Ice Skates for Women: Your 2022 Shopping Guide

Buying Ice Skates

Do you dream of ditching worn, scratchy rental skates for your very own pair of figure skates? Whether you’re taking your first steps in learning to skate with dreams of competition victories, or you just love gliding around the rink for fun, a proper pair of well-fitting boots is essential to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will take you through some of the best models of women’s ice skates on the market today. There really is something for everyone, with skating ability, budget, materials and aesthetics taken into consideration, the market is your oyster! So let us guide you through the landscape of skate shopping and you’ll be the proud owner of your very own pair in no time. 

You’ve opened your laptop, typed ‘women’s ice skates’ into google search and a million and one suggestions have popped up. ‘But where on earth do I start!???’ is probably the fraught question on your mind right now. Okay, so breathe. The very first thing you want to consider is what you intend to use your skates for.

Sounds like an obvious question but trust me, there are lots to unpack. Are you a complete beginner, ready to get into the skating world by starting group lessons? Or perhaps you’ve mastered the basics and are taking 1-1 lessons with a coach, working on your single jumps and more complex spins? Others of you enjoy seasonal skating or attending an ice disco with friends. No Olympic aspirations for you but purely the thrill and love of skating. This will determine what sort of boot you want to be looking at and will particularly affect the amount you spend on your new skates.

How much should your new ice skates cost?

That takes us nicely on to the question of cost. In today’s market, you could be looking at anything from £30, right up to £900 for the most elite athletes. It is worth noting that whilst skates are an investment, you will undoubtedly be going through a few pairs during your skating career, as boots require replacing due to foot growth, wear and the need for greater support to cope with the demands of double/ triple jumps and advanced footwork.

It may be advisable to start with a lower-midrange model and save the expensive purchase for when you have progressed through the higher levels. When you’ve decided on these elements, choose what category best fits your skating hopes and dreams and read on below.

The recreational skater

For you, I would suggest that comfort, warmth and probably aesthetics (who doesn’t want a pretty boot??) are the elements that you want to prioritise when it comes to choosing your skates.

You can save a lot of money by looking at synthetically made boots as opposed to more expensive leather options. Whilst these will not hold out for as long as their leather counterparts, figure skates made of man-made materials are becoming increasingly more durable due to modern advancements in design and will be softer on the ankle. Plus, the break-in period (length of time/ number of uses required for the boot to get used to your foot shape) will be minimal, meaning that you can take to the ice pretty easily from your first wear.

These skates may also provide a softer inner, with extra cushioning and padding or a fleece lining to keep your feet nice and cosy- rinks are chilly places! They will likely come with the blade riveted on (so it cannot be removed) and pre-sharpened, although it is worth enquiring about this as factory sharped blades can be dull/uneven and may need a top-up. We’ve sussed out some of the best recreational women’s skate models on the market today to save you the trouble.

*Some of the following recommendations are Amazon affiliate links. We make a very small commission on purchases made using these links. By using these links, you help to fund the Ice Coach Online project.

The Cheapest

The serious skater

If you’re looking to improve your skating and learn the proper technique, you’ll be wanting to find a coach at your local ice rink and sign up for some beginner group lessons. It is important that you choose a pair of skates that are built for the kind of things you will be learning, as well as being comfortable so that you will get the most out of your lessons.

Choosing a boot with a leather upper is key here. Be aware that they will feel a lot stiffer compared to any recreational boot you may have owned in the past, but do not be deterred by the discomfort.  Like any pair of sturdy shoes, they will require a period of breaking in as they adjust to the shape of your feet. The material will give as you learn more flexible movements on the ice, and they will not feel quite so rigid around the ankle especially. Be patient and allow up to 1 month (equivalent to around 10-15 uses) to feel completely at home in your new skates.

Lesson boots will typically come with the blade pre-mounted, and a larger/ more pronounced toe pick on the end, designed to support hops, jumps and pivots. Entry-level beginner boots should take the skater through the ‘Learn To Skate’ levels covered in their lessons and at least up until half or full single jump rotations. When you examine the blade, ensure that it is screwed onto the boot as opposed to riveted. This allows you the option to swap the blade out should you require a more advanced one in the future and eliminate the need to fully replace the skate, depending on the model you originally went for. There are some great models out there with ample cushioning should you prefer this but bear in mind that your feet are likely to get hotter and sweatier during training.

Looking for a boot with anti-bacterial properties and breathable fabric is advisable. To summarise- the more customisable the boot is to your feet, the more precision will be achieved on the ice. Here are a couple of great options, as recommended by some of the best online coaches.

Cheapest Jackson Mystique

To buy or not to buy (online)?

So, you’ve found your dream skates online and are one click away from hitting purchase. Hold your horses!! Whilst buying online might seem like the convenient option for just about all shopping these days, for something as crucial as boot fitting it is ALWAYS recommended to go to a shop and try BEFORE you buy.

You will be in safe hands, assisted by experts in the field who can help you find the perfect size and shape that will give you maximum support when you hit the rink. There is nothing worse than an ill-fitting boot which can hinder your progress in the sport. On a practical note, the size of boot you go for does not always correspond with your usual foot size.

It is worth visiting your chosen brand’s website where they will have information about how their various models come up in size. You are looking for the fit to be snug, with the ankle firmly held in place. Not so tight so that you cannot walk, but with the feeling that there is a little flexibility/give around the foot. Try wiggling your toes or rotating your ankle to determine this. You can also adjust the fit by loosening or tightening the laces, although it will be easier to sense after you have done a couple of laps of the rink.

Most brands also offer a few choices of width in certain models which can help if you have especially wide or narrow feet.

Finding the Fit

It’s time to do your research or ask around to find your local skate shop. Some rinks have a shop available on site, which is the most ideal option as you can try out your new skates in-situ. Give them a call or visit their website to see whether they stock the skates you want.

The best skate shops will have specialist equipment to provide part customisation to your boots during the fitting. For example, a heat moulding option to warm up and soften the leather. You will then insert your feet into the boots and allow them to cool down around the shape of your feet, resulting in a perfectly shaped inner. This technique can also help relieve pressure points by opening the skate up around the heel, ankle or toes.

Let the shop assistant determine the best treatment as a boot that is too loose will cause rubbing and blisters. If you need other imbalances such as posture corrected, you can inquire about custom insoles. 

We hope this handy guide has been of use and will help you find your perfect pair of women’s ice skates. Remember you can always ask an expert e.g. your coach for their opinion too. Happy shopping and good luck!