Best Ice Skates Reviews 2018

The price of ice skates varies and depends on several factors, most notably their craftsmanship and performance features. You will find more affordable options going for around $60 and premium options going for around $150. If you want quality, we advise you to go for leather boots since these are generally the universal standard. You want to avoid buying cheap ice skates made from low-grade material as they might not offer you the desired results.

In most cases, metal eyelets on the laces are a sure sign of low-quality leather or synthetic materials. Adding to this, the blades of certain lower price point ice skates are generally riveted to the boots in an effort to drive costs down. However, the downside to this cost-efficient approach is that these blades aren’t easy to change or adjust according to your needs.

The comfort features of ice skates may also spike up the price, and include lightweight blades, moisture-wicking linings, and easy-to-clean material such as easy-care PVC.

Ice skates have come a long way since their inception, where they were first fitted with animal bones and leather, and used to glide across frozen lakes, rivers, and ponds. But even with the latest technological advancements and class-leading designs, ice skates are similar in construction; but the magic lies under the hood, and dictates the performance you can expect.

That said, here are a few aspects to consider when on the shopping trail for the best ice skates:

• Size – After you determine your foot size, be sure to match it with the respective manufacturer’s sizing chart.
• Boot Material – Commonly used in their construction are leather and synthetic materials.
• Blades – They can be crafted from several different materials such as all-purpose chrome, nickel-plated steel, and stainless steel.
• Lining Material – This helps keep your feet warm.
• Padding – This is for greater comfort when skating.
• Heel Counters – This provides improved support, which is especially important for advanced users.
• Brand – Buying from a reputed brand may cost a bit more upfront, but ensures that the ice skates don’t disappoint you in the rink.

Figure skates consist of three main components: the boot, laces, and blade. Though this design may seem similar, there are significant differences in metallurgy, engineering, and design of the different models.

The size of adult-sized ice skates is generally between 7 inches – 8 inches in height, and can be made from synthetic materials such as PVC or leather. Adding to this, the soles of some high-quality ice skates are reinforced with extra material for more support. With regards to material, thick leather boots aren’t always the greatest, because they’re a little bit heavier than synthetic materials, and in most cases require a break-in period of roughly 2 to 3 weeks.

Moving to the blades, they are generally made from robust material such as stainless steel or chrome, where the former is often lighter. If you’re a seasoned ice skater, you may want to consider investing in skates that have blades mounted with the help of screws rather than rivets, so that you can adjust them as the need arises. Although your choice of blades truly boils down to your skating ambitions, most high-quality ice skates are fitted with blades that distribute weight evenly across the foot and aid with balance.

Ice skating boots should offer a snug fit, with little or no movement at all in the heel. That said, some parents buy a much bigger size of skating boot in the hopes of their child growing into it at some point. But this ill-fitting boot may prove detrimental to one’s skating experience in that they may have to re-tighten the laces often or be susceptible to pain stemming from the loose fit.

Ice skates can be had across three different skill levels: recreational, beginner, and advanced. The first is a good choice for casual skaters or those just getting their feet wet in the sport, while the second should be good for basic moves and skating. Pro-grade ice skates are of course more expensive, but allow you to perform to the most demanding levels.

Once you’ve narrowed in on the best ice skates, it’s a good idea to give some thought to the clothing you’ll be wearing, because ice skating can be a chilly yet exhilarating experience.