Best Hockey Skates for Players of Any Level
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Reebok 11K Pump Hockey Skates -
CCM Super Tacks Senior Ice Hockey Skates -
Graf Ultra G7500 Hockey Skates -
Reebok 20K Pump Ice Hockey Skates -
Bauer Unisex Hockey Skates -
Bauer NS Senior Men's Ice Hockey Skates -
Easton Mako Ice Skates -
Graf Ultra G75 Lite Ice Skates -
CCM Junior Jet Speed Ice Hockey Skates -
Buyer's Guide
Obviously, skating is the most essential part of any hockey player’s game. But, it’s surprising how many people believe that just any old skates will do the job. In fact, the best skates will do more than just last long, they’ll protect your feet from hard shots and board impacts, allow you to move better than other players, and support your ankle (which cheap skates absolutely will not do). The right skates will allow anyone to reach their full potential on the ice while the wrong ones will leave a player blistered, distracted, and off-balanced. So do yourself a favor and give yourself the tools you’ll need to concentrate on the game, and not your feet. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best hockey skates in 2022, we have listed below the available hockey skates for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
Here Are the Best Hockey Skates of 2022
Reebok 11K Pump Hockey Skates - Best Hockey Skates Overall
You can’t make a trip to the rink without seeing Reebok’s Pump Skates somewhere on the ice. So it’s no surprise that the technology has been adapted for goaltenders. The 11k skates are reinforced to provide protection in all the right places while remaining comfortable and keeping your foot in place, no matter how you’re moving. A specially designed tongue cuts down on twisting (which happens especially quick in goalie skates) and exhaust ports keep the skates nice and cool throughout the game. There’s nothing not to love about these skates.
CCM Super Tacks Senior Ice Hockey Skates - Runner Up
CCM brings their lightweight technology to goalies with the U+ Pro skates. The high boot construction is made to give skaters extra stability and protection that doesn’t just focus on any one particular part of the ankle. They’re also outfitted with a VectorDry footbed to keep your feet in place and dry throughout the game, and to also help the skates dry out quickly afterwards. There is also anti-microbial technology lining the skates, which helps to cut down on smell. There’s a reason so many of the pros turn to CCM.
Graf Ultra G7500 Hockey Skates - Honorable Mention
The older Graph goalie skates only had one major flaw, and that was a very uncomfortable tongue that twisted easily, hardened, and dug into your foot. Luckily, Graph completely redesigned the tongue and the result is a very well rounded set of skates. Something else to love about these skates is how well they mold to your feet. And not just around the toes. They seem to hug your foot from all angles and really feel as though there is no dead space. So there’s little-to-no blistering and break-in period.
Reebok 20K Pump Ice Hockey Skates - Consider
Reebok has brought its Pump System to goalies, which should play a huge role in a player’s decision on which skates to buy. The pump will keep the skates firm against your ankles, and when you’re sliding from side to side all game, that little extra comfort and ankle security can make all the difference in keeping your head in the game. The tongue has been improved to cut down on twisting over time, and the runner can now hold a longer edge. These are truly great skates.
Bauer Unisex Hockey Skates - Best Goalie Skates
The first thing to be noticed about these skates is how comfortable they are. They’re outfitted with extra padding to keep your heel comfortable and your feet secure. The ankle is also made to bend just enough to perfectly blend the feelings of full stability and complete control. Both the cowling and the ribs on the foot have been reinforced to add extra toughness against hard impacts. And Bauer has taken extra steps to ensure the skates last forever and continue to be the best in the business.
Bauer NS Senior Men's Ice Hockey Skates - Best Hockey Skates Overall
These skates are the best because they’re made to meet all the needs of an elite skater. There’s almost no break in time and they’re easy to transition to if you’re switching brands. There’s no lace bite, but there is a pleasantly thick tongue (the top of my foot actually feels protected for once) which helps to cut down on retying. They’re also extremely flexible to aid in sharp turns, yet tough enough to block any shot without hurting your foot. They’re just simply the best, most well rounded skate out there, and it will help you feel comfortable and confident, no matter how you play the game.
Easton Mako Ice Skates - Best Hockey Skates Overall
These skates will take some skaters off guard with the first few trial runs. Mostly because we’re used to having “dead space” in our boots, which for a lot of people can lead to blistering. But Easton’s latest skates seem to mold to your feet better (after a quick bake in the oven) than other skates, which is different, but a very welcomed change. They’re ideal for forwards who are looking for flexibility around the ankle, because these will continue to bend to give that extra angle when you need to turn on a dime.
Graf Ultra G75 Lite Ice Skates - Best Hockey Skates Overall
These skates are tough. They’re great for defensemen that want to stand in front of a shot without worrying about having to limp away. The added stiffness cuts away from some of the flexibility of newer skates, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are lots of veteran skaters looking for skates outfitted with new protective technology, but an old school feel. And this is what they’re looking for. Another pleasant surprise is that while they may be very tough, they’re also extremely lightweight. Which is something pretty rare for “heavy duty” skates.
CCM Junior Jet Speed Ice Hockey Skates - Best Hockey Skates Overall
The CCM U+ Crazy Lights are, well, crazy light. And that can make all the difference in the world. Often times a player will need to try new skates a few times to get accustomed to the different feel, but these feel natural and comfortable from the first stride. The U Pro foam construction and Anti-Microbial grip liner ensure durability, to keep the skates lasting and performing at the highest level. And CCM’s custom Armor tongue allows great flexibility. These skates are made to compliment any skating style and they really will bring out the best in any player’s game.
Buyer's Guide
Fun fact: there’s hardly any such thing as the "best hockey skate." It’s all an opinion. Yeah, you read that correctly.
When it comes to choosing the best pair of skates on the market, there are certain factors to consider. And often, they are all dependent on your choice, your preference, and what is best for YOU— your ability, foot size, playing style, weight, and skill level will determine which skate is best for you.
Ice hockey is unlike any other team sport you may know, thanks to the ice, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that choosing the right set of hockey skates, which invariably connects you to the ice, may impact your performance in a great way.
A good hockey skate may not boost your skill instantly, but it would definitely give an edge over other random skaters. So before you start shopping, be sure to do your research and consider all that needs to be considered.
This guide contains all you need to know before choosing the best hockey skate in the market. Keep scrolling.
What factors should I consider when buying a hockey skate?
Price
You’ll definitely want to consider the price when hitting the market for a new hockey skate.
While everyone wants to have the best of skates, not everyone has the funds to spare. So before buying, consider your budget and determine how much you are able and willing to shell out. If you’re buying on a budget, you may want to stay within your budget and buy just what you’re able to afford.
Look up skate prices online and compare top features for the best hockey skates across sites.
You may find a less expensive option, or perhaps you may be tempted to go up a notch. But whatever you do, remember that the skate is the most important equipment you’ll ever buy for hockey.
Fit
Since you’ll be wearing your hockey skates for many hours and will be pushing and stopping a lot, you must get a pair that’s comfortable and fits you well. Having painful feet will prevent you from performing well on the ice.
Are your feet wide, or do you have high arches? Choosing a hockey skate that accommodates your foot type will be important if you have a special foot type. For example, a skate with an extra-large toe box or a unique footbed.
Many skate brands offer both wide and standard models, so you can easily find skates that fit your foot type based on online materials and charts. Besides, manufacturers also provide fitting guides to help you find the right skate for your feet. Sizing can differ from one manufacturer to another, so choose wisely.
Having a tight lacing system is crucial for fitting. This would help your boot stay as cozy as you’d love it to.
Foot slips within your boots impede control over the edges. But skates with bite bars or any other special material prevent laces from loosening by locking them in place. Also, the padding within the boot allows it to be worn snugly without being uncomfortable.
Use
Do you consider pursuing the sport at a higher level? This is for you!
You should choose skates with advanced features if you expect to spend a lot of time in them every week and require high performance.
If your skates aren’t up to the task, you might be held back. So here are some of the key points to consider.
- Comfort: playing more often should make comfort an even larger concern.
- Weight: Lighter skates help you skate faster and reduce fatigue.
- Stiffness: Skates with more stiffness provide better balance and control.
- Steel: Harder steel keeps its edges for longer periods and retains them even better.
- Padding: When the padding is placed correctly, comfort is guaranteed, and your foot is kept safe from stick blades and flying pucks. Good padding also helps the boot fit comfortably.
Players have a number of choices when it comes to hockey skates, thanks to the many options offered by each manufacturer. Selecting the right pair of hockey skates can enhance your experience while on the ice if you think carefully about your needs and preferences.
You should pick the right hockey skates as a first step before anything else, whether you’re just trying to have fun or you’re looking to achieve great things.
FAQs
Q: What is the reasonable amount to spend on hockey skates?
Getting a good pair of hockey skates costs at least $150. It is almost impossible to find skates that cost less and work just as fine for adults that play the game often. However, there are a few great places you can get clearance skates at very affordable prices.
For casual skating sessions and a few laps, you can get away with the cheapest skates, but a hockey player’s skating demands (crossovers, starts, stops, jumps, turning, sticks, pucks, etc.) will require a higher level of quality.
Q: Are my skates steel replaceable?
Almost all hockey skates are designed with replaceable steel. The screws on some brands, like CCM, are visible, while on other brands, like Bauer, the screws are seen under the heel.
If the steel cannot be replaced, the skates are probably not built for routine use. You want a skate that will outlast its blades (blades break sometimes), so you should have the option to replace steel as needed.
Otherwise, you may have to spend more cash replacing the entire skate in just a matter of months.
Q: When should I replace my skate blades?
The lifespan of a skate blade varies. It depends on how often you play and how often you get your skate blades sharpened.
When the steel is sharpened repeatedly, it wears down, which can affect your skating if care is not taken. If you’re unsure of when to replace the steel in your skates, ask the skate sharpeners at a pro shop. You can do so for a reasonable price, which means you can continue using the skates you love.
