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Ice hockey skates buying is incredibly difficult. There are so many different types and styles of ice hockey skates that it can be difficult to know which ones are right for you.
If you're looking for affordable quality, then these Bauer Supreme S37 skates unbeatable. Bauer skates are designed, tested and recommended by professional ice hockey players with premium material that is not too expensive, really sufficient for most players.
That's why I created this guide with all the information for an informed purchase.
But let's take a look at all the top picks in a quick overview first, then I'll dig deeper into each of these skates:
Overall best ice hockey skates
The Bauer Supreme S37 Hockey Skate is a high-performance skate at an affordable price.
Best Cheap Ice Hockey Skates
The Bauer NS is loaded with the latest and greatest technology and materials available from Bauer at a low price.
Best narrow fit
This is a no-nonsense pro-level skate for narrow feet that will improve your speed and performance.
Best Ice Hockey Skates For Kids
Due to the standard fit, they can grow along nicely with growing children, which then results in a wide fit.
Best Ice Hockey Skates for Wide Feet
Heel support is easy to adjust for the right fit, even with wide feet.
Best Professional Ice Hockey Skates
Using state-of-the-art design testing and feedback from many NHL players, the Bauer Vapor 2X skates are one of the best performing skates available today.
Best Women's Recreational Ice Hockey Skate
They are just very nice skates that also have a good fit, but they do not offer any protection. They are therefore more for regular skating or possibly a friendly game on the ice than ice hockey.
Best ice hockey skates for beginners
Stable grip for better energy transfer, support and comfort at an affordable price. Important to be able to improve your technique while learning the tricks of the sport.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Ice Hockey Skates Buyer's Guide
Usually skates under $200 are best suited for intermediate and novice players who play a few times a week, while the price above $200 is for advanced and pro level skates with the most advanced features and technology available.
These are more suitable for players who are constantly practicing and pushing their skates to the highest performance in every game.
Construction of ice hockey skates
Hockey skates consist of several parts:
- Liner - this is the material inside your boat. It is the padding and is also responsible for a comfortable fit.
- Ankle liner – above the liner in the shoe. It is made of foam and offers comfort and support for your ankles
- Heel Support – Cup around your heel, protecting and securing your foot while in the shoe
- Footbed – Padding on the inside of your boot at the bottom
- Quarter package – Bootshell. It contains all the padding and support that is in it. It must be flexible and at the same time provide support.
- Tongue – covers the top of your boot and is like a tongue you would have in your normal shoes
- Outsole - hard bottom of your skate boot. Here is the holder attached
Let's dive a little more into each part and how they differ from skate to skate.
Holders and runners
For most hockey skates you want to buy, you want the holder and the runner are two separate parts. For cheaper ice hockey skates, they consist of one part. This would be for skates that cost less than 80 euros.
The reason you want them to be two separate parts and why more expensive skates have it this way is so you can replace the blade without replacing the entire skate.
If you use your skates more often, you will eventually have to sharpen them. After sharpening a few times, your blade will become smaller and will need to be replaced.
If you're buying skates for less than $80, it's probably better to buy new hockey skates, especially if you've had them for a year or so. However, if you're looking for more elite skates in the $150 to $900 range, you'd rather just replace your blades than the entire skate.
Hockey Skate Boots
Boots are one of the items brands are constantly updating. They are always looking to see if they can make the boots lighter and more responsive to your movements without losing the support that a good shoe requires.
However, skating doesn't change from one year to the next. Very often manufacturers will sell a nearly identical shoe on the next iteration of a skate.
Take the Bauer MX3 and 1S Supreme skates for example. While the tendon boot was changed to improve the flexibility of the 1S, the boot construction largely stayed the same.
In this case, if you can find the previous version (MX3), you'll pay a fraction of the price for almost the same skate. It's important to note that the fit can change between skate generations, but with companies adopting the three-fit model (specifically Bauer and CCM), the shape is unlikely to change drastically.
Some of the materials companies use to make these new and improved boots are carbon composite, texalium glass, antimicrobial hydrophobic liner and thermoformable foam.
While that last sentence makes you feel like you need an engineering degree to pick out a pair of skates, don't worry! What we really need to consider is the overall weight, comfort, protection and durability.
We take this into account and simply specify it in the list below to make your buying decision as easy as possible.
Determine your level of play
First you need to determine your level of play. Do you play competitively or do you play amateur hockey, usually only playing once a week?
Maybe you are looking for skates for general skating and the occasional nice game on the ice.
Reading this far on how to select the right hockey skates, I'd probably assume you're looking for skates to use on a regular basis. If this is true, you should avoid the low-end skates.
Let's break down typical skate pricing into the following categories so you can get an idea of what quality you're getting at what price:
- Low-end skates – these skates are under $150 and are made for casual use. If you plan on playing hockey regularly (about once a week), I'd recommend avoiding skates in this range unless there's a sale of actually more expensive skates.
- Mid-priced skates – between 250 and 400 euros. You will find skates in this range in the list (also for higher ones). If you play recreationally, once a week or so, these will be the skates you want. You can always choose higher priced skates as they are of higher quality, but these skates should be fine for most players. These are the skates I recommend for kids because they can grow out of skates so quickly.
- Top of the Line Skates – between 400 and 900 euros. These skates are for competitive players. If you practice and train for the next level most days, then you may want to look in this range for ice skating. Here are some of the reasons why taller skates are so much more expensive:
- They are made of lighter material. This is to maximize your speed on the ice
- Higher durability. If you spend over $400 on a skate, it will last longer than the average priced
- Thermo-moldable foam padding. This type of padding allows skates to be “baked” so that they fit your foot better and provide better support
- Better ankle support and increased stiffness while still allowing flexibility
- Better padding and protection
As you can see, more expensive skates cost more because they are made of the best material and more work is put into each boot.
If you are a new skater looking to play and plan to play regularly, the price of 150 to 300 should be enough to look at. You can get some great skates there and then always move up if you play more competitive hockey.
What kind of player are you?
This is something most sports don't deal with. In basketball you can buy all the shoes you wantwithout worrying about your position. Likewise in football.
In hockey, however, this is something we have to take into account.
The question to ask yourself is “Am I a more aggressive or reserved player?”
This is not a judgment on you as a player, but more on how you approach your game. Here are some ideas to help you understand what kind of player you are:
Aggressive
- Always chasing the puck
- Proactive, constantly on the move
- Play more center or winger
- In an aggressive/athletic attitude, more often than not
Reserved
- Spends more time watching the game
- Falling behind on attacks (playing defense action)
- Not always in an athletic stance
Once you've decided which type of player suits you best, you're ready to choose which type of skate suits you best!
Best Ice Hockey Skates Reviewed
Bauer Supreme S37
- Good price / quality ratio
- 3D Duration Tech Mesh Boat
- Hydra Max liner
- Average fit may just not fit wide or narrow feet
The Bauer Supreme S37 Hockey Skate is a high-performance skate at an affordable price. They are the most affordable in the Supreme range.
They are specially designed by Pure Hockey and Bauer, made to deliver the best performance at this price point.
This skate has additional features, improved technology and comfort benefits both on the inside and outside.
Supreme hockey skates bring explosive power to your game in a skate that is durable and lightweight.
The boot is made from a 3D Durable Tech Mesh that is stiff, efficient and fits the foot perfectly.
Inside is an improved Hydra Max liner that holds the foot in place and wicks away moisture. Underneath the liner is a heat moldable memory foam padding for enhanced comfort and fit.
The tongue is a FORM FIT 3-piece sewn felt that hugs the ankle closely and a heavy-duty lace-up bar provides comfort and protection.
Overall, the Bauer Supreme S37 has been specifically designed to provide premium feel and great value for players looking to upgrade for a better skate.
Ice Skating Fit
Medium volume: anatomical - standard heel pocket - standard forefoot - standard instep
Weight: grams 800
What people say
“I bought these skates just a few weeks ago. They are an incredible value for the price. I am new to the sport and these skates are very different from what I was using when I was just starting out. They are light, supportive, protective and really comfortable. I never thought hockey skates could be comfortable. I feel like my skating has improved a lot since I made the switch. I would recommend it to anyone. “
Bauer NS Model
- Interchangeable inserts for better fit
- Rigid Titanium Curv Composite Boat
- Protection is too little for professional competitions
The Bauer NS is loaded with the latest and greatest technology and materials available from Bauer at a low price.
Improving on last year's previous MX3, the NS promises to make your step more explosive than ever.
One of the standout features of this skate is the felt tongue with C-Flex technology which has interchangeable inserts to adjust the flex and range of motion to suit player preference and skating style.
The boot is the three-dimensional Titanium Curv composite that offers best-in-class stiffness and reactivity while being anatomically correct to hug every curve of the foot once thermoformed.
Inside the skate is a new and improved polyester liner that allows the skate to dry out as quickly as possible to ensure you never skate in sweaty skates again.
The footbed is the new Bauer SpeedPlate which is also heat moldable, allowing for a more customized fit and greater energy transfer.
The boots are mounted on the pro-preferred Lightspeed Edge mounts with LS4 steel that holds an edge longer and offers a better angle of attack on the ice.
Overall, this is one of the best skates out there today, offering pro-level performance and customization.
skate fit
Medium volume: standard heel pocket – standard forefoot – standard instep
Weight: grams 798
What people say
“The 1S skate shoe is the most comfortable shoe I've ever had the pleasure of using. My previous skates were the MX3 and the 1S improves on most aspects of design, comfort and movement. The only downside is the price and I personally don't like how long the new tongue is.”
“Best skate I've ever used. Gives you tremendous strength in your steps. Very comfortable.”
Bauer Vapor NSX
- Curv composite material makes it light and responsive
- Stable lock-fit liner
- Narrow fit is not for everyone
The Bauer Vapor NSX skate takes many features from the top of the line Vapor skates a few years ago and now improves on them at an incredible price.
This is a no-nonsense pro-level skate that will improve your speed and performance.
The boot is made from the same Curv composite material found in the 1X, making it one of the lightest and most responsive skates in this price range.
The new Flex-Lock tongue is a three-piece, 48oz felt tongue with a more flexible metatarsal guard that allows players to progress without sacrificing feet.
The Lock-Fit liner features a grip-focused design that provides better foot stability, especially during heavy use and sweating.
This skate is mounted on Tuuk Edge holders and proven LS2 steel.
Overall, the Bauer Vapor NSX skate is an excellent value for those looking to improve their game with a high-performing skate.
skate fit
Low volume: shallow heel pocket - narrow forefoot - low instep
Weight: grams 808
What people say
“These skates are great. I have started playing again after many years and play in it twice a week. Great feel, love the blades, great heel lock, nice and stiff. No foot pain due to a good fit and no foot fatigue. Highly recommend if you are looking for a mid-level skate (price range) with high-end features! “
“Strong on if you prefer a snug fit in the heel and mid foot with a decent size to box. They aren't cheap, but they won't kill you either. As a 32 year old beer aficionado, I look forward to the next decade in these vapes. “
CCM Tack 9040
- Standard fit can grow nicely with children
- TotalDri anti-sweat liner
- SpeedBlade provides tight turns and quick stops
- How stiff and hard to get used to
The CCM Tacks 9040 Skates have the specs, durability and looks of elite skates, yet cost a fraction of the price.
Due to the standard fit, they can grow along nicely with growing children, which then results in a wide fit.
The RocketFrame Composite shoe has been drastically updated in the last generation, with a more anatomical fit and improved durability.
CCM's new 3D-Lasted Technology allows the boot to mold in a way that conforms much better to the curves of the foot.
Under the hood, the Tacks 9040 skates feature CCM's topline liner called TotalDri.
The strategically placed DuraZone abrasion resistant patches allow the liner to wick excellent moisture and provide excellent durability.
The 10mm dual-density tongue has pro-level thickness for premium comfort and protection against pucks and lace bites.
These feature an extra stiff Pro TPU outsole that promotes more efficient energy transfer through every step with a vent hole to push out moisture and extend drying time.
The holders consist of CCM's gold standard SpeedBlade 4.0 with SpeedBlade stainless steel guides for tight turning and quick stopping.
skate fit
Medium Volume: Contoured Shape – Standard Forefoot – Standard Heel
Weight: grams 847
What people say
"A word. Wow! I'm blown away. I've skated every skate brand. These 9040's are incredible. I don't have a very wide foot. Slightly wider than average and the skates fit like a glove in a standard D width. The support throughout the boat was great. I was nervous to switch to such a stiff skate but I have no complaints. The runner and attached swatch was nice. I felt like I was turning much sharper. I am very impressed with how light they are. I could really feel the difference. If you are looking for a new skate I recommend the new CCM Tacks 9040. “
CCM RibCor 42k
- Light and responsive
- wide fit
- Not stiff enough for aggressive playstyles
The RibCor 42k is the lightest, most responsive and best fitting RibCor skate to date. Using biomechanics and feedback from professional players, CCM has revamped the RibCor skating line.
The most noticeable difference from previous years is the removal of the pump inflation system and the replacement of the pump with their preferred heel support which eliminates the weight and moving parts that could break with repeated use.
Now they are even easier to adjust for the right fit, even with wide feet.
The RibCor 42k is 10% lighter than last year's previous 50k model!
This is combined with the brand new Dual Axis shoe with Flex Frame technology that increases forward flex to generate power and lateral stability to maximize energy transfer in every step.
The tongue is a classic white felt with lace bite guard to enhance protection and comfort.
Overall this is a much better top of the line skate and would be a worthwhile upgrade for those who like the fit of the RibCor line but without the issues of the old pump system.
skate fit
Low volume: shallow heel pocket - wide forefoot - low instep
Weight: grams 800
What people say
“I've had pretty much every top of the line skate… VH, 1s, 1x, FT1, Super tacks. I was desperate for something I liked. The VH was great, but just as heavy. I'd been thinking about trying the 42k's for a while, but assumed they wouldn't be what I was looking for due to the lower price point. Boy, was I wrong! This is the answer. It's hard to explain how much these help with agility, lateral movement and the ease of getting over the edge. “
Bauer Vapor 2X
- Ultralight but durable
- Lock-Fit Pro liner keeps your foot dry
- Price is not for everyone
- Narrow forefoot doesn't always fit
Using state-of-the-art design testing and feedback from many NHL players, the Bauer Vapor 2X skates are one of the best performing skates available today.
The overall theme of this skate is to keep the foot in the boot to eliminate any wasted energy.
The Bauer Vapor shoe is made from the ultra-lightweight Curv composite material with the X-Rib pattern, which reduces the overall weight of the skate while maintaining durability, strength and support.
Inside, the boot is the Lock-Fit Pro liner that keeps your foot dry and in place with a grippy structure below the ankle.
The top of the 2x skate has Bauer's Comfort Edge padding, which helps with ankle friction that often occurs with a stiffer shoe.
The shape of the shoe is asymmetrical to better align with the position of your ankle bones to improve fit and energy transfer.
The tongue is the Flex-Lock Pro tongue is unique in that it is also heat moldable to provide increased protection and forward flex for aggressive skating positions.
Also unique to this skate is the lace lock feature that keeps the laces in place during play.
The boot sits on the pro-favorite Tuuk Edge mount and the highest quality steel in the LS4 runners.
All in all, the new design and new innovations on the Bauer Vapor 2X skate to make it feel like an extension of your foot.
skate fit
Low volume: shallow heel pocket - narrow forefoot - low instep
What people say
“These skates are billed as offering superior comfort, stability, fit and performance, but casual players like myself are discouraged from using these for some reason. If these are the best (and they are!), what qualities would you be willing to sacrifice by downscaling? Seeing no reason to compromise, I pulled the trigger on the top model and am very glad I did. After 3 years of using another brand's boots, which felt like Mason jars on my feet, these were a revelation. In a first wear after firing, two and a half hours on ice did not cause any discomfort. The support and lockdown of the heel and entire foot is incredible. Budget permitting, I say get yourself measured by the Bauer computer and don't hesitate.”
“Finally someone realized that the inner ankle bone and the outer ankle bone are not in line with each other. My inner bone is a full 1,25" forward of my outer which means the inner leg was NEVER in the ankle pocket and very close to the eye holes. BAUER finally addressed that with the 1X. My ankle is now in the bag and what a difference! Love it!"
Rubbs RSC 2
- great fit
- Good ice hockey skate for the price
- Not for competitions
- No protection at all
Brand new for this year, the Roces skate builds on the success of the previous models from 2016.
They are comfortable ice hockey skates, but really for recreational use.
They are just very nice skates that also have a good fit, but they do not offer any protection. They are therefore more for regular skating or possibly a friendly game on the ice than ice hockey.
Perfect for ladies who want a nice skate and love the ice hockey shape, but don't play the sport.
They fit very well with the reinforced ankle shaft and anatomical lining and the smooth contours around the collar of the boot increase protection and comfort.
skate fit
Medium Volume: Contoured Shape – Standard Forefoot – Standard Heel
Weight: grams 786
Nijdam XX3 Hard boot
- Powerful polyester K230 mesh boot
- Stable and good grip for this price
- Synthetic slider holder is not the best
- Textile lining does not give the best fit
The Nijdam XX3 Skates offer a powerful polyester K230 mesh boot, which was upgraded last year.
It guarantees a secure and stable grip, essential as players are now provided with a skate that offers significantly better energy transfer, support and comfort in a lightweight package at a much more affordable price.
It is important to be able to improve your technique while learning the ropes of the sport.
The shoe is lined with textile, which makes it very pleasant and soft and keeps the foot warm, but it is not the best fit as some others on the list have with foam and other padding.
A synthetic slide holder keeps the hockey blades in place, and this is where there's been a trade-off in quality to keep the price down.
skate fit
Medium volume: slightly shallow heel - slightly narrow forefoot - standard instep
Weight: grams 787
What size ice hockey skate do I need?
There are many things to consider when measuring your skates. We'll see more of them below, so if you're not sure what size skate you should get or what brand, you'll have a really good idea below.
Identifying your foot type
The first step is to determine what type of foot you have. Are they long and narrow? Short and wide? Really hairy? Ok… that last one doesn't really matter. But you get it. Let's take a look at how skates are labeled for sizing.
- C/N = Narrow Fit
- D/R = regular fit
- E/W = Wide Fit
- EE = Extra wide fit
A trick to trying to figure out your foot type is that you can basically use what you know about how to do your tennis shoes fit and that you can apply to your skates.
If you fit well in regular tennis shoes, or especially Nikes, then you should fit well in regular size skates (D/R).
If regular tennis shoes are giving your feet blisters, or you prefer how Adidas fits over Nike, you probably want a slightly wider fit (E/W).
When you analyze your feet, you want to measure:
- Width of the front quarter of your feet
- Thickness / depth of your feet
- Width of your ankles / heels
Here uncle sport also has all size charts, such as, for example, the Bauer skates.
Tests to check the fit of your skate
OK, so you've decided what type of skate to look for. Great! First, let's take a look at how to test the fit of your skate!
We have a few tests that we are happy to recommend when testing the fit of your skate.
The squeeze test
The squeeze test is not necessary if you buy from our list because we know that these skates have the right stiffness. But if you're curious about how stiff good skating should be, this test is a good one to do.
To perform the squeeze test, hold the skate by the back/heel of the boot with the toe pointing away from you. Squeeze the skates as if you were trying to touch the inside of the boot together.
If the skates fold all the way in, they do not offer you enough support while playing hockey.
You want your skates to be hard to push together so they can protect you as you make twisting turns, suddenly stop and do crossovers.
The Pencil Test
To run the pencil test:
- put on your skates, but don't tie them up.
- Pull the tongue forward and place a pencil between your foot and where the tongue is extended, about 3 eyes from the top.
- If the pencil touches your foot but does not touch both eyes on the right and left sides of the tongue, the boot is too shallow. You want the pencil to lie flat without moving.
The finger test
This time you want to fully tilt your skates as if you are going to play. Then stand in an athletic position as you are playing. Go to your heel and see how much space there is between the back of your ankle/heel and the boot. If you can slide more than one finger all the way down, the skates are too loose.
The Toe Brush Test
This time, with your skates still fully laced, stand up straight. Your toes should just touch the front of your skates. Then when you get into an athletic stance, your heel should be firmly against the back of the skate and your toes should no longer touch the front.
How can you break in new skates?
If you get a new pair of skates, you'll need to break them in before starting a game. It's normal for new skates to hurt the first few times you skate on them. If they hurt after you race them five times, then you probably have a bad fit.
One of the best ways to break your ice hockey skates is to "bake" them. We mentioned that above with the high-end hockey skates, how they have boots that, when you heat them up, can be molded to fit your unique feet.
This is unfortunately not possible with cheaper boots without.
And there it is! Our top tips for choosing the perfect ice hockey skates.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom of our list! We hope you have found some skates that are a good fit for you, both in terms of performance and price.
Leave your comments or questions below. We appreciate your input and we strive to read and respond to all of your comments.
