Choosing the Right Figure Skates in 2026

Choosing the right figure skates is essential for comfort, progression, and performance on the ice. Whether you're a beginner learning your first edges or an advanced skater working on doubles and spins, the right boot and blade combination makes all the difference.

At Willies.co.uk, we stock a carefully curated range of Edea, Risport, Jackson, Graf, and AURA figure skates — trusted by beginners, competitive skaters, and professionals worldwide. This guide breaks down how to choose the right skates based on your level, goals, and foot shape.

Why Choosing the Right Figure Skates Matters:

Figure skates aren’t just shoes with blades — they’re precision tools designed to support specific skills. The right skate helps you:

• Maintain proper ankle alignment
• Build strong edges and control
• Reduce fatigue and prevent injury
• Progress safely through jumps and spins
• Develop confidence on the ice

Boot stiffness, blade quality, and fit all play a major role in how a skater develops.

Understanding Boot Stiffness:

Boot stiffness increases with skill level:

• Soft boots — ideal for beginners learning balance and basic skills
• Medium stiffness — for skaters learning crossovers, edges, and single jumps
• High stiffness — for competitive skaters working on doubles, triples, and advanced spins

Choosing the correct stiffness ensures proper support without restricting movement.

Beginner Figure Skates (Learning the Basics):

Perfect for new skaters learning balance, stopping, and basic edges.

Jackson JC200 —  A budget‑friendly recreational skate offering comfort and stability for casual skating.

Graf 500 —  A popular beginner boot with a supportive structure and a quality blade for learning foundational skills.

Graf Bolero —  A comfortable, forgiving skate with a soft flex — great for new skaters wanting a smooth start.

Edea Motivo —  A lightweight, modern beginner boot with Edea’s signature comfort and ease of movement.

Jackson Mystique —  A soft, comfortable beginner skate with a supportive boot and entry‑level blade — ideal for first‑time skaters.

Intermediate Figure Skates (Developing Skills & Single Jumps):

Ideal for skaters working on edges, crossovers, spins, and single jumps.

Jackson Artiste —  A supportive mid‑level boot with a stronger blade — perfect for skaters progressing beyond basics.

Jackson Freestyle —  A stiffer, more responsive boot designed for skaters learning single jumps and more advanced footwork.

Edea Overture —  A popular choice for developing skaters, offering lightweight construction and great support for single jumps.

Risport RF3 Pro —  A strong intermediate boot with great lateral support — ideal for skaters working on single jumps and early doubles.

AURA Sky 50 — A modern, lightweight boot offering strong support for developing competitive skaters.

Advanced & Elite Figure Skates (Doubles, Triples & Competitive Skating):

Built for skaters who need maximum support, precision, and performance.

Edea Chorus — A high‑performance boot ideal for skaters working on doubles and advanced spins. Lightweight with excellent support.

Edea Piano — One of the most advanced boots on the market — ultra‑responsive, incredibly supportive, and engineered for elite competitive skaters.

Jackson Elite — A stiff, high‑performance boot designed for advanced skaters working on doubles, triples, and high‑level routines.

AURA Sky 100 — A mid‑stiffness boot ideal for skaters progressing into more advanced jumps and spins.

AURA Sky 200 — A high‑performance boot with excellent stiffness and responsiveness — perfect for competitive skaters needing strong support.

Choosing the Right Blade:

Blades matter just as much as boots. Key factors include:

• Toe pick size — larger for jumps, smaller for dance
• Rocker profile — affects agility and turning radius
• Blade quality — higher‑grade steel holds edges longer

Most beginner and intermediate skates come with pre‑mounted blades. Advanced skaters often upgrade to premium blades like MK or John Wilson.

How to Get the Perfect Fit at Willies.co.uk:

Willies’ figure skate specialists help skaters find the right boot using:

• Foot shape assessment
• Stiffness matching
• Blade alignment checks
• Heat moulding (where applicable)
• Progression‑based recommendations

Whether you’re shopping online or visiting one of our stores, our team ensures every skater gets the right support for their level and goals.

Final Tips Before You Buy:

• Choose the correct stiffness for your level
• Don’t size down — figure skates must fit properly
• Upgrade boots as skills progress
• Prioritise comfort and support over brand preference
• Ask or Visit one of our specialist team members if you’re unsure — it prevents costly mistakes