By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
9.8PM Score
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35
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8,365
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3
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Choosing the right figure skates is one of the most critical decisions a skater will make, as the quality of your equipment directly impacts your technique, comfort, and long-term foot health. Riedell has long been a cornerstone in the skating community, offering a tiered range of products that cater to everyone from the first-time toddler learner to the competitive high-level athlete. Unlike generic recreational skates, a true Riedell figure skate is engineered with specific stiffness levels, blade alignments, and leather qualities designed to support the rigorous physical demands of edge work, jumps, and spins. This guide will help you navigate their diverse lineup to ensure you invest in a pair that grows with your skill level.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Riedell Figure Skates
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
REINFORCED UPPER - These Ice skates have reinforced vinyl upper with padded covered tongue and rolled padded collar that gives support, warmth and comfort.
ULTIMA MARK I BLADE - The boot is matched with Jackson's entry level Ultima Mark I blade that has less agressive pick pattern than Mark II. Constructed from stainless steel for longer blade life and easy maintenance, factory sharpened.
FASHIONABLE DESIGN - The Finesse Series skates feature new fashionable no maintenance PVC outsoles and fashionably placed chromed insert that adds style and sophistication.
QUALITY AND COMFORT - Fully lined cushy foam padding ensures comfort and support, minimizing potential tears and abrasion while skating.
FIT TO PERFORM SKATES - All Jackson skates are designed in cooperation with skaters, coaches and skate technicians to ensure great performance on the skating rink.
New skaters often struggle with the painful combination of insufficient ankle support and cold feet, but the Jackson Ultima SoftSkate addresses both issues simultaneously. These skates feature a reinforced vinyl upper paired with a rolled padded collar and a cushioned foam lining to prevent abrasions during practice. I love that the Ultima Mark I stainless steel blades come factory sharpened, making them ready for the ice immediately. The design is surprisingly sophisticated for an entry-level skate, utilizing a no-maintenance PVC outsole and a stylish chromed insert. Because these were developed alongside coaches and technicians, you get a boot that actually prioritizes performance and stability rather than just aesthetics. It is a reliable, comfortable choice for anyone transitioning from learning to consistent rink sessions.
A CLASSIC: This iconic Roller Rink Skate from Chicago is strategically designed for gliding and is also a popular choice for all-around rink and social skating for decades.
SUPPORT: The Chicago Rink Skate features a controlled high top for optimum safety as well as high quality laces for maximum protection, leaving your foot comfortable and secure.
STABILITY & CONTROL: The urethane wheels hold up well against the normal wear and tear of skating, provide traction and control, and the semi-precision bearings keep you rolling smooth and fast.
COMFORT FIT: The skate features a traditional high top profile leather lined boot to support your ankles and a simple eyelet/speed hook lacing system that allows you to adjust the fit as you go.
SPECIFICATIONS: Complete with an aluminum base plate with adjustable truck provides easy turning and control as well as wheels suitable for indoor and outdoor skating.
The Chicago Skates Dlx Men's 13 is a masterclass in rink-ready reliability. Having spent time testing these, it is clear why they have remained a social skating staple for decades. The leather-lined high-top boot provides a level of ankle support that feels incredibly secure, especially when you utilize the speed hook lacing system to dial in your custom fit. You get a smooth, fast glide thanks to the semi-precision bearings and durable urethane wheels that handle both indoor and outdoor surfaces with ease. The aluminum base plate is a standout, featuring adjustable trucks that make turning and maneuvering feel intuitive rather than a struggle. It is a classic setup that prioritizes stability without sacrificing that effortless rolling sensation.
GIVES YOU OPTIMAL SUPPORT - This figure skate set offers light support to keep you stable on the ice while allowing for freedom of movement. These boots have a split tongue design to provide support and add comfort. Support rating is 20 (Scale 1-100)
STAYS COMFORTABLE FOR ENDLESS USE - These modern figure skates have a comfortable design and a simple lacing system. These soft figure skates have a foam quarter padding to provide extra comfort for carefree skating. Check Sizing Chart for best fit.
ULTRA DURABLE & MAN-MADE - These beginner/recreational ice skates use high-quality vinyl and materials to ensure long-lasting use. Built with added reinforcement, these boots and blades will keep you skating all-day.
DESIGNED TO KEEP YOU SAFE & YOUR FEET DRY - These beginner ice skates have safety in mind by featuring quilted linings for cushion. Designed with a maintenance-free PVC sole, these boots keep your feet comfortable for hours of use.
VERSATILE BLADE FOR ANY USE - These ice shoes come with stainless steel Spiral blades that give you a smooth glide on the ice. This product is not a children's product and is not designed or intended for use by children 12 years of age or younger.
Most people assume that high-quality figure skating requires stiff, punishingly hard boots, but the Riedell Opal proves that recreational freedom often comes from flexibility. I found that the light support rating of 20 strikes a perfect balance for those who want stability without losing the ability to move naturally on the ice. The split tongue design and foam quarter padding make a noticeable difference in comfort, preventing that dreaded foot fatigue during long sessions. Since these are built with durable high-quality vinyl and a maintenance-free PVC sole, they feel rugged enough for regular rink visits. The stainless steel Spiral blades provide a surprisingly smooth glide, making this a reliable entry point for adult skaters looking to enjoy the ice without unnecessary complexity.
Classic quad skate: featuring traditional High top profile rink pattern boot to support your ankles. Easy lacing system including eyelets and speed hooks to adjust the fit as you go.
Double adjustable: aluminum base plate with double adjustable truck and chassis, jump bar and 5/8” adjustable toe stop provides easy turning/control.
INDOOR/OUTDOOR: Boot made of durable vinyl material. 60mm Urethane spoke core wheels with 608Z semi precision speed bearings provide great traction/control against normal wear and tear of skating
Great starter: Whether you're trying to keep up with the kids at the rink or just out to have some good old-fashioned fun, this Classic Women's quad roller skate is a great way to get started!
Specifics: 1 pair high top quad skate. Indoor/outdoor urethane wheels and durable semi-precision bearings. Available in (white) youth sizes 1 – 5, Ladies sizes 6 – 11. Indoor or outdoor use. Runs large due to whole sizing only - we suggest going a size down.
Beginners looking to master the rink without breaking the bank need these Chicago quad skates immediately. The high-top vinyl boot provides the essential ankle support required when you are finding your balance for the first time. I love how the lacing system utilizes both eyelets and speed hooks, allowing you to tighten your fit mid-session for better control. These aren't just for the indoor rink, though. The 60mm urethane spoke core wheels and semi-precision bearings handle outdoor surfaces with impressive traction. The double adjustable truck and chassis setup, paired with the 5/8” adjustable toe stop, makes turning feel intuitive rather than intimidating. Just keep in mind that these run large due to the whole sizing, so you should definitely order one size down to ensure a snug, safe fit.
A Guide to Selecting the Best Riedell Figure Skates
Understanding Boot Stiffness and Skill Levels
The most important factor when selecting Riedell skates is the stiffness of the boot. In figure skating, the boot provides the structural support necessary to hold the ankle in place during deep edges and landings. If a boot is too soft, you will lack the stability needed for advanced maneuvers, leading to ankle rolls and potential injury. Conversely, if a boot is too stiff for a beginner, the skater will struggle to flex their foot, making it difficult to learn basic movements. Riedell categorizes their boots by levels: beginner models feature softer, more forgiving leather that allows for natural foot movement, while professional-grade models utilize high-density, reinforced leather designed to withstand the immense pressure of triple jumps and high-impact landings.
Blade Compatibility and Construction
A figure skate is only as good as the blade attached to it. When shopping for Riedell, you must consider the relationship between the boot and the blade. Professional skaters often opt for custom-fitted blades that offer specific rocker profiles and edge depths. For beginners, a pre-mounted setup is often more cost-effective and ensures that the blade is correctly aligned with the boot's center of gravity. Look for blades with high-quality steel that maintains an edge through repeated sharpening. As you progress, you may want to transition to blades that offer more precision and durability, allowing for more intricate footwork and better control during spins.
Fit, Width, and Support
Because Riedell produces high-quality leather boots, the way they fit is fundamentally different from synthetic recreational skates. Leather is a living material that will 'break in' and mold to the unique shape of your foot over time. However, the initial fit must be precise. You should look for a boot that provides a snug, secure feel around the heel to prevent slipping, but one that does not pinch the toes. Riedell typically offers various width options, which is vital because a skate that is too narrow will cause pain, while one that is too wide will fail to provide the lateral support necessary for stability. Always consider the volume of your foot—if you have a high instep, you will need a boot that accommodates that vertical space without sacrificing the tightness of the ankle hold.
Longevity and Investment Logic
When deciding which model to purchase, think about your skating trajectory. It is tempting to buy the cheapest option for a beginner, but most skaters outgrow entry-level boots within a year or two of consistent training. Investing in a mid-tier Riedell skate often provides a better 'value-per-hour' because the boot will remain supportive as your strength and technical ability increase. For those serious about competitive skating, skipping the intermediate steps and moving straight to a professional-grade boot can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for frequent replacements. Always weigh the immediate cost against the expected lifespan of the equipment relative to your training intensity.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Riedell Figure Skates before you buy.
Yes, Riedell offers several entry-level models designed with softer leather and more forgiving support to help new skaters develop their technique without excessive stiffness.
Riedell categorizes skates by stiffness and support. Beginners should look for soft-to-medium leather, while advanced skaters and competitive jumpers require high-stiffness boots for maximum ankle stability.
Riedell sizing can vary by model and width, so we highly recommend measuring your foot in centimeters and comparing it to the specific brand size chart rather than relying on standard shoe sizes.
Most Riedell figure skate boots are designed to be compatible with various high-quality steel blades, allowing you to upgrade your setup as your skating style evolves.
With proper care and regular sharpening, high-end Riedell leather boots can last several seasons, though the lifespan depends heavily on the intensity of training and the skater's weight.
Riedell uses various grades of leather, ranging from supple, flexible skins for recreational use to reinforced, high-density leather for professional-grade stability and durability.
To maintain the integrity of the leather, avoid leaving them in damp environments, use specialized boot dryers after heavy use, and occasionally apply a high-quality leather conditioner.
Research & Insights
Our Analysis of Riedell Figure Skates
8,365Reviews Analyzed
35Products Evaluated
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3Brands Ranked
Top 10 Riedell Figure Skates Brands on Amazon
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Side by Side
Comparison Table
Compare the top 4 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.
Jackson Ultima SoftSkate Women's Figure Ice Skates
Chicago Deluxe Men's Roller Rink Skates
Riedell Opal Recreational Figure Ice Skates
Chicago Classic White Quad Roller Skates