Discover the best kids’ ice skates for hockey, figure skating, and pond fun – adjustable, comfy, and perfect for growing feet!
If you click our links, we may earn a commission through affiliate programs, at no extra cost to you.
Explore the Best Children’s Ice Skates
Growing up as a kid in Vermont, especially here in the Northeast Kingdom (NEK), ice skating isn’t just a winter activity—it’s part of everyday life. As soon as the temperatures drop, DIY rinks pop up in backyards and village parks, and the local ponds turn into perfect spots for skating and pickup hockey games. From hidden gems in the NEK to the vast beauty of Lake Champlain, kids here have no shortage of icy playgrounds. Add in the youth leagues galore and some of the best indoor rinks around—like Fenton Chester Arena in Lyndonville, the rink at Stowe Arena, Waterbury’s Ice Center, Jay Peak’s Ice Haus, and Burlington’s Leddy Park Arena—and you’ve got a state that lives and breathes skating. Whether it’s for fun with friends or chasing dreams of hockey or figure skating stardom, Vermont kids need skates that keep up with their passion for the ice.
Luckily, there are some amazing ice skate options out there designed just for kids. The Lake Placid Summit skates are a great starter choice, with adjustable sizing and both hockey and figure blade options—perfect for kids trying skating for the first time. The CCM Next skates are ideal for beginners learning hockey, offering support and comfort straight out of the box. For parents who love value, the Bladerunner Micro Ice and Bladerunner Micro XT skates grow with your child thanks to four-size adjustability and are built to last. The Roces MCK II skates are warm, easy to wear, and great for pond skating or first-time skaters. The Riedell Soar, Riedell Ruby, Botas Regina, and Jackson Ultima Finesse 180 SoftSkate are cozy and stylish options for young figure skaters, while the K2 Marlee and Raider skates adjust a full five sizes and feature a soft, stable fit—perfect for growing feet. The Jackson Softec Sport skates are warm and supportive, great for recreational use. For young skaters who want comfort, support, and a little sparkle, the delivers both performance and style. No matter where your child skates—pond, rink, or park—there’s a perfect pair waiting to help them glide into their next winter adventure.
Lake Placid Summit
Blade: Hockey or Figure | Size: 10J-13, 1-4, and 5-8 | Price: $42.50-$49.52
The Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skates are a great option for kids who are just starting to learn how to skate. Designed with growing feet in mind, these skates can adjust up to four sizes, so they’ll last more than just one season. Parents can choose between a figure skate or hockey skate frame, depending on their child’s skating style or interest. While they aren’t the highest-end skates out there, they offer solid quality at an affordable price—perfect for families who want to try skating without a big investment. With soft foam lining for warmth and reinforced ankle support for safety, these skates are both comfortable and secure for young learners. Overall, the Lake Placid Summit skates are a smart, budget-friendly choice that helps kids build confidence and have fun on the ice.
CCM Next
Blade: Hockey | Size: Y6-Y11 | Price: $59.99
The CCM Next Hockey Skates are a great choice for kids who are new to hockey or just enjoy skating for fun. These skates are designed for comfort and support, making it easier for young skaters to learn and enjoy their time on the ice. The one-piece boot offers the right mix of stiffness and flexibility, helping kids develop their skating stride, while plush collar padding keeps ankles comfortable and free from irritation. They also come with pre-sharpened blades, so they’re ready to skate right out of the box—no extra trip to the sharpener needed! Extra foam in the ankle area and added padding in the tongue help prevent discomfort and protect against impacts from pucks or sticks. All in all, the CCM Next skates are a reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-use option for young skaters getting started on the ice.
Bladerunner micro ice
Blade: Hockey | Size: 12Y-2, 2-5, 5-8 | Price: $58.99-$69.97
The Bladerunner Micro Adjustable Ice Skates are a fantastic choice for kids who are learning to skate and for parents who want a durable and budget-friendly option. These skates adjust up to four sizes with a simple push-button, so they grow with your child and can last for several seasons. Built with strong materials, they’re made to last and are perfect for passing down to siblings or friends. The skates feature a soft, padded liner for warmth and comfort, and their lightweight design helps kids stay balanced and in control on the ice. With a secure closure system that includes a buckle, strap, and laces, these skates keep feet snug and supported. Easy to use and comfortable to wear, the Bladerunner Micro Ice Skates are a great way to help kids enjoy skating while giving parents great value.
Roces MCK II
Blade: Hockey, Figure | Size: 9–12Y, 13Y–3, 4–7 | Price: $78.55-$99.99
The Roces MCK II Hockey Skates and Roces MCK II Figure Skates are excellent beginner skates for kids, specially designed to fit growing feet and help young skaters feel confident on the ice. These skates are warm, water-resistant, and perfect for learning basic skating skills, whether your child is interested in hockey or figure skating. They feature a removable thermal-insulated liner for added comfort and a carbon steel blade for smooth, reliable performance. One of the standout features is the two-micrometric memory buckle, which makes it easy to get a snug, secure fit quickly—no laces required! This helps kids feel stable and supported as they skate. With a durable build and thoughtful design, the Roces MCK II skates are a smart, user-friendly choice for kids just starting their skating journey.
Riedell soar
Blade: Figure | Size: 10.5C-1Y, 1.5Y-5Y, 5.5Y-7.5Y, 10-13, 13-3 | Price: $99.99
The Riedell Soar Ice Skates are a great pick for kids who want to have fun on the ice while staying warm and comfortable. These skates feature a soft foam-backed velvet lining and Thinsulate insulation to keep little feet cozy, even during outdoor pond skating. The durable, maintenance-free uppers and lightweight PVC soles make them easy to care for, which parents will definitely appreciate. Plus, the stainless steel Spiral blade offers smooth gliding, helping young skaters feel confident as they learn and play. Whether your child is skating with friends or enjoying family time on the ice, the Riedell Soar skates are reliable, comfortable, and fun—perfect for making every skating adventure memorable.
Botas Regina
Blade: Figure | Size: 11.5Y-11 | Price: $89.95-$109.95
The Botas Regina Figure Ice Skates are a wonderful choice for kids, especially young girls, who want to enjoy skating in style and comfort. Made with high-quality synthetic materials and a waterproof finish, these skates are built to handle lots of use while keeping feet warm and dry. Inside, a brushed knit lining with soft foam padding ensures each skate session feels cozy and comfortable. The design includes extra ankle padding, a cushioned tongue, and a flexible collar that fits comfortably around growing calves, offering great support and reducing irritation. Perfect for recreational skating, the Botas Regina skates are durable, comfortable, and stylish—great for helping young skaters feel confident and have fun on the ice.
Bladerunner Micro XT
Blade: Hockey, Figure | Size: 12J-2, 2-5, 5-8 | Price: $78.00-$109.00
The Bladerunner Micro XT Hockey Skates and Bladerunner Micro XT Figure Skates are excellent choices for kids who are new to skating or enjoy it recreationally, offering a perfect blend of affordability, comfort, and quality. These skates feature an easy push-button system that allows them to adjust up to four sizes, so they grow with your child and can be used for multiple seasons. Their durable design is built to handle the wear and tear of learning and makes them a great option for passing down to younger siblings. Inside, a plush, padded liner and supportive structure provide immediate comfort and a snug fit, helping kids feel secure and confident on the ice. Whether your child is skating at a local rink or out on a frozen pond, the Micro XT skates offer the support, stability, and value needed for fun and memorable skating adventures.
K2 Marlee and Raider
Blade: Hockey | Size: Y8-12, Y11-2, 1-5, 4-8 | Price: $70.00-$89.95
The K2 Marlee Ice for girls and K2 Raider Ice for boys are great skates for kids who want to have fun and feel confident on the ice. These hockey-style skates are made for comfort and stability, perfect for recreational skating. A standout feature is their ability to adjust up to five sizes, so they grow with your child and can be used for several seasons—saving parents from buying new skates every year. The integrated blade mount helps lower your child’s center of gravity, making it easier to stay balanced while learning and skating. With the soft, cushy feel of K2’s Original SoftBoot® and the solid support of the Junior Cuff, these skates offer both comfort and control. The Marlee and Raider Ice skates are a smart, fun, and reliable choice for young skaters who are ready to enjoy the ice and improve their skills.
Jackson Softec Sport
Blade: Hockey | Size: 1-13 | Price: $59.99
The Jackson Softec Sport Ice Skates are a great choice for kids who are new to skating and want a comfortable, warm, and easy-to-use skate for recreational fun. These skates feature a soft boot design with Thinsulate® lining in the upper and tongue, keeping feet cozy even in cold weather. Inside, plush foam padding hugs the foot for a snug, comfortable fit that makes skating more enjoyable. The skates are made with lightweight, durable nylon, so they’re easy to move in without sacrificing strength or performance. A sturdy synthetic outsole adds extra durability and helps improve stability on the ice. With their modern look, lightweight feel, and focus on comfort, the Jackson Softec Sport Ice Skates offer excellent value and are perfect for beginners who want to have fun and feel confident on the ice.
Jackson Ultima Finesse 180 Softskate
Blade: Figure | Size: Y6-13 | Price: $110.46-$134.95
The Jackson Ultima Finesse 180 SoftSkate is a great pick for girls and women who are just starting out in figure skating. These beginner-friendly skates are known for their comfort, warmth, and excellent value, making them perfect for learning and having fun on the ice. They feature a sturdy vinyl top, a cushioned tongue, and a soft collar for support and cozy wear during skating sessions. Inside, soft foam padding keeps feet comfortable and protected. The skates come with a pre-sharpened Ultima Mark I stainless steel blade, which is easy to maintain and has a simple toe pick—ideal for beginners. The shiny chrome accents and easy-care PVC soles add a stylish touch while keeping things practical. With their deluxe feel and beginner-friendly design, the Finesse 180 SoftSkate is a smart and comfortable choice for anyone starting their figure skating journey.
Riedell Ruby
Blade: Figure | Size: 12Y-3 | Price: $149.00
The Riedell Ruby figure ice skates are a fantastic choice for kids who are just starting to learn how to skate. These skates focus on comfort and support, helping beginners feel confident and enjoy their time on the ice. They have lightweight synthetic reinforcements for gentle support and a modern toe design that offers instant comfort. A plush, hand-rolled collar cushions the Achilles tendon, while a flex notch allows for easy movement in the knees and ankles—perfect for learning how to glide and turn. Not only are they comfortable, but the Ruby skates also look great, featuring faux crystals on the back and a gem lace bar for a little extra sparkle. The stainless steel Luna blade ensures smooth gliding, making every move feel precise and graceful. These skates are ideal for young skaters who want to feel good and look good while having fun on the ice.
Recommended Accessories
To maintain and protect your child’s skates, certain accessories are crucial. These include blade guards, a sturdy skate bag for transportation, and a soft cloth for wiping down the skates after each use. These items help ensure the skates stay safe and in excellent condition over time.
Guardog Adjustable Ice Blade Guards
Price: $18.74
Guardog’s Top Notch Guards are made to protect your ice skate blades when you’re off the ice, helping keep them sharp and in great condition. They are adjustable to fit most figure skates and some hockey blades ranging from 6 to over 10 inches. Using the included sizing chart, you can easily customize the fit—just leave a small gap between the guard pieces. Thanks to their built-in springs, these guards snap on quickly and securely, making them easy to use. Made in Canada, they are built for quality and durability, giving you reliable blade protection every time you step off the ice.f
Athletico Ice Skate Bag Ruby
Price: $35.00
The Athletico Skate Bag is roomy and versatile, making it a great choice for carrying ice, roller, or inline skates, and it fits most skates up to men’s US size 13. It has a large central compartment with plenty of space for clothes, pads, and other gear, so everything your child needs for skating can be packed and carried easily in one bag.
Adjustable vs. Non-Adjustable Ice Skates
When choosing ice skates for kids, one big decision is whether to go with adjustable or non-adjustable skates. Adjustable skates are a great option for growing kids because they can be easily resized to fit your child’s feet as they grow. This means they can be used for multiple seasons, saving money and often making them a smart choice for families. Adjustable skates are also ideal for handing down to younger siblings or friends. On the other hand, non-adjustable skates have a fixed size, which can offer a more precise and consistent fit right away. However, kids can quickly outgrow them, which might mean having to replace them sooner. If your child is just learning or skating for fun, adjustable skates are usually the more practical and cost-effective option. But for more advanced or competitive young skaters who need a perfect fit, non-adjustable skates might be the better choice.