7 Best Ice Skates for Intermediate Skaters 2025

The 5th Element Grace ice skates deliver a surprisingly refined experience for intermediate skaters who prioritize lightweight comfort and warmth without breaking the bank. With a soft tricot lining, fleece insulation, and a cold-resistant tongue, these skates tackle one of the most common complaints on colder rinks—cold feet—head-on. The stainless steel blade with a functional toe-pick offers reliable edge control, making jumps and turns feel stable, while the reinforced lace hooks and 10mm laces ensure a secure, glove-like fit that doesn’t loosen mid-session.

In real-world use, these skates perform admirably on maintenance ice and recreational rinks, where precision isn’t pushed to elite levels. The blade holds its edge reasonably well, though frequent sharpening may be needed if you’re practicing complex footwork or spins regularly. At just under 70, they’re one of the most affordable stainless steel options in the lineup, ideal for skaters transitioning from beginner to intermediate who want durability without over-investing. However, they lack the ankle support and structural rigidity needed for advanced maneuvers or prolonged intense training.

Compared to the Jackson Ultima Excel, the Grace skates fall short in long-term support and blade performance, but they shine for casual intermediate users who skate weekly and value comfort above all. They’re best suited for adult women who skate for fitness or fun, not competition. While the Excel offers superior build and progression potential, the Grace wins on warmth, weight, and entry-level accessibility—making it a smart pick for those not ready to commit to high-end gear.

The Jackson Ultima Excel stands out as a true all-rounder in the intermediate skate category, blending professional-grade components with thoughtful design for skaters ready to level up. Featuring the factory-sharpened Ultima Mark II blade, these skates offer noticeably better edge grip and glide than entry-level models, giving intermediate skaters the precision and responsiveness needed for controlled three-turns, brackets, and simple jumps. The foam-backed tongue and flex notch enhance ankle mobility without sacrificing support—striking a rare balance between comfort and performance.

On the ice, the Excel delivers consistent feedback across different rink conditions, from smooth competition-grade ice to slightly chipped public sessions. The PVC sole provides adequate torsional stability, and the blade’s screw attachment ensures minimal vibration or wobble during crossovers and edges. While not built for triple jumps or elite spins, these skates handle intermediate drills and freestyle routines with confidence. However, serious competitors may eventually outgrow the light support rating, which is optimized more for progression than high-impact landings.

When compared to the Jackson Classic 200, the Excel steps up with a higher-grade blade and better flexibility, making it ideal for skaters investing in weekly lessons or club participation. It’s the natural next step after beginner skates, offering real growth potential without the steep price of pro models. Against the budget-friendly SoftSkate, the Excel justifies its cost with superior blade performance and structural integrity, making it the best overall choice for skaters serious about skill development.

The Jackson Ultima SoftSkate is a budget-savvy gateway for intermediate skaters who want reliable performance without the premium tag—delivering the trusted Ultima Mark I blade in a lightweight, easy-to-wear package. Designed for light recreational use, these skates feature a synthetic upper with cushy foam padding that molds slightly over time, reducing break-in pain and making them ideal for skaters returning after a hiatus or skating just a few times a month. The factory-sharpened stainless steel blade provides solid edge control for basic spins and two-footed jumps, making progress feel achievable.

In practice, the SoftSkate performs best on well-maintained rinks where aggressive maneuvers aren’t the focus. The synthetic material offers flexibility but lacks the lateral stiffness needed for clean edge transitions during faster footwork. While the blade is durable, it doesn’t match the precision of the Mark II found on the Excel. Skaters doing regular power drills or working on single rotations may notice slight blade flex, but for casual intermediate routines and gliding drills, it’s more than sufficient.

Priced significantly below the Excel and Classic 200, the SoftSkate is the smart pick for recreational progression—especially when compared to the Nattork or 5th Element models with lesser-known blades. It’s not built for long-term competitive growth, but for skaters who want trusted brand reliability at a lower entry point, it’s unmatched. While the Classic 200 offers slightly better durability, the SoftSkate wins in comfort and immediate wearability, making it the best budget-friendly choice with a real figure skating pedigree.

The Nattork White Figure Skates make a bold statement in the budget arena by offering stainless steel blades and reinforced ankle support at under 60—making them a standout for cost-conscious intermediate skaters who refuse to compromise on core safety features. The robust steel protection around the ankle delivers noticeable stability, reducing wobble during edge work and helping prevent roll injuries during off-balance landings. Combined with COOLMAX lining, these skates manage moisture well and stay comfortable during longer sessions, a rare win in this price range.

On the ice, the stainless steel blade glides smoothly and holds an edge better than chrome-plated alternatives, though it doesn’t match the consistency of Ultima blades under repeated stress. The PU leather and PVC upper are durable in cold conditions and resist cracking, but lack breathability during intense skating. These skates excel in recreational rinks where you’re working on balance, crossovers, and basic spins—but may struggle with tight three-turns or quick transitions due to sole rigidity and blade responsiveness limits.

Against the 5th Element Grace, the Nattork offers better ankle support and blade durability, making it a smarter pick for skaters focused on stability and injury prevention. While it doesn’t carry the brand legacy of Jackson, it delivers real value for beginners advancing to intermediate levels on a tight budget. Compared to the SoftSkate, it trades some comfort for structure—making it ideal for those who prioritize support and safety over plush padding.

The Jackson Ultima Classic 200 hits the sweet spot for skaters seeking recreational value—delivering dependable performance, solid build quality, and the trusted Ultima Mark I stainless steel blade at a mid-range price. With a reinforced coated vinyl upper and padded felt tongue, these skates offer lasting comfort and resistance to wear, even after months of weekly rink use. The rolled collar prevents heel rub, a common pain point for intermediate skaters building endurance, while the riveted blade attachment ensures secure blade-to-sole bonding that won’t loosen over time.

In real-world testing, the Classic 200 handles beginner-to-intermediate skills with ease—supporting edge drills, two-footed jumps, and basic spins without flexing excessively. The PVC sole is lightweight but not as torsionally rigid as leather, which becomes noticeable during faster transitions or power pushes. Still, for skaters not pursuing competitive routines, it’s more than capable. The factory sharpening holds well, though frequent skaters may need touch-ups every 10–15 hours of ice time.

When stacked against the SoftSkate, the Classic 200 offers better durability and structure, making it ideal for teens or adults skating regularly in community programs. It lacks the flexibility of the Excel but outperforms budget models in long-term resilience. For intermediate skaters who want a reliable, no-frills skate that won’t need replacing after a season, the Classic 200 delivers unmatched value—balancing brand trust, blade quality, and build better than any other recreational model here.