By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
9.8PM Score
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40
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8,438
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3
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Selecting the right pair of ice skates is one of the most critical decisions a skater can make, as the quality of your footwear directly impacts your technical progression, comfort, and injury prevention. Riedell has long been a cornerstone in the figure skating community, offering a tiered range of products that cater to everyone from the toddler taking their first wobbling steps on the ice to the competitive athlete executing complex triple jumps. Because Riedell produces skates across various disciplines—including figure skating, hockey, and artistic roller skating—understanding the nuance of their construction is essential to ensuring you don't end up with a boot that is either too soft for your skill level or too rigid for your current stage of development.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Riedell Ice 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.
Understanding Boot Stiffness and Skill Progression
The most common mistake beginners make is purchasing a boot that is too stiff. Riedell categorizes their skates by levels of support. For absolute beginners, a softer leather boot provides the necessary flexibility to allow the ankle to learn the proper mechanics of weight transfer and edge control. If the boot is too rigid too early, you may struggle to feel the ice, leading to frustration. However, as you transition into jump training and advanced footwork, you will require a boot with high-density reinforced materials to provide the lateral stability needed to protect your ankles during high-impact landings. When shopping, always match the stiffness rating of the boot to your current technical ability rather than your aspirations.
Material Quality: Leather vs. Synthetic
Riedell is renowned for its high-quality leather craftsmanship, which is a significant factor in how a skate breaks in. Leather boots tend to mold to the unique shape of your foot over time, offering a customized fit that synthetic materials often struggle to replicate. Synthetic boots are generally lighter and more affordable, making them excellent for recreational skaters or those on a budget. However, for serious training, a premium leather boot offers superior durability and thermal regulation, keeping your feet warmer in cold rinks. If you plan on skating multiple times a week, investing in a high-grade leather boot is a long-term cost-saving measure due to its longevity.
Blade Compatibility and Customization
A skate is only as good as the steel attached to it. When selecting Riedell skates, you must consider the blade mounting. Many high-end Riedell models allow for a degree of customization regarding the blade type and profile. For figure skaters, the toe pick geometry is vital. It must be sharp and well-aligned to facilitate jumps and spins. For those moving into more artistic or dance-oriented skating, a smoother, more lightweight blade might be preferable. Always check if the boot is designed for a specific mounting pattern to ensure that your chosen blade sits perfectly flush against the sole, which prevents 'rocking' and provides a stable platform.
The Importance of Precise Sizing and Width
Unlike standard footwear, ice skate sizing is highly specialized. Riedell offers various width options, which is crucial because a skate that is too narrow will cause numbness and bruising, while one that is too wide will lead to friction, blisters, and a loss of control. When evaluating a pair, pay close attention to the heel hold. Your heel should remain locked in place when you lean forward. If it lifts, the skate is either too large or the volume of the boot does not match your foot shape. Because Riedell boots are built to last, getting the width correct at the time of purchase is the difference between a skate that lasts years and one that becomes unwearable in weeks.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Riedell Ice Skates before you buy.
Yes, Riedell offers specific entry-level models designed with more forgiving stiffness and extra ankle support to help new skaters build stability and confidence.
You should feel a snug, secure fit around the foot and ankle without any sharp pressure points or numbness in your toes. If your feet feel constricted or tingle, you likely need a wider boot or a larger size.
Figure skates feature a toe pick for jumps and spins and are built for precision, whereas hockey skates are designed for explosive lateral movement, durability, and protection against pucks.
Sizing can vary significantly between different Riedell collections. It is highly recommended to measure your foot in centimeters and compare it to the specific brand size chart rather than relying on your standard shoe size.
Most Riedell boots are designed to be compatible with various blade holders, allowing you to upgrade or replace blades as your skating skill level progresses.
Sharpening frequency depends on your usage and ice conditions, but most skaters should seek professional sharpening every 10 to 20 hours of ice time or whenever the edge feels dull or inconsistent.
Stiffness refers to how much resistance the boot provides against bending. Higher stiffness provides better support for advanced jumps and power, while lower stiffness allows for more flexibility in beginners.
To avoid blisters, wear your new skates around the house with thick socks for short periods before heading to the ice. Gradually increase your ice time to allow the leather to mold to your foot shape.
Research & Insights
Our Analysis of Riedell Ice Skates
8,438Reviews Analyzed
40Products Evaluated
6.7Avg PM Score
3Brands Ranked
Top 10 Riedell Ice 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