6 Best Riedell Ladies Figure Skates of 2026

Step onto the ice with quiet confidence in the Riedell Soar, a skate that redefines beginner-friendly comfort without sacrificing style or function. These sleek, insulated skates wrap your feet in a foam-backed velvet lining and 3M Thinsulate insulation, turning biting cold rink sessions into cozy glides. With a support rating of 25, they’re not built for aggressive maneuvers, but that’s the point—this is a skate designed for casual stability, perfect for first-timers or those who just want to enjoy a relaxed skate under the holiday lights.

On the ice, the Spiral stainless steel blades deliver a surprisingly smooth glide, especially for pond skating or short rink laps. The PVC soles keep weight down and maintenance minimal, while the split tongue design enhances flexibility and reduces pressure points around the ankle. That said, don’t expect razor-sharp edge control—these skates struggle on tight turns or uneven ice, and serious skaters will quickly outgrow the limited ankle support. Still, for weekend outings or rental replacements, they offer dependable, dry comfort in chilly conditions.

Compared to the Riedell Ember or Ruby, the Soar leans harder into budget accessibility and warmth over performance. It doesn’t have the refined aesthetics of the Ember or the ergonomic engineering of the Ruby, but it holds its own as a no-fuss starter skate. Ideal for teens and adults dipping their toes into skating, it bridges the gap between fashion boots and real ice gear. While the Crystal outperforms in precision and the Topaz offers better progression support, the Soar wins on approachability and insulation, making it a warm, stable launchpad for casual fun.

The Riedell 114 Pearl may look simple, but it’s a quiet powerhouse for entry-level skaters who want real figure skating performance without the steep price tag. Built with a genuine leather upper and a support rating of 30, it delivers a structured fit that’s firm enough to teach proper alignment, yet forgiving enough for beginners to lace up without frustration. The classic white finish isn’t just timeless—it’s a signal that this skate means business, even if you’re just starting out.

Out on the rink, the 114 Pearl shines in fundamental skill development. The stiff heel counter and padded collar offer consistent ankle stability, helping new skaters build balance during forward stroking and two-foot glides. Paired with a standard stainless steel blade, it provides reliable edge grip on indoor rinks, though outdoor or rough ice can dull performance over time. Where it falters is in flexibility—the rigid build can feel stiff during crossovers or deep knee bends, making it less ideal for dynamic movement.

When stacked against the Riedell Ruby or Topaz, the 114 Pearl trades modern comfort features for durability and value. It lacks the Ruby’s moisture-wicking lining or the Topaz’s microfiber flex notch, but it makes up for it with a proven track record in learn-to-skate programs. For parents or adult beginners investing in their first real pair, this skate offers a no-nonsense foundation that won’t quit after a few months. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of workhorse that turns wobbly first glides into confident strides—a true gateway to figure skating.

The Riedell Ember turns heads before you even hit the ice, blending fashion-forward design with surprisingly capable performance for a recreational skate. Wrapped in waterproof suede leather and topped with a cozy fold-over collar, it looks like your favorite winter boot—but underneath, the stainless steel Luna blade ensures you’re not just posing. With a support rating of 30, it gives light yet reliable ankle stability, making it perfect for date-night skating or holiday rink visits where style and comfort matter equally.

In real-world use, the Ember delivers a smooth, controlled glide on groomed indoor ice, thanks to its well-balanced blade geometry. The lightweight PVC outsole keeps fatigue at bay during longer sessions, and the padded interior cushions every stride without overheating. However, the fold-over collar, while stylish, can loosen over time and reduce rear support—especially during crossovers or sudden stops. It’s not built for jumps or serious edge work, and outdoor ponds with chipped ice can overwhelm its moderate blade quality.

Compared to the Soar, the Ember steps up in aesthetic polish and material durability, while staying in the same beginner-friendly lane. It doesn’t have the Ruby’s ergonomic toe or the Topaz’s progression-focused flex notch, but it wins on visual appeal and weather resistance. For skaters who want to look good while building basic skills, the Ember is unmatched in its class. It’s the stylish sibling of recreational skates—not the strongest performer, but the one everyone notices gliding past.

The Riedell Ruby earns its title as Best Overall with a masterful blend of ergonomic innovation, comfort, and beginner-smart design. From the hand-rolled collar to the Helios outsole, every detail is engineered to reduce pressure points and support natural movement—especially around the Achilles and toes. With a support rating of 30, it strikes a perfect balance: stable enough to build confidence, flexible enough to encourage proper knee bend and edge control. This is the skate that grows with you, from shaky first laps to confident crossovers.

On the ice, the Ruby feels light and responsive, thanks to its flex notch design that allows the ankle to bend naturally during strides. The moisture-wicking brushed tricot lining keeps feet dry even during extended sessions, a rare win in entry-level skates. Whether you’re practicing three-turns or just enjoying a family skate, the ergonomic toe box prevents bruising and hot spots. While the blade isn’t competition-grade, it holds a solid edge on indoor rinks and handles basic maneuvers without chatter.

Pitted against the Topaz or Crystal, the Ruby trades high-end support for universal comfort and wearability. It’s not built for double jumps like the Crystal, nor does it offer the Topaz’s 40-level rigidity, but it outshines both in daily comfort and adaptability. For adult learners, casual skaters, or those returning after years off the ice, the Ruby is the goldilocks of recreational skates—not too stiff, not too soft, just right. It delivers more thoughtful engineering than the Ember or Soar, making it the smartest all-around investment for skaters who value both feel and function.

Step into the Riedell Crystal and feel the difference of a true performance skate, built for skaters ready to move beyond the basics and into competitive territory. With a support rating of 50, reinforced uppers, and a plush rolled collar, this boot delivers rock-solid ankle stability without sacrificing comfort—essential for executing clean edges, spins, and single or double jumps. The Eclipse Vesta stainless steel blade is the real star, offering precision edge control that inspires confidence during takeoffs and landings, especially for Pre-Preliminary to Juvenile-level routines.

In practice, the Crystal excels in repetition and consistency. The open-throat flex notch encourages proper skating form by allowing natural ankle flexion, while the Dri-Lex moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry during long training sessions. On smooth rink ice, the blade glides with laser-like accuracy, making it ideal for figure eights, spirals, and step sequences. However, the stiffness demands a longer break-in period, and the skate can feel overbuilt for casual users or those not yet attempting jumps.

Compared to the Topaz, the Crystal offers higher structural support and sharper blade performance, making it a clear step up for serious training. While the Ruby prioritizes comfort, the Crystal is built for technical progression and competition readiness. It’s not the most comfortable for a 30-minute leisure skate, but for skaters aiming to test or compete, it’s a cut above in precision and durability. With faux crystal accents adding flair, it’s both a technical and visual standout—the complete package for aspiring figure skaters.

The Riedell Topaz is the ideal bridge between beginner comfort and intermediate performance, designed for skaters who are ready to level up. With a support rating of 40 and a performance microfiber upper, it delivers structured stability for practicing edges, turns, and first jumps—without the rigidity of a full competition boot. The flex notch design promotes proper ankle alignment, while the padded Achilles collar and Helios outsole ensure lasting comfort, even after intense sessions. This is the skate that says, ‘I’m not just skating—I’m improving.’

On the ice, the Eclipse Capri stainless steel blade offers smooth, predictable control, making it easy to transition from glides to crossovers with confidence. The blade holds a strong edge on clean rink surfaces and responds well to weight shifts, crucial for learning three-turns and Mohawks. However, it’s not built for complex jumps or spins, and serious competitors will eventually need to upgrade. For skaters in the intermediate learning curve, though, the Topaz hits a sweet spot of responsiveness and support.

When compared to the Ruby, the Topaz offers noticeably stronger ankle support and better blade precision, making it a smarter choice for skill development. It doesn’t have the Crystal’s elite rigidity, but it’s more accessible and affordable for skaters not yet at competition level. Ideal for teens and adults in learn-to-skate programs or testing their first moves, the Topaz is the smart progression skate—engineered to grow with your ability, not hold you back.