Among winter sports, figure skating is distinguished by its particular grace. Adults and children, men and women are fond of them. However, it will not be possible to do without the selection of the appropriate inventory. In particular, special attention should be paid to the choice of figure skates — without them it will not even be possible to go on the ice. Unfortunately, not all people know what exactly to look for when buying this product, so we decided to help you solve this issue and developed a rating of the best figure skates of the year. In it, we will try to reveal in as much detail as possible the main performance characteristics of the most popular models, and also tell you what factors are determining when buying skates for figure skating.
How to choose the right figure skates?
Figure skates are very different from cross-country and hockey skates. When performing pirouettes and other figures, the ankle moves most actively. If the joint dangles in the boot of the skate, then there will be a very high probability of injury. In this regard, it is best to give preference to models with increased rigidity of the ankle. Checking this indicator is not too difficult — the skates should be squeezed from above. If the ankle is hard, then this will be quite problematic.
Boots made of genuine leather will cost much more, but such material is much more durable than leatherette and its analogues, besides, it easily withstands low temperatures, does not wear out and does not get scratched. The upper part of the boot should have an anatomical structure: this design will help provide the best support from the sides, and will also limit lateral and vertical flexions.
It is better to give preference to simple lacing — it will be much easier to adjust the boot to the leg. The tongue must be perforated, and the skate boot must have holes to ensure high-quality air exchange inside the boot. This will keep your feet from sweating, so you can spend quite a lot of time in skates.
On sale you can also find products with a plastic sole. These skates weigh much less compared to leather products. However, such material has enough negative aspects, the most important of which is insignificant depreciation. Because of this, all loads will not be absorbed, but will be transferred to the ankle and other joints — knee, hip and spine. Thermal insulation qualities are also much worse than those of genuine leather.
It is natural that consumers pay attention to the cost of goods. It is undesirable to purchase products that are too cheap — they are characterized by a high probability of injury, a short service life, and so on. When we chose products to include in our ranking of the best figure skates, all the factors listed above were taken into account without fail. We also studied a lot of user reviews, on the basis of which we distributed the places of specific skates in the review.
The ten best skates for figure skating in 2022
10. Jackson JS1490 Mystic
Skates were originally developed for people who are just taking their first steps in this sport, but later professionals were able to appreciate the useful characteristics of these products. The boot is made of synthetic materials of the highest quality, it practically does not differ from genuine leather, but it will cost much less. The lining is soft and durable, it resists abrasion well, withstands serious loads and at the same time securely fixes the foot so that the likelihood of injury is negligible.
There is additional soft padding in the ankle area, and a small cutout in the lacing area, making it easy to bend the boot. The sole is made of polyvinyl chloride materials, which do not conduct heat well through themselves. The skates are equipped with Ultima Mark-II blades, they are made of high-quality steel, they practically do not blunt — they have to be sharpened once or twice a season.
Advantages:
- Insignificant weight;
- Suitable for both professionals and beginners;
- The padding is very soft;
- The leg is fixed rigidly, the likelihood of injury is negligible.
Disadvantages:
- The material of the boot practically does not breathe — you won’t be able to walk in them for too long.
Figure skates Jackson JS1490 Mystique
9.Onlitop 215B
They differ in quite traditional appearance and coloring. For professional skaters, they are unlikely to be suitable, but for amateurs and beginners, skates will be the most ideal option. Skates are inexpensive and at the same time have decent quality. The boot is made exclusively from synthetic materials — it is made of leatherette and faux fur. This product is well suited for the lightest outdoor skating during the winter months.
The blades are made of high quality stainless steel, which perfectly resists the negative effects of moisture and other physical influences. Skates do not need sharpening for a long time, they retain their sharpness even if you have to skate regularly on uneven ice.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Classic design;
- The blades are made of stainless steel and rarely need sharpening.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for professional use.
Figure skates Onlitop 215B
8 Alpha Caprice Snow
Products are characterized by a unique external design. Not suitable for professional skiing either, but amateurs will come in handy. With the help of these skates, you can begin to master the simplest elements of figure skating — turns, jumps, spins, riding back and forth. Wear resistance is average, so the skates should be handled with the utmost care. Two types of laces are supplied with the product. The boot is made from high quality artificial leather, which resists moisture and extreme low temperatures well.
The blades easily resist the occurrence of corrosion processes, have a high level of strength, they do not have to be sharpened for several months. The tongue is made of artificial leather, inside the lining is made of felt. It should be noted that the blade fully complies with all international quality standards. The skates come with a handy zipper bag, which makes it easy to store and transport the products. These skates can be used both on open ice and indoor ice.
Advantages:
- Excellent value for money and quality;
- Beautiful appearance;
- The kit comes with a bag for storing and transporting skates;
- The lining breathes and absorbs moisture well.
Disadvantages:
- Artificial leather does not tolerate moisture and various salts very well.
Figure skates Alpha Caprice Snow
7. RGX Rental II
The skates are equipped with an insole that withstands wear and tear well. The tongue is made of polyurethane with a plastic coating. The cuff is very durable, largely due to plastic inserts, the leg is fixed in it very securely, the likelihood of injury is reduced to almost zero. The heel of the skate is made of a special plastic that can withstand shock loads, low temperatures and temperature changes. Brass hooks are used as fasteners.
The boot is made from high quality artificial leather. It does not crack in the cold and during storage, does not require lubrication and other care. The blade is made of stainless steel, does not dull for a long time, and glides well even on uneven ice. Skates have a beautiful and stylish appearance. Ideal for figure skating enthusiasts who already have some experience in this field.
Advantages:
- It is very comfortable to ride in such skates;
- Bright and beautiful design;
- Good wear resistance.
Disadvantages:
- The tongue is a little stiff.
Figure skates RGX Rental II
6. ICE BLADE Naomi
One of the most budget models of figure skates. The products are perfect for beginner and intermediate level skaters. The design is pleasant and very elegant. These skates on the leg look very attractive for both women and men. Skates are made of reliable artificial leather, it stretches well, does not crack, and withstands any physical exertion.
The inside of the skate boots are made of natural fur. The foot in them feels as comfortable and convenient as possible. It is securely and tightly fixed, does not move out inside the boot while riding. The blades are reliable, they are made on the basis of high carbon steel. The model is perfect for skiing on artificial or open ice, especially when walking.
Advantages:
- Low cost;
- Beautiful external design;
- For recreational skating, these skates are just perfect;
- The foot feels just perfect in them.
Disadvantages:
- It is a bit problematic to perform various curly elements in them, so they are unlikely to be used for training.
Figure skates ICE BLADE Naomi
5. ATEMI AFSK-17.04 Axel
The artificial leather from which these skates are made can withstand very low temperatures — down to -25 degrees. There is perforation on the boot — the feet in skates practically do not sweat, they can be worn for several hours in a row. The inner layer is made from durable high quality velveteen. It is not erased throughout the life of the skates. The tongue has an anatomical shape, the insole is made of EVA material, the skate blade is made of stainless steel.
The leg is fixed with classic lacing. Initially, the model was developed specifically for girls, but products are also suitable for men. In stores, products are sold in an unsharpened form, so immediately after purchase they will need to be sharpened.
Advantages:
- Quite acceptable cost;
- The leg is fixed with quite traditional lacing;
- The laces can be hidden under special Velcro.
- They are quite comfortable on the feet.
Disadvantages:
- Will have to sharpen right away.
Figure skates ATEMI AFSK-17.04 Axel
4. CK Le Fleur 50/50% Leather
These skates are more professional than amateur. The inner part of the boot of this skate is made of genuine leather, the insole is made of high-quality breathable EVA material. The outside of the boot is covered with a layer of artificial leather. The size range is decent, so you can easily choose products for both adults and children. The blades are made of special stainless steel, it will have to be sharpened very rarely, and the blade itself will retain an attractive appearance for a long time.
The boot is attached to the foot very securely, largely thanks to a well-thought-out lacing system. It tightly fixes the ankle, preventing the leg from moving during simple skating or when performing certain elements. The design is attractive, artificial leather perfectly resists abrasion and other loads.
Advantages:
- The blades are made of reliable and high quality stainless steel;
- The inside of the boots is covered with a layer of genuine leather;
- They look beautiful;
- Refers to professional sports equipment.
Disadvantages:
- The presence of artificial leather still somewhat spoils the overall impression of these skates.
Figure Skates CK Le Fleur 50/50% Leather
3. GRAF Montana Gold
Skates for amateurs and beginners, however, despite this, this model fully complies with all the standards and requirements that apply to sports equipment of this type. The boot fits snugly to the foot, it is very comfortable, equipped with a durable and comfortable block. From the inside, it is covered with a special material that allows the skin to breathe. The size range is large, so you can choose the option for both children’s and adult feet. The outer layer is made of synthetic leather, which practically does not scratch and does not wear off, well withstands moisture, low temperatures, and so on.
Skates are available in black or white. The cut of the boot is high, its upper part and the ankle area are reinforced. The lining and tongue are made of felt, all clip-fasteners and holes for the laces are metal. The blade is made of a special alloy of steel, there is a nickel-plated finish.
Advantages:
- The means of fixation are reliable, the holes for the laces are made of metal;
- The boot is stable and quite light;
- There are both natural and artificial materials inside the boot;
- Ankle inserts provide secure ankle support.
Disadvantages:
- Accurately choosing the size of the skate boots is not as easy as it might seem at first glance.
Figure skates GRAF Montana Gold
2. Larsen Martina
Another model that is made of artificial leather. From the inside, the skates are covered with a layer of soft faux fur, which creates an additional air layer between the foot and the boot — it will not allow the feet to freeze even in very severe frosts. In general, riding these skates is quite convenient and comfortable. The tongue has an anatomical shape.
The lacing is of high quality, well thought out, so it securely fastens the skate itself on the leg. It features a quick lacing system that allows you to put on and take off your skates in seconds. The ankle support is also comfortable, providing reliable support during pirouettes or simple pleasure riding. The blade is made of high carbon steel with chromium addition, which ensures excellent glide.
Advantages:
- Excellent quality of materials;
- Comfortable to ride;
- Acceptable cost;
- Faux leather withstands low temperatures well;
- Minimal chance of injury.
Disadvantages:
- Faux fur wears down over time — the foot begins to come into contact with the artificial leather of the boot.
Larsen Martina figure skates
1. CK Princess Lux 100% Leather
The leader of our review of the best figure skates is a model that is ideal for both beginners and advanced users. The main difference from other products from this rating is that skate boots are completely made from genuine leather of the highest quality. The profile of the boot is high, it is able to provide excellent lateral support for the ankle — even when performing difficult jumps, you can not worry that the leg may turn up.
The lacing is based on the upper hooks, it tightly fixes the foot in the boot. The blades are made of stainless steel and are attached to the boot in the toe and heel area. For this, short screws with a large diameter head are used. The insole is made of unique EVA material. The female model is equipped with an elegant heel, so the skates will look even more elegant on a lady’s leg.
Advantages:
- Feet in them are very comfortable;
- For a semi-professional model, they are quite affordable;
- The boot is made from genuine leather.
Disadvantages:
- The blade will have to be sharpened further.
Figure Skates CK Princess Lux 100% Leather
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best figure skates has come to an end. We hope that the information we have collected will be enough for you to choose the best option for yourself and your loved ones. If some points seemed incomprehensible to you, then tell us about it in the comments to the article. We will try to collect additional information as soon as possible and provide it to you.