Ranking of the best skates for ice skating in 2024

One of the most popular ways to spend time in winter is ice skating. Many people, going to the skating rink, rent equipment. This is wise if you don't skate often. But if you spend a lot of time at the rink, then it is worth considering buying your own pair. This is where a lot of problems arise: which skates to prefer, but what to look for when buying, how to choose the size and what is the rating of the best skates for ice skating? All these questions concern the future owners of sports equipment.

What skates exist

Surely many have paid attention to the fact that athletes' shoes differ depending on the sport. The skates of figure skaters, skaters and hockey players are very different. And this applies not only to the appearance, but also to the design of the skates.

Skates are produced in three main types: for hockey, for figure skating and for speed skating. In some classifications, it is also proposed to separately highlight children's models and walking skates that are used for amateur skating in parks. To understand the question of which models are suitable for a beginner athlete, we will understand the features of each type of ice skating shoes.

Hockey skates

This sport is quite traumatic and very aggressive. Therefore, shoes for him are made with the maximum possible protection of the athlete's limbs. It should also protect against blows with a stick, skate of the opponent, hitting the puck and other troubles. Therefore, hockey skates are made rigid from special synthetic materials. They are equipped with rigid inserts in places that need to be protected more than others.

The toe of these skates is always made of solid plastic. Such a stiff boot has a number of advantages: it supports the ankle and foot well and keeps the legs in the correct position.

There are other requirements for hockey models. They must provide high speed to the athlete and not limit his ability to maneuver. In this regard, hockey models have a short radius of curvature and are made without teeth on the blade. This protects against clinging to the ice during sharp and dangerous turns. The smaller area of ​​contact of the athlete with the ice provides high maneuverability, but at the same time it complicates the task of maintaining balance.

Summing up, it can be noted that hockey skates are the best choice for a beginner only if he is going to continue to engage in this sport. For already trained athletes, hockey skates are quite suitable. They make it possible to develop high speed, do not restrict freedom of maneuver.

Read more about ice hockey skates in one of the episodes of the Galileo program:

Figure skates

These models feature a long, straight blade that protrudes about 2 cm beyond the heel. The front of the blade has sharp teeth that allow you to perform a variety of tricks and jump. But at the same time, the teeth cause a lot of inconvenience to beginners who still do not know how to stand confidently on the ice. They catch all the unevenness of the ice of the street ice rinks and are the cause of many falls. For the rest, it is figure skates that are considered to be the best option for beginners.

The boot of such skates is made of leatherette or genuine leather. This material avoids numerous injuries due to the rigid support of the ankle. But such material makes the boot too thin, it is simply cold to ride on the street in a deep frost on such skates. To some extent, thermal underwear helps to solve this issue. Figure skate boots are usually made high and laced all the way up. This makes it easy to control the degree of fixation of the joint.

Walking skates

These models do not have any manufacturing standards. The appearance of such skates can be similar to curly and hockey skates. A distinctive feature of walking options is a soft insulated boot. The blade of these skates resembles curly ones, but the teeth will not be as large and sharp or may be completely absent.

If the blade looks more like a hockey blade, then their degree of rounding will not be too large. Walking skates are designed for leisurely skating and enjoyment, not for practicing difficult pirouettes or puck racing.

Walking boots are very comfortable. They are softer than sports models. The fastener can be a classic lacing or, like in roller skates - buckley. In the latter case, there will also be plastic parts on the soft boot. These boots are usually insulated so that you can ride in extreme frosts. On the other hand, a soft boot does not fix the ankle so well and does not provide an opportunity to perform complex maneuvers.

Children's ice skates

For toddlers, the skates are equipped with an extra-wide blade for added stability. Some models even have double blades. These models are recommended for children under 5 years of age. After the kid gets used to the rink, it is recommended to replace the children's model with a regular one. Parents often buy sliding skates for their child. Outwardly, they look more like amateur ones, but their boot is made of plastic. They can vary in 3-5 sizes.

If the child will not just skate for pleasure, but develop in sports, then it is better to immediately purchase the right skates. They can be larger, but not more than 1 size. Otherwise, the boot will dangle on the leg, which creates conditions for injury.

How to choose skates

If you have decided on the type of skates, it's time to go to the store to try on and buy. It is very important to buy skates after trying them on. This is the only way to decide whether this pair is right for you or not. Be sure to bring along a pair of thick wool socks to wear when riding outdoors.

Criteria for choosing figure skates

Figure skates are traditionally considered to be female models. Before buying, be sure to put on a pair and walk in them for a few minutes. Rate your feelings. The boot should not be very tight, at the same time, the leg should not dangle in it.Shoes that are too loose do not fix the ankle well and reduce stability.

The back of the boot should press down on the heel and the ankle should be tightly wrapped around the boot. If all these conditions are met, and at the same time you feel comfortable in the boots, then you have found your pair of skates.
Video tips for choosing figure skates from a coach:

Which is better to buy walking skates

If you are going to skate for fun and are not going to play sports professionally, then walking skates are ideal. These models are suitable for both children and adults. In addition, bright and beautiful designs are used for them. Many walking skates have an inner insulated boot that can be pulled out to dry if needed.

The criteria for choosing walking skates are the same as for curly models. You should feel comfortable in them, and the boot should fit snugly around your foot.

What skates to buy for hockey

Hockey skates are more suitable for men. Moreover, they are all divided into amateur, semi-professional and professional models:

• For amateur skates, the boots are soft, they are suitable for beginner athletes. Of the protection elements in these models, only a plastic toe is provided, which protects the fingers. There is also no additional boot trim.
• Semi-professional skates are bought for ice hockey by people who often play and want to improve their level. It provides better protection with a rigid tongue and reliable support on the sides, which is provided by stiffeners. Some models of the semi-professional class have special options for adjusting the boot to the anatomical features of the leg.

When choosing hockey skates, keep in mind that they do not fit standard shoe sizes. Therefore, they must be measured. The foot should be comfortable in a suitable shoe. The back of the boot should firmly press the heel, but the toes should not be pressed against the toe, but only slightly touch it.

Hockey skate boots also differ in the width of the last. Therefore, if the boots suit you in length, but not in width, then you should just try on another pair.

How to choose skates for a child

For kids who are just starting to get used to ice, models with two blades are ideal. These skates are stable and the child will feel confident on them. Then you can purchase the regular model with one blade. It is best to choose figure skates for children that allow you to fix the ankle well.

Be sure to wear thick woolen socks when trying on your child. Ideal when an adult's toe can hardly be inserted between the boot and heel. Shoes that are too tight will be uncomfortable when riding, and in loose shoes, the risk of injuring the ankle increases.

The meaning of the size at which children's skates begin is Russian size 28. At the same time, keep in mind that it is permissible for beginner children to buy skates 1 size larger than necessary. For young hockey players, skates must be bought one size larger than necessary. For children for ordinary walking, we can advise sliding models, which vary along the length of the boot by 3-5 sizes.
Video tips for choosing children's skates:

Rating of quality skates for men

After considering the main types of skates, their features and selection rules, it will not be superfluous to find out which popular models are now leading the market. This will help you decide on the choice and take into account which company is better to buy skates.

Bauer Supreme One.4

These skates are hockey models and can be recommended for athletes of all skill levels. The boot is made of high quality nylon and the inner lining is made of microfiber with water repellent properties.In these skates, the athlete feels confident on the ice, thanks to the tight fixation of the leg and reliable protection on the sides. Ultra-lightweight foam inserts provide protection and support for your ankles.

For optimal comfort while riding, a special heel support and tongue are provided. Additionally, it is worth noting a high-quality molded plastic sole, as well as a glass with a high-quality metal blade.

• little weight;
• boots have good enough rigidity;
• durable;
• create excellent security;
• fit the leg tightly;
• the tongue has an anatomical shape.

• the laces must be changed as they are of poor quality.

Cost: from 8990 rubles.

Bauer Vapor X400

This model is intended for beginner hockey players. Can be purchased by owners of foot sizes 26 to 46, including D and EE heights.

The top of the boot is made of nylon, the inside is made of synthetic fabrics, which together guarantee good moisture management. The sole is plastic, the blade is made of stainless steel.

• Comfortable fit due to the anatomical tongue and ankle inserts;
• Replaceable blades;
• The foot in the shoe does not sweat.

• With intensive use in the cold, cracking of the sole is sometimes noted.

Cost: from 4500 rubles.

Bauer NSX S18

Skates are positioned for men, although the size range allows them to be tried on on a woman's leg. You can choose a pair in size from 32.5 to 46th. The NSX series is created by the manufacturer Bauer for those who are new to hockey.

The boot is made of composite material, the inner lining is synthetic. Plastic sole with attached stainless steel blades.

The skates can be operated both on closed ice and on an outdoor skating rink, thanks to the frost-resistant glass.

• The presence of anatomical inserts and, as a result, a comfortable fit on the leg;
• Ankle support;
• Reinforced toe cap;
• The boot is anatomical.

• They are produced in one fullness, which means they will not suit owners of a wide foot and high instep;
• The laces included in the set have excessive elasticity, "pulling" and the property of digging into the palms of the hands with intensive lacing.

Cost: from 5700 rubles.

GRAF Super 103 Sakurai

These ice hockey skates are designed for boys and teenagers. The upper part of the boots is made of a high quality synthetic blended fabric. The inner part is made of microfiber and provides soft support for the foot. The bow has enhanced low temperature protection. The insoles fit snugly to the feet and have the ability to adapt to the wearer's anatomical features.

• warm and comfortable lining;
• reliable support for the legs;
• insoles have an anatomical structure;
• protect well from frost.

• help with tying shoelaces.

Average price: 3890 rubles.

NORDWAY Laval

For beginners in figure skating and middle-class professionals, this model of figure skates is most acceptable. The boots in this model are entirely made of genuine leather. Over time, they take on the shape of the athlete's foot.

For comfort, special softening inserts are made on the inside of the boot. The lining is highly absorbent. The lacing is decorated with a special cutout designed to prevent the formation of creases and creates the most correct positioning of the foot while riding.

• leather boots;
• comfortable anatomical structure;
• anti-corrosion coating of the blades;
• have a long service life;
• suitable for male and female athletes.

• it takes time for the boots to adapt to the shape of the foot.

Average price: 2450 rubles.

Rating of the best women's skates

Princess Kid Sports Collection

These skates are designed for girls. The upper on both sides is made entirely of genuine leather. This contributes to better heat retention. The blades are made according to certification standards from high quality stainless steel with anti-corrosion treatment, keep sharpening for a long time. The boot has an elongated shape and perfectly supports the child's ankle during riding, which is useful for preventing injury.

The boots are decorated with a stylish pattern, which will surely be appreciated by young skaters. Hook-and-loop closure at the top for perfect support. The mid-firm last allows you to ride comfortably even with thick toes.

• comfortable model;
• Beautiful design;
• natural materials;
• excellent leg support;
• blades made of quality material.

• must be carefully tried on when buying.

Average price: 3230 rubles.

Bauer Flow Wmn

This is a walking model for women, it is lightweight, which allows you to relieve the legs. This model has a nice appearance in white and gray tones. The boots have a soft padding and provide good support for the ankle. All this creates convenience and comfort while riding.

The boots are laced with laces and there is also a Velcro strap at the top of the boot.

• light weight;
• nice appearance;
• comfort and warmth when riding.

• require careful attitude.

Average price: 5200 rubles.

SC (Sports Collection) Princess Lux 100% Leather

A significant advantage of these skates is the use of leather as a material for interior and exterior decoration. The lack of insulation makes this model more suitable for riding on closed ice. The sole is made of plastic, the blade is made of stainless steel.

The manufacturer positions these skates as for professionals. The size range is wide, from 25 to 42.

• Comfort for legs due to natural, non-hardening material;
• Skating feet do not sweat;
• Good hold on the ankle.

• The top is easily scratched;
• To ride in the cold will require additional socks, which will affect the fit of the shoe.

Cost: from 3000 rubles.

GRAF Montana Gold

This model from one of the leaders in the production of hockey equipment is designed for beginners on the ice. Available in black and white for leg sizes 25 to 41.

The interior is made of synthetic materials, the tongue is made of felt. The boot has an anatomical shape. The sole is plastic.

• Good tailoring - the lacing area, heels, toe and tongue are fully sewn;
• Comfortable fit thanks to the anatomical boot;
• Wide range of sizes.

• Artificial materials.

Cost: from 4700 rubles.

When choosing skates, you should be guided by the conditions in which they will be used, the manner of skating (hockey, walking or figure skating, as well as personal comfort, which can only be assessed by fitting.