8 Best Ice Skates of 2025

The Riedell Soar makes a bold statement for skaters who dread cold toes and stiff boots. With its 3M Thinsulate insulation and foam-backed velvet lining, these skates deliver exceptional warmth without sacrificing comfort—perfect for outdoor pond skating or drafty rinks. The Spiral stainless steel blades offer a smooth, predictable glide, while the soft boot design prioritizes flexibility, making them ideal for beginners or casual skaters seeking a carefree experience on ice.

In real-world use, the Soar excels in short to moderate skating sessions, especially in cold environments where warmth is a top concern. The PVC soles provide decent insulation from icy ground, and the split tongue design enhances forward flex, reducing leg fatigue. However, the lightweight support (rated 25/100) means advanced maneuvers or aggressive edge work can feel unstable. On packed indoor rinks, they perform well, but on rough outdoor ice, the soft boot offers minimal protection from bumps and impacts.

Compared to the sturdier Riedell Horizon, the Soar trades structure for thermal comfort and plush feel, positioning itself as the go-to for cold-weather recreational skating. It’s not built for precision or progression, but for those who prioritize warmth and ease over performance, it’s unmatched in its class. While the Horizon offers better ankle stability, the Soar outperforms it when the thermometer drops—making it the clear choice for winter wonderland outings over technical training.

The Lake Placid Summit redefines value for growing skaters with its push-button adjustable fit, a game-changer for parents tired of outgrown skates. This isn’t just gimmickry—each click expands the skate from size 10J to 13, accommodating months or even years of growth. Paired with a waterproof sole and deluxe comfort padding, it ensures kids stay dry, warm, and supported during rink visits or frozen pond adventures.

During testing, the adjustable mechanism proved surprisingly durable, maintaining structural integrity after repeated resizing. The stainless steel blade delivers a reliable glide suitable for learning basic stops and turns, though edge hold on harder ice is modest. The locking buckle and power strap keep feet secure, but heavier or more aggressive young skaters may feel slight heel lift during sharp cuts. It’s best suited for light recreational use, not hockey or figure drills.

Against fixed-size beginner models like the Riedell Horizon, the Summit wins on longevity and cost-per-wear, especially for fast-growing children. While it lacks the rigidity of higher-end skates, its adjustable design makes it a smarter investment for short-term or seasonal use. Families needing a single pair for multiple seasons will find it outperforms pricier non-adjustable options in practicality—even if it sacrifices some precision on ice.

The Riedell Horizon strikes a smart balance between durability and accessibility, emerging as a top pick for teens and adults stepping into recreational skating. Its supportive synthetic upper and plush rolled collar offer light but effective ankle stability, while the no-maintenance PVC outsole shrugs off slush and snow with ease. The Spiral stainless steel blade ensures a clean, consistent glide—ideal for navigating crowded rinks or weekend pond outings.

In practice, the Horizon handles moderate skating sessions with confidence. The boot breaks in quickly, reducing initial discomfort, and the water-resistant construction keeps feet dry during outdoor use. However, the support rating of 20/100 means it’s not built for sharp turns or jumps—aggressive skaters will notice flex and roll under pressure. On smooth indoor ice, it performs smoothly, but on uneven outdoor surfaces, the lack of reinforcement becomes apparent.

When compared to the warmer Riedell Soar, the Horizon offers better structural integrity while sacrificing insulation. It’s less plush but more stable, making it a stronger choice for consistent indoor use or mixed conditions. For skaters wanting dependable performance without premium cost, it outshines flashier models by focusing on essentials—durable materials, sensible design, and reliable blade action—making it a true mid-range standout.

The Riedell Ember turns heads with its blush-colored suede boot and stylish sweater-top collar, blending fashion and function in a way few recreational skates dare. But it’s not just about looks—the waterproof genuine suede and no-maintenance PVC outsole make it tough enough for repeated outdoor use, while the Luna stainless steel blade delivers a graceful, controlled glide perfect for leisurely laps. This is a skate that makes you want to hit the rink, not just tolerate it.

Real-world testing confirms its all-day comfort, thanks to the cushioned fold-over collar that cradles the Achilles without pinching. The relaxed fit (support rating 0–30) suits casual skaters perfectly, though it’s too soft for serious edge work or jumps. On packed snow or rough ice, the blade holds up well, but tight turns reveal its recreational nature—expect some slippage if pushing too hard. It’s best for scenic skating, not skill-building.

Against the Horizon, the Ember wins on style and material quality, trading a bit of ruggedness for elegance. While the Horizon is more utilitarian, the Ember appeals to skaters who value aesthetic appeal and premium feel without entering high-performance territory. It delivers better craftsmanship than the Soar and more flair than the Horizon—making it the ideal pick for fashion-forward beginners who still demand solid performance.

The Jackson Ultima Excel stands tall as the most well-rounded figure skate in this lineup, blending professional-grade components with beginner-friendly design. Its factory-sharpened Ultima Mark II blade offers superior edge grip and responsiveness, while the flex notch in the boot enhances natural ankle movement—critical for learning proper technique. The foam-backed tongue stays in place, eliminating pressure points that plague cheaper models.

In real use, the Excel shines during structured lessons and practice sessions. The PVC sole is lightweight yet stable, and the blade’s precision makes mastering forward strokes, three-turns, and basic stops noticeably easier. Even after repeated falls, the boot maintains shape and support. However, the light support rating means it’s not ideal for jumps beyond single rotations—this is a training skate, not a competition model.

Compared to the Jackson SoftSkate, the Excel delivers better blade performance and structure, making it a smarter long-term investment for skaters planning to advance. While the SoftSkate is softer and cozier, the Excel offers the foundation needed for real progress. It outperforms budget models like AhmyLion in blade quality and durability, justifying its place as the best overall choice for serious beginners aiming to grow in the sport.

The AhmyLion skates punch far above their price tag with memory foam padding that molds instantly to the foot, offering a custom-like fit from day one. This isn’t just marketing—testers reported no blisters or hot spots even after 45-minute sessions, a rarity in budget skates. The professional-grade steel blades respond well to weight shifts, giving beginners real edge control and confidence during turns and stops.

On the ice, these skates handle basic skills impressively, from gliding to two-foot stops. The reinforced protection zones withstand repeated falls, and the snug boot fit minimizes ankle roll—key for safety and learning. However, the lack of flex notch or advanced blade geometry limits progression beyond fundamentals. While great for learning, they won’t support complex moves or long-term training like Jackson models.

Against the Riedell Soar, the AhmyLion delivers better ankle stability and blade control at a lower cost, making it the top pick for budget-conscious families. It lacks the Soar’s insulation but outperforms it in support and durability. For skaters who want real performance without overspending, it’s a standout—especially with its simple ‘size up once’ rule that reduces fit guesswork and return rates.

The Jackson Ultima SoftSkate is a featherlight champion of comfort, designed for skaters who dread the stiffness of traditional figure boots. Its fully lined cushy foam padding and soft synthetic upper feel like winter slippers on ice, making it perfect for young beginners or adults with sensitive feet. The Ultima Mark I blade is factory-sharpened and surprisingly responsive, offering decent edge control for a skate this soft.

In practice, the SoftSkate excels in short, low-intensity sessions—ideal for learn-to-skate programs or casual rink visits. The light recreational support keeps feet comfortable but limits aggressive movement; sharp turns or extended edges lead to instability. The fleece-like interior adds warmth, but the lack of waterproofing means it’s best for indoor rinks only. It’s not built for progression, but for enjoyment.

Compared to the Excel, the SoftSkate sacrifices blade quality and structure for plushness—making it a better fit for occasional use than training. While the Excel prepares skaters for advancement, the SoftSkate prioritizes immediate comfort and ease. It’s lighter and softer than the Riedell Horizon, but less durable—ideal for those who value lightweight coziness over long-term performance or outdoor resilience.

The 5th Element Stealth brings hockey-specific engineering to recreational skaters, offering a rare blend of true-to-size fit, moisture-resistant liner, and premium stainless steel blades in an affordable package. Built for speed and agility, it features ankle padding and heel support that lock the foot in place, enabling quick cuts and sudden stops—unheard of in most casual skates. The reinforced outsole adds stiffness for powerful strides without adding bulk.

On the ice, these skates perform like entry-level hockey gear should: responsive, stable, and agile. The blades bite well on edges, and the padded footbed reduces fatigue during longer sessions. However, the 205-lb weight limit restricts use for larger adults, and the stiffness, while beneficial for hockey, can feel rigid for first-time skaters used to softer boots. Outdoor concrete wear may also degrade the outsole faster than all-weather models.

Against general recreational skates like the Riedell Horizon, the Stealth dominates in lateral support and maneuverability, making it the clear winner for hockey drills or active play. While less comfortable for casual gliding, it outperforms in dynamic movement and control. For recreational hockey players or active skaters wanting real performance without pro pricing, it delivers unmatched value—blending sport-specific design with surprising affordability.