Hockey is a sport of speed, precision, aggression, nuance, and balance. In order to optimize all of these things in the midst of your games, you need the proper equipment.
While your stick, pads, gloves, and other accessories are important, perhaps you most important piece of equipment is your skates.
Hockey skates are designed in a manner which allows for ultimate speed, protection, and durability, making them great for the high-paced, high-impact game that is ice hockey.
There are a number of high-quality hockey skates on the market today, with each pair providing its very own benefits, and carrying its very own drawbacks.
If you’re looking to buy a great pair of hockey skates in 2017, you’d be well-served by reading this article.
Not only will it provide you with tons of useful information about hockey skates, it will also provide you with a compilation of the 10 best pairs of hockey skates on the market today.
Top 10 Best Hockey Skates Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Graf Supra Xi Mens | Lock ankles firmly into place to prevent slippage Possess simultaneously lightweight and durable construction Do a terrific job of staving off heat and moisture | 3.5 | $$ |
 | DR 114 Adjustable Youth / Junior Ice Hockey Skates | As breathable as they come Available for a very reasonable price Lightweight and easy to move around in | 3.5 | $ |
 | Bauer Vapor X500 Junior Ice Hockey Skates, 3.5 D | Foam ankle component offers padding and support Synthetic exterior is both lightweight and durable Stainless steel blades provide smooth and consistent glide Fit comfortably | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | TOUR HOCKEY CODE 7 SENIOR INLINE HOCKEY SKATES | Memory foam ankles form fit to your feet Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver Wheels offer smooth and consistent roll Do a terrific job of wicking away sweat | 4 | $$$ |
 | CCM RibCor 44K Pump Ice Hockey Skates [SENIOR] | Offer terrific ankle and heel support Stainless steel runners glide smoothly across ice Laces allow for snug and tight fit Offer superb durability | 4 | $$$$ |
 | CCM RIBCOR 44K Ice Skates [SENIOR] | As affordable as they come Lock feet into place for ultimate stability and support Interior lining breathable and moisture-resistant | 4 | $$ |
 | CCM SR Jetspeed FT340 Skate | Lightweight, but durable design Form fit to the contours of your feet As breathable as they come Stainless steel runners provide terrific glide | 4 | $$ |
 | American Athletic Shoe Men's Ice Force Hockey Skates | Available for a very reasonable price Keep your foot locked in firmly at all times Offer superb exterior protection Stainless steel runners provide smooth and steady glide | 4.5 | $$ |
 | American Athletic Shoe Senior Cougar Soft Boot Hockey Skates | Offer exceptional external protection Form fit to the shape and contours of your feet Offer terrific glide across the ice Lock your feet in, giving them excellent support | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Bauer Senior Supreme 140 Skate | Extremely responsive and quick runners As breathable as they come Offer terrific ankle and heel support Durable, yet lightweight construction | 5 | $$ |
What Type of Hockey Skates Are There?
There are hockey skates of all types available on the market today, from beginner skates meant for small kids, to expert skates meant for long-time players. Each different type of skate provides its own benefits and drawbacks, necessitating that you think long and hard about what you’re looking for out of a hockey skate.
Kids skates are often equipped with wider blades, allowing for greater balance overall. This allows kids to slowly get the hang of standing up, maneuvering, turning, and stopping in their skates.
Competition-grade hockey skates are typically more padded than kids hockey skates, giving their users the durability and protection that is needed to withstand a brutal game. These skates typically have very thin blades, making them a lot faster, but not as easy to balance on.
Benefits of Best Hockey Skates
There are several different kinds of ice skates, with hockey skates being one of those types. Other types of skates include figure skates and speed skates. Each of these skates provide specialized benefits, making them best for specific purposes. While speed skates are best for pure speed and figure skates are best for precision, hockey skates offer a bit of everything.
Because hockey requires, speed, precision, aggression, and tons of other characteristics, it necessitates skates which can handle a lot of different tasks. Hockey skates are just the type of skates to do so.
Hockey skates are not only more padded than figure and speed skates, they’re also more durable overall, capable of withstanding the inherent wear and tear they’ll receive from being used in a high-impact sport. In essence, if you want to optimize your ability as a hockey player, you need a good pair of hockey skates on your side.
Downsides of Hockey Skates
If you’re using them only for the sport of hockey, there really is no downside to hockey skates. No type of ice skate does a better job of accommodating the elements that come along with ice hockey.
However, if you’re just using them for general skating purposes, there are some downsides. For one, they don’t quite allow for the precision that is allowed for by figure skates. They’re still fairly easy to handle, but take a little more practice to get used to.
Also, they don’t provide the speed that you’ll find in specialized speed skates. Again, hockey skates can still move fairly quickly, but take a little more practice to get used to. So, while they’re a versatile type of skate, they’re really only great for hockey purposes.
10. Graf Ice Hockey Skates
The first pair of hockey skates we’ll review is this pair from Graf. Available for a mid-level price, these skates offer around average comfort, protection, durability, and performance.
Made out of a synthetic carbon fiber material, these skates are equal parts lightweight and durable. Weighing in at around 3 pounds each, they possess standard weight and maneuverability capabilities.
The runners on these skates is made out of stainless steel that glides fairly easily across ice. A heavy-duty plastic holder keeps these runners in place, possessing terrific durability and stability capabilities.
These skates fit in a manner in which your ankle becomes locked in tightly, negating any chance of slippage or rolling. This ensures that you possess excellent balance and stability at all times.
Overall, this is a pretty solid pair of hockey skates. However, they’re nothing out of the ordinary, offering fairly standard value altogether. Available for a mid-level price, they’re worth a buy, but are far from the top hockey skates on the market today.
Pros:
- Lock ankles firmly into place to prevent slippage
- Possess simultaneously lightweight and durable construction
- Do a terrific job of staving off heat and moisture
Cons:
- Not the most flexible skates on the market
- Not designed to accommodate beginner hockey players
9. DR 114 Adjustable Youth / Junior Ice Hockey Skates
If you’re seeking out a solid pair of budget youth hockey skates, you might very well be interested in the DR 114s. Available for a general pittance when compared to other hockey skates, they offer more than enough value to accommodate young, novice hockey players.
These skates possess exterior uppers which are made out of a microfiber mesh material. These material ensures that the skates are not only lightweight, but breathable as well. For this reason, you won’t have to worry about sweat and heat building up inside of them throughout games and practices.
Each skate weighs in at around 1.5 pounds, making them very lightweight, and allowing their users to move around in them with great ease. Extremely padded and designed to fit snugly, these skates ensure that your feet, legs, and ankles, are secure at all times.
They possess carbon steel runners which are durable, lightweight, and functional, gliding across ice with very little effort or disturbance.
All in all, the DR 114s are a terrific pair of ice skates for young beginner hockey players. Available for about as cheap of a price as you’re going to find, there’s no reason not to buy them if your child is just getting into hockey.
Pros:
- As breathable as they come
- Available for a very reasonable price
- Lightweight and easy to move around in
Cons:
- Only available on kid sizes
- Not built for exceptional speed
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8. Bauer Vapor X500 Junior Ice Hockey Skates, 3.5 D
The next pair of hockey skates we’ll review is the Bauer Vapor X500. A pair of junior skates, it’s available for a bit of an expensive price when compared to other junior skates. However, offering a lot in the ways of durability, comfort, and protection, its price is justified.
These skates possess a synthetic exterior upper which is equal parts lightweight and durable. This allows for ultimate maneuverability at all times. It also ensures that your skates go strong for long periods of use.
The interiors of these skates possess foam ankle components, providing padding for your feet, and ensuring that they aren’t slipping all over the place during use.
With runners made out of stainless steel, these hockey skates glide smoothly and consistently across the ice. To keep these runners locked firmly in place, the skates possess heavy-duty plastic holders.
Overall, this is a great pair of hockey skates for young kids who have been playing the sport for a while. They’re not the absolute top pair of youth hockey skates, but aren’t too far behind either. They’re certainly worth a buy.
Pros:
- Foam ankle component offers padding and support
- Synthetic exterior is both lightweight and durable
- Stainless steel blades provide smooth and consistent glide
- Fit comfortably throughout entirety of games and practices
Cons:
- Not equipped for use by adults
7. TOUR HOCKEY CODE 7 SENIOR INLINE HOCKEY SKATES
Are you a roller hockey player? If so, you’re going to need a good pair of roller hockey skates. A great pair would be these ones from Tour. Available for a mid-level price, they offer quite a bit in the ways of comfort, durability, and functionality.
The exteriors of these skates are made out of durable, but lightweight synthetic material. This makes them extremely easy to maneuver and move around in. They essentially flex to the movements of your feet.
The interiors of these skates provide terrific support. With memory foam ankles, they form fit to your feet, locking them in snugly, and ensuring that they’re not slipping all over the place. Possessing anti-moisture interiors, these skates wick away sweat and do a terrific job of staving off heat.
They’re equipped with solid metal holders, ensuring that their wheels stay tight and consistent at all times.
Overall, these skates from Tour are fantastic. Available in a number of different sizes, they’re great for adults of all sizes. If you’re into roller hockey, and you’re seeking out a new pair of skates, these are the ones for you.
Pros:
- Memory foam ankles form fit to your feet
- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Wheels offer smooth and consistent roll
- Do a terrific job of wicking away sweat
Cons:
- A little soft for some tastes
6. CCM RibCor 44K Pump Ice Hockey Skates [SENIOR]
The next hockey skates we’ll review are these ones from CCM. Available for a mid-level price, they offer quite a bit in the ways of comfort, durability, and overall functionality.
These skates possess synthetic exterior uppers, making them both durable and lightweight. This ensures that their users can move around and maneuver with the utmost of ease and simplicity. You won’t have to think about what your feet are doing. They’ll just do it without disturbance.
As far as support goes, these skates are above average. Their ankle components lock the feet firmly into place, reducing overall slipping, and ensuring proper balance at all times. With laces that go all the way up to the middle of the lower leg, they can be tightened to fit your specific leg size.
With stainless steel runners, these skates make their way across the ice with a smooth, consistent glide. They’re attached to holders which are sturdy, but forgiving.
All in all, the CCM RibCor 44Ks are a terrific pair of skates. While they’re not quite the top hockey skates on the market today, they perform their function just fine. If you’re looking for a great mid-level pair, they are as good as any.
Pros:
- Offer terrific ankle and heel support
- Stainless steel runners glide smoothly across ice
- Laces allow for snug and tight fit
- Offer superb durability
Cons:
- Not equipped for young kids
5. CCM Tacks 2092 Ice Hockey Skates [SENIOR]
B00UIK80NQ
If you’re an adult who’s looking for a solid pair of budget hockey skates, you might very well be interested in this one from CCM. Available for an exceedingly low price, this pair offers a great deal in the ways of comfort and functionality.
Possessing synthetic uppers, these skates are equal parts durable and lightweight, capable of being maneuvered with very little effort. The interiors of these skates are equipped with a breathable liner that staves off sweat and heat.
Equipped with stainless steel runners, they seemingly glide across the ice, snagging and catching on the ground very rarely.
For their price, these skates fit terrifically well. Their ankles lock the feet into place, ensuring that they can’t move and slip around during use.
All in all, these are terrific hockey skates for their price. If you’re an adult who’s just getting into playing hockey, these would be a great option for you. While they’re not the absolute best, they provide more than enough value at a decent price.
Pros:
- As affordable as they come
- Lock feet into place for ultimate stability and support
- Interior lining is both breathable and moisture-resistant
Cons:
- Aren’t quite as fast as high-end skates
- Sizes tend to fit awkwardly
4. CCM SR Jetspeed FT340 Skate
A quality, but just slightly more expensive pair of hockey skates when compared to the CCM ones reviewed above are the SR Jetspeed FT340s. Great for adults who are just getting into hockey, they offer above average support and functionality.
These skates possess uppers which are made out of a tough, but lightweight synthetic material. Very easy to maneuver, they aren’t as fast as high-end skates, but still provide adequate speed capabilities.
The interior liner in these skates is made out of a microfiber mesh material. This material serves to wick off moisture and stave off heat, prioritizing comfort throughout the entirety of their use.
Sporting soft, foam insoles, these skates are designed to form fit to the shape and contours of your feet. Because of this, they feel comfortable and snug at all points of use.
Overall, this is a very solid pair of skates. For their price, you’re not going to find anything that’s much better. If you’re an adult who plays recreational hockey and doesn’t want to spend a lot of money, this is a great option for you.
Pros:
- Lightweight, but durable design
- Form fit to the contours of your feet
- As breathable as they come
- Stainless steel runners provide terrific glide
Cons:
- Not equipped for use by kids
3. American Athletic Shoe Men’s Ice Force Hockey Skates
Another terrific pair of budget hockey skates is this pair from American Athletic. Available for a general pittance, this pair offers quite a bit in the ways of comfort, durability, and overall functionality.
The uppers on these skates are made out of a combination of synthetic leather and microfiber, giving them a lightweight yet durable construction that can be lugged around with great ease. Sporting a great deal of padding, these skates are designed for protection.
Equipped with a narrow ankle, these skates fit snugly to your feet, reducing overall slippage, and ensuring that you stay on your feet at all times.
Possessing stainless steel runners, they glide smoothly and consistently. This allows novice players to maintain maximum control during all points of play.
All in all, this is a terrific set of skates. For its price, you’re not going to find anything much better. If you’re an adult who plays hockey recreationally, they’re a great option.
Pros:
- Available for a very reasonable price
- Keep your foot locked in firmly at all times
- Offer superb exterior protection
- Stainless steel runners provide smooth and steady glide
Cons:
- Not equipped to accommodate kids
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2. American Athletic Shoe Senior Cougar Soft Boot Hockey Skates
American Athletic makes our list once again with the Cougar hockey skates. These skates are a little more expensive than the ones reviewed above, but also offer more in the ways of general comfort and functionality.
Possessing uppers which are a combination of synthetic and organic materials, they are both durable and lightweight. Providing superb external protection, they still allow for quite a bit of mobility and maneuverability.
The insoles of these skates are made out of a soft foam which form fits to the exact contours and curves of your feet. This ensures that they fit as snugly and as perfectly as possible.
With a plastic blade holder and a stainless steel runner, they glide across the ice with very little disturbance. Truth be told, they are some of the most consistent skates on the market.
Overall, these hockey skates from American Athletic are a terrific product. They’re great for anyone, from recreational players, to competitive players, and otherwise. However, they are designed solely for adults.
Pros:
- Offer exceptional external protection
- Form fit to the shape and contours of your feet
- Offer terrific glide across the ice
- Lock your feet in, giving them excellent support
Cons:
- Not equipped for use by kids
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1. Bauer Senior Supreme 140 Skate
The Bauer Senior Supreme 140 Skates are very arguably the top hockey skates on the market today. Though they’re a little expensive, they offer more than enough in the ways of comfort, support, and overall functionality.
These skates possess uppers which are made out of durable, but lightweight synthetic materials. This enables them to be both tough and maneuverable. You can move around in them without having to strain at all.
The insides of these skates sport an anti-moisture liner which wicks away sweat and staves off heat. In essence, they’re extremely breathable.
As far as the runners on these skates go, they’re exceptional. Quick, responsive, and smooth, they make their way across the ice with almost no disturbance whatsoever.
All in all, this is a terrific pair of hockey skates; arguably the best on the market today. If you’re a serious, competitive hockey player, they would be a terrific choice for you.
Pros:
- Extremely responsive and quick runners
- As breathable as they come
- Offer terrific ankle and heel support
- Durable, yet lightweight construction
Cons:
- Not equipped for use by kids
Editor’s Choice of Best Hockey Skates
After some deliberation, we’ve decided to go with the Bauer Senior Supreme 140 Skate as the top hockey skate on the market today. Available for a mid-level price, it offers tons in the ways of comfort, protection, speed, precision, and maneuverability.
These skates are about as flexible and breathable as hockey skates come, keeping your feet soothed and relaxed all throughout practices and games. If you’re a competitive hockey player, you’re not going to find a skate that accommodates your purposes any better than this one from Bauer.
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