Fun fact: there’s hardly any such thing as the "best hockey skate." It’s all an opinion. Yeah, you read that correctly.
When it comes to choosing the best pair of skates on the market, there are certain factors to consider. And often, they are all dependent on your choice, your preference, and what is best for YOU— your ability, foot size, playing style, weight, and skill level will determine which skate is best for you.
Ice hockey is unlike any other team sport you may know, thanks to the ice, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that choosing the right set of hockey skates, which invariably connects you to the ice, may impact your performance in a great way.
A good hockey skate may not boost your skill instantly, but it would definitely give an edge over other random skaters. So before you start shopping, be sure to do your research and consider all that needs to be considered.
This guide contains all you need to know before choosing the best hockey skate in the market. Keep scrolling.
What factors should I consider when buying a hockey skate?
Price
You’ll definitely want to consider the price when hitting the market for a new hockey skate.
While everyone wants to have the best of skates, not everyone has the funds to spare. So before buying, consider your budget and determine how much you are able and willing to shell out. If you’re buying on a budget, you may want to stay within your budget and buy just what you’re able to afford.
Look up skate prices online and compare top features for the best hockey skates across sites.
You may find a less expensive option, or perhaps you may be tempted to go up a notch. But whatever you do, remember that the skate is the most important equipment you’ll ever buy for hockey.
Fit
Since you’ll be wearing your hockey skates for many hours and will be pushing and stopping a lot, you must get a pair that’s comfortable and fits you well. Having painful feet will prevent you from performing well on the ice.
Are your feet wide, or do you have high arches? Choosing a hockey skate that accommodates your foot type will be important if you have a special foot type. For example, a skate with an extra-large toe box or a unique footbed.
Many skate brands offer both wide and standard models, so you can easily find skates that fit your foot type based on online materials and charts. Besides, manufacturers also provide fitting guides to help you find the right skate for your feet. Sizing can differ from one manufacturer to another, so choose wisely.
Having a tight lacing system is crucial for fitting. This would help your boot stay as cozy as you’d love it to.
Foot slips within your boots impede control over the edges. But skates with bite bars or any other special material prevent laces from loosening by locking them in place. Also, the padding within the boot allows it to be worn snugly without being uncomfortable.
Use
Do you consider pursuing the sport at a higher level? This is for you!
You should choose skates with advanced features if you expect to spend a lot of time in them every week and require high performance.
If your skates aren’t up to the task, you might be held back. So here are some of the key points to consider.
- Comfort: playing more often should make comfort an even larger concern.
- Weight: Lighter skates help you skate faster and reduce fatigue.
- Stiffness: Skates with more stiffness provide better balance and control.
- Steel: Harder steel keeps its edges for longer periods and retains them even better.
- Padding: When the padding is placed correctly, comfort is guaranteed, and your foot is kept safe from stick blades and flying pucks. Good padding also helps the boot fit comfortably.
Players have a number of choices when it comes to hockey skates, thanks to the many options offered by each manufacturer. Selecting the right pair of hockey skates can enhance your experience while on the ice if you think carefully about your needs and preferences.
You should pick the right hockey skates as a first step before anything else, whether you’re just trying to have fun or you’re looking to achieve great things.
FAQs
Q: What is the reasonable amount to spend on hockey skates?
Getting a good pair of hockey skates costs at least $150. It is almost impossible to find skates that cost less and work just as fine for adults that play the game often. However, there are a few great places you can get clearance skates at very affordable prices.
For casual skating sessions and a few laps, you can get away with the cheapest skates, but a hockey player’s skating demands (crossovers, starts, stops, jumps, turning, sticks, pucks, etc.) will require a higher level of quality.
Q: Are my skates steel replaceable?
Almost all hockey skates are designed with replaceable steel. The screws on some brands, like CCM, are visible, while on other brands, like Bauer, the screws are seen under the heel.
If the steel cannot be replaced, the skates are probably not built for routine use. You want a skate that will outlast its blades (blades break sometimes), so you should have the option to replace steel as needed.
Otherwise, you may have to spend more cash replacing the entire skate in just a matter of months.
Q: When should I replace my skate blades?
The lifespan of a skate blade varies. It depends on how often you play and how often you get your skate blades sharpened.
When the steel is sharpened repeatedly, it wears down, which can affect your skating if care is not taken. If you’re unsure of when to replace the steel in your skates, ask the skate sharpeners at a pro shop. You can do so for a reasonable price, which means you can continue using the skates you love.