Best Hockey Skates for 2025
Finding the best ice skates for hockey is important to every player. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a beginner skater – the right hockey skate can make a world of difference every time you step on the ice.
Whether you’re looking for the right skate to take your game to the next level, or you need a pair for pick-up games on weekends, our guide will give you an overview of the top 10 best ice skates for hockey available today.
Best Hockey Skates for 2025
The best ice skates for hockey will vary for each player, depending on factors such as skill level, playing style, how long you’ve skated, how often you skate and of course how much you want to spend. Skates have different features, and you may find a skate lower on our list suits your skillset better than our top pick, and that’s ok. The skate that works best for you is one that provides the comfort and performance tailored to your game. We based our top 10 list by evaluating things like comfort, fit, style and price point.
Available in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.
Overview:
The CCM Tacks XF Pro Senior Ice Hockey Skates are built for elite power skaters, delivering long, strong strides with maximum force generation. These skates offer a comfortable fit, making them hard to take off after a game.
The quarter package features a one-piece boot with enhanced power and energy transfer, while the Fors Composite material combines high-end carbon fiber for better performance and durability. The XF Pro’s stiffness rating of 215, along with the Flex Tendon 3.0, provides excellent protection, support, and increased stride extension for faster skating.
Inside, the Totaldri Pro liner wicks away moisture, while multi-layered ADPT Memory foam provides superior comfort and ankle padding. The Tritech tongue with D3O adds protection and flexibility, and the Ortholite footbed ensures a molded fit. With a lightweight composite midsole and Speedblade XS holder, the Step Blacksteel runner enhances edge hardness and glide for optimal speed.
Known For:
- One-piece boot with enhanced energy transfer for powerful strides
- Fors Composite material for improved durability and performance
- Stiffness rating of 215 with Flex Tendon 3.0 for increased speed and protection
- Totaldri Pro liner and ADPT Memory foam for moisture control and comfort
- Speedblade XS holder with Step Blacksteel runner for superior edge hardness and glide
Available in senior and intermediate sizes.
The Bauer Supreme Shadow skates are built for elite power skaters, combining explosiveness with agility. With a stiffer lower boot for maximum energy transfer and a more flexible upper for enhanced range of motion, these skates deliver unrivaled power and speed. Designed for the modern game, they feature cutting-edge materials and technology to help players dominate every stride.
Key Features
- 3D-Lasted 12 Carbon Curv Composite Boot: Lightweight, thermoformable construction for elite-level protection, fit, and power transfer.
- Powerfly Holder: Stiff front post for maximum energy transfer and flexible back post for quick lateral movement.
- ErgoConnect Toe Cap: Improves forefoot wrap and torsional stiffness for a more comfortable, locked-in fit.
- Lock-Fit Pro Liner & Footbed: Provides grip, reduces foot slippage, and enhances stability and stride efficiency.
- Fly-Ti or Fly-X Steel Compatibility: Choose between titanium-coated Fly-Ti for superior edge retention or Fly-X for high-grade durability and performance.
Available in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.
Overview:
The True Catalyst 9X4 skates bring the elite-level fit, comfort, and performance of True’s custom skates into an off-the-shelf package. Designed for powerful, agile skating, they feature a thermoformable one-piece carbon fiber shell, enhanced edge control, and premium steel for long-lasting performance.
Key Features:
- NEUROFIT+ One-Piece Carbon Fiber Shell: Thermoformable design for superior fit, energy transfer, and impact protection.
- CARV Toe Cap: Improves ice clearance on deep turns, allowing for sharper, more powerful cuts.
- Shift Max Holder & DLC Runner: Enhanced durability and blade security with quick blade replacement; DLC-coated runners offer stronger edges and reduced friction.
- Clarino Hydrofoam Liner: Moisture-wicking liner provides comfort, foot lock, and keeps feet dry.
- Flex Tendon Guard: Single-rivet design increases range of motion for more powerful strides.
Availble in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.
CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro Senior Ice Hockey Skates$919.99 Original Price $1,149.99 You Save 20% Original Price $1,149.99 You Save
Overview:
The CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro Hockey Skates feature a one-piece SPEED boot with a game-ready fit, offering enhanced performance, acceleration, and lightness. The boot is constructed with RFM composite and high-end core material for NHL-level protection and durability. The ADPT comfort tongue with flexmotion and TotalDri Pro+ Liner ensure a comfortable and moisture-wicking interior.
These skates come with a molded CCM Ortholite Ultra footbed for added comfort, heel grip support, and ADPT memory foam. The SpeedBlade XS holder, with an enhanced dial, allows for quick blade replacement while maximizing energy transfer. The STEP Blacksteel (+4mm) runners offer superior edge hardness and glide. The CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro Hockey Skates are designed for elite-level skaters seeking improved speed, comfort, and performance.
Known For:
- One-piece SPEED boot technology has no outsole, no stitching, and no glue in high-energy transfer zones
- RFM composite with high end core material is extremely lightweight without sacrificing protection or durability
- ADPT comfort tongue with flexmotion
- TotalDri Pro+ Liner with polygiene
- CCM Ortholite Ultra footbed with ADPT memory foam
- SpeedBlade XS holder with STEP Blacksteel (+4mm) runners
Available in senior, intermediate, and junior sizes.
Overview:
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 skates are built for elite players seeking maximum speed, agility, and responsiveness. Featuring a lightweight carbon CURV composite boot, innovative Powerfly holder, and enhanced comfort features, these skates deliver explosive acceleration and precision on the ice.
Key Features
- 3D Lasted Carbon CURV Composite Boot: Lightweight, thermoformable design for exceptional stiffness, support, and energy transfer.
- Aerolite 2.0 Tongue: Enhanced forward flex with added protection for powerful strides without sacrificing comfort.
- Powerfly Blade Holder: Inspired by Bauer’s OD1N prototype, offering quicker turns, faster acceleration, and improved durability.
- Lock-Fit Pro Liner & Aerofoam Pro Padding: Moisture-wicking liner with cushioned ankle pads for superior comfort and stability.
- Fly-Ti or Fly-X Steel Compatibility: Premium coated steel options with enhanced edge retention and durability for long-lasting performance.
Available in senior, intermediate, and junior sizes.
Overview:
The True Catalyst 7X4 skates are built for serious players seeking a pro-level fit, comfort, and performance at a competitive price. Featuring a thermoformable carbon fiber boot, improved toe cap design, and durable steel runners, these skates deliver excellent energy transfer and agility.
Key Features
- NEUROFIT+ Shell: One-piece carbon fiber boot offers superior fit, energy transfer, and impact protection.
- CARV Toe Cap: Improved ice clearance on deep turns for more aggressive edge work and powerful cuts.
- Molded Tongue & Flex Tendon Guard: Lightweight tongue with added protection and a flexible tendon guard for better range of motion.
- Shift Max Holder & Runner: Durable holder with an easy blade swap system paired with high-grade 9CR stainless steel runners.
- Clarino Liner: Moisture-wicking liner keeps feet dry while locking them in place for enhanced stability.
Available in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.
Overview:
Built for elite power skaters, the Bauer Supreme M50 Pro skates are designed to maximize energy transfer, speed, and agility. With a thermoformable carbon composite boot, innovative Powerfly holder, and premium steel compatibility, these skates deliver pro-level performance with every stride.
Key Features:
- 3D Lasted Carbon Curv Composite Boot: Lightweight, thermoformable construction offers elite protection, fit, and energy transfer.
- Standard Flex Facing & Reflex Tendon Guard: Enhanced range of motion for powerful strides and quicker transitions.
- Reflex Classic Felt Tongue: 52oz felt tongue provides comfort and flexibility.
- Powerfly Holder: Stiff front post for better energy transfer; flexible back post for faster lateral movement and improved agility.
- Steel Compatibility: Choose between the Fly-Ti (premium coated for enhanced edge retention) or Fly-X (high-grade core) runners.
- Lock-Fit Pro Liner & Footbed: Moisture-wicking liner reduces slippage, keeping feet secure and dry.
- Aerofoam+ Ankle Padding: Provides added comfort and reduces wear over time.
Available in senior and intermediate sizes.
Overview:
The CCM Tacks XF Senior Ice Hockey Skates are engineered for advanced power skaters who demand explosive performance, speed, and a superior fit. With cutting-edge technology like the Flex Tendon 3.0 and Step V-Steel runners, these skates are built to provide maximum force generation, comfort, and durability, making them a top choice for elite players.
Key Features
- RFM Composite Boot & One-Piece Construction: Lightweight, durable, and thermoformable for optimal power transfer and responsiveness. Extended facings offer a more generous midfoot fit.
- Flex Tendon 3.0 with Super Skin: Enhanced tendon flex for greater stride extension, increasing speed and power. Composite material adds protection and support.
- Totaldri Pro Liner with Polygiene Antimicrobial Treatment: Moisture-wicking properties keep feet dry, while odor control keeps your skates fresh.
- Tritech Tongue & Lacebite Protection: 7mm black felt with molded foam core and injected EVA foam pad for a custom fit and extra comfort during intense strides.
- Speedblade XS Holder & Step V-Steel Runners: Larger, more textured dial for better grip and quicker blade changes. Step V-Steel (+4mm) blades provide superior edge retention and glide, enhancing skating speed.
- Molded CCM Ortholite Ultra Footbed: Features ADP memory foam for a lightweight, molded fit with heel grip support for long-lasting comfort.
Available in senior and intermediate sizes.
-
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Pro Stock Senior Ice Hockey Skates$699.99 Original Price $999.99 You Save 30% Original Price $999.99 You Save
Overview:
Step into the speed and precision of pro-level performance with the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Pro Stock Senior Ice Hockey Skates. Made in Canada and assembled with the same materials and techniques used for elite major junior, college, and pro players, these skates are built for serious performance.
Key Features
- Hyperflex Boot Construction: Designed with Bauer's Hyperflex system, the boot provides a stiff yet flexible fit that conforms to your foot for improved comfort and performance. Made with 3-D lasted Carbon Curv Composite, it’s both lightweight and durable, delivering a snug, close-to-the-foot feel.
- AeroLite Dual Injected Tongue: The AeroLite tongue ensures greater range of motion during skating strides while enhancing comfort and protection. It protects against lace bite, blocked shots, and stick checks, thanks to its molded felt and dual-injected inserts.
- Asymmetrical Toe Cap/Box: Bauer optimized the asymmetrical design for improved push-off power, increasing top-end speed. The toe cap is slightly shorter in height and longer in length compared to the previous model, based on player feedback.
- Lock-Fit Pro Liner & Aerofoam Pro Ankle Padding: The Lock-Fit Pro liner helps keep your feet dry and secure, while Aerofoam Pro ankle pads deliver a premium fit with enhanced thermoformability, comfort, and durability.
- LightSpeed EDGE Holder & Pulse TI Runners: The LightSpeed EDGE holders are 3mm taller than previous models, allowing for deeper turns and better edge control. The Pulse TI runners feature a titanium coating with a mirrored finish for improved edge retention and grip, helping you maintain speed in tight turns. The 10-foot radius provides an ideal balance for all types of skating.
Available in senior, intermediate, and junior sizes.
Overview:
Building on the success of the previous Catalyst line, the True Catalyst 3X4 Senior Ice Hockey Skates offer elite performance redefined. Designed for entry-level players seeking True’s renowned fit, these skates feature the patented NEUROFIT injection-molded poly forged composite shell for increased impact resistance and comfort. The new CARV toe cap design enhances ice clearance on deep turns, while PU leather side panels provide reinforcement in high-wear areas.
Inside, the Black Wick liner keeps feet dry and securely in place. The skates are equipped with steel rivets for superior hold compared to traditional copper, and the Shift Max holder ensures improved durability and blade security with an easy blade change system. The Shift Max runners, made from 3CR stainless steel, are compatible with the Shift Max holder for optimal performance.
Known For:
- NEUROFIT injection-molded poly forged composite shell for lightweight impact resistance and comfort
- CARV toe cap design for better ice clearance and enhanced cutting performance
- PU leather side panels for increased abrasion resistance in high-wear areas
- Black Wick liner to keep feet dry and secure during play
- Shift Max holder and runners for improved durability, blade security, and easy blade changes.
Components of a Hockey Skate
Hockey Skate Boots
Hockey skate boots are where your foot sits inside the skate. Think of them as being similar to a shoe – they form around your entire foot.
Holders and Runners
The holders attach blades to the outsole of the hockey boot on the bottom. The runners are the actual blades underneath the holders. You typically want the holder and runner to be two individual parts, which on higher end skates, is always the case.
What Makes Up a Hockey Skate
An ice hockey skate is made up of several different parts, and the way each one is constructed may change the fit, feel and weight of the skate.
Liner: The material inside the boot that provides padding and comfort.
Heel Support : The pocket at the back of the boot which secures your heel and provides stability.
Footbed: The padded insert that covers the bottom of the inside of the boot. Typically is removable and in some cases heat moldable.
Ankle Padding: A pad made from foam or other soft material to provide ankle support.
Tongue: The protective cover under the laces and on top of the front of the foot.
Quarter Package: Essentially, the shell of the boot. It’s crafted to provide flexibility and support for the foot.
Outsole: The hard bottom of the boot. The holder is attached to the outsole.
Considerations When Buying Your Hockey Skates
Keep in mind that just because a skate ranks high on our top 10 list, it does not necessarily mean that it’s the best skate for you. You should consider all the factors that make a skate the perfect fit for your ice hockey experience, including things such as your skill level, playing style and level of experience.
Hockey Skill Level
A player new to the sport may struggle in a stiff skate that’s designed for expert skaters. They should not, however, steer completely clear of rigid skates. An overly flexible skate will not offer the support necessary to learn to skate properly. A highly experienced player will no doubt look for a more aggressive skate that is crafted for high performance abilities.
Playing Style
A beginner or intermediate player may not know enough about their own skating style to purchase an expensive pair of ice hockey skates. An experienced ice hockey player is more likely to try and find a skate that’s nuanced to their skating style, regardless of price.
Price Point
Hockey is an expensive sport, and sometimes price can be a decisive factor. There are several different price points when it comes to hockey skates, and finding the best skate for your budget is important.
Additional Hockey Resources
Finding the ideal skate is important, and it’s equally imperative to ensure your ice hockey skates fit properly and are comfortable.
How to Size Your Hockey Skates
It’s important to remember that most brands of ice hockey skates will be approximately one full size smaller than standard shoes sizes.
How to Check the Fit of Your Skate
With your foot in the boot of your hockey skate, your toes should just barely reach the end of the toecap, with no more than a quarter inch of space between your heel and the back end of the boot. There are a few methods to check this fit.
Method 1: The Pencil Test
The pencil test is quick and easy, with little room for error. Put on your skate without lacing it up, pull the tongue out and place a pencil across the third or fourth eyelet down. If the pencil rests on the top of your foot without moving, you know you have a good fit.
Method 2: The Squeeze Test
The squeeze test can help check the firmness of your skate. Simply hold the skate from behind the ankle and squeeze with your thumb and index finger. If the skate folds in on itself, it’s way too flexible for a quality skating experience. A little bit of flexibility is good for newer players, but experienced players and power skaters will want a fairly rigid ankle support.
Method 3: The Finger Test
The finger test can be done by first putting your skate on and lacing it properly. Then, lean forward and attempt to slide a finger between the back of the boot and your ankle. If you can slide more than one finger into the skate, your skates are too big. For adults who prefer a snug fit, having less than a one-finger gap may be ok.
Method 4: The Toe Brush Test
The toe brush test is done by putting on and lacing up your skates. Your toes should barely brush the toecap at the front end of the skate.
How to Break in Your Hockey Skates
You should know how to break in your hockey skates. Today, many skates can be thermoformed to your feet, which makes the breaking in process much quicker. This process is also known as skate baking. Check with your local pro shop for assistance, as they’ll have a skate oven designed for this purpose. Whether you purchase skates that can be baked or not, the best way to break-in ice hockey skates is just by using them.
Sharpening Your Skates
Sharpening your skates is necessary with repeated use of ice hockey skates. If you feel your feet slipping during turns or when you’re skating backwards, or if you notice performance issues while speeding up or slowing down, your skates probably need to be sharpened. Your local ice rink or hockey pro shop can perform this service.
Want more information on how to choose the right hockey skates? We put together a Hockey Skate Buying Guide with everything you need to know!
Login and Registration Form
or
Create an account