Choosing and buying the right ice skates for kids is not a simple job. Whether your kids’ need them for indoor rinks, outdoor ponds, hockey practice, or want figure skating, you will need assistance in buying the ice skates! We provided a complete kids’ ice skating guide with tips, including how to find the right ones, where to buy them, how to take care of them, and how to sharpen them!
Hockey skates are a wonderful option for newbies since they are quick, flexible, and provide decent foot support. Due to their soft-boot design, hybrid ice skates are also a great option for beginners who merely want to enjoy comfier rides. And if your kid wants to practice jumps, spins, and other figure skating tricks, look out for figure skates. Let’s find out all options when picking the best ice skates for beginners.
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Three Different Types of Ice Skates
Ice hockey skates
As their name suggests, ice hockey skates are designed for playing ice hockey. However, they are also ideal beginners and for those who love the speed. The sturdy shell of these skates will protect your kids’ feet from any kind of impact or fall. They are perfect for beginners looking for comfortable skates because the interior is well-padded, making them easy to wear despite the stiff shell. Kids’ ankles and feet will receive excellent support from the shoe thanks to its design.
Hockey ice skates are simple to control and ideal for quick acceleration to gain speed, but they are less suitable for lengthy rides due to the short and curved blade. They do not have toe picks in the front of the blade like figure skates do, and because they are not designed for figures, the blade won’t unintentionally get stuck in the ice and cause kids’ to lose the balance.
Figure skates
Figure skates are for those kids’ who want to do more of figure skating including technical element and tricks. As we mentioned, they have the toe picks on the front of the blade, which allow them to perform different figures like jumps and pirouettes.
Such skates come in both leather and synthetic leather boot. Professionals in figure skating usually use leather boots. This type of boot is stiffer and less comfy to wear, but it also offers additional ankle support. As for synthetic leather boot, they are usually more comfy to wear but provide less ankle support.
Hybrid ice skates
When it comes to hybrid ice skates, stability and high comfort are the main features. These types of ice skate have cushioned boots. As for the blade, it can be either a figure skate blade or an ice hockey blade.
We recommend hybrid ice skates with a figure skate blade for younger kids. This is a good choice because figure skates, on the other hand, do not offer the same level of comfort. They are able to practice figures in this manner without sacrificing support or comfort. Of course, these skates won’t appear like traditional figure skates in terms of design.
How to Choose the Perfect Ice Skates for Kids?
Ice skating is a great Christmas outdoor activity but when it comes to choosing the best ice skates for kids might be challenging. Knowing which brand and type will suit your kid the best can be difficult because there are so many available. This buying guide will discuss some factors you should take into account when buying ice skates for kids’ first ice skating experience.
Choose the right size
Having the right size skates is the first and most important factor to consider. That’s why we will talk about it a bit longer.
Ice skates come in various sizes, so it’s crucial to pick a pair that will snugly fit your kid’s foot. You can use Footmeter tool measure to measure your kid’s feet at home or take them to a nearby sporting goods store. Once you know their foot measurements, you can begin researching various ice skate brands and models to discover the ideal set for your kid.
Avoid too big ice skates, especially figure skates. Figure skating requires absolute control of the blade and thus the jumps and pirouettes so loose skates are a big no-no. In order for ice skates to be comfortable, they must fit perfectly without being too tight. After loosening the laces and buckles, push kids’ foot forward until there’s just enough space behind the heel to reach for a finger. Additionally, it’s a good idea to test the skates on with the socks kids’ will be wearing when ice skating.
There are a lot of kids’ ice skates that are adjustable, which means that it is possible to adjust the lengthen of the boot. This enables your kid to grow in the ice skates by roughly 3–4 sizes. Quality-wise, adjustable ice skates are equally good as regular models, but they are only intended for recreational use. Therefore, if your kid feet is still growing and merely needs them for recreational use, we advise adjustable skates.
Consider the blade length
Another crucial consideration while selecting kids’ ice skates is the blade length. Your kid’s skate blade length will determine how much control they have over their balance and skating. They might not be able to skate well if the blades are too small. If the blades are excessively big, they could have trouble rotating or stopping. To determine the ideal blade length for your kid’s feet, consult with a specialist at a nearby sports goods store.
Pick the right boot type
Boots come in two primary categories: high-top and low-top. High-top skate boots provide extra ankle support, which is crucial for young skaters. For more skilled skaters, low-top skates are preferable because they are lighter and easier to maneuver.
Another factor to think about is the boot material. We already talked about that there are synthetic and leather boots. Although leather boots can be more expensive, they are more supportive and durable. Despite being lighter and less expensive, synthetic materials might not last as long.
Choose the preferable lacing system
Ice skates come in two main types of lacing systems, traditional lacing and fast lacing. Traditional lacing systems use standard laces that can be tied in a traditional way. Fast lacing systems make it easier to put on and remove skates because they use hooks or quick-release buttons.
If you choose the traditional lacing, do the under crisscross lacing technique. It’s very popular, secure and easy way of doing it. Tie the laces in a knot after crossing over the shoe and passing under the eyelets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size ice skates does my child need?
Ice skates are chosen just like the regular shoes. They shouldn’t be too tight nor too loose. Ensure there is space for one finger behind the heel when kids’ are trying them.
What age is best to start ice skating?
If your kid is eager to learn to be a professional ice skater, the soon the better. It’s estimated that the ages between three to five is the perfect time. However, even a bit later wouldn’t be an issue.
Which ice skates are easier to learn?
Both figure and hockey skates are good for beginners, they depend largely on the kids’ needs and preferences. If your kid wants to learn technical moves and jumps, opt for figure skates, if they want to skate faster and have better balance, opt for hockey ice skates.
In Conclusion
A terrific way to have fun, move the body, and stay active is to go ice skating. For such an activity, it’s crucial to pick the appropriate skates for your kid in order for them to enjoy the experience. The skates should be suitable and the appropriate size for your kid, they should have enough support and padding to safeguard the ankle. If the ice skates fulfill those requirements, they will be good enough for their first time on ice!
