Ice skates are the most important pieces of equipment for an ice hockey player. Once you have chosen to start ice hockey, it is crucial to have a good pair of hockey skates that provide the much-needed support. Ice hockey skates are the piece of equipment that every player should be picky about. They have special padding for protection and feature a special design for quick starts and stops.
Ice hockey skates come in four different types including speed, figure, recreational and rental skates. They all have different customization to fit their specific uses. If you are purchasing skates for the first time, it is advisable to seek guidance from a professional as each skates are sized differently. Here is a comprehensive guide on all you need to know about the best inline ice skates.
1. Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic Ice Hockey Skates
The Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic skate backs up its aggressive and bold graphics with great performance. It has a 3D, highly innovative carbon fiber boot that capitalizes on energy transfer with every stride. This design has a Tuuk LS Pulse TI blade made of titanium coating providing maximum sharpness and edge holding.
The Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic has four zones where blades can be tailored for sufficient speed. The four zones include the transition zone, speed zone, toe zone and heel zone. The Ultrasonic takes pride in the most supportive boot as it is stiffer and offers great energy transfer. The stiffer the insert, the more energy it provides. If you play hockey with power and speed, this skate suits you!
Pros
- Four-zone titanium blade
- Reflex pro tongue
- Supportive boot
Cons
- Difficult maneuverability
The Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic skate is around $949.99 dollars on Purehockey.com.
2. CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pro
The CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pro offers a tempting option for top speed players. The skate has a carbon mono frame single piece boot, wrapped with carbon avoiding glue or nails that reduce energy. It also has a 360-degree supportive anatomic foot that locks the foot down, a dri pro liner and step steel made of exotic and steel blends.
The interchangeable tongues come in different thickness including XS slim, regular and extra made of D30 smart material. The slim tongue is designed to aid forward movement while the thick tongue helps defenders while blocking shots. If you are choosing between a new skate and a fast skate, the CCM super tacks give the extra boost!
Pros
- Three tongue choices
- Step steel blades
- No glue, fewer nails.
Cons
- Slightly pricey
The CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pro sells at $949.99 on Hockeymonkey.com.
3. Bauer Vapor 2X Pro
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro boasts a super clean silver or black boot, a striking black runner and upgraded fitment making it the best-customized skate. The skate greatly boosts acceleration and quick turns. It features a dual-injected recoil pro tongue that allows for flexibility and low, long skating stride.
The lock fit pro liner keeps your foot dry and locked the entire session. It has a redesigned boot that mimics the natural position of the ankle, providing better support and fitness. The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro has a Dynaflex fitting system that incorporates a unique foot liner, a snug toe cup and a recoil pro tongue maximizing energy transfer.
It also has an aero foam padding designed to custom fit inside the skate and a light-speed edge holder that swaps blades in case you lose an edge. It additionally features a carbon black LS5 runner for the definitive edge life.
Pros
- Top liner holder and runner
- Remarkable fitting
- Aero foam padding
Cons
- Does not fit a larger foot.
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro sells at $664.94 on Purehockey.com.
4. Bauer Vapor 1X
The Bauer Vapor 1X is the best in the market and is backed by the fact that most national hockey players use it. It best suits players who rely on agility and quickness in a game as it has an improved fit and flex perfect for tight turns and quick acceleration. The flex lock pro tongue is a thermoforming inset tongue that creates a snug fit with comfortable forward flex.
The new lock fit pro liner keeps the foot dry and locked in place for the entire game reducing boot movement and ultimately increasing energy transfer. The curv composite material and X-rib support give the best heel protection and ankle when taking slashes and blocking shots reducing foot injury. The Bauer Vapor 1X is second to none for agile players.
The speed plate molds to the foot, increasing agility and stability. With good contact with the base of the skate, you can accelerate quickly both laterally and horizontally. These skates convey the legacy of ultimate performance.
Pros
- Increased agility
- Perfectly molded fit
- Utmost protection
Cons
- Only ideal for players with low profile fit
The Bauer Vapor 1X sells at $569.94 on Purehockey.com.
5. True Pro Custom Inline Ice Skates
The True Pro Custom Inline Ice Skates ranks as the most comfortable skates. It has downright eliminated the painful experience that comes with most skates. Its ability to provide extra protection goes a long way in ensuring durability and maximum protection from injuries. The thermoformed customized boot meets the needs of individual players as it is shaped exactly to the players’ foot.
This skate features a tendon guard technology that ensures optimal flexibility, and stability in every stride and can be customized for each player. The monocoque toe cap shell is integrated into the boot of the skate providing greater comfort combined with a custom-fitted boot. The hydrophobic liner wicks all the moisture in the boot to the venting holes in the liner keeping the feet dry and locked in place.
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Perfect skate alignment
- Easily customized
Cons
- Highly-priced.
The True Pro Custom Inline Ice Skates is priced at $999 on Hockey1.
6. Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Ice Hockey Skates
The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro is the lightest ice hockey skates available. They provide the ultimate flexibility that allows for different configurations to personalize for a specific game. The adjustable tough fitness suits any player ranging from the fast and agile to the tough and gritty defense. The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro has a three-piece lightweight tongue with an injected metatarsal guard for added protection.
It also has a 3D lasted construction which creates a closer fit locking the ankle and heel proving maximum energy transfer with every stride. The revolutionary 37.5 technology liner system evaporates sweat and dries faster than any fabric used in hockey. The liner is made of tiny particles that pull sweat from the foot and evaporate it as soon as the skate warms up.
The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro features a thermo-formable speed plate foot-bed that creates a custom fit between the foot and skate. This increases surface contact hence improving overall balance, strength and speed.
Pros
- Intense cooling
- Improved stability
- Customized fit
Cons
- The new foam pads can take time to adjust.
The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro sells at $629.94 on Purehockey.com.
7. CCM JETSPEED FT2 ICE Hockey Skates
The CCM Jetspeed FT2 skate combines one-piece construction featuring a moldable tongue and liner as well as high strength bottom steel. This hockey skate is offers everything at an affordable price. With a lite frame 360 boot model, it is lightweight and provides a responsive feel with prime energy transfer. The hyper glide polished steel blade is enormously fast and durable improving the edge life.
The tri-tech tongue technology is equipped with a lace bite pad which is heat-moldable and perfectly fits the foot eliminating the dreaded lace bite that players suffer from. The total dri pro liner has moisture-wicking technology and Durazone protection. This keeps the feet dry and avoids break down over time. It also has a polished steel blade that maintains a sharp feel even after a few skate sessions.
Pros
- Extraordinary durability
- Superior acceleration
- Lightweight comfort
Cons
- Tri-tech tongue is a bit thicker.
The CCM Jetspeed FT2 skate at $569.29 on hockeymonkey.
8. Bauer Nexus SN Ice Hockey skates
This is the most versatile skates available on the market. It was designed with all players’ needs in mind. Its lightweight feel is best for highly skilled forwards while the 3D lasted construction and hollow injected facings provide greater protection and durability. The thermo-formable speed plate foot-bed creates a perfect forming between the skate and the foot. This improves the overall balance making a player stronger and faster.
The Bauer Nexus SN 37.7 liner system dries faster by evaporating sweat and saves the rivets from rust. The patented blade changing technology fastens and easily switches blades during the game. This avoids falling when a player loses an edge from stepping on a stick or hitting a post.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Longer durability
- Improved power transfer.
Cons
- Designed for wide footed hockey players only
- Not the best for agility and power.
The Bauer Nexus SN is priced at $489 on Ice Warehouse.
9. CCM Ribcor 80K Ice Hockey Skates
The CCM Ribcor 80K skate is a winner in all aspects. It combines power transfer, lightweight, stability and space-age materials in the liner making it the best inline ice skates for hockey players. It is designed with advanced liner and tongue technology making the foot fell like it’s in a slipper. Designed by two top hockey players, the CCM Ribcor 80K skate provides outstanding forward flexion and lateral stability maximizing energy transfer for each stride.
The CCM Ribcor 80K skate has a reduced weight of 70 grams compared to other skates by using the latest advanced technology. The contoured heel lock design has a high definition and precision ankle boot, allowing for weight savings. The total dri liner provides abrasion protection and multi-density memory foam. This avoids blisters and provides maximum comfort. The lace bite protection also protects every part of the foot.
Pros
- Remarkable Liner abrasion protection technology
- Very lightweight
- Excellent stability and acceleration.
Cons
- It has negated the need for a pump system for foot support.
The CCM Ribcor 80K skate is priced at $449 on Pure Hockey.
10. CCM Tacks 9090 Ice Hockey Skates
The CCM Tacks 9090 skates take pride in being lightweight, providing exceptional protection and comfortably fits. The core feature of these skates is being made with speed-core III technology that keeps the skates stiff for long preventing any fatigue. The speed blade black runners are coated in oxide, which helps the blades stay longer and prevents corrosion.
The CCM Tacks 9090 skates have an extra added material within the boot which help in protecting the inner wall from friction wear. The total dri liner technology wicks away moisture from the foot maximizing ventilation that allows for dry and fresh feet throughout the game.
Pros
- Improved durability
- Better performance
- Exciting comfort
Cons
- Higher price compared to other skates.
The CCM Tacks 9090 skates is priced at $549 on Pure Hockey.
Tips for choosing the best Inline Ice Hockey Skates
If you use the wrong hockey skates, you can never be efficient in the ice while playing. Often, players are stuffed in skates that are either too big or small. This makes them unable to drift quickly or make smooth transitioning. Here is a quick guide for making the best decision while purchasing ice hockey skates.
- The Fitting – fitting in a skate is usually referred to as an imperfect science because every foot is different. Some players prefer their skates a little tight while others prefer extra room in their boots. When trying skates, players should wear hockey socks or none at all. The heel should fit in the back of the skate without leaving too much wiggle room.
The front toe should leave a quarter-inch between the toe and the skate. If the toes hit the front while standing, they are too small, and you need a bigger size. The skate should feel snug but comfortable. Advanced skates have stiffer boots but are designed for players with adult weight. Wearing skates that do not properly fit can cause Haglund’s deformity.
- The Features– it is very crucial to consider the quality features of a skate such as a runner, holder and boot. High-end skates use better quality materials and offer better protection and durability. Blade holders on the lower end are highly discounted but can be cumbersome and often crack when hit by hard shots. The runners on top models are made of stainless steel and can hold a sharp edge for longer.
- The Purpose– hockey skates can be for recreational purposes, performance or elite players. Recreational skates are meant for beginners or casual skaters looking for an affordable option. They are great, especially for youths.
Performance skates are for great fit players confident with their skating skills and are ready to advance in skating. They are for players who spend 1 to 2 times a week playing mid to high-level hockey. The Elite skates are built for the best performance, protection, comfort and durability. Elite players usually play high-level hockey skating thrice a week.
Conclusion
While most ice hockey skates look-alike, high-end skates provide better performance, comfort and durability compared to entry-level skates. Ice hockey skates are available in various sizes and abilities from toddler hockey skates to elite level skates. Before purchasing ice hockey skates, ask yourself how often you will use the skates and how hard you plan to push them. No matter what, you don’t have to pay much to acquire an exceptional pair of the best hockey skates, they are much more affordable.
