7 Best Ice Skates for Figure Skating 2026

The Jackson Ultima SoftSkate glides into the spotlight as a breathable, featherlight champion for casual skaters who prioritize comfort without sacrificing performance. With its synthetic upper and fully lined cushy foam padding, this skate wraps the foot like a second skin, making it ideal for those plagued by pressure points or discomfort during longer sessions. The inclusion of a factory-sharpened Ultima MARK I figure blade ensures reliable edge control right out of the box—perfect for light recreational skating where balance and smooth transitions matter most.

In real-world use, the SoftSkate shines on indoor rinks and short outdoor outings, offering adequate ankle support for gentle spins and basic glides, though it falters under aggressive maneuvers or deep edge work. At just over a pound per skate, its ultra-light build reduces leg fatigue, a godsend for younger skaters or adults returning to the ice after years away. The white/fleece colorway isn’t just cute—it hides scuffs well, and the PVC sole holds up to repeated thawing and drying. However, serious learners may find the lack of reinforced heel counters limits progression beyond beginner routines.

Compared to the sturdier Jackson Classic 200, the SoftSkate trades some structural integrity for plush comfort—making it better suited for weekend fun rather than skill development. It doesn’t compete with high-end training skates, but for casual users seeking pain-free skating with solid blade performance, it hits a sweet spot. While the Riedell Ember offers more durability with its suede boot, the SoftSkate wins on initial softness and break-in ease, delivering superior immediate comfort at a lower price point.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—the Lake Placid Cascade is a budget-savvy gateway to the world of figure skating, engineered to give kids their first confident strides on ice. Its firm ankle support and reinforced lacing hooks provide surprising stability for a sub-$50 skate, tackling one of parents’ biggest fears: wobbly ankles leading to falls. The waterproof sole and warm woven liner mean little feet stay dry and cozy, even during messy pond adventures or crowded rink rentals.

On the ice, these skates deliver solid beginner performance with a stainless steel blade that holds an edge reasonably well for straight glides and slow turns. They’re best suited for short sessions (30–45 minutes) at indoor rinks or frozen backyard ponds, where durability demands are low. While the boot lacks the rigidity of higher-end models, the flexible yet structured fit allows young skaters to feel the ice without being overwhelmed. That said, frequent sharpening is needed, and the blade quality starts to show wear after a few months of weekly use.

When stacked against the American Athletic Tricot Lined model, the Cascade offers comparable ankle support at a fraction of the cost, though it falls short in long-term comfort and materials quality. For parents testing the waters with a hesitant child, this skate makes financial sense—no need to splurge before knowing if skating sticks. It won’t match the Jackson Ultima’s blade precision, but for entry-level fun and frosty first memories, it’s a smart, no-frills starter skate that punches above its weight.

The American Athletic Tricot Lined Ice Skates stand tall as a true rite of passage for first-time skaters, blending decades of heritage with thoughtful design that nurtures confidence from the very first push. What sets these apart is the tricot liner backed by extra foam padding, delivering a snug, forgiving fit that welcomes wider feet and growing toes—ideal for kids still figuring out their foot shape. The reinforced ankle construction offers just enough stiffness to prevent rolls, yet enough flex to encourage natural movement essential in early figure skating.

Out on the rink, these skates handle beginner drills with ease, from two-foot glides to simple crossovers, thanks to the 3.5mm stainless steel blade with a mild toe pick that prevents snagging. The blade’s moderate rocker supports smooth transitions without being too aggressive—perfect for learning balance. They perform equally well indoors and on packed outdoor ice, though deep snow or slush can seep in due to the non-waterproof upper. Over time, the PVC boot shows signs of cracking, especially in colder climates.

Next to the Lake Placid Cascade, the American Athletic model offers superior interior comfort and blade consistency, making it a better long-term choice despite the higher cost. While not as durable as Jackson or Riedell offerings, it bridges the gap between affordability and quality better than most. For parents seeking a reliable, comfortable skate for a child committed to lessons, this is the gold standard among beginner gear—providing the right mix of support, glide, and comfort to turn shaky starts into proud pirouettes.

The Jackson Ultima Classic 200 earns its title as a beginner favorite by marrying reliable support with no-break-in discomfort, making it a go-to for new skaters eager to glide, not grind. Its reinforced coated vinyl upper and padded felt tongue deliver a snug, irritation-free fit straight from the box—no blister-inducing break-in period. The factory-sharpened Ultima Mark I blade provides crisp edge response, essential for mastering forward stroking and basic turns, while the rivet-secured mounting ensures blade stability over time.

In practice, these skates excel in structured learn-to-skate programs, where consistent support and predictable blade behavior matter most. The rolled collar and padded lining cushion the ankle during falls, a frequent occurrence for newcomers, and the PVC sole resists moisture well after repeated use. However, the boot lacks thermoformable properties, limiting custom fit options as skill advances. On rough or chipped ice, vibrations transmit more than in premium models, slightly affecting control.

Compared to the Riedell Ember, the Classic 200 offers firmer support despite lighter materials, making it better for actual skill-building versus casual pond skating. It undercuts the Jackson SoftSkate in rigidity but surpasses it in training readiness. For adults or teens starting late, this skate delivers serious performance without the pro-level price tag, positioning itself as the most balanced entry point for those serious about progression.

The Riedell Ember struts onto the ice like a winter fashion statement with serious staying power, combining waterproof genuine suede and a no-maintenance PVC outsole into a boot built to endure seasons of pond hockey and family skate nights. This isn’t just another pretty face—the Luna stainless steel blade delivers a smooth, stable glide, ideal for skaters who value effortless cruising over jumps and spins. The plush sweater-top collar wraps the Achilles in cloud-like padding, making long sessions feel shorter and falls less jarring.

Real-world testing reveals the Ember thrives in cold, wet, and variable conditions, where cheaper synthetics would warp or leak. Its relaxed fit and light support (rating 0–30) suit casual skaters perfectly, but those attempting edges or spins will notice boot flex that undermines precision. The dual-density foam liner retains warmth well, though it takes longer to dry than mesh-lined alternatives. While not designed for lessons, it outperforms nearly every budget skate in longevity and weather resistance.

Against the Jackson Ultima Classic 200, the Ember trades training functionality for lifestyle durability, making it the top pick for recreationalists over athletes. It’s significantly more expensive than entry models, but the investment pays off in years of use and all-weather reliability. For skaters who prioritize style, warmth, and ruggedness over technical edge work, the Ember stands alone as the undisputed king of all-around winter enjoyment.

The MammyGol Classic Ice Skates emerge as a dark horse for adult male beginners, offering big-boot comfort and rugged simplicity in a market dominated by women’s and kids’ designs. Its high-top build and brushed nylon lining deliver firm ankle support with a surprising level of warmth, a combo rarely seen at this price. The 3.5mm stainless steel blade provides dependable glide and edge retention, holding up well on both smooth rinks and uneven outdoor ice—perfect for dads, uncles, or late-starting enthusiasts testing the ice.

On the rink, these skates perform admirably for leisurely skating and balance drills, with a split tongue design that reduces pressure on the shin during forward leans. The COOLMAX and velvet-backed foam lining absorbs shock and wicks moisture, keeping feet comfortable over hour-long sessions. However, the boot lacks structural reinforcement in the heel, leading to slight compression over time. Lacing tension also loosens mid-skate, requiring frequent reties.

Compared to the unisex Riedell Ember, the MammyGol offers better ankle lockdown at a lower cost, though it sacrifices style and weather resistance. It doesn’t match Jackson’s blade precision but delivers unmatched value for men needing larger sizes. For male skaters tired of ill-fitting unisex models, this is the go-to choice for solid, no-nonsense performance with everyday comfort, blending function and fit where others fall short.

The Rollerblade Ice Diva sashays onto the scene as the most fashion-forward functional skate in the lineup, where rose gold blades and synthetic fur liners prove that performance and pizzazz can coexist. Don’t be fooled by the glam—the anodized stainless steel blade is rust-resistant and factory-presharpened, delivering clean, consistent edges that hold up through moderate use. The reinforced upper with flex notch balances lateral support with forward mobility, making it ideal for skaters who want to bend without breaking during crossovers or spirals.

In action, the Ice Diva excels in moderate recreational sessions, especially in colder rinks where the dual-density foam and fur-like lining trap heat like a winter boot. The lace hooks allow micro-adjustments, letting users dial in fit across the instep—a rare perk at this tier. However, the synthetic upper shows creasing quickly, and the blade isn’t built for jumps or deep edge work. Outdoor use on rough ice accelerates wear.

Pitted against the Jackson SoftSkate, the Ice Diva offers better warmth and visual appeal, though with slightly less breathability. It doesn’t challenge the Riedell Ember in durability but outshines it in cold-weather comfort and style. For intermediate skaters who value warmth, aesthetics, and reliable glide, the Ice Diva is the ultimate blend of flair and function, proving you can look fabulous while gliding gracefully.