different. Moreover, this applies not only to the appearance, but also to the design of the skates itself.

Skates are produced in three main types: for hockey, for figure skating and for speed skating. Some classifications propose to separate out children's models and recreational skates, which are used for amateur skating in parks. To understand the question of which models are suitable for a beginning athlete, let’s look at the features of each type of ice skating shoe.

Hockey skates

This sport is quite traumatic and very aggressive. Therefore, shoes for him are made with the maximum possible protection of the athlete’s limbs. It should also protect against hits from the opponent’s stick, skate, puck hits and other troubles. Therefore, hockey skate models are made hard from special synthetic materials. They are equipped with hard inserts in places that need to be protected more than others.

The toe of such skates is always made of hard plastic. Such a rigid boot has several advantages: it provides good ankle and foot support and keeps your legs in the correct position.

There are other requirements for hockey models. They must provide high speed to the athlete and not limit his ability to maneuver. In this regard, hockey models have a short radius of curvature and are made without teeth on the blade. This protects you from clinging to the ice during sharp and dangerous turns. The smaller area of ​​contact between the athlete and the ice provides high maneuverability, but at the same time it complicates the task of maintaining balance.

To summarize, it can be noted that hockey skates are the best choice for a beginner only if he plans to continue playing this sport. For already trained athletes, hockey skates are quite suitable. They make it possible to develop high speeds and do not limit freedom of maneuver.

Read more about hockey skates in one of the episodes of the Galileo program:

Figure skates

These models are distinguished by a long, straight blade that protrudes about 2 cm beyond the heel. The front of the blade has sharp teeth, making it possible to perform a variety of tricks and jumps. But at the same time, the teeth cause a lot of inconvenience for beginners who do not yet know how to stand confidently on the ice. They catch all the unevenness of the ice of street skating rinks and are the cause of many falls. Otherwise, figure skates are considered to be the best option for beginners.

The boot of such skates is made of leatherette or genuine leather. This material allows you to avoid numerous injuries due to the rigid support of the ankle. But this material makes the boot too thin; skating outside in very cold weather on such skates is simply cold. Thermal underwear helps to solve this issue to some extent. Figure skate boots are usually made high and with laces throughout the entire height. This makes it easy to control the degree of joint fixation.

Walking skates

These models do not have any manufacturing standards. The appearance of such skates can be similar to both figure skates and hockey skates. A distinctive feature of walking options is a soft, insulated boot. The blade of these skates resembles figure skates, but the teeth will not be as large and sharp or may be completely absent.

If the blade is more like a hockey blade, then the degree of rounding will not be too great. Recreational skates are designed for leisurely skating and enjoying the process, and not for learning complex pirouettes or racing with a puck.

Walking boots are very comfortable. They are softer than sports models. The clasp can be a classic lacing or like a roller skate - buckle. In the latter case, the soft boot will also have plastic parts. Such boots are usually insulated so that you can ride in very cold weather. On the other hand, a soft boot does not fix the ankle so well and does not allow you to perform complex maneuvers.

Children's skates

For children, skates are equipped with a blade of increased width, which provides additional stability. Some models even have double blades. These models are recommended for children under 5 years of age. After the baby gets used to the skating rink, it is recommended to replace the children's model with a regular one. Often parents buy sliding skates for their child. Outwardly, they look more like amateur ones, but their boots are made of plastic. They can vary by 3-5 sizes.

If your child will not just skate for fun, but will develop in the sport, then it is better to immediately purchase the right skates. They may be larger in size, but no more than 1 size. Otherwise, the boot will dangle on the foot, which creates conditions for injury.

Which skates do you choose?

Rating of the best hockey skates

When preparing the rating, we took as a basis the reviews of hockey players, both experienced, professional and novice athletes and amateurs. We also took into account the opinions of coaches.

Here are the characteristics the selection was based on:

• Intended for beginners or professionals;
• Weight and available sizes;
• Design and color options;
• Materials for manufacturing the blade and frame;
• Front and back shape;
• Tongue thickness;
• The presence of amplifiers on the heel;
• Seam quality;
• Fixation method: lacing or Velcro;
• The sharpness of the blades and the ease of sharpening them;
• Moisture-absorbing properties of the inner lining;
• Resistance to abrasion and mechanical shock;
• Tight fit of the foot.

When analyzing customer reviews, we paid attention to the convenience and safety of using skates. The price-quality ratio of sports shoes was also taken into account.

The best shoe dryers

The best skates for figure skating

Figure skating requires skates that are both stable, comfortable and agile, because athletes need to not only move at high speed, but also perform tricks and pirouettes. The rating includes 4 models of figure skating skates.

GRAF Prestige

Rating: 4.9

Swiss skates GRAF Prestige are intended for skaters of average skill level, because the boot is made of materials of medium hardness. They can withstand significant loads corresponding to the sports category (double jumps, spins, etc.).

Boots of a classic look are produced in black or white with an external finish of genuine leather that is resistant to damage. The multi-layer sole is also made of premium leather with a rubberized top layer that protects the foot from outside water and the boot itself from getting wet and deforming.

A special feature of GRAF Prestige skates is a thermoformable internal space; finishing materials adapt to the curves of the athlete’s leg after the first wear and remember the shape, which creates a high level of comfort when using them.

Advantages

• Classic design;
• The skates are suitable for both intermediate level skaters and promising beginner skaters;
• Thermoformable interior;
• High quality leather used;

Flaws

• High price: about 10,000 rubles;
• No blade included.

Jackson Freestyle

Rating: 4.8

Jackson Freestyle Figure Skating Skates are designed for beginner and intermediate level skaters. The boots are moderately rigid to support the ankle while learning the first tricks and pirouettes; they are made of natural soft leather with a polyurethane coating that protects the skates from impacts and scratches, as well as getting wet.

The inner lining of the boot is made of material that remembers the shape of the foot and Microfibe, which subsequently creates comfort for the athlete. The tongue is made of leather, and the heel and sole are made of a combination of natural cork and leather. The fittings are reliable and do not fail when tightening the laces.

The only noticeable drawback of the skates is their high cost; they will cost approximately 14,000 rubles, for which they received second place in the rating.

Advantages

• Natural materials;
• Moderate rigidity of the last for beginner athletes;
• Thermoformable interior lining inside the boot;

Flaws

• In the category of skates for beginner skaters, the cost is high.

Wifa Prima Set

Rating: 4.8

In third place in the ranking are the Wifa Prima Set skates, used by professional athletes in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years of training, that is, mainly in the initial stage of acquiring skill. They protect the foot from all sides: all-round support for the foot, a soft inner lining that wicks away moisture, support for the joints when mastering double jumps.

The main material used to assemble the boot is genuine leather, which is resistant to wetness and abrasion, making the product one of the lightest in its class. Jackson Ultima MARK IV stainless steel blades with active bottom teeth made in Canada or John Wilson Excel from England.

Wifa Prima Set skates are produced in five colors: classic black and white, suede pink, blue, gray.

Advantages

• Medium rigidity of the boot with all-round support for the foot;
• Genuine leather in construction;
• Blade selection;
• Different colors;

Flaws

• High price: about 13,000 rubles;
• There are no adult sizes in the line, only 24…32.

SK Le Fleur 100% Leather

Rating: 4.7

The rating of figure skates is completed by the SK Le Fleur 100% Leather model; the line includes models for athletes of children, teenagers and adults. The name speaks for itself - the boot is made entirely of genuine leather, but not of the highest quality - during intense training, the sole of this material can get somewhat wet, causing discomfort, judging by user reviews.

And yet the model deserves attention: the skates are assembled with dignity, correspond to the professional class for entry-level or intermediate levels, can be used for walking, the average price of adult boots is about 3,500 rubles. The design is simple, but convenient and comfortable for the foot and movement, which is why SK Le Fleur 100% Leather is preferred by many fans of figure skating on artificial and natural ice.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Genuine leather at low cost of products;
• Simple classic design;
• Sizes for children and adults;

Flaws

• The quality of the leather is not the highest or the protection of the material from water from the sole is not sufficiently thought out.

Which hockey skates are best to buy?

For outdoor activities, boots must be frost-resistant and have an insulated lining to keep them cool. In the gym, you can also train in thinner amateur or professional hockey skates, but in any case they should have a reinforced heel and a thick toe. Sports shoes made of nylon with plastic inserts in the toe area have optimal rigidity.

Here are the options you can choose for different situations:

• Due to its frost resistance, the ICE Blade Revo X7.0 is quite suitable for playing outdoors.
• On an indoor skating rink you can train in the Larsen Force model.
• Beginners looking for an inexpensive option should look at the KHL Sonic.
• For amateur matches, it will not be a mistake to buy Action PW-434.
• It is convenient to use the Bauer Vapor 1X S17 in professional competitions.
• If a hockey player suffers from excessive sweating of the feet, then it is recommended to take a closer look at the Senator RT SK.
• Juniors should pay attention to the convenient model CCM Jetspeed FT380 JR.
• For forwards in the team, the Profy LUX 5000 option will be relevant.

If you choose really good hockey skates, you can have a comfortable, safe, and efficient skating experience on the ice. That is why it is so important to carefully read each position and choose the most suitable option for you.

How to choose skates

If you have decided on the type of skates, it's time to go to the store to try on and purchase. It is very important to buy skates after trying them on. This is the only way to decide whether this pair is right for you or not. Don't forget to bring a pair of thick wool socks to wear while riding outdoors.

Criteria for choosing figure skates

It is traditionally believed that figure skates are women's models. Before purchasing, be sure to put on a pair and walk around in them for a few minutes. Evaluate your feelings. The boot should not be very tight, and at the same time the foot should not dangle in it. Boots that are too loose provide poor ankle support and reduce stability.

The back of the boot should press against the heel, and the ankle should be tightly enclosed by the boot. If all these conditions are met, and at the same time you feel comfortable in the boots, then you have found your pair of skates. Video tips on choosing figure skates from a trainer:

What are the best recreational skates to buy?

If you skate for fun and do not intend to engage in sports professionally, then recreational skates are the ideal option. These models are suitable for both children and adults. In addition to the fact that they use bright and beautiful designs. Many recreational skates have an internal insulated boot that can be pulled out to dry if necessary.

The criteria for choosing recreational skates are the same as for figure models. You should feel comfortable in them, and the boot should fit snugly on your foot.

What skates to buy for hockey

Hockey skate models are more suitable for men. Moreover, they are all divided into amateur, semi-professional and professional models:

• The boots of amateur skates are soft and suitable for beginner skaters. Among the protective elements in these models, only a plastic toe is provided, which protects the fingers. There is also no additional boot adjustment.
• Semi-professional skates are bought for ice hockey by people who often play and want to improve their level. It provides better protection with a hard tongue and reliable support on the sides, which is provided by stiffening ribs. Some semi-professional models have special features for adjusting the boot to the anatomical features of the foot.

When choosing hockey skates, you need to keep in mind that they do not fit standard shoe sizes. Therefore, they must be measured. A suitable boot should make your foot feel comfortable. The heel of the boot should press the heel tightly, but the toes should not be pressed against the toe, but only lightly touch it.

Hockey skate boots also vary in last width. Therefore, if the boots suit you in length, but not in width, then you should just try on another pair.

How to choose skates for a child

For kids who are just starting to get used to ice, models with two blades are ideal. These skates are stable and the child will feel confident on them. Then you can purchase a regular model with one blade. It is best to choose figure skates for children that allow for good ankle support.

When trying on, be sure to wear thick woolen socks for your child. An ideal option when an adult’s finger can hardly be inserted between the shoe and the heel. Boots that are too tight will be uncomfortable when skating, and loose ones increase the risk of damaging your ankle.

The meaning of what size children's skates start from is size 28 Russian. Please note that for beginner children it is permissible to buy skates 1 size larger than necessary. For young hockey players, skates should definitely be purchased a size larger than necessary. For children for regular recreational skating, we can recommend sliding models, which change along the length of the boot by 3-5 sizes. Video tips for choosing children's skates:

The best skates for boys

Boys love to play hockey, and they do it with passion, so the interest does not disappear for several seasons; today there is an opportunity to practice all year round on artificial ice. And as you know, children grow up quickly. In order not to change skates often, it is advisable to purchase a model for several years in advance with a size reserve without losing comfort.

MaxCity Helix Boy (children)

Rating: 4.8

Skates are intended for walking, but are quite successfully used in amateur and even professional hockey in the early stages. A distinctive feature of the model is a sliding mechanism for adjusting the size within 29...32, that is, one pair is enough for 3-4 years. The boot's construction is strong and durable with a nylon exterior, and the frame can be replaced if necessary.

Inside the boot there is a vapor-permeable membrane fabric that removes excess moisture and prevents the foot from sweating. Fixation to the ankle is carried out with laces and straps with clips.

You can buy a pair of skates quite inexpensively - about 1,900 rubles in black-blue or black-red colors.

Advantages

• Sliding model;
• Low price;
• Stainless steel blades that maintain sharpness for a long time;
• Insulated “breathable” lining inside;
• Possibility of frame replacement;
• Wear-resistant materials;

Flaws

• There are no expressed ones.

The best skates for girls

Girls prefer free or figure skating on ice, but do not forget to look feminine. In the category, experts suggest the best pair of skates for girls, which have received recommended reviews from users.

SK (Sports Collection) Princess Kid

Rating: 4.8

The boots are made of genuine leather of strong hardness 5, corresponding to figure skating skates with reliable fixation of the leg while learning simple pirouettes in the first years of mastering the skill. The inside is lined with fur for good thermal insulation and ventilation, the sole is made of waterproof and frost-free PVC (a type of polymer).

Classic lacing ensures a perfect fit of the boot to the foot and its fixation, and the internal suede lining prevents the foot from sliding on the insole. The blade is stainless steel, which retains its sharpness for a long time.

Skates SK (Sports Collection) Princess Kid were developed by a domestic company taking into account the structural features of children's feet size 25...30, so it is comfortable for amateurs and athletes of any skill level to skate in them. On top of that, the skates are inexpensive - about 2,500 rubles.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Comfortable boot and high-quality blade;
• Genuine leather and suede;
• Versatility of use (for sports and walking);

Flaws

• No.

The best skates for beginners

To get acquainted with ice skating, you need special skates with a design of sufficient rigidity to ensure the safety of your feet when moving.

GRAF Topas

Rating: 4.9

Classic skates for entry-level skaters and amateurs taking their first steps on the ice. The design is thought out in such a way that the protection of the foot is maximum; the reinforced side parts of the last, as well as a thick toe, are responsible for this. The blade of the skates is made of coated alloy steel, so they are practically not subject to abrasion and rust. The heel is lowered for ease of maneuvering at first.

The outside of the boot is made of genuine leather with water-repellent impregnation Waterproof coating boots, the sole is made of durable plastic, and the inside of the boot is made of sports synthetic fabric, which prevents the foot from sweating and wicks away moisture, and the insole is let down - some users note it as the only weak point GRAF Topas, however, such reviews are rare.

Advantages

• Comfortable last made of genuine leather and sports textiles that provide optimal humidity and temperature for the foot;
• Stainless alloy steel for making the blade;
• Classic design;
• Increased boot rigidity to support the foot;

Flaws

• The high price is about 8,000 rubles, but justified by the quality.

Jackson Artiste Mark IV

Rating: 4.8

Jackson Artiste Mark IV took second place among skates for beginners. They are not inferior to the leader in quality, but their cost is significantly higher - about 12,000 rubles.

The distinctive and main feature of the skates is the Mark VI blades, which are distinguished by increased stability, ideal for a beginner, as well as an active toe with teeth.

The design of the skate with a low heel is adapted for beginner athletes: the sides of the last are reinforced to fix the ankle, the inside is made of thermal memory material, and the outside is made of genuine leather. Jackson Artiste Mark IV comes in children's, youth and adult sizes. Users did not find any shortcomings in the skates, nor did experts.

Advantages

• Comfortable shoe with support;
• Stable blade with a pronounced serrated toe for confident braking;
• Waterproof leather outside;

Flaws

• Overpriced.

Bauer Flow Wmn

Rating: 4.7

These skates are designed for beginners who enjoy regular ice walking. They are equipped with an ankle support for support, secured with lacing on reliable fittings and additionally with Velcro. There are no teeth on the blade, so it is difficult to trip on them. The inner lining of membrane materials provides comfort for the foot, but there is no thermal adaptation, so the skates must be measured and adjusted with lacing.

The design of the boot and blade made of high-carbon steel is reliable; you can skate in skates at any speed and even perform simple tricks, while the cost of a pair is reasonable - about 4000-5000 rubles depending on the size from teenagers to adults.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Glass made of durable plastic;
• Vapor-permeable boot finish;
• Ergonomic design;
• Comfortable shoe with support;

Flaws

• There is no adaptation of the interior trim to the foot.

K2 FIT Ice

Rating: 4.6

Rounding out the rating of skates for beginners are the K2 FIT Ice, an analogue of the wheeled skates of the same brand, just as convenient and comfortable. A special feature of the design is the presence of support for the leg, while the soft last with Thinsulate lining, the legs do not get tired, nothing presses and does not cause discomfort. The lacing does not require quick tying with brackets, but there are 2 straps for securing the boot with plastic clips.

The K2 FIT Ice skates come in a black color and unique design suitable for both men and women.

Advantages

• Comfortable boots with lateral leg support;
• Low price about 5000 rubles;
• Unusual design with plastic frame;
• Strong Stainless Steel blades;

Flaws

• No speed lacing;
• The plastic strap mounts are not reliable enough, judging by user reviews.