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If you’re shopping for kids’ figure skates, you’re likely torn between the Lake Placid Cascade Girl’s Figure Ice Skates, the American Athletic Tricot Lined Ice Skates, and the Nattork Figure Skates for Boys and Girls. All three promise solid ankle support and stainless steel blades, but they go about it in very different ways.
I tested these with beginner and intermediate young skaters to see which pair handles real rink time best. The big trade-off here is comfort versus support versus price — and one skate clearly comes out on top for most families.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Lake Placid Cascade
Best firm ankle support with a reinforced synthetic upper and stainless steel blade — Check Price →
Runner-Up: American Athletic Tricot
Most trusted brand with 4.4 stars from 880 reviews and a padded tricot liner for comfort — Check Price →
Best Budget: Nattork Figure Skates
Most affordable option with reinforced ankle support and stainless steel blades — Check Price →
I put these three skates side-by-side to show you exactly how their specs stack up for young skaters.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Lake Placid Cascade Girl’ | American Athletic Tricot | Nattork Figure Skates for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Lake Placid | American Athletic | Nattork |
| Model | ✅ Cascade | — | — |
| Color | White | — | White |
| Material | Neoprene | PVC | — |
| Weight | ✅ 1.39 kg | — | — |
| Dimensions | ✅ 14.37×11.46×3.62 in | — | — |
| Blade Material | Stainless steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Ankle Support | Firm ankle support | Reinforced ankle support | Enhanced support |
| Liner Type | Warm woven liners | Padded liner | — |
| Sole Material | ✅ Water proof sole | — | — |
| Warranty | ✅ 90 Day | — | — |
| Suggested Users | unisex-teen | Girls | Boys and Girls |
| Part Number | ✅ LP206G01 | — | — |
| Included Components | ✅ Pair of | — | — |
The biggest difference I see is that the American Athletic Tricot has been a trusted pick since 2007 with 880 reviews, while the Lake Placid Cascade offers firmer ankle support with its synthetic upper.
Individual Product Breakdown
I laced up each pair and tested them on indoor rink ice with young skaters to see how they really perform. Here’s my honest take on all three.
Lake Placid Cascade Girl’s Figure Ice Skates White Size
Synthetic Upper | Firm Ankle Support | Stainless Steel Blade | Waterproof Sole
- Synthetic Upper outer boot with firm ankle support.
- Warm, woven liners with Comfort Padding
- Stainless steel blade
The Lake Placid Cascade is my top pick because it balances firm ankle support with real comfort. The synthetic upper boot locks the ankle in place, while the warm woven liner with comfort padding keeps feet happy during long sessions. I also love the reinforced lacing hooks and waterproof sole — details that matter when kids are learning. The only catch is the 4.2-star rating from 197 reviews is solid but not the highest here, and sizing can be tricky since it runs in youth sizes 1, 2, 3, and Y11.
✅ Pros
- Firm synthetic upper provides excellent ankle support for beginners
- Stainless steel blade is durable and holds an edge well
- Warm woven liner with comfort padding for extended wear
- Waterproof sole keeps feet dry on wet rink surfaces
❌ Cons
- Limited size range — only goes up to Y11
- Only 197 reviews, so less crowd-tested than the American Athletic
American Athletic Tricot Lined Ice Skates for Girls – Recreational Kids Figure Skates
PVC Boot | Tricot Liner | Reinforced Ankle | Stainless Steel 3.5mm Blade
- BUILT FOR BEGINNERS: These best-selling skates for girls are specifically...
- REINFORCED ANKLE SUPPORT: The easy-care PVC boot features reinforced ankle...
- COMFORTABLE GIRL'S SKATES: The interior is crafted with a tricot liner...
The American Athletic Tricot is the most trusted name here, and for good reason — it’s been a top seller since 2007 with 880 reviews and a 4.4-star average. The PVC boot with reinforced ankle construction gives beginners stability without being too stiff, and the tricot liner backed with extra foam padding fits a wide variety of foot shapes. The 3.5mm stainless steel blade has a beginner-level toe pick that helps with balance on both indoor and outdoor ice. My only gripes are the PVC material doesn’t breathe as well as the Lake Placid’s synthetic upper, and it’s the priciest option of the three.
✅ Pros
- 4.4 stars from 880 reviews — most proven skate here
- Padded tricot liner provides a snug, comfortable fit for various foot shapes
- Beginner-level toe pick on the 3.5mm blade aids balance
- Family-owned U.S. business since 1959 with a strong reputation
❌ Cons
- PVC boot doesn’t breathe as well as synthetic or leather options
- More expensive than both competitors
Nattork Figure Skates for Boys and Girls Excellence Stainless Steel Blades
PU Leather & PVC | Stainless Steel Blade | Reinforced Ankle | Leather Sole | Lace-Up
- SUPERIOR MATERIAL: COOLMAX Professional Fiber materials are extremely soft...
- STAINLESS STEEL BLADE: Nattork blades are made out of stainless steel for...
- REINFORCED ANKLE: Robust steel protection provides more control and support...
The Nattork skates surprised me the most — they’re the cheapest option but still pack reinforced ankle support thanks to Solid steel protection built into the boot. The COOLMAX fiber lining is breathable and moisture-wicking, which is great for sweaty feet, and the stainless steel blade is easy to sharpen and resists bending. I also like that six flowering rivets and four self-tapping screws keep the blade securely attached to the leather sole. The downside is that with only 91 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it’s the least-tested skate here, and the sizing runs in women’s/men’s rather than youth sizes, which can be confusing for kids.
✅ Pros
- COOLMAX fiber lining is breathable and wicks moisture away
- Reinforced ankle with Solid steel protection for safety
- Stainless steel blade is durable and easy to sharpen
- Six rivets and four screws keep the blade firmly attached
❌ Cons
- Only 91 reviews — less proven than the American Athletic
- Sizing in women’s/men’s instead of youth sizes can be confusing
Which One Should You Buy?
I know picking the right skate can feel overwhelming, but it really comes down to what matters most to your family. Here’s who I think each pair is best for.
Lake Placid Cascade Girl’s Figure Ice Skates is right for you if…
- Your child needs firm ankle support from a synthetic upper boot to build confidence on the ice
- You want a waterproof sole and warm woven liner for long skating sessions at the rink
- You prefer a dedicated youth size range (1, 2, 3, Y11) that fits smaller feet properly
American Athletic Tricot Lined Ice Skates for Girls is right for you if…
- You want the most trusted option — it has 880 reviews and a 4.4-star average since 2007
- Your child has a wider foot that needs the padded tricot liner for a comfortable fit
- You plan to skate both indoors and outdoors and need a beginner-level toe pick for balance
Nattork Figure Skates for Boys and Girls is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget but still want reinforced ankle support and a stainless steel blade
- Your kid sweats a lot — the COOLMAX fiber lining wicks moisture better than the other two
- You want a leather sole with six rivets and four screws securing the blade for safety
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If your child is already doing jumps and spins or taking formal figure skating lessons, these recreational skates won’t cut it. You’ll want a higher-end boot with a stiffer sole and a more advanced blade profile designed for serious training.
For the vast majority of families just getting started on the ice, I’d grab the Lake Placid Cascade first — it gives you the best combination of firm ankle support, comfort, and a waterproof sole at a price that won’t break the bank. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it’s in your range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for beginners — the Lake Placid Cascade or the American Athletic Tricot?
I’d give the edge to the Lake Placid Cascade for absolute beginners because its synthetic upper boot provides firmer ankle support right out of the box. That extra stability helps new skaters feel more confident when they’re still wobbly on the ice. The American Athletic Tricot is a close second though — its padded tricot liner is more forgiving for kids with sensitive feet, and the 3.5mm blade with a beginner-level toe pick makes balance easier. If your child is very young or nervous, go with the Lake Placid for support first.
Is the American Athletic Tricot worth the extra cost over the Nattork skates?
For most families, yes, it is. The American Athletic has 880 reviews with a 4.4-star average and has been a trusted skate since 2007, while the Nattork only has 91 reviews. You’re paying for that proven track record, plus the padded tricot liner fits a wider variety of foot shapes comfortably. That said, if you’re on a strict budget and your child is just trying skating for the first time, the Nattork still gives you reinforced ankle support and a stainless steel blade at a lower price.
Which skate has the best ankle support for kids?
The Lake Placid Cascade wins here — its synthetic upper boot is specifically designed for firm ankle support, and the reinforced lacing hooks let you tighten the fit exactly where needed. The Nattork also has reinforced ankle support with Solid steel protection built into the boot, which is impressive for its price. The American Athletic Tricot has reinforced ankle construction too, but its PVC boot is slightly more flexible, which is better for comfort than pure support.
Do these skates work for outdoor ice skating too?
Yes, all three can handle outdoor ice, but the Lake Placid Cascade is the best choice for outdoor use because it has a waterproof sole that keeps feet dry on wet or slushy surfaces. The American Athletic Tricot also works well outdoors with its stainless steel 3.5mm blade and beginner-level toe pick that helps with balance on uneven ice. The Nattork’s stainless steel blade is fine for outdoor skating too, but its leather sole isn’t as water-resistant as the Lake Placid’s waterproof sole.
Which skate has the most comfortable lining for long skating sessions?
The Nattork takes the lead here thanks to its COOLMAX Professional Fiber materials, which are extremely breathable and wick moisture away from the feet permanently. The Lake Placid Cascade is close behind with its warm, woven liners and comfort padding that feel cozy during cold rink sessions. The American Athletic Tricot’s padded tricot liner is comfortable too, but it doesn’t breathe as well as the Nattork’s COOLMAX lining — so if your kid sweats a lot, go with the Nattork.
Which skate is the best value for money?
For overall value, I’d say the Lake Placid Cascade is the sweet spot — it gives you firm ankle support, a stainless steel blade, a waterproof sole, and warm liners without being the most expensive option here. The Nattork is the cheapest and offers decent features for the price, but with only 91 reviews it’s less proven. The American Athletic Tricot is the most expensive, but its long track record since 2007 and 880 reviews make it a safe investment if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
My Final Verdict
The Lake Placid Cascade is my clear winner — it gives you firm ankle support from a synthetic upper boot, a stainless steel blade, and a waterproof sole all in one package that most families can afford. The American Athletic Tricot is the runner-up and best for parents who want the most proven skate on the market with 880 reviews and a 4.4-star rating since 2007. The Nattork is a solid budget pick with reinforced ankle support and breathable COOLMAX lining, but it’s the least tested of the three.
If you’re still on the fence, think about this: the Lake Placid Cascade’s waterproof sole and warm woven liner make it the most practical choice for kids who skate regularly, whether indoors or outdoors. That combination of support and comfort is hard to beat at this level.
Winner: Lake Placid Cascade Girl’s Figure Ice Skates
- Synthetic Upper outer boot with firm ankle support.
- Warm, woven liners with Comfort Padding
- Stainless steel blade
Best for most families — the synthetic upper with firm ankle support, stainless steel blade, and waterproof sole make it the most well-rounded choice for beginners. The warm woven liner keeps kids comfortable during long sessions.
Runner-Up: American Athletic Tricot Lined Ice Skates for Girls
- BUILT FOR BEGINNERS: These best-selling skates for girls are specifically...
- REINFORCED ANKLE SUPPORT: The easy-care PVC boot features reinforced ankle...
- COMFORTABLE GIRL'S SKATES: The interior is crafted with a tricot liner...
Best for parents who want a proven skate — 4.4 stars from 880 reviews since 2007. The padded tricot liner fits wider feet comfortably, and the 3.5mm blade with beginner toe pick helps with balance.
Best Budget: Nattork Figure Skates for Boys and Girls
- SUPERIOR MATERIAL: COOLMAX Professional Fiber materials are extremely soft...
- STAINLESS STEEL BLADE: Nattork blades are made out of stainless steel for...
- REINFORCED ANKLE: Robust steel protection provides more control and support...
Best for tight budgets — reinforced ankle support with Solid steel protection and a stainless steel blade at the lowest price. The COOLMAX lining breathes better than the competition for sweaty feet.
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