7 Best Youth Figure Skates For Learning Jumps That Build Proper Technique

Your child’s coach pulls you aside after a lesson with a smile. "They’re ready for jumps," she says, "and that means it’s time for a new pair of skates." Suddenly, you’re launched from the world of simple, soft lesson skates into a dizzying array of boot stiffness ratings, blade models, and price tags that can feel overwhelming. This is a big step, not just in cost, but in your child’s development, and choosing the right skate is one of the most important investments you’ll make in their skating journey.

Matching Skate Support to Your Child’s Jumps

That leap from basic skills to jumping is a huge milestone. It’s also the point where equipment shifts from being about comfort to being critical for safety and proper technique. The soft, forgiving skates that were perfect for learning to glide and swizzle simply don’t have the ankle support needed to absorb the force of landing a jump, even a small one.

This is where the concept of a boot’s "stiffness rating" becomes your most important guide. Think of it as the boot’s backbone. A boot that’s too soft will allow your child’s ankle to wobble or collapse upon landing, which is not only dangerous but also builds bad habits that are hard to break. Conversely, a boot that is too stiff for a small, lightweight skater is like putting them in a cast; they won’t be able to get the deep knee and ankle bend required to power their jumps.

The goal is to find the "just right" level of support for the skills they are currently learning. For a young skater starting their first waltz jumps and toe loops, a boot with a light-to-moderate support rating is ideal. The key is to match the skate to your child’s present needs—their weight, strength, and the specific jumps they are practicing—not the double jumps you imagine they might do years from now.

Jackson Elle: A Top Choice for First Single Jumps

If you ask a dozen coaches what skate to get for a child’s first single jumps, the Jackson Elle will likely be mentioned more than any other. It has become the go-to benchmark for skaters graduating from learn-to-skate programs. It represents that perfect transition into a more serious piece of equipment without being overwhelming.

The Elle is specifically designed for this developmental stage. Its moderate stiffness rating provides the necessary ankle support for landing waltz jumps and Salchows safely, preventing the foot from rolling inward or outward. Yet, it’s not so rigid that it restricts a young skater’s ability to bend and push, which is the foundation of good technique. It helps them learn to use their own muscles for balance and power, with the boot acting as a supportive partner.

From a practical parenting perspective, the Elle is a smart choice. It comes as a set with a quality blade already attached, simplifying the purchasing process. Because it’s such a popular and trusted model, it also holds its resale value remarkably well, which is a huge relief when you know your child’s feet will likely grow again next season.

Edea Overture: Lightweight Boot for Quick Progress

You may notice some skaters at the rink wearing sleek, modern-looking boots. Chances are, they’re wearing Edeas. The Italian brand has a different philosophy, focusing on extremely lightweight construction and an anatomical shape that often leads to a much shorter, easier break-in period.

The Edea Overture is the brand’s entry point for skaters tackling single jumps, including the Axel. While its stiffness rating is numerically higher than some competitors, the boot’s unique design allows for incredible flexibility and a feeling of lightness on the feet. This can be a game-changer for agile skaters who feel bogged down by heavier, more traditional boots.

This model is an excellent option for the dedicated young skater who is progressing quickly and is sensitive to the feel of their equipment. The faster break-in time means fewer complaints and less time spent in discomfort, allowing your child to focus their energy on what matters: mastering their new jumps with confidence.

Riedell Stride for Support and Ankle Flexibility

Riedell is a cornerstone of the skating world, a brand built on decades of craftsmanship and a deep understanding of skaters’ needs. The Riedell Stride is a perfect example of this, designed for the developing skater who needs a thoughtful balance of firm support and strategic flexibility.

One of the standout features of the Stride is the "flex notch"—a small, v-shaped cutout in the leather over the instep. This simple design element makes a world of difference. It allows the boot to bend naturally with the skater’s ankle, encouraging the deep knee bend that is absolutely essential for generating power for jumps and absorbing the shock of landings.

The Stride is often praised for its comfortable, padded interior, which can reduce friction and pressure points during long practice sessions. For a child building the discipline to practice skills over and over, comfort is not a luxury; it’s a key part of keeping them engaged and positive about their time on the ice.

Risport Electra Light: Durability for Practice

Learning to jump means falling. It means trying, falling, and trying again. This repetition is fantastic for building resilience in your child, but it can be tough on their equipment. Risport, another renowned Italian brand, is known for creating boots that are built to last.

The Electra Light is a true workhorse, designed to withstand the daily grind of a skater perfecting all of their single jumps. It offers a solid stiffness level that won’t break down prematurely, ensuring the support your child starts with is the same support they have months later. Its lightweight, modern microfiber construction is also easy to clean and maintain, which is a practical win for any busy parent.

Consider this boot if your child is skating three or more times a week. Its durability makes it a sound investment, providing a stable and consistent platform for them to build their skills without you having to worry that the boots are becoming too soft too soon.

Graf Richmond: Comfort and Control for Young Skaters

Sometimes, the "best" skate is simply the one that fits best. Graf has built its reputation on creating boots with an exceptional, anatomical fit that feels almost custom. For a young skater, a boot that eliminates interior foot-sliding provides a huge boost in confidence and control.

The Graf Richmond is engineered for skaters in the single-jump phase, with a particular focus on locking the heel securely in place. When a skater’s heel is stable, they can make more precise movements and feel more secure in the air and on their landings. This model provides that security without being overly restrictive.

This is a fantastic skate to explore if your child has a narrower foot or has struggled with other boots feeling "sloppy." A precise fit translates directly to better control over the blade’s edges. That connection between foot, boot, and blade is where great technique is born.

Jackson Competitor for Stronger, Advancing Skaters

There comes a point where your skater’s power and the difficulty of their jumps will surpass what their first boot can safely support. When the coach starts talking about a consistent Axel or introduces the first double jumps, it’s time to look at the next level of support. The Jackson Competitor is designed precisely for this transition.

The Competitor offers a significant step up in stiffness from a boot like the Elle. This added rigidity is crucial for supporting the ankle against the much greater rotational force and impact of advanced single jumps and early doubles. It provides the structural integrity needed for a stronger, more powerful skater to land safely and consistently.

It’s important to understand that this is not a beginner’s jump skate. Putting a small child who is just learning a waltz jump into this boot would be a mistake, as it would be too stiff for them to bend. But for the skater who has put in the hours, built up their strength, and is ready for the next challenge, the Competitor is the right tool for the job.

Riedell Motion: A Great All-Around Jump Skate

Skating progression isn’t always a straight line. A skater might master their Salchow and loop quickly but spend months working on their Axel. The Riedell Motion is a versatile intermediate boot that can support a skater through this entire phase of development.

With a solid support rating that sits comfortably in the intermediate range, the Motion is built to handle all single jumps and provide a safe landing platform for a skater starting to attempt their Axel. It combines Riedell’s signature comfort features with the robust construction needed for more demanding elements.

The Motion is a smart choice for the skater who is clearly committed and progressing steadily. It offers enough support that you won’t be shopping for another pair of boots in six months, yet it’s not so overpowering that it will hinder their technique on simpler spins and footwork. It strikes an excellent balance for the dedicated young athlete.

Ultimately, the best skate for your child is the one that correctly fits their foot and provides the appropriate support for their current weight, strength, and skill level. Always work with an experienced, professional skate fitter who can measure your child’s feet and guide you to the right model and size. Your investment isn’t just in a pair of boots; it’s in their safety, their confidence, and the joy they find in mastering a new challenge, one jump at a time.