The recreational category includes seasonal and leisure skaters, often called “pond skaters” who typically just want to enjoy the sport as a social or infrequent activity, often at an outdoor facility during the winter months. Main considerations in boot selection are comfort, warmth and durability, so they last from one season to another. The Soft-style and thermal boots are a typical choice for this level, but a basic, classic figure skate is also an excellent choice, and will hold up for many seasons of skating. Good Recreational Boots have a stiffness rating between 10-20.Skills include: Basic steps, swizzles, gliding, stopping, forward stroking, basic edges. Learn more with our Buyer's Guides.