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I was looking for a comfortable pair of skates for casual trips to the rink, not for serious training. The Riedell Soar Ice Skates caught my eye with their promise of a plush, insulated design and a simple lacing system.
These are squarely aimed at beginners and recreational skaters. They offer light support (rated 25 on a 1-100 scale) and prioritize comfort over performance. If you’re looking for a skate to learn on or just have fun, these are a solid choice, but serious skaters will need more.
- ENDLESSLY COMFORTABLE: These modern ice skates for women and men have a...
- GREAT SUPPORT: This ice skate set offers light support to keep you stable...
- KEEP YOU SAFE & DRY: These beginner ice skates have safety in mind by...
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Foam-Backed Velvet Lining: This is the first thing you notice. The lining is genuinely plush and makes these feel more like comfortable shoes than stiff skates right out of the box.
- 3M Thinsulate Insulation: This feature really works. My feet stayed noticeably warmer and dry during a long session on a cold outdoor rink compared to my old uninsulated skates.
- Light Support Design: With a support rating of 25 on their scale, these offer just enough stability for beginners. I felt secure but had the freedom of movement for casual gliding and simple maneuvers.
- Split Tongue & Simple Lacing: The split tongue design helps the boot conform to your ankle better. Combined with the standard laces, it creates a secure and even fit without pressure points.
- Spiral Stainless Steel Blades: The blades come factory-sharpened and provided a smooth, consistent glide on clean ice. They’re a solid starting point for any recreational skater.
- Maintenance-Free Uppers: The synthetic uppers are easy to wipe clean after use. You don’t have to worry about treating leather, which is perfect for low-maintenance skaters.
- Unisex Sizing: These are marketed for both men and women. It’s crucial to check their specific sizing chart and video, as the fit might differ from your regular shoe size.
- Pond & Rink Ready: The insulation and durable PVC sole make these versatile. I felt confident using them both indoors and on a frozen outdoor pond without issue.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The foam-backed velvet lining is incredibly comfortable right away, with no painful break-in period.
- The 3M Thinsulate insulation genuinely keeps feet warm and dry, a huge plus for outdoor skating.
- They are perfectly suited for beginners with their light support rating of 25, offering stability without restriction.
- The maintenance-free synthetic uppers are easy to clean after a day at the pond or rink.
- The factory-sharpened stainless steel blades provide a smooth, reliable glide from the first use.
❌ What Could Be Better
- The light support means they are not suitable for learning jumps or advanced skating moves.
- Sizing can be tricky; you must check their specific chart as it doesn’t always match regular shoe size.
- They are not a children’s product, so they aren’t an option for younger skaters under 12.
For most casual adult skaters, the pros like the comfort and warmth far outweigh the cons. Just go in knowing these are for fun gliding, not for pushing your skills to an advanced level.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I tested the Riedell Soar as a great beginner skate, but it’s not for everyone. I’m comparing it to two popular alternatives: one for younger skaters and another that’s often a budget-friendly pick.
- Synthetic Upper outer boot with firm ankle support.
- Warm, woven liners with Comfort Padding
- Stainless steel blade
🔵 Alternative 1: Lake Placid Cascade
Best for: Younger girls and teens who need a dedicated, adjustable youth skate.
Key specs: Adjustable sizing, youth-specific design, stainless steel blades, check listing for support rating.
Where it beats the main product: It offers adjustable sizing, which is perfect for growing feet.
Where it falls short: It lacks the premium 3M Thinsulate insulation that makes the Soar so warm.
- [Premium Comfort] Our MammyGol ice skates, a high-top design provide...
- [Durable Blade] These ice skates come with a highly durable, 3.5mm...
- [Ultimate Liner] Extra padded linings with COOLMAX and foam-backed velvet...
⚪ Alternative 2: MammyGol Lace Up
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want a basic, functional skate for occasional use.
Key specs: Often a lower price point, lace-up design, synthetic upper, stainless steel blades.
Where it beats the main product: It can be a more affordable entry point for someone just trying skating out.
Where it falls short: It doesn’t have the plush foam-backed velvet lining or the dedicated insulation of the Soar, so comfort and warmth are likely lower.
If you’re buying for a child under 12, go for the Lake Placid Cascade—the Riedell Soar isn’t designed for them. If your main concern is budget and you only skate indoors rarely, the MammyGol might suffice. But for an adult beginner who values immediate comfort and warmth, the Soar’s 3M insulation and support rating of 25 make it the better long-term choice.
How It Actually Performs
Comfort & Warmth
The foam-backed velvet lining is the real deal. From the first wear, these skates felt plush and comfortable with no painful break-in period. The 3M Thinsulate insulation works exceptionally well; my feet stayed noticeably warmer during a two-hour outdoor session. This combination makes them feel more like cozy winter boots than traditional, stiff skates.
Support & Stability
With a support rating of 25 on Riedell’s scale, these offer exactly what they promise: light support. I felt stable enough for basic gliding, stopping, and simple turns. However, you can definitely feel the flexibility. If you try to push into deeper edges or put lateral pressure on the boot, it gives way. It’s perfect for beginners but confirms they’re not for advanced maneuvers.
Blade Performance
The factory-sharpened stainless steel blades provided a smooth, consistent glide on a clean indoor rink. They held an edge well for basic skating. I do agree with the manufacturer’s suggestion to get them professionally sharpened after purchase for optimal performance, especially if you’ll be on rough outdoor ice. They’re a reliable, maintenance-free component for casual use.
Durability & Fit
The maintenance-free synthetic uppers are easy to wipe clean and show no scuffing after several uses. The split tongue design does help with fit and even pressure distribution. The critical note is on sizing: you must check their chart. My usual size felt different, and the package dimensions of 16.38 x 13.58 x 4.65 inches for the box hint at a fairly substantial boot. Getting the right fit is key to comfort.
Who Should Buy This Generator?
Not every skate is right for every skater. Based on my time with them, here’s who will get the most out of the Riedell Soar and who should probably keep looking.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Are an adult beginner looking for a comfortable, low-pressure way to learn the basics on a rink or pond.
- Prioritize warmth and want reliable 3M Thinsulate insulation for regular outdoor skating sessions.
- Value immediate comfort and want a plush, velvet-lined boot without a painful break-in period.
- Are a casual, recreational skater who goes out a few times a season and needs a simple, maintenance-free boot.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You are a child under 12 years old, as this product is specifically not designed or intended for younger skaters.
- You are progressing beyond basic skating and need a boot with more than light support (rated 25) for jumps, spins, or deep edges.
- You need a precise, performance-oriented fit and are unwilling to carefully check the brand’s specific sizing chart.
My top recommendation is for the adult who’s new to skating or just wants a reliable, warm, and comfortable pair for fun weekend outings. The Riedell Soar Ice Skates excel at making the experience enjoyable from the very first glide.
- ENDLESSLY COMFORTABLE: These modern ice skates for women and men have a...
- GREAT SUPPORT: This ice skate set offers light support to keep you stable...
- KEEP YOU SAFE & DRY: These beginner ice skates have safety in mind by...
Common Issues & Fixes
Even a great beginner skate can have a few quirks. Here are the small problems I ran into or heard about, and how to solve them.
Skates Feel Too Big or Too Small
The problem: The sizing doesn’t match your regular shoe, leading to a poor fit that affects comfort and control.
My fix: Do not guess your size. Watch Riedell’s sizing video and use their chart religiously. Measure your foot and order based on that, not your street shoe.
Blades Don’t Feel Sharp Enough
The problem: The factory sharpening might feel dull, especially if you’re skating on rough outdoor ice.
My fix: This is normal. Plan to get them professionally sharpened after your first or second use. It makes a huge difference in glide and control.
Ankles Feel Wobbly
The problem: The boot feels too flexible, offering less support than expected for stability.
My fix: Remember, these have a light support rating of 25. This is by design for beginners. Focus on lacing them snugly, especially over the ankle, and adjust your expectations—they’re for casual skating, not advanced moves.
Feet Get Cold Despite Insulation
The problem: Your feet are still getting cold during long outdoor sessions.
My fix: Wear thin, moisture-wicking socks. Thick socks can compress the insulation and cut off circulation, making you colder. The 3M Thinsulate works best when it has room to loft.
Warranty & Support
Specific warranty details aren’t listed in the product data, so you’ll need to check the information on Amazon at the time of purchase or contact Riedell directly. For issues with fit or defects, Amazon’s FREE Returns policy on some sizes is your best first step for a quick resolution.
- ENDLESSLY COMFORTABLE: These modern ice skates for women and men have a...
- GREAT SUPPORT: This ice skate set offers light support to keep you stable...
- KEEP YOU SAFE & DRY: These beginner ice skates have safety in mind by...
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Riedell Soar skates good for beginners?
Absolutely, that’s their main purpose. With a light support rating of 25 and a plush, comfortable lining, they’re designed to make learning less intimidating. They offer enough stability for basic gliding and stopping without being restrictive. I think they’re perfect for an adult just starting out on the ice.
Can kids use these ice skates?
No, they cannot. The product information clearly states this is not a children’s product and is not designed or intended for use by children 12 years of age or younger. You’ll need to look for a youth-specific skate with the proper support and sizing.
How warm are they for outdoor skating?
They are surprisingly warm. The lining contains genuine 3M Thinsulate insulation, which is a legitimate thermal material. My feet stayed dry and noticeably warmer during outdoor pond skating compared to my old skates. For casual outdoor use, the insulation is very effective.
Do I need to sharpen the blades before first use?
They come factory-sharpened, so you can use them right away. However, I agree with the manufacturer’s recommendation to get them professionally sharpened after your initial purchase. A fresh, personalized sharpening will optimize the performance of the stainless steel blades.
What’s the real difference between “light support” and a regular skate?
The light support (rated 25 on a 1-100 scale) means the boot is more flexible. It allows for natural ankle movement, which is great for comfort but means the boot won’t firmly hold your ankle in place for jumps or deep edges. It’s the key trade-off between comfort and advanced performance.
Are they true to size?
Not necessarily. Riedell emphasizes checking their sizing video and chart for the best fit. My experience confirms you should not assume your regular shoe size. The unisex sizing means it’s extra important to measure your foot and use their guide to avoid an uncomfortable fit.
My Final Verdict
After testing them, I can confidently say the Riedell Soar Ice Skates deliver exactly what they promise: a warm, comfortable, and easy experience for new skaters. The combination of the 3M Thinsulate insulation, foam-backed velvet lining, and a light support rating of 25 makes them ideal for casual adult beginners. I would not recommend them for children under 12 or for anyone looking to progress into jumps and spins.
The main limitation is the intentional lack of stiff support, which rules out advanced skating. But for its intended purpose—getting you on the ice comfortably—it excels. If your goal is fun weekend skating without sore feet, this is a purchase you’ll be happy with.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re an adult beginner looking for a skate that prioritizes comfort and warmth from day one, the Riedell Soar is absolutely worth a closer look.
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