Best Ice Skates for Backyard Rinks and Ponds
A backyard rink or a frozen pond is only as fun as the skates you bring to it. Old, loose skates make for sore ankles and short sessions.
Outdoor ice is rougher than an indoor rink, so a supportive boot and a durable blade matter more than fancy features.
We picked hockey, figure, and recreational skates from Bauer, CCM, Jackson Ultima, and Lake Placid for skaters of every level.
1.Best Hockey Skates: Bauer Vapor Skates
Bauer's Vapor line is one of the most popular hockey skate families, with a snug, supportive fit that helps on bumpy outdoor ice.
Entry and mid level Vapor models are plenty for pond hockey and backyard games without paying for elite level stiffness.
Get them professionally sharpened before the first skate, since factory edges are often dull.
Bauer Vapor Hockey Skates
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1,000+ reviews
Supportive hockey skates with a snug fit and durable steel blades for rink and pond hockey.
Shop on Amazon →2.Best Value Hockey Skates: CCM Tacks Skates
CCM Tacks skates are known for a roomier, comfortable fit that suits skaters with wider feet.
They have solid ankle support and a rugged blade holder that stands up to outdoor ice and the occasional rock or twig.
They are a great pick for adults getting back into skating on a backyard rink.
CCM Tacks Hockey Skates
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1,000+ reviews
Comfortable hockey skates with strong ankle support and a durable blade holder.
Shop on Amazon →3.Best Figure Skates: Jackson Ultima Excel
Jackson's Excel figure skates come with the blade already mounted, which makes them a popular first real figure skate.
The boot is supportive enough for spins and small jumps but comfortable enough for long laps around the pond.
The toe pick takes a little getting used to if you grew up on hockey skates.
Jackson Ultima Excel Figure Skates
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1,000+ reviews
Beginner to intermediate figure skates with a pre mounted blade and a supportive boot.
Shop on Amazon →4.Best for Kids: Lake Placid Adjustable Skates
Kids outgrow skates fast, and Lake Placid's adjustable skates expand through several shoe sizes.
They have a padded, insulated boot that keeps little feet warm on cold outdoor ice.
They are an easy way to get the whole family out on the backyard rink without buying new skates every winter.
Lake Placid Adjustable Ice Skates for Kids
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1,000+ reviews
Size adjustable, insulated ice skates for kids that grow through several shoe sizes.
Shop on Amazon →Tips for Skating Outdoors
Check the ice. Ponds need at least four inches of clear, solid ice before anyone skates.
Sharpen often. Outdoor ice dulls blades faster than an indoor rink.
Dry your blades. Wipe blades after every skate and use soft guards to prevent rust.
Lace snug at the ankle. Firm laces around the ankle give the support you need on bumpy ice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hockey or figure skates for a backyard rink?
Hockey skates are quicker and handle bumpy outdoor ice well. Figure skates have a toe pick and a longer blade, which some new skaters find more stable.
How thick should pond ice be for skating?
Most safety guidelines say at least four inches of clear, solid ice for one skater, and more for groups.
Do new skates need sharpening?
Usually yes. Most new skates should be sharpened by a pro before the first skate.
Are adjustable skates good for kids?
Yes. They grow through several sizes, which saves money while kids are growing fast.