Best Hockey Skates for 2024

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 2024

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.

Availble in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.

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

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Available in senior and intermediate sizes.

Overview:

Engineered for the most powerful athletes in the game, the all-new Bauer Supreme Mach Senior Ice Hockey Skates look to give you power on a whole new level with their most advanced Supreme skated ever designed. The 3D lasted curve composite quarter package and 12K curve composite boot is an ultra-lightweight structure and is Bauer's  most thermoformable boot, giving you the best fit possible for your foot shape.

A new addition, AMP (active motion performance) skate flex, is a flex facing that adds more forward flex in the upper portion of the skate. This flex will allow you to push harder and get more energy transfer to get a stronger stride each time you push off. The Powercoil tongue features an improved insert for faster recoil speed that helps explode into each stride giving you the maximum flex and performance every time you skate.

The Lock Fit Pro liner is designed to keep your feet locked into place, as well as quickly wick away sweat, providing you with ultimate feel and control while on the ice. Customize your skates with your choice of runner options; simply choose the skate with your desired performance level and finish.

Known For:

  • 3D lasted curve 12K composite quarter package
  • Powercoil tongue
  • Lock Fit Pro liner
  • TUUK Lightspeed Edge holders
  • Choose your preferred runners: Carbonlite, Pulse TI, or Pulse

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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

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Available in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.

Overview:

The Bauer Vapor X5 Pro Ice Hockey Skates represent the next level of the Vapor skate line, offering cutting-edge technology and superior comfort for elite players. They feature a lightweight and durable construction with a 3D lasted CURV Composite quarter package for exceptional stiffness and support. These skates offer a customized fit through thermoforming, ensuring optimal energy transfer.

The pro stock 48oz felt tongue and Flex Facing design enhance forward flex and protection while optimizing stride power. The powerfly blade holder enables lightning-fast turns and acceleration, with improved blade security. The skates prioritize comfort with a lockfit footbed, hydrolite liner, and Aerofoam ankle pads.

For elite players seeking innovation and top-tier performance, the Bauer Vapor X5 Pro Ice Hockey Skates offer a game-changing experience on the ice.

Known For:

  • 3-D lasted Carbon Curv Composite quarter package
  • Pro stock 48oz felt tongue offers enhanced forward flex and added protection
  • Choose between Fly-Ti and Fly-X runners

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Available in senior, intermediate, and junior sizes.

Overview:

The CCM Jetspeed FT675 Ice Hockey Skate redefines performance, offering a superior balance between speed, agility, and comfort. Crafted with innovative technology, these skates feature a one-piece boot for optimal energy transfer, ensuring maximum efficiency in every stride.

With a focus on comfort, they integrate a highly wear-resistant liner and advanced tongue design to protect against lace bite, alongside premium blade technology for unmatched on-ice traction. This skate is for players aiming to elevate their game with enhanced mobility and precision.

Known For:

  • One-piece boot construction for enhanced energy transfer.
  • HD microfiber liner with EVA foam for comfort.
  • 7mm felt tongue with lace-bite protection.
  • SpeedBlade XS holder and CCM XS stainless steel runner for performance.

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Available in senior, intermediate, and junior sizes.

Overview:

The True HZRDUS 7X Ice Hockey Skates offer high-performance features at an affordable price point. These skates are designed for players who seek excellence without a hefty price tag. They combine lightweight construction with strength, resulting in optimal energy transfer and explosive acceleration. The heat-moldable technology provides a personalized fit for comfort and reduced foot fatigue.

Additionally, the skates feature the Shift Max blade system for enhanced maneuverability, durability with a reinforced toe cap and ankle support, and a redesigned tendon guard for better response. The True HZRDUS 7X Skates offer a winning combination of performance, comfort, and affordability, allowing players to elevate their game with confidence.

Known For:

  • Neurofit+ one-piece shell design delivers outstanding support and stability
  • Shift Max blade system enhances maneuverability and control
  • CARV toe cap gives you a low profile that allows for better turning & clearance
  • Redesigned tendon guard for greater response and an asymmetrical tongue for maximum comfort and lace bite protection

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Available in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.

Overview:

The Bauer Supreme M40 Senior Ice Hockey Skates offer top-tier performance at great value, designed for the performance-focused player. With lightweight materials and pro-level finishes, these skates provide exceptional comfort and performance without breaking the bank.

The boot features a 3D lasted Carbon Curv composite quarter package for a lightweight, thermoformable fit and protection. A symmetrical facing design improves range of motion, while the 48oz. Reflex classic felt tongue enhances comfort and flexibility. Inside, a hydrophobic microfiber liner wicks away moisture, with Aerofoam ankle padding for extra comfort and durability.

The outsole reduces power loss while maximizing energy transfer, and the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder allows for quick blade changes. The M40 comes equipped with Pulse SS runners for optimal performance, with LS1 steel featured in sizes 13 and above.

Known For:

  • 3D lasted Carbon Curv composite boot for lightweight protection and fit
  • Symmetrical facing for enhanced range of motion and flexibility
  • Reflex classic felt tongue for added comfort
  • Hydrophobic microfiber liner and Aerofoam ankle padding for moisture control and comfort
  • Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder with Pulse SS runners for quick blade changes and optimal performance

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Available in senior and intermediate sizes.

Overview:

Designed for the advanced power skater, the CCM Tacks XF 90 skates deliver long, powerful strides with maximum force. The one-piece boot offers direct energy transfer and a close fit, while the RFM Composite material provides NHL-level durability and a sleek, pro-style design. The XF 90's stiffness rating of 180, combined with the Flex Tendon 3.0, enhances speed and power during skating.

Inside, the Totaldri moisture-wicking liner keeps feet dry, and the Polygiene antimicrobial treatment fights odor and bacteria. Multi-layered memory foam provides superior comfort, wrapping the foot for an elite fit, while the Tritech tongue with EVA foam protects against lacebite and improves flexibility. The Ortholite Ultra footbed adds lightweight comfort and support.

The lightweight midsole ensures efficient energy transfer to the blade, minimizing power loss with each stride. The Speedblade XS holder allows quick blade changes with its bladelock system, while the Step Steel runner, with its increased height and thickness, enhances edge control for confident skating.

Known For:

  • One-piece boot with RFM Composite material for enhanced durability and energy transfer
  • Flex Tendon 3.0 and 180 stiffness rating for increased speed and power
  • Totaldri liner with Polygiene antimicrobial treatment for moisture control and odor protection
  • Multi-layered memory foam and Tritech tongue for superior comfort and lacebite protection
  • Speedblade XS holder with Step Steel runners for quick blade changes and improved edge control

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Available in senior and intermediate sizes.

Overview:

The Bauer Vapor X-Lite Senior Ice Hockey Skates combine top technologies from Bauer’s Vapor line to deliver high performance at a budget-friendly price. The boot features a 3D lasted Flex Comp quarter package for excellent stability and support, along with a 40oz. Comfort tongue for lightweight cushioning in every stride. An asymmetrical toe cap offers a more natural fit and better control during turns.

Inside, the sublimated+ liner enhances moisture wicking for comfort, while the Digi-Comp outsole improves energy transfer from boot to blade. The skates come with the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder for quick blade changes and Carbonlite runners for lightweight durability and better flex control.

Known For:

  • 3D lasted Flex Comp quarter package for enhanced stability and support
  • 40oz. Comfort tongue for lightweight cushioning and comfort
  • Asymmetrical toe cap for improved control and natural fit
  • Sublimated+ liner for increased moisture wicking and comfort
  • Digi-Comp outsole for better energy transfer and Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder for quick blade changes

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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.  

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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!