Find Your Perfect Skates
Skill Level: Beginner vs. Intermediate
When comparing beginner and intermediate ice skates, the main differences center on support, materials, and performance. Beginner skates are designed to help new skaters feel comfortable and confident as they learn the basics. Intermediate skates are stronger and more supportive, helping handle more advanced moves like spins and jumps. Choosing the right level makes skating easier and safer.
Features to Pay Attention To
Feature | Beginner Skates | Intermediate Skates |
Boot stiffness | Soft and flexible | Stiffer for ankle support |
Blade quality | Basic stainless steel | Higher-grade steel, better edge retention |
Purpose | Comfort and balance | Skill development and control |
Durability | 1-2 seasons of regular use | 2-3+ seasons with frequent practice |
Price Range | $100-$200 | $150-$300 |
Beginner Ice Skates: Perfect for Starting Your Journey
For example, the Riedell Horizon from our casual series is a great beginner skate. It's soft, comfortable, and built for people just starting lessons or for fun skating. The Horizon's light support and cushioned liner help new skaters stay stable and enjoy the ice without feeling stiff. It's an affordable, easy option for learning to glide and stop safely.
Best for: First-time skaters, casual recreational use, ice rink birthday parties, adults returning to skating
Intermediate Ice Skates: Ready to Progress
In contrast, the Riedell Crystal (developmental series skate) is an intermediate skate made for skaters working on single jumps and more advanced spins. It has a firmer boot, stronger ankle support, and a higher-quality blade. This makes it better for skaters who skate regularly and are ready to challenge themselves. The Crystal also has a better fit for control and precision on the ice.
Someone would buy beginner skates like the Horizon if they're new to skating and want comfort while learning. But once a skater starts practicing more and trying harder skills, moving up to an intermediate skate like the Crystal helps them progress safely.
It's all about matching the skate to the skater's current skill level and goals.
Usage Type: Recreational, figure skating, hockey
By usage type, each style is built for a different purpose, designed for what the skater is looking to do.
Recreational Skates
First, recreational skates are made for general fun and casual outings. Think of an adult buying skates to go out occasionally with friends or a parent throwing their child a skate party at a rink. These skates have softer boots, more comfortable padding, and blades that are easy to manage.
To call back a previous example, the Riedell Horizon is a good recreational style: it emphasizes comfort and ease over technical support. If someone just wants to glide and enjoy the ice without serious jumps or competition, recreational skates are a smart pick. They’re available as men’s and women's skates and usually in simpler and more forgiving versions.
Figure Skates
Figure skating skates are designed for artistic moves, spins, glides, and jumps. The boot is higher for ankle support, and the blade typically has a toe pick (those jagged teeth at the front) and a longer flat surface for balance.
Especially helpful for figure skaters, these skates feature features to improve edge control and precision. If the skater is working on one-foot glides, single jumps, or dance-style movements, figure skates let them do more than just go forward and back.
Hockey Skates
Hockey skates, on the other hand, are built for speed, agility, and quick turns. Their blades are shorter, and their boots are more rugged and lower-cut around the ankles so that players can move fast.
A child playing for fun in a “learn-to-play” hockey clinic would want a junior hockey skate, while adult men’s or women’s hockey models offer advanced materials and fit. If the goal is to play hockey or do fast drills rather than perform spins or jump combos, hockey skates are the way to go.
Fit and Sizing: Importance of Proper Sizing
Proper fit and sizing are among the most important factors when choosing ice skates. A skate that fits well keeps your feet supported and comfortable, which helps you stay balanced and in control.
Skates that are too loose can cause blisters and make it hard to steer, while skates that are too tight can cut off circulation and cause pain.
Sizing tips by category:
Women's Ice Skates: Typically run 1-1.5 sizes smaller than street shoes
Men's Ice Skates: Usually 1 full size smaller than regular shoes
Girls' Ice Skates: Consider ½ size larger for growing feet
Boys' Ice Skates: Allow thumb-width space for growth
Whether you’re fitting for a girl’s or a boy’s skate or that of a veteran competitor, tightness matters. The fit should allow the toes to lightly touch the end of the boot without being cramped. It’s best to try on skates with the same socks you’ll wear on the ice to find the perfect, secure fit.
Boot Support: Ankle Support Needs by Experience Level
Ankle support is one of the biggest factors that change as a skater gains experience. The boot’s stiffness and structure help keep the ankle stable, improving control and reducing the risk of injury. Beginner skates have softer, more flexible boots to make learning comfortable and less restrictive.
As skaters advance, they need stronger ankle support to handle sharper turns, deeper edges, and landings from jumps.
Ankle support by experience level:
Beginner: Light support. Softer boots (like the Riedell Horizon or Sparkle) allow natural movement and comfort for learning basic balance and gliding.
Intermediate: Medium support. Boots such as the Riedell Crystal or Motion include reinforced materials that stabilize the ankle during spins and single jumps.
Advanced: Firm support. High-performance boots (like the Silver Star 875 or Bronze Star 435) are very stiff, built for power and precision in double or triple jumps.
Having the right boot stiffness helps skaters progress confidently while protecting their ankles from strain.
Blade Quality: Steel Types and Maintenance
The quality of a skate’s blade affects speed, control, and how smoothly a skater glides across the ice. Blades are usually made from different types of steel, which vary in strength, edge retention, and rust resistance.
Higher-quality steel holds a sharper edge longer, while softer steel is easier to sharpen but may dull more quickly.
Common blade steel types:
Carbon steel: Sharp and responsive, but requires frequent drying to prevent rust.
Stainless steel: More corrosion-resistant, ideal for recreational skaters.
High-carbon stainless steel: Combines durability and sharpness, often used in performance blades.
Expert Tip: Regular sharpening and wiping blades dry after skating helps maintain edge quality and lifespan
Budget Guidelines: Price Panges and Value Expectations
Beginner Skates
Entry-level recreational skates typically cost between $100 and $200. These models focus on comfort, warmth, and stability for beginners or casual skaters. They’re often pre-mounted with basic stainless-steel blades and soft liners, making learning easy without breaking the bank.
Intermediate Skates
Intermediate skates usually fall in the $150 to $300 range. They feature stronger materials, improved support, and better-quality blades designed for single jumps or longer skating sessions. While they cost more, these skates last longer and perform better for developing skaters.
Advanced or Competitive Skates
Advanced and competitive skates start around $450 and can reach $650 or more for top-tier models. These boots are handcrafted with stiff leather or composite materials, paired with high-end blades for precision and power. They’re an investment, but serious skaters often find the performance difference worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ice skates should a beginner buy?
Beginners should buy recreational (or casual series) figure skates that offer soft padding, light ankle support, and a comfortable fit for learning balance and basic skills.
How do I know what size ice skates to get?
Ice skates should fit about one full size smaller than your regular shoe size, with toes lightly touching the front and heels snug but not cramped.
See our sizing guide here.
Are figure skates or hockey skates better for beginners?
Figure skates are generally better for beginners because their longer blades and toe picks provide more stability and control.
How tight should ice skates fit?
Ice skates should feel comfortably snug around the foot and ankle without causing pain or cutting off circulation.
Do I need to sharpen new ice skates before using them?
Yes, we recommend that skates be taken to a local sharpener for inspection and sharpening before use to ensure optimal performance.
What’s the difference between recreational and professional ice skates?
Recreational skates prioritize comfort and flexibility, while professional skates are stiffer, stronger, and built for advanced techniques and jumps.
Can you use figure skates for recreational skating?
Yes, figure skates are great for recreational skating because they offer stability, comfort, and a smooth glide for casual use.