Soft ice skates may be a warmer and more comfortable choice for
recreational skating on ponds and outdoor ice.
Skating in Soft Boot
Ice Skates
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Soft boot ice skates are designed to be warmer and more comfortable
than traditional figure skates. With a more flexible boot and a plush
insulated tongue and lining, soft boot ice skates are warmer and don't
require the break in time common to hard leather ice skating boots.
Beginning skaters, in particular younger children, will be much
happier with a soft-boot skate, because breaking in a new standard ice
skating boot can be uncomfortable. Anything that reduces frozen toes
and pressure points will only enhance the skating experience. Although
soft-boot ice skates are flexible, many offer firmer ankle support
than "regular" entry level leather skate boots, which is also a boon
to the less experienced skater.
Although soft boot skates are made of more flexible materials, with
the exception of a canvas boot skate that resembles a sneaker, without
close inspection there will be little visual difference between a soft
boot skate and a traditional figure skate. An outdoor skater or
beginning rink skater will not look substantially different from other
skaters on the ice. This will always be important especially to
younger skaters, who never want to look "different."
Although they do have toe picks, soft boot ice skates are not designed
for jumping or spinning on the ice. A more rigid boot is required to
safely perform these precision maneuvers. These skates are appropriate
for basic skills level lessons and free skating. It will be necessary
to wear a less flexible leather skating boot at more advanced levels.
Because they are not designed for the rigors of jumping and spinning,
blade holders on generally less expensive soft boot ice skates are
often made of heavy duty plastic, similar to the blade holders on many
hockey skates.
Riedell, Lake Placid and American Athletic Shoe are
all known for producing quality soft boot figure skates.
