B.A.
If you are going to a rink, rent real skates. Their feet grow so much and if your child does end up loving to skate then buy, but I would not buy them if there are rentals available for the first few times out. Using real skates teaches them the proper feel, ability to tigten laces or velcro to get a good feel on the foot. No ponds in our area are ready for skaters yet but once they are if going to a rink now a decision can be made later of what to purchase.