Kids' Ice Skates: How to Choose and Size Them (Including Adjustable Skates)

The best kids’ ice skates fit snugly today: toes lightly touch the front, the heel doesn’t lift, and there’s no more than about ½ inch of room. Don’t buy a size up to grow into. Adjustable skates expand about four sizes and suit casual skaters, while fixed-size figure or hockey skates give more support for lessons.

Last updated: October 30, 2026 · By the Skates.com Editorial Team

How do you choose ice skates for kids?

Choose kids’ ice skates in three steps: pick the type for what your child will do, size them to the foot they have today, and choose the support level for their skill.

Type descriptions from Riedell’s parents’ guide to kids’ ice skates.

How should kids’ ice skates fit?

Kids’ ice skates should feel comfortably snug, not tight and not loose. Riedell’s checklist:

• Toes come close to the front of the boot, even lightly touching, while lying flat, not curled.
• No heel lift when your child stands and bends their knees.
• Your child wears the same socks they’ll skate in. One thin pair is best.
• The skate is laced fully and securely before you judge the fit.

U.S. Figure Skating’s SKATING magazine adds an insole check: take out the insole and have your child stand on it. There should be no more than about ½ inch past the longest toe, and the heel shouldn’t slip in the boot. Extra socks don’t fix a skate that’s too big (SKATING magazine).

Should you buy kids’ ice skates a size bigger?

No. Riedell, U.S. Figure Skating and Hockey Canada all advise against buying skates to grow into. A skate that’s too big lets the foot slide, which makes balancing harder, causes blisters and slows learning. Hockey Canada puts it simply: “A little growth room is okay — too big is not.” (Hockey Canada). SKATING magazine says a well-fitted pair typically lasts a growing child about 9 to 12 months.

If you want skates that last through growth spurts, choose adjustable skates instead of a bigger size.

Are adjustable ice skates good for kids?

Adjustable ice skates are a good, budget-friendly choice for young and casual skaters, because one pair expands across several sizes as the foot grows. For regular lessons, a fixed-size skate is the better choice. Riedell says adjustable skates are convenient for casual skating, but fixed-size skates offer better support and more consistency for learning.

Adjust the skate to fit snugly today. Don’t set it at the largest size “to be safe.” The same fit rules apply: toes lightly touching and no heel lift.

What size ice skates should my child get?

Measure your child’s foot, heel to longest toe, while they stand, then use the brand’s chart. Ice skate sizes often run smaller than shoe sizes, so don’t assume shoe size equals skate size. Here is K2’s chart for its adjustable youth ice skates:

Chart from K2 Skates. For fixed-size skates, see the Riedell ice skate size chart, the hockey skate size chart (youth and junior sizes), and all Skates.com sizing charts.

Which kids’ ice skates should beginners get?

For a first-timer or casual skater, get a comfortable, supportive skate that fits now, with an adjustable size range if your child is still growing fast. Our in-stock adjustable picks:

Shop all kids’ ice skates, adjustable ice skates, girls’ ice skates and boys’ ice skates. New skates need sharpening before the first skate. The Bladerunner Micro Ice listing, for example, recommends sharpening before use.

What else do kids need for their first time ice skating?

• Helmet: Learn to Skate USA recommends helmets for beginners, certified to ASTM F1447 (bike) or Snell B-90A, B-95 or N-94.
• Gloves or mittens: Learn to Skate USA says they’re mainly there to protect hands as kids learn to fall and get back up.
• Layers: Rinks are cold. Learn to Skate USA notes arenas often keep thermostats around 50°F. Warm-up pants work better than bulky snow pants.
• One pair of thin socks or tights: Thick socks limit support and fit.

Sources: Learn to Skate USA “First Day of Skating”. Riedell suggests keeping first sessions short, 20 to 30 minutes, with knees slightly bent, arms relaxed and eyes forward. See What to Wear Ice Skating and Best Ice Skates for Beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size ice skates should I get for my child?

Get the size that fits today, not one to grow into. Measure the foot heel to longest toe and use the brand’s chart, because ice skate sizes often run smaller than shoe sizes. Toes should lightly touch the front with no heel lift.

Should kids’ ice skates be a size bigger?

No. Skates that are too big make balance harder and cause blisters. Hockey Canada says a little growth room is okay but too big is not, and U.S. Figure Skating says extra socks do not fix skates that are too big.

Are adjustable ice skates good for kids?

Yes, for young and casual skaters. One pair expands across about four sizes, which saves money while feet grow fast. For regular lessons, Riedell says fixed-size skates give better support and consistency.

How tight should kids’ ice skates be?

Comfortably snug, with light contact at the toes and no heel lift when your child bends their knees. Lace them fully and securely, and check that toes lie flat and are not curled.

Are figure skates or hockey skates better for kids learning to skate?

Most beginners and learn-to-skate programs use figure skates, whose longer blade helps with balance. Hockey skates suit kids who want to play hockey, though they can feel less stable at first.

How long do kids’ ice skates last?

U.S. Figure Skating’s SKATING magazine says a well-fitted pair typically lasts a growing child about 9 to 12 months. Adjustable skates can last longer because they expand across several sizes.

Do new kids’ ice skates need to be sharpened?

Yes, usually. Many new skates are not sharpened for skating out of the box, and some listings, such as the Bladerunner Micro Ice, recommend sharpening before first use. Ask your rink’s pro shop.