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The Best Toddler Ice Skates

Last updated on December 8, 2021
Best Toddler Ice Skates

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Our Picks For The Top Toddler Ice Skates

Show Contents
Our Take
  Best Overall

Botas Waterproof Foam-Lined Toddler Ice Skates

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Botas

Waterproof Foam-Lined Toddler Ice Skates

Overall Take

Sleek and StylishYou can get these toddler ice skates in white, black or white with snowflakes.

  Lightweight

Skateez Lightweight Training Toddler Ice Skates

Skateez

Lightweight Training Toddler Ice Skates

Overall Take

Most EconomicalSince these toddler ice skates have an affordable price tag, you won't have any trouble sticking to your budget.

  Adjustable Build

Lake Placid Summit Waterproof Toddler Ice Skates

Lake Placid

Summit Waterproof Toddler Ice Skates

Overall Take

Hockey-Style BladeSturdily made and adjustable up to four shoe sizes, these toddler ice skates will prove their worth.

  We Also Like

American Athletic Professional Toddler Ice Skates

American Athletic

Professional Toddler Ice Skates

Overall Take

Professional-Style Boot Made with full quarter padding, these toddler ice skates are cute and comfortable.

Guide written by Danielle Smyth
Last updated on December 8, 2021

If you’re shopping for ice skates for your toddler, you might not know which type to look for, but there are three varieties they typically fall into. Depending on what type of ice sport your child may be getting into, they can look for skates that are either made for hockey, figure skating or speed skating.

Hockey skate blades are curved at each end and flat in the middle. Hockey boots have a high ankle and are made out of or encased in rigid materials, such as plastic. The short, rounded blades increase maneuverability, designed for lots of sudden starts and stops, as well as sharp turns. The boots limit flexibility but provide more power.

Figure skates have longer blades, which are rounded and have spikes called toe picks at the front. They are flat at the back. Figure skate boots are also high-ankled, still fairly stiff, but made of more flexible leather. The longer blade allows the wearer to build up more speed for jumps, and the toe pick allows the skater to perform jumps and control their landings.

Speed skate blades, meanwhile, are the longest of the three, flat at both the front and back. Long-distance and high-speed skates have a hinge at the toe, allowing the blade to remain on the ice for as long as possible, while short-track speed skates are fixed at the heel to give better control for wearers making frequent corners. Both versions have reinforced heels.

When buying skates for your little one, a good fit, comfort and safety are primary concerns, of course. Read reviews carefully and use any measurements provided by manufacturers to ensure the skates will fit your child because an ill-fitting pair will hurt their technique on the ice.

The Best Toddler Ice Skates

1
  Best Overall

Botas Waterproof Foam-Lined Toddler Ice Skates

The waterproof finish on these toddler ice skates adds to their durability. Inside you'll find a warm brushed knit and foam lining that keeps little feet cozy and comfortable. The skates are also cute and fashionable and just as ideal for competition use as they are for recreational use.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Botas
Model
2
  Lightweight

Skateez Lightweight Training Toddler Ice Skates

Encourage your little one to get out on the rink with these toddler ice skates. They are designed for children ages 3 to 8 with a weight up to 80 pounds. Parents will appreciate how lightweight the skates are, as well as the fact that they have attached trainers to make learning safe and fun.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Skateez
Model
3
  Adjustable Build

Lake Placid Summit Waterproof Toddler Ice Skates

The stainless-steel blade on these toddler ice skates will maintain its edge and resist rust, while the hockey-style shape will help a young skater remain stable and agile. The boot itself is warmly lined, and the rigid plastic shell will protect little ankles.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Lake Placid
Model
4
  We Also Like

American Athletic Professional Toddler Ice Skates

If your little one shows promise in the sport of figure skating, you'll want to go with these toddler ice skates. The boots are designed for optimal performance and come in a bright white that will match any costume. Parents will love that the skates are made from a durable PVC, which is easy to keep clean.

Features


Specifications

Brand
American Athletic
Model
5
  Also Consider

K2 Skate Marlee Single-Pull Lacing Toddler Ice Skates

Children grow at a quick pace, which is why these toddler ice skates are an ideal choice. They expand up to five sizes to grow along with your child. The skates utilize a K2 speed lacing closure system, have a water-resistant outer shell and feature a junior cuff with an adjustable buckle.

Features


Specifications

Brand
K2 Skate
Model
6

Jackson Ultima Softec Figure Toddler Ice Skates

This toddler ice skate is lined with fleece and uses a combination of laces and an ankle strap to create a comfortable and secure boot. Available in a variety of sizes from child to adult, these skates are an investment in your child’s passion for figure skating and can be replaced with the same model as they grow.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Jackson Ultima
Model
7

Lake Placid Nitro 8.8 Molded Figure Toddler Ice Skates

Neon pink and blue accents make the easy-action buckles and warm, washable liner of these toddler ice skates pop. The nickel-plated, heat-treated carbon steel blade and adjustable boot, good for up to four shoe sizes, mean these skates are going to last.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Lake Placid
Model
9

Bauer Lil Angel Champ Toddler Ice Skates

Bubblegum pink skates will make your little one stand out as they get used to gliding across the ice. These starter skates have a soft lining and a firm shell to keep little feet happy and safe, while the single ratchet buckle makes getting them on or off much faster and easier.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Bauer
Model

Our Toddler Ice Skate Buying Guide

If you’re shopping for ice skates for your toddler, you might not know which type to look for, but there are three varieties they typically fall into. Depending on what type of ice sport your child may be getting into, they can look for skates that are either made for hockey, figure skating or speed skating.

Hockey skate blades are curved at each end and flat in the middle. Hockey boots have a high ankle and are made out of or encased in rigid materials, such as plastic. The short, rounded blades increase maneuverability, designed for lots of sudden starts and stops, as well as sharp turns. The boots limit flexibility but provide more power.

Figure skates have longer blades, which are rounded and have spikes called toe picks at the front. They are flat at the back. Figure skate boots are also high-ankled, still fairly stiff, but made of more flexible leather. The longer blade allows the wearer to build up more speed for jumps, and the toe pick allows the skater to perform jumps and control their landings.

Speed skate blades, meanwhile, are the longest of the three, flat at both the front and back. Long-distance and high-speed skates have a hinge at the toe, allowing the blade to remain on the ice for as long as possible, while short-track speed skates are fixed at the heel to give better control for wearers making frequent corners. Both versions have reinforced heels.

When buying skates for your little one, a good fit, comfort and safety are primary concerns, of course. Read reviews carefully and use any measurements provided by manufacturers to ensure the skates will fit your child because an ill-fitting pair will hurt their technique on the ice.

DWYM Fun Fact

Skate edges are not a single edge, but rather two edges with an arch between them. The size of the grinding wheel used to create this arch is referred to as the “radius of hollow.” Wow your kid and their friends with that nerdy fact next time you’re all at the rink!

Experts recommend that kids who are just getting into skating look for a radius of hollow that’s a 1/2 inch. That size can work for children of most sizes and weights as they first get used to skating, especially in a hockey setting. Bigger kids will then probably want a flatter ROH, while smaller kids may want a deeper one.

The Toddler Ice Skate Tips and Advice

  • Most new skates will need to be sharpened before use. The edge will have a generally correct shape, but it will not have the sharpness nor the particular grind radius best for your little one’s skate style or experience.
  • Smaller grind radii (i.e. deeper) are better for smaller and more lightweight skaters, as it allows the skate to cut deeper into the ice and provide more fine control and acceleration. Sharper blades will have a lower top speed as it loses more energy into the ice.
  • Larger grind radii (i.e. flatter) will allow larger and heavier skaters to move faster and more efficiently across the ice, but it offers less explosive acceleration and stopping.

About The Author

Danielle Smyth 

Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketing expert based in New York. She has been writing on business and finance, home and garden, DIY, travel and tourism, and a variety of other topics for over a decade, and she holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. Danielle loves working on product reviews and helping others find the highest quality items and the best values. As a parent, she appreciates the importance of choosing the right kid and baby items at the right price, and hopes to help other parents do the same.