Are you looking to buy the best hockey skates in 2023?
With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which ones are right for you. In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect pair of hockey skates that will give you superior performance on the ice.
We’ll also discuss what features and characteristics make a great pair of hockey skates, as well as how to choose the right size and fit for your individual needs. So read on and get ready to hit the ice with confidence!
Best Hockey Skates in 2023
Bauer Supreme Mach Skates
This pair of skates by Bauer is one of the best hockey skates you can find on the market. I liked this pair at first glance.
Its sleek yet sturdy design made it stand out among the rest in my eyes. It’s a perfect fit, lightweight, and high-performing skate.
One of my favorite features of this pair of skates is that I can choose the best steel to fit my game. Also, if you have wide feet like me, these skates are just the ones for you.
Its Reflex Tendon Guard allows you to create more power quickly and efficiently to maximize the acceleration and transition zones of the blade.
Best- suited for elite players who skate more than 4-5 times a week. But I would suggest beginners avoid buying this pair as they are still learning the basics, and stiffer skates would not provide many benefits and are more uncomfortable to use.
Bauer Supreme M4 Skates
This pair of Bauer Supreme M4 skates is one of the best skates in its cost range. I particularly like this pair because of its lightweight and the great comfort and support.
One of the features I like the best is that the lower part of the skate is stiffer to optimize energy transfer, and the upper part of the skate is softer, allowing increased mobility.
Also, I like that it comes with different steel options to choose from and gives off a fully custom feel.
These skates are designed for intermediate-level skaters, those who skate about 3-4 times a week. But I must say that if you are an elite player or a beginner, this pair is not suitable for you.
These skates might hold back your skills while skating if you are an elite player. Likewise, a beginner would find these skates, which might ruin his skating experience.
CCM Jetspeed FT485 Skates
This pair of CCM Jetspeed skates come in a fantastic color combination, red and black, one of my favorites.
It’s lightweight and is a one-piece boot. I prefer it so much because it enables direct energy transfer, has a snug fit, and keeps my feet intact.
Its multi-density foam further enhances comfort and gives a satisfying skating experience.
Another salient feature of these skates that impressed me was that The XS Tongue System gives me options in thickness to either increase or decrease the inner boot volume to get my best fit.
However, the tongue inserts are for additional purchase. It has stainless steel runner, which provides a long-lasting edge for long-term performance.
These skates are perfect for those who aren’t looking to pay the top-of-the-line price but still need quality comfort and performance benefits.
Bauer Vapor X3.7 Skates
This pair of Bauer Vapor X3.7 skates are perfect for people like me who skate on just a weekly basis.
It offers quality features that will give the player who skates 1-2 times a week the comfort and flexibility they need.
Although it is not as good as the premium skates, it’s excellent for its price. So, if you are also not a regular skater and don’t want to spend much on your skates, you can definitely consider these skates.
I’ll be honest; it is not exactly a lightweight skate. But if we compare, it is 4% lighter than any comparable model.
It has a two-piece tongue with a liner. The memory foam padding and this soft microfiber liner double the comfort and support the skates provide.
But you must remember that even though these skates are suitable for their price, they won’t stand a chance against premium skates.
So, if you compare this pair with another, compare it in its price range.
Among other important ice hockey gear like ice hockey gloves, sticks, etc, skates are extremely indispensable, so make sure you choose wisely.
Bauer Supreme 3S Skates
If you are looking for a pair of hockey skates for your kid in a low price range, this pair of Bauer Supreme 3S skates are perfect for your little one.
Apart from having an excellent lighting appearance because of its funky color combination, it has a sturdy frame. The composite material makes the skates durable and prevents their wear and tear.
Even if your kid spends more than 3-4 hours a week in the rink, you can rest assured of the skates’ durability.
In addition to their durability, the snug fit of these skates makes it a lot more accessible for your kid to get the best out of the skating experience.
A fantastic feature of this pair which is often absent in other skates of the same price range is that it can be baked.
This feature might seem irrelevant, but it is of great value because it is the comfort you are after while buying a new pair of hockey skates.
Baking the skates before using them would prevent your child from getting blisters or foot aches.
CCM Tacks AS-580 Skates
This pair of ice hockey skates is one of the most fashionable boots your child would own. The price might be a bit of an issue, but the skates are worth every penny you spend.
The incredible thing about this pair is that these skates come in 4 color combinations, and your child can choose among them to match his/her team uniform or even stand out from their friends.
Young children have sensitive skin, and these skates come with Slicktec heel application allowing the boots to slide on easily and gently.
When talking about comfort, I was impressed by the 7mm thick foam added to the insole of the boots. It also adds a layer of protection for the feet.
Also, the toe region has a lot of room and is perfectly wide. This leaves no room for the pinky-toe pinch. They are perfect for wide and high-arched feet.
However, the tongue is a bit thinner, so you might have to find a way to deal with the lace bite. But overall, it is a good pair of skates to own.
If you want to learn how to lace your ice hockey skates correctly, do check out this article.
CCM Tacks AS-550 Skates
The CCM Tacks AS-550 skates are one of the cheapest skates you could find in the market.
However, I assure you that even at fewer than 100 dollars for a pair of skates, the pair is still worth the money you would spend.
The outer body of the skates is injected with mesh skin technology. It makes the boots more durable and increases the skates’ structural stiffness.
Personally, this feature attracted me a lot to this pair of ice hockey skates because, at this price range, it is tough to find durability as a critical feature in boots.
With easy-tie eyelets on the top of the boot, lacing up your kid’s skates would become relatively hassle-free.
Additionally, the added foam in the boots provides comfort and protection to your kid’s feet. It is also one of the significant features to look at while buying skates, as it is basically the comfort you are after.
Furthermore, it has non-replaceable steel blades with elevated holders.
Overall, it is an excellent pair to buy if you want skates for narrow feet.
Bauer X-LP Skate
This pair of ice hockey skates are the best among the cost range they come into. I fell in love with the look the skates had to offer, especially the black and blue color combination with a tinge of white to complete the look.
Even the durability and comfort it provides are just excellent. It prevents wear and tear of the skates and makes them last longer.
These skates are best suited for the player who is quite serious about the game but mainly because of the fun of it.
It also has a warm and comfortable fleece liner and is excellent for people with wide feet. It also has plenty of interiors and tongue padding, making it highly comfortable. So, basically, it is more of a basic skate.
Even when it comes to the cost, these skates are neither very cheap nor expensive.
With this middle range in price, the features this pair of skates offers are pretty satisfactory. Just like me, you should also go ahead and order a couple for yourself too.
CCM JetSpeed FT485 Skate
This pair of ice hockey skates is one of the most budget-friendly skates you’ll come across.
It has a dashing outer look with a red and black hot color combination, the one I haven’t been able to take my eyes off. Not only that, it has excellent durability with structural stiffness.
It protects the skates from wearing and tearing off and makes them long-lasting. Also, it has a brushed microfiber liner, making it highly resistant to wear.
It has injected outsoles that provide impeccable energy transfer from foot to skate. This feature increases rink mobility and enables one to take larger strides.
It also gives young players support, comfort, and the most accurate measurement. It really impressed me the most, apart from the low skate cost.
Additionally, it has non-replaceable stainless steel blades and elevated holders. It increases the attack angle.
Overall, this pair of ice-hockey skates is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly skates you can buy for your young skater, with impeccable features.
How to Choose Hockey Skates
Understand the Different Types of Hockey Skates
Hockey skates come in different styles and levels of support that cater to all kinds of players, from beginners to advanced. The following are the three common types of skates:
1. Entry-Level Skates – These are the most basic and affordable hockey skates, providing the least amount of support and durability. They typically have a lightweight construction to maximize speed but minimal padding for comfort. These are best suited for beginner players or those on a budget.
2. Mid-Range Skates – These are a step up from entry-level skates and provide more support, comfort, and durability. They typically feature better padding, higher-quality materials, and upgraded construction. These skates are ideal for intermediate hockey players looking to take their game to the next level.
3. Professional Level Skates – As the name implies, these are top-of-the-line skates designed for professional hockey players. They feature high-quality materials, premium components, and superior craftsmanship for maximum performance and durability.
Consider Your Skating Style and Level of Play
When purchasing hockey skates it’s important to consider your skating style and play level. Entry-level skates are ideal for those just starting out, while mid-range and pro-level skates offer more advanced features that cater to experienced players.
Also, consider the playing surface you’ll be skating on. Artificial ice requires less grip than natural ice and thus lighter weight skates are usually preferred by professional players.
Find the Right Fit
It’s important to find the right fit when selecting hockey skates. Skates that are too tight can cause blisters and pain, while skates that are too loose can cause instability and lack of control. It’s best to try on multiple pairs in different sizes before purchasing.
Getting the Right Support
Having the right amount of support is key when playing hockey. If you’re buying entry-level skates, consider adding after-market support such as footbeds for extra cushioning. Mid-range and pro-level skates usually have better padding and support built in, but it’s still important to make sure the skate fits properly.
Look at the Quality and Durability
When buying hockey skates, it’s important to look at their quality and durability. High-quality materials such as leather and synthetic fibers should be used in all parts of the skate, including the boot, blade, toes, and ankle area. Additionally, make sure there’s no visible wear or tear that could indicate a lower-quality product.
Consider Price as a Factor in Selecting Hockey Skates
When looking for hockey skates, it’s important to consider price as a factor. Entry-level skates are usually the most affordable, while mid-range and professional-level skates tend to be more expensive.
Try on Different Brands to Find What Works Best For You
It’s best to try on different brands of hockey skates to find what works best for you. Each brand has its own unique design and features, so it’s important to find what fits your playing style the most.
Get Professional Advice from a Local Sporting Goods Store or Coach
It’s a good idea to seek professional advice from a knowledgeable local sporting goods store or coach when selecting hockey skates.
It is helpful to get advice from people who know a lot about hockey skates. They can tell you what kind of skate is best for your level and budget.
FAQs about Hockey Skates
What is the difference between entry-level and professional hockey skates?
Entry-level skates are lighter weight and provide less support, while professional-level skates feature higher quality materials, premium components, and superior craftsmanship for maximum performance and durability.
How do I know if a hockey skate fits properly?
It’s important to find the right fit when selecting hockey skates. Skates that are too tight can cause blisters and pain, while skates that are too loose can cause instability and lack of control. It’ll be better to try on multiple pairs in different sizes before settling on one pair.
Where can I get advice on what type of hockey skate is best for me?
It’s a good idea to seek professional advice from a knowledgeable local sporting goods store or coach when selecting hockey skates. They can tell you what kind of skate is best for your level and budget.
What hockey skates do pros use?
Professional players usually use mid-range to pro-level skates. Also, they prefer lighter-weight skates for playing on artificial ice.
Who makes better hockey skates, Bauer or CCM?
The answer to this question is subjective, as each hockey skater has his or her own preferences when it comes to choosing the best hockey skates. Generally speaking, Bauer and CCM both offer high-quality skating options that are well-made and durable. However, Bauer’s higher-end skates tend to be lighter in weight while CCM’s top models feature more robust materials and extra padding for enhanced performance. Ultimately, which brand you decide to go with will depend on your individual needs, budget, level of play, etc., so it would be best to try on various brands before settling on one that works best for you.
Final Thoughts
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best hockey skates. But by considering your playing style and surface, finding the right fit, getting the right support, looking at quality and durability, as well as price – you’ll be sure to find skates that will help you take your game to the next level.
