You’ve mastered the basics. You can glide, do a simple spin, and maybe even a wobbly jump. You’re ready to take your figure skating to the next level, but your beginner skates are holding you back. It’s a common feeling for skaters who are no longer beginners but aren’t quite advanced yet. Choosing the right skates at this stage can feel like navigating a maze; there are so many choices, and the wrong pair can make learning new skills frustrating and even a little painful.
If you’re an intermediate skater feeling stuck or overwhelmed by skate options, you’re in the right place. This guide is designed to cut through the confusion. We’ll help you understand what makes a good intermediate skate, what features matter most, and how to find a pair that will support your progress and make every moment on the ice more enjoyable. Get ready to discover the skates that will help you land that next jump and spin with confidence!
Our Top 5 Figure Skates For Intermediate Skaters Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Figure Skates For Intermediate Skaters Detailed Reviews
1. Jackson Ultima Excel Women’s/Girls Figure Ice Skates – Children’s Size-3
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to glide across the ice with the Jackson Ultima Excel Women’s/Girls Figure Ice Skates. These skates are designed with young skaters in mind, offering just the right amount of support for those first wobbly steps and exciting spins on the rink. The bright white color and sleek design make them a stylish choice for any budding figure skater.
What We Like:
- The light support rating is perfect for beginners learning the basics of skating.
- A foam-backed comfort tongue hugs your foot, making practice sessions more enjoyable.
- The flex notch adds flexibility, allowing for natural movement and easier maneuvering on the ice.
- The stylized PVC sole looks good and comes with a factory-sharpened Ultima Mark II blade, so you can start skating right away.
- These skates come in a children’s Size 3 with a medium width, fitting many young skaters comfortably.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for learning, the light support might not be enough for more advanced skaters who need stronger ankle support.
- The PVC sole, while durable for beginners, may not offer the same performance as higher-end materials for competitive skaters.
These Jackson Ultima Excel skates are an excellent starting point for any child eager to learn figure skating. They provide a comfortable and supportive experience, setting a great foundation for future skating adventures.
2. Rollerblade Bladerunner Ice Diva Women’s Adult Figure Skates
Rating: 8.8/10
The Rollerblade Bladerunner Ice Diva Women’s Adult Figure Skates are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to hit the ice. These skates blend good looks with great performance, making them ideal for beginner and intermediate skaters. They offer comfort and style without breaking the bank, so you can enjoy gliding across the ice for hours.
What We Like:
- They combine style and function perfectly.
- The reinforced uppers give you great ankle support.
- The flex notch helps you move your ankles naturally.
- You’ll stay warm thanks to the synthetic fur liner and soft padding.
- The lace closure lets you get a snug, custom fit.
- The rose gold stainless steel blades look amazing and stay sharp longer.
- They are factory presharpened and ready to go.
- The PVC outsoles are easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- These skates are designed for recreational use, so they may not be suitable for advanced figure skating techniques.
These skates are a wonderful way to enjoy ice skating, offering both comfort and a stylish look for your time on the ice. You’ll feel confident and look great with every stride.
3. Riedell Soar Adult Ice Skates – Recreational Soft Beginner Figure Ice Skates
Rating: 9.4/10
Glide onto the ice with confidence and comfort in the Riedell Soar Adult Ice Skates. These recreational skates are designed for beginners and casual skaters looking for a supportive and enjoyable experience on the ice, whether you’re at an indoor rink or exploring a frozen pond. The stylish Onyx color and Size 6 fit make them a great choice for many adult skaters.
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What We Like:
- The soft, foam-backed velvet lining keeps your feet cozy for hours of skating fun.
- A simple lacing system makes them easy to put on and adjust for a perfect fit.
- The split tongue design and maintenance-free uppers provide good support, keeping you stable.
- Extra padded linings and 3M Thinsulate insulation keep your feet warm and dry, even in chilly conditions.
- Spiral stainless steel blades offer a smooth and effortless glide across the ice.
- They are perfect for learning new skills or just enjoying a leisurely skate.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The support rating is 25 on a scale of 1-100, which is good for beginners but might not be enough for more advanced skaters.
- It’s important to check the sizing chart carefully, as fit is crucial for comfort and performance.
These skates offer a fantastic blend of comfort and support for anyone starting out or just wanting to have fun on the ice. Enjoy your skating adventures!
4. Riedell Soar Youth Ice Skates – Recreational Soft Beginner Figure Ice Skates
Rating: 9.4/10
The Riedell Soar Youth Ice Skates are designed for young skaters just starting out. These recreational skates offer a comfortable and supportive experience, making learning to skate fun and easy. They come in a sleek Onyx color and are sized 12 JR.
What We Like:
- These skates feel great even after skating for a long time. The easy closure system and soft, foam-backed velvet lining keep feet comfy.
- You get just enough support to stay steady on the ice without feeling stiff. The split tongue and tough uppers make them reliable.
- Safety is a priority with extra padding inside for a soft feel. The 3M Thinsulate insulation keeps feet warm and dry, so you can skate longer.
- They are perfect for beginners or kids who just want to skate for fun. They work well indoors on a rink or outdoors on a frozen pond.
- The stainless steel blades provide a smooth ride. They handle well and offer good speed for all kinds of recreational skating.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they offer light support, more advanced skaters might want something with a higher support rating.
- The “maintenance-free” uppers might not be as durable for very rough use compared to skates with more robust materials.
These skates are a fantastic choice for any young, aspiring skater. They balance comfort, safety, and performance for an enjoyable introduction to ice skating.
5. Jackson Ultima Classic 200 Womens/Girls Figure Ice Skates – Womens Size 4
Rating: 9.2/10
Introducing the Jackson Ultima Classic 200 skates, designed for budding figure skaters. These skates offer a comfortable and supportive experience for girls and women starting their ice skating journey. The white color and classic design make them a stylish choice for the rink.
What We Like:
- The reinforced vinyl upper feels strong and lasts a long time.
- A soft, rolled collar and padded lining prevent rubbing and keep your ankles comfy.
- The padded felt tongue adds extra cushioning and support where you need it most.
- The Ultima Mark I blade comes ready to go, right out of the box, and is perfect for learning.
- The blade is securely attached with rivets, so you don’t have to worry about it coming loose.
- They offer good recreational support for beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- These skates are best for learning and recreational skating, not for advanced jumps or spins.
- While durable for their purpose, they might not hold up to very intense training.
The Jackson Ultima Classic 200 skates are a fantastic option for anyone looking to get started in figure skating. They provide the comfort and support needed for those crucial first steps on the ice.
Choosing Your Next Pair: Figure Skates for Intermediate Skaters
So, you’ve mastered the basics and are ready to take your figure skating to the next level. That means it’s time for an upgrade! Intermediate skates offer more support and control than beginner models, helping you learn new jumps and spins. This guide will help you find the perfect pair.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at skates, a few things really matter.
- Boot Support: This is super important. Your ankle needs to feel secure. Look for boots with good ankle padding and a stiff structure. This helps you stand taller and land jumps better.
- Blade Quality: The blade is what touches the ice. For intermediate skaters, you want a blade that’s sharp and made of good steel. It should be designed for figure skating, with toe picks for jumps.
- Fit: This is the most critical part. Your skates should feel snug, like a glove, but not too tight. Your toes should lightly touch the front when you’re standing, and you should have a little wiggle room when you bend your knees.
- Lacing System: A good lacing system lets you adjust the tightness in different parts of your foot and ankle. This gives you a custom fit and better control.
Important Materials
The stuff your skates are made of makes a big difference.
- Boot Materials: Many good intermediate boots use a mix of leather and synthetic materials. Leather offers a classic feel and molds to your foot. Synthetics can add durability and water resistance. Some boots also have special foam padding for comfort and support.
- Blade Materials: Figure skate blades are usually made of carbon steel. This steel is strong and holds a sharp edge well. The mounting of the blade to the boot also matters. A securely mounted blade means better power transfer to the ice.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a skate great or not-so-great?
- Improved Quality:
- Stiffer Boot: A stiffer boot means more ankle support. This is crucial for advanced moves.
- Higher Quality Blade: A better steel blade stays sharper longer and offers more precision.
- Comfortable Padding: Well-placed padding makes long practice sessions much more enjoyable.
- Good Construction: Look for strong stitching and solid materials.
- Reduced Quality:
- Soft Boot: A boot that’s too soft won’t give your ankles the support they need.
- Cheap Blade: A dull or flimsy blade makes skating harder and less enjoyable.
- Poor Fit: Skates that pinch or rub can cause blisters and pain.
- Weak Lacing: Laces that don’t hold tight can lead to a loss of control.
User Experience and Use Cases
Intermediate skates are built for skaters who are past the absolute beginner stage.
- What to Expect: You’ll feel more stable on your skates. Landing jumps will become easier because your ankles won’t wobble as much. You can try more complex spins and footwork. The skates will feel more responsive, meaning they do what you want them to do on the ice.
- Use Cases: These skates are perfect for skaters who are taking lessons, practicing for competitions, or just enjoying recreational skating with a bit more flair. They’re great for learning single jumps like the Salchow and toe loop, and for developing more intricate spins. They offer a good balance of support and flexibility for a wide range of skating activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if figure skates fit correctly?
A: Your toes should lightly touch the front when you stand straight. When you bend your knees, your heel should stay in place, and your toes should not be jammed. The boot should feel snug all around your foot and ankle, without any pinching or pressure points.
Q: Should I buy skates that are a size bigger than my shoes?
A: Not necessarily. Figure skate sizing can be different from shoe sizing. It’s best to try them on or check the brand’s specific sizing chart. A proper fit is more important than a specific shoe size comparison.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen my figure skate blades?
A: For intermediate skaters, sharpening your blades every 10-20 hours of skating is a good rule of thumb. If you notice your skates slipping or feel less grip, it’s probably time for a sharpening.
Q: Can I use beginner skates for intermediate moves?
A: While you can try, beginner skates usually don’t have enough ankle support for intermediate jumps and spins. This can lead to injury and hinder your progress.
Q: What’s the difference between recreational and figure skates?
A: Figure skates have a toe pick on the front of the blade, which is used for jumps. Recreational skates often have a more curved blade and no toe pick, designed for general gliding and stability.
Q: How do I break in new figure skates?
A: Wear them around the house for short periods at first. Then, gradually increase the time you wear them on the ice. Most leather boots will mold to your feet within a few skating sessions.
Q: Is it okay if my ankles feel a little sore after skating in new boots?
A: A little soreness is normal as your ankles get used to the new support. However, sharp pain or persistent discomfort means the fit might be wrong or the boot is too stiff for you.
Q: What are “support ratings” on figure skates?
A: Support ratings, often a number, indicate how stiff the boot is. Higher numbers mean a stiffer boot with more ankle support, which is generally better for intermediate skaters learning more advanced moves.
Q: Should I choose laced or Velcro skates?
A: For intermediate skaters, laces are almost always the better choice. Laces allow for a much more precise and customizable fit, ensuring your ankle and foot are securely held.
Q: Where can I get my figure skates professionally fitted?
A: Many specialty skate shops offer professional fitting services. They have trained staff who can help you find the right size and model based on your foot shape and skating level.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.