Get Your Skate On! All the Equipment and Expert Advice You Need to Start Ice Skating

Most recreational skaters looking to purchase ice skates will likely want a pair that is ready to wear (meaning the blades are included). Riedell Horizon ice skates fit the bill perfectly for anyone just learning to skate, or for the casual rink skaters tired of renting.

Brewer recommends these skates for beginners thanks to features like the plush rolled collar and light ankle support with flexibility (which offers stability but also allows for more comfort and movement than a super stiff boot). 

These skates also feature attached, sharp, rust-resistant steel blades and a PVC outsole, meaning they don’t require a lot of special care and are ready to go when you are. The Riedell name has also been around in the skating business since 1945, so this is a good bet if you’re looking for a solid, classic ice skate. 

If Ugg Boots are more your style, then the Jackson Ultima SoftSkate JS180 may be the right starter skate for you. These comfort-lined skates include extra padding, since new skaters often get sore around their ankles, and a fleece-lined version is also available. The result is that the PVC outsole remains sturdy enough to give you good support, but the interior is configured with more cushioning (which may also keep your feet a little warmer). The factory-sharpened mark 1 stainless steel blades are also excellent for those just learning to “carve” the ice.

“Good skates are a must, and a nice Jackson Skate boot and blade would be great for a beginner,” says former Team USA figure skating competitor Stephanie Chace Bass, who is now a national and international coach with U.S. Figure Skating and the co-head coach of The Strategic Method in Park City, Utah.

If you’re absolutely committed to getting really good on the ice, then the Aura Sky boot is an investment that will grow with you. These skates are stiffer than the ready-to-go version, meaning that once you’re ready to start spinning or even doing small jumps, your skates will support your progress. They’re super lightweight (500 grams) and have a shell made of aerospace-grade carbon fiber, thermopolymers, and orthopedic-grade foam. 

They also come in different widths, making them slightly more customizable. Short of having a pair made to your specifications, this is a great way to get a better fit for your foot.

The Aura skate is sold just as a boot, so you have to buy the blades separately and have them mounted (which adds to the price). But if skating becomes your passion, these skates could last you years and years.

“I’m a big fan of Auras because they are comfortable for a beginner but they can support you all the way to the Olympics,” says Bass.

Beginners may spend a lot of time … on their butts. As such, padded protection shorts are one of the first things absolute beginners (or skaters trying to level up their skills) may wish to consider. Basically, it boils down to this: The ice is hard and unforgiving, and new skaters are probably going to wipe out at some point. 

These CRS Cross Padded Figure Skating Shorts incorporate nine pieces of EVA foam into what feels like biker shorts to help soften your accidental landings on the ice, giving newbies infinitely more confidence. They’re available in youth sizes and in women’s small, medium, large, and extra large. You can even order the extra-padding option just in case. 

“Skaters are known for their perky glutes, so flaunt those butt pads and protect yourself from falls,” says Bass. 

The WeWayStep 3D Protection Padded Shorts also offer extra coccyx protection (meaning if you don’t want to break or bruise your tailbone, these are a good option). The EVA padding covers not only the behind but also goes all around the hips and upper thighs. They’re adjustable with Velcro, so you won’t be struggling to get them on or off.

“Butt pads have come a long way — they don’t feel like wearing a diaper anymore. In fact, you’ll never want to take them off,” says Bass, who adds that top skaters use these to train. “They protect your hips and tailbone when you inevitably fall.”

When you’re skating, you want your ice skates to feel bolstered. But get the wrong sock in the mix, and you’ll also end up blistered. 

“If you are renting skates, you need to bring sock options with you so that you don’t get blisters,” says Brewer. “All rental skates are a little different, and you need to make sure that your feet are snug and don’t move around. You will get blisters if you have the wrong socks.”

I personally skate in a longer pair of knee-high socks, like the CRS Cross Figure-Skating Socks (a good deal since you get two pairs in a pack). They come in a huge variety of colors, including Blade Blue, Power Pink, Glide Green, and Biellmann Black.

In general, a thin pair of soft socks is best if you’re using your own skates, but if you’re renting, you should bring a thicker pair as well for extra foot protection. Whatever the height, however, you never want anything that is lower than a crew cut. “No ankle-cut socks, ever,” says Brewer. “The top of the skating boot will rub against your ankle, so make sure your socks are long enough!” 

That doesn’t mean your socks have to be specialized skating socks. This pair from Serisimple is made of bamboo and will look just as good off the ice as they do on it. Available in an assortment of colors in a handy five-pack, they’ll cover the foot, ankle, and leg to help ward off blisters. 

For those novices who still want to dress like an Olympic ice skater, nabbing a pair of skating tights is a must. While most recreational skaters just need to wear something they can move in, competitive figure skaters almost always tend to go barely there.

“Even when we wear leggings, we wear ‘footies,’ which are just the sock part of tights,” says Brewer.  “We always go with the thinnest material possible, just like dancers.”

That said, skating tights are a little thicker than your average nylon. Mixed with spandex, CRS Cross Skating Tights come in pairs and are available in sheer or heavyweight, offering more warmth (making them great off the ice in the winter, too). 

Mondor is a Canadian brand that understands the need for a strong, opaque tight that holds up under cold conditions. The comfort knitted waistband is made to stay in place without being too tight or uncomfortable. The reciprocated heel toe reinforces an area of the garment that’s prone to tearing.

Some skaters will wear tights instead of long underwear for the support and “built-in sock” aspect. This pair, perfect for beginners, will prove more durable and denser than regular tights and will definitely keep you warmer. 

Anyone going for the skate tights-and-skirt look will want to add leg warmers to their outfit. Not only will they keep your legs warmer (thus the name), but they also make you look like a legit skater, even if you’re just starting out. 

A big benefit of the CRS Cross leg warmers is that they have zippers, so if you do find yourself overheating, you can just zip them off without having to ditch your skates. The set also comes with a cute matching headband so you can be all matchy-matchy and warm from head to toe.

For anyone who doesn’t want to drop a lot of dough on their decorative (yet functional) leg gear, Amazon offers some cute, cheap pairs, like the Passionbility leg warmers. They will give you the skater look without the elevated price tag. You can choose from several neutral shades and purchase multipacks as well.

“You don’t need to be a pro to dress like an Olympian: pair legit skating tights with a skirt and leg warmers and you’re all set,” says Brewer

When you’re skating, most people think it’s all about your legs. But for balance and momentum, you’ve got to be able to move your upper body, too. That’s why you’re going to want to wear a jacket that won’t impede your movement but will keep you cozy, since ice rinks can get chilly. 

“​​A windbreaker, insulated jacket or vest will help keep you warm,” says Brewer. “Make sure the arms aren’t restrictive so you can keep your balance and twirl around like Amber Glenn.” 

According to Brewer, the Lululemon Define jacket is the current “it” item for skater girls. With its sleek design and sweat-wicking material, it’s perfect for anyone taking a twirl on the ice (especially since the pockets are zippable, and the zipper pulls can double as hair ties in a pinch). The thumbholes and “cuffins” also help anchor down your sleeves as you swing your arms while effectively keeping the chill out.

If you’re skating recreationally for a longer amount of time, or you’re on the ice outdoors, you may want to add a lightweight puffer layer for more wind-breaking and cold-busting protection.

Amazon offers some fabulous padded puffers that pack down to nearly nothing, like this Yucolen parka. It’s super lightweight yet warm and offers wind and water resistance while still being breathable.

The key to any puffer you pick, however, is to make sure it’s not too long (hip-length is ideal; long coats increase the risk of tripping and inhibit mobility) and that it doesn’t make you feel like a marshmallow. Think light as a feather, but action-ready.

Leggings are a great option for mobility on the ice, but some of your go-to picks may not provide enough warmth for an icy setting. 

Enter fleece-lined leggings to save the day. I personally have an Athleta fleece-lined pair like the Altitude version, and they’re my favorites for outdoor skating. Sleek on the outside but soft on the inside, they also have side pockets and a zippered back pouch for safely stashing your valuables. Plus, they just make your lower body look really snatched. 

“Individuals with Raynaud’s syndrome, a condition that affects blood circulation, should wear extra layers of warm gloves or take frequent breaks to warm up,” says Cadet.

Mittens are a good idea for people whose hands get very cold, as they keep the fingers close together and use body heat to keep the whole hand warm.

“Skaters love Lulu — you see them at every rink,” says Brewer. She points to the Boucle Fleece Lined Mittens as a potential fave.

Higher-level skaters usually prefer fingered gloves. “We grab our blades, so we need our fingers free,” says Brewer. 

With that in mind, anyone who wants a little more freedom of movement would do well to snap up a pair of the CRS Cross Figure Skating Padded Gloves. They’re stretch-to-fit and water-resistant but also padded, providing protection from wetness and falls (a double bonus). Plus, they have touchscreen-compatible fingertips (you know, in case you need a selfie while on the ice). 

Sharp edges are vital if you hope to be able to control yourself on the ice. But walking around in your ice skates to and from the ice will dull your blades. That’s why you absolutely must get a pair of skate guards for when you’re not skating to protect your blades from nicks, dull spots, and rust. 

The Edea E-Guards are high-end skate guards with an open-slatted vertebrae design that improves drainage, helping prevent blade rust. They also don’t have springs and are made with a pliable rubber that stretches to fit your blade, no matter the size. These are an awesome upgrade in the skate guard department, but they’re definitely on the pricier side.

If you want something more budget-friendly, grabbing a classic style of guards, like the Kiarela skate guard, will absolutely do the trick. These have dual springs (you may need to trim the plastic to fit your blades), but they get the job done and keep your blades razor-sharp. 

“Skates are not cheap — protect those blades,” says Bass. “Not only do you need to wear guards to protect your blades from dirt, rocks, or the inevitable errant bobby pin that’s lying around the lobby, you also don’t want to immediately dull the sharpening you just paid for.” 

In addition to your skate guards, it’s also a smart idea to get soakers to protect your blades. When you ice skate, there will be a natural buildup of ice on your blades as you stroke on the ice. Once you exit the rink, however, even if you’ve dried your blades with a towel, some residual dampness can significantly affect your blade quality (and lead to faster wear and tear and rusting).

Enter soakers. These slip over your blade like a guard but feel more like a towel. You’ll pop these on your skates after you’ve removed your guards and are putting your ice skates away for storage to protect your investment. 

There are many types of soakers, and this isn’t something you need to splurge on. Just pick a pair like this one off Amazon, and you’ll be good to go!

Skating is absolutely exercise. You may work up a sweat, but you’ll also need a towel to dry your skates and blades (post-guards and pre-soakers are a good practice to adopt). 

While any towel will probably do, these microfiber towels from The Rag Company are terrific for your multitasking skate needs. They’re large, so you could use one part of the towel to wipe down your blades and still find another dry spot to blot away any perspiration.

Plus, you get to choose from a host of fun colors, and they come in a three-pack, so you’ll be set for several skate sessions before you have to do laundry.

Though many people don’t want to wear headgear on the ice, if you’re just starting out, it’s a smart idea. That’s because the chances of falling when you begin learning this new skill are quite high, and as mentioned previously, the ice is quite unforgiving. 

“There is no shame in wearing a helmet, and in fact some learn-to-skate programs actually require them for beginners of all ages,” says Brewer.

Much like a bicycle helmet, you want to ensure whatever you choose fits securely and won’t slip off if you do fall (thereby defeating the purpose of wearing it). The beauty of this Dakota helmet is that it has adjustable straps, a foam lining, and interchangeable pads. There are also 10 vents for optimal airflow, helping you keep a cool head while working up a sweat on the ice.  

People tend to underestimate the rubbing, friction, and pressure exerted on the ankles when learning to skate (especially if they’re in rentals or a new pair of boots that need breaking in). Unfortunately, blistered and bruised ankles can absolutely thwart an enjoyable and positive skate session. But wearing ankle gel sleeves can provide an additional layer of padding and protection, helping you skate comfortably.

The CRS Cross Ankle Malleolar Gel Sleeve was created by a former U.S. professional figure skater. The pads are designed to help prevent ankle tenderness caused by stiff ice skate boots. However, they’re also perfect for any other “boot-wearing” sports, like skiing.

While hot cocoa may not be part of an official training plan, having a warm drink close by while ice skating is never a bad idea. Plus, you still need hydration in the wintertime.

Owing to temperature variations, whether you’re rink-side or outdoors while skating, an insulated tumbler is the way to go for your liquid needs. That way, you can keep your hot drinks warm, but if you prefer, you can keep a cold drink cool, yet unfrozen.

I admit to leaning into the girlier side of skater style, so I’m obsessed with this MyBevi Hollywood blinged-out tumbler (it feels very Skating with the Stars). I have the pink one and carry it with me all the time.

Thanks to its stainless steel, BPA-free core, it keeps my drinks just at the right temp. And the leak-resistant lid means I’m not wearing my beverage of choice instead of drinking it. The 20-ounce size usually seems about right for one skating session as well. And did I mention it has rhinestones?

Clearly, learning to ice skate requires more than just showing up with skates, so you’re going to need somewhere to stash all your stuff.

If you’re looking for a bag that will also travel your skates (even on the plane), the Rink Rabbit Skate Pack is a brilliant option. Its “stacked skate” setup makes it thinner than other skate backpacks, but it still has room for you to carry all the guards, soakers, tumblers, and gloves you need as well as your day-to-day stuff like wallet, keys, and Kleenex. There’s even a dedicated laptop sleeve if you’re shifting from school or work to the rink!

A rink-side tote is plenty for those who like to carry their skates slung over their shoulder. (This is me — I always just tie my laces and carry my skates on my shoulder with the skate guards on so as not to puncture anyone with the blade’s toe pick.)

Rink Rabbit has a fabulous satin-lined tote with removable interiors so you can customize it for whatever you’re carrying. It even has a warming pocket to keep cellphones from freezing and dying at the rink.

Competitive skater favorite CRS Cross also offers a fab rink-side tote in super fun colors like Shimmer Sea Foam, Shimmer Pink, and Gold, giving you the chance to make a fashion statement while porting your practicals.

This ultra-feminine bag is more of a purse, but its removable compartments are made to fit your skate guards, a tumbler, soakers, and any other personal items. It seamlessly goes from the rink to a night out.

Stretching every day is just a good idea in general, but staying limber is especially important for figure skaters.

“Not only are figure skaters required to perform flexibility moves and spins, but staying mobile and flexible can also prevent injury,” says Bass. “I always recommend a dynamic stretching warm-up before practice and a static cooldown working on improving flexibility after practice.”

To assist with your stretches, Bass recommends using a stretch strap, like this one from Myosource. While you don’t have to pull your leg over your head (as an elite skater might), you can definitely use this static strap to effectively get a little deeper into a hamstring or groin stretch pre- and post-ice workout. It also includes a downloadable guide that shows you how to use the strap to increase your overall flexibility.

If you’ve locked down skating forwards and backwards and now want to go 360, a spin trainer can help you learn how to twirl without falling over. Skaters are often asked, “How do you not get dizzy?” According to Brewer, the answer is practice.

A New York Times article backs up this assertion with neuroscience by showing that the brains of elite skaters learn to suppress the feelings of dizziness to keep their balance after lightning-fast spins, but that doesn’t happen overnight.

“It takes time to get your brain to adapt. A spinner is a great way to work in extra practice with spins,” says Bass, who recommends the off-ice EDEA Ice Skating Spinner to her competitive students. “Do it in your living room, kitchen, or the rink lobby. Start with a one-foot spin and see if you can go two times around.” From there, try de-focusing your eyes and working toward even more rotations and difficult spin positions before you set foot on the ice.