The Best Jackson Ice Skates Under $500 For The Skater In Your Life

Posted by Jim Loughran · February 15, 2025

Is there a skater in your life?

Perhaps you have a child that’s interested in starting figure skating.

Or there’s a friend or family member you want to gift a pair of skates for the holidays.

Well, the only way you can hit the ice is in a pair of ice skates.

If you need a brand you can trust, look no further than Jackson ice skates.

BREAK-IN YOUR NEW JACKSON ICE SKATES AT HOME WITH POLYGLIDE SYNTHETIC ICE

Jackson has been producing ice skates for decades and are known for their accessibility, versatility, and affordability.

Ice skating has an (unfair) reputation of being expensive.

Yet, there are millions of recreational ice skaters and thousands of competitive figure skaters worldwide.

Many of these skaters depend on Jackson for high-quality boots and blades.

You too can join in without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re new to skating or want to gift the enthusiast, here are the best Jackson ice skates under $500.

Are Jackson Ice Skates a Good Brand?

With over 60 years of experience, Jackson ice skates is a trusted brand in the ice-skating community.

What sets them apart is their ability to achieve comfort and performance across a variety of skill levels.

You’ll see Jackson on a beginner at a local rink or on the feet of some of the best figure skaters in the world.

Most Jackson skates are made of heat-moldable material, allowing for a custom fit across different sizes and shapes.

The accessibility allows you to gradually move up in rank at a decent price while still enjoying the features advanced skaters need to perform at their best.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for beginner to intermediate skaters, with positive feedback in terms of comfort and performance.

Here, we’ve compiled some of the best in the Jackson catalog.

1. Jackson Evo Women’s Ice Skates

If you’re looking for a beginner ice skates with a classic look for yourself or the skating enthusiast in your life, look no further than the Jackson Eveo skates.

A simple design made of durable materials, these skates are great for recreational use or for learning the basics of figure skating.

Jackson Evo Features:

The Evo has a lightweight microfiber upper and a fibric lining for a soft comfortable fit. It’s ideal for extended skating sessions.
Jackson aims for enhanced flexibility and support. The U-shaped cutoff pattern provides maximum flexibility.
Heat-moldable split leather reinforcements promote a durable, yet secure fit.
Jackson Evo has a soft padded tongue to minimize irritation.
Comes with the Jackson Mark IV blade.

You get a classy yet durable beginner skate.

2. Jackson Ultima Excel

The Ultima Excel is a popular line with beginners, but can still hold up to basic spins, turns, and jumps. Built to be lightweight, yet flexible, this easy to break-in skate provides amazing performance at an affordable price.

Jackson Ultima Excel Features:

Made of solid pieces of vinyl coated upper, the skate holds up to the rigors of skating while minimizing moisture.
Padded tongue with additional mesh materials for added comfort and stability.
Durable, yet stylish brown PVC outsole holds up to hours of skating.
Comes with factory-sharpened Mark II blades.
Does not contain a microfiber upper like other Ultima models.

The Excel is arguably the best skate to price ratio on the market.

3. Jackson Ultima Fusion Elle Pro

The skater in your life may be looking for higher levels of performance or need a skate that can stand up to more rigorous training, the Ultima Fusion Elle Pro may fit the bill.

The Ultima combines durable, lightweight construction with a stylish, functional design for optimized performance.

Jackson Ultima Fusion Elle Pro Features:

A high-quality microfiber upper that provides exceptional flexibility, strength, and versatility. An appropriate stiffness level for training at the intermediate level.
A U-shaped cuff pattern and adjusted back height delivers maximum flexibility while maintaining support. It’s complimented by a rolled lining which reduces irritation around the ankles.
A lightweight Fusion Sole is supported by an aluminum plate to improve shock absorption and prevent sole separation.
Solid uppers with Swarovski inlaid crystals at the back for an elegant touch. The padded tongue for added support.
Comes with the Ultra Mirage Blade for smooth edges, stops, and turns on the ice.

A fantastic intermediate option, expect the Ultima Fusion to last for years.

4. Jackson Ultima Mystique

There’s nothing mysterious about this boot. The Jackson Mystique is an all-purpose boot for beginners interested in recreational skating or taking up figure skating for the first time.

While on the softer side, the Mystique is versatile, with a multitude of sizes that caters to all beginners. It’s a durable, low-maintenance option with a comfort-focused design.

Jackson Ultima Mystique features:

With a microfiber upper and a smooth PVC, combining durability and maintenance.
A foam-backed mesh tongue offers a snug fit while reducing pressure, providing a better skating experience.
A soft topline and full quarter padding means this boot is more ideal for basic skating, however the extra ankle cushioning allows for advanced techniques.
Jackson® all-purpose chrome blade securely attached with screws for long-lasting skating.

Enjoy superior performance during practice or beginner skating.

5. Jackson Softec Nova

You can look stylish on the ice with the Softec Nova series. Softec focuses on comfort, warmth, and durability but with a sleek, modern look.

The Softec’s stylized PVC will get heads turning on the rink while still holding up for hours of recreational skating.

Jackson Softec Nova features:

Durable, low maintenance microfiber upper with a striped PVC outsole to protect the foot and ankle from falls.
Flex notch design allows for increased flexibility, helping beginners move with greater ease and confidence.
Soft synthetic lining and extra padded cushioning at the tongue and ankle wraps around and secures the foot.
Foam-backed tongue also reduces pressure for added comfort.
A Jackson All-Purpose chrome blade provides ideal support for beginner level skaters.

This stylish skate will impress and delight the person you gift it to.

6. Jackson Ultima Softec Sport

The Ultima Softec Sport is a dream option for recreational or freestyle skaters. It’s even a great option for recreational hockey!

Gift the sporty looking Jackson Ultima Sport that mixes comfort, support, and performance.

Jackson Ultima Softec Sport Features:

A durable synthetic upper combined with a soft, synthetic lining for lightweight performance, improved comfort and enhanced durability.
Thicker moisture reducing lining helps keep feet dry during skating sessions.
Extra ankle padding and strap helps beginner skaters feel more confident on the ice.
Factory sharpened Ultima Mark II blade without a toe pick. A versatile blade for freestyling and recreational hockey.
Stylized PVC outsole is ideal for easy care and has solid foundation for skaters.

You can get the Softec Sport in multiple colors and sizes, ideal for the young up and coming skater in your life.

7. Jackson Artiste

With elegance and style, the Jackson Artiste looks and feels like a cut above.

Packed with features that benefit the beginner to intermediate levels, the Jackson Artiste provides a comfortable fit for spins, turns, and even double jumps.

Jackson Artiste Features:

With a combination of Polyurethane-coated synthetic upper and PVC materials, the Artiste is built to last while still maintaining style. These materials are low-maintenance.
Soft topline for added comfort and thicker memory foam padding to secure the ankle during spins and jumps.
Flex notch design allows for practice and additional lacing to secure the foot during competitions or performances.
Chrome plated Ultima Mark IV blade for added speed, smooth edges, and reliable performance.

It’s a great intermediate option you can gift that will last for years.

How do You Break in Jackson Skates?

Ice skates can be a challenge to use out of the box.

You’ll need to break them in, allowing your feet and the boot to get more acquainted.

Fit is crucial.

Make sure you use the sizing guides to purchase skates that can fit the recipient, taking factors like foot shape or wearing socks into account.

Thicker socks are recommended for breaking in skates, so consider going up a half size to be safe.

Experts recommend a few short skate sessions (10-20 minutes) before moving on to longer skating.

Consider wearing them at home for short periods (avoid damaging the blades) to get even more accustomed to the fit.

It can take time before someone can skate for several hours, so let them know if they aren’t already aware of this process.

Persistent discomfort can mean you got the size wrong, so have them reviewed by a professional or consider returning for a better size.

Conclusion

Jackson is a brand renowned for reliability and affordability.

You can grab a pair off Amazon for less than $500, with some at low as $150.

That does not mean inferior performance.

Lower-end Jackson skates still provide optimal comfort with materials that can withstand recreational skating or more vigorous practice sessions.

When you’re ready, you can move into their advanced models, like the Jackson Premiere or Supreme.

If you’re gifting some skates soon, take the time to choose the best from our list.

While all skates here have different qualities, all can produce an amazing skating experience for the recipient.

Consider factors like the person’s style, what the skates will be used for, and price.

When all else fails, seek advice from a skate expert online or in a store for additional support.

Once they break in their skates, rest assured the individual receiving the skates will have the time of their life.

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