Updated October 28, 2026 · 9 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overallLake Placid Summit Adjustablepush-button sizing · warm liningCheck price on Amazon →
Best valueLake Placid Nitro 8.8 Adjustablehockey style · bucklesCheck price on Amazon →Winter · 2026
The best ice skates for kids
Kids’ feet grow fast, so the best first ice skates usually adjust. A good pair also needs firm ankle support, a warm liner and a sharp steel blade. Rental skates are often worn out and loose, which is why many kids struggle and give up.
We compared the best-selling kids ice skates on Amazon on fit, adjustability, ankle support, blade quality and what parents say after a season of use. Below is one clear pair for each type of skater, plus a sizing guide and tips to help your child learn faster.
Quick answer: the best ice skates for kids
- Best overallLake Placid Summit Adjustable · push-button sizing · warm lining
- Best valueLake Placid Nitro 8.8 Adjustable · hockey style · buckles
- Best figure skatesJackson Classic 200 · 4.7★ · Mark 1 blade
- Best for hockeyTronX Stryker 3.0 · real hockey boot · steel blade
- Best for little girlsNattork Adjustable · 4 sizes · fleece lining
If you want one answer: buy the Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Youth Ice Skates. They adjust across several sizes with a push button, have a warm padded lining and a stainless steel blade, and they are the most-reviewed adjustable kids skate on Amazon. For a cheaper hockey-style option with buckles, choose the Lake Placid Nitro 8.8. For a child taking figure skating lessons, the Jackson Classic 200 is the long-time beginner favorite.
Adjustable, figure or hockey skates?
Adjustable recreational skates have a hard plastic shell, a soft liner and a push button that slides the toe out as your child’s foot grows. One pair usually covers three or four shoe sizes, which can mean two or three winters. They are the best choice for public skating and first lessons.
Figure skates have a leather or vinyl laced boot and a longer blade with a toe pick at the front. The toe pick helps with spins and jumps later. Most learn-to-skate programs are happy with either figure or adjustable skates for beginners.
Hockey skates have a stiffer, lower boot and a shorter, curved blade with no toe pick. They turn and stop quickly. If your child is joining a hockey program, buy hockey skates from the start so they learn on the right blade.
Kids ice skate size guide
Ice skates should fit snugly, with toes just touching the front when standing and no heel lift when your child bends their knees. Never buy skates a size or two too big “to grow into”; loose skates make ankles wobble and learning much harder. That is the reason adjustable skates are so popular.
| Child’s shoe size | Figure skate size | Hockey skate size | Adjustable range (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth 10 | Youth 10 | Youth 9 | Small (Y11–13) |
| Youth 12 | Youth 12 | Youth 11 | Small (Y11–13) |
| Youth 13 | Youth 13 | Youth 12 | Small / Medium |
| Junior 1 | Junior 1 | Youth 13–Junior 1 | Medium (J1–4) |
| Junior 3 | Junior 3 | Junior 2 | Medium (J1–4) |
| Junior 5 | Junior 5 | Junior 4 | Large (J4–7) |
| Junior 7 | Junior 7 | Junior 6 | Large (J4–7) |
Figure skates usually match street shoe size. Hockey skates usually run about 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoes. Always check the brand’s own chart, and measure your child’s foot in the afternoon with the socks they will skate in.
The best ice skates for kids, reviewed
Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Youth Ice Skates
You need this if: your child is new to skating and you want one pair that lasts for several sizes of growth.
- TypeAdjustable recreational skate
- SizingPush-button adjustable
- LiningWarm woven lining, deluxe padding
- BladeStainless steel
- Rating4.5★, 1,400+ ratings
Why we recommend it: It is the most-reviewed adjustable kids skate on Amazon for a reason. The push button makes resizing a 10-second job, the padded lining keeps feet warm, and the waterproof sole and steel blade hold up to public sessions. Parents say kids feel steadier in these than in rental skates.
Keep in mind: Adjustable skates are heavier than real figure or hockey skates. Kids who start lessons seriously will eventually move up to a fitted pair.
Lake Placid Nitro 8.8 Adjustable Ice Skates
You need this if: you want a cheaper adjustable skate with a hockey look and quick buckles for an active child.
- TypeAdjustable, hockey style
- ClosureLocking quick-fit buckles
- SizingS (11–13), M (1–4), L (4–7)
- BladeNickel-plated carbon steel
- Rating4.2★, nearly 800 ratings
Why we recommend it: The molded shell with a hinged cuff gives good ankle support, and the buckles make it easy for kids to get them on and off without help. The washable liner is a nice touch for sweaty feet. It is one of the most affordable ways to get a properly supportive adjustable skate.
Keep in mind: The carbon steel blade needs drying after every session to avoid rust, and some kids will want a sharpening before first use.
Jackson Classic 200 Figure Ice Skates
You need this if: your child is starting figure skating lessons or wants a real figure skate with a toe pick.
- TypeFigure skate
- BladeJackson Mark 1 with toe pick
- UpperReinforced vinyl, padded lining
- SizesToddler to adult
- Rating4.7★, 1,400+ ratings
Why we recommend it: The Jackson Classic is one of the most common beginner figure skates in learn-to-skate classes. It gives more ankle support than cheap department-store figure skates, the padded tongue is comfortable, and the Mark 1 blade is a proper figure blade that coaches recognise.
Keep in mind: It is not adjustable, so buy the right size, not one to grow into. Check Jackson’s own size chart; many families size down half to one size from shoes.
TronX Stryker 3.0 Ice Hockey Skates
You need this if: your child is joining learn-to-play hockey or skating with friends who play.
- TypeIce hockey skate
- BootComposite shell, plush ankle foam
- LiningMicrofiber
- BladeStainless steel in plastic holder
- Rating4.3★, about 200 ratings
Why we recommend it: It is a real hockey skate at an entry-level price. The composite shell protects feet from pucks and sticks, the ankle foam makes it comfortable for beginners, and the stainless blade is ready for hockey turns and stops. Sizes run from youth to senior, so siblings and parents can match.
Keep in mind: Hockey skates run smaller than shoes. Measure carefully and use TronX’s size chart before ordering.
Nattork Adjustable Butterfly Ice Skates
You need this if: you are buying a first pair for a young child who will love a bright, fun design.
- TypeAdjustable recreational skate
- Sizing4 sizes per pair
- LiningFleece
- BladeStainless steel
- Rating4.4★, about 250 ratings
Why we recommend it: Four sizes of adjustment is more than most adjustable skates, so one pair can last a long time. The fleece lining is warm for outdoor rinks and ponds, and the plastic shell supports young ankles. The butterfly design makes them an easy Christmas gift.
Keep in mind: The shell is less stiff than the Lake Placid Summit. For heavier or more confident skaters, the Summit is the better choice.
Kids ice skates compared
| Skates | Type | Adjustable | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Placid Summit | Recreational | Yes | Most beginners |
| Lake Placid Nitro 8.8 | Recreational, hockey style | Yes | Budget, easy buckles |
| Jackson Classic 200 | Figure | No | Figure lessons |
| TronX Stryker 3.0 | Hockey | No | Learn-to-play hockey |
| Nattork Butterfly | Recreational | Yes, 4 sizes | Young kids, gifts |
What to look for in kids ice skates
Ankle support. The number one reason kids fall is weak ankles inside soft, loose boots. Look for a firm plastic shell, a hinged cuff or a well-padded laced boot that holds the ankle upright.
Adjustability. For kids under 10, adjustable skates save money and fit better than skates bought big. Check how many sizes each pair covers.
Blade quality. Stainless steel resists rust. Carbon steel is fine if you dry it after each session. Blades from the box are often not sharp; a quick sharpening at a rink pro shop makes a big difference.
Warm lining. Fleece or padded linings keep toes warm on outdoor rinks and ponds.
Easy closures. Buckles and speed laces help young kids get skates on with less help.
How to lace and fit kids ice skates
- Put on one pair of thin, snug socks. Thick socks bunch up and cause blisters.
- Kick the heel back into the heel pocket of the boot.
- Lace the toe area snugly but not tight, the middle firmly, and the top hooks a little looser so your child can bend their knees.
- Ask your child to bend their knees. The heel should not lift, and they should be able to wiggle their toes.
- On adjustable skates, set the size so the toes just touch the front when standing straight.
Tips to help your child learn to skate
- Wear a helmet. A bike or hockey helmet protects against backward falls.
- Practise falling and getting up first: kneel, put one foot down, then the other, and stand.
- Teach “march then glide”: small marching steps that turn into short glides.
- Keep knees bent and hands forward, like holding a tray.
- Keep first sessions short, 20 to 30 minutes, and stop before they get tired and cold.
- Sign up for a learn-to-skate class; most rinks run cheap group lessons in winter.
Caring for ice skates
Wipe blades dry with a towel as soon as your child steps off the ice, then put on soft blade covers (soakers) for storage. Use hard guards only for walking on rubber floors, never for storage, because they trap water. Open the boots and let them air dry at home, not on a radiator. Sharpen blades every 10 to 15 hours of skating, or when they start to slide sideways.
More winter gear and gifts
Planning a snow day too? See the best sleds for kids. Young hockey fans will love our street hockey sets for kids and gifts for hockey players, and figure skaters may like our gifts for gymnasts list for similar ideas.
Our verdict
The Lake Placid Summit Adjustable is the best ice skate for most kids: supportive, warm and adjustable across several sizes. Choose the Lake Placid Nitro 8.8 to save money, the Jackson Classic 200 for figure lessons, the TronX Stryker 3.0 for hockey, and the Nattork Butterfly for a bright first pair for young children.
Indoor rink or outdoor pond?
Indoor rinks are the best place for a child’s first sessions. The ice is smooth, groomed between sessions and kept at a steady temperature, and most rinks rent helmets and offer skate aids, the little plastic walkers that help kids balance. Public sessions are usually cheap, and many rinks have a quieter “parent and tot” session in the morning.
Outdoor rinks and ponds are magical, but the ice is often bumpy, with cracks and ridges that catch a blade. Only skate on outdoor ice that is officially open and tested; natural ice should be at least 4 inches thick of clear, solid ice for walking and skating, and you should never skate alone on a pond. Dress kids warmer for outdoor ice, and pick skates with a fleece or padded lining, like the Nattork or Lake Placid Summit, to keep toes warm.
Converting shoe size to hockey skate size? Use our hockey skate size converter.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
Are adjustable ice skates good for kids?
Yes. For children who are still growing, adjustable skates fit better than skates bought a size too big and can last two or three winters.
Should my child learn on figure or hockey skates?
Either works. Figure skates have a toe pick and a longer blade that feels stable; hockey skates are better if your child wants to play hockey. Adjustable recreational skates are great for both.
Do kids ice skates need sharpening?
Usually yes. Many new skates arrive with a factory edge that is not very sharp. A sharpening at a rink pro shop costs little and makes skating much easier.
What age can kids start ice skating?
Many rinks start lessons at age 3 or 4. Most kids learn fastest between 4 and 8 with short sessions and a helmet.
How should kids ice skates fit?
Snug, with toes lightly touching the front, no heel lift when knees bend, and firm support around the ankle.
Do hockey skates run small?
Yes. Hockey skates usually run 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than street shoes, while figure skates are usually close to shoe size.
How we chose
We did not test these skates ourselves. We compared the best-selling kids ice skates on Amazon on type, adjustability, ankle support, blade material and price, and read what parents said about fit, warmth and how quickly their kids learned. We chose one pair for each type of young skater.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
