How to Choose Ice Hockey Skates

Considering that your investment for a basic ice hockey skate will be $60 - $150 or up to $500 for a top-of-the-line competitive skate, it’s always best to do a little research before buying. You need not get the cheapest model nor the most expensive--you should choose just the right model for your own use and level of play.

Choosing ice hockey skates need not be a daunting task. Many companies make quality skates and all you have to do is keep in mind a few simple characteristics when choosing your equipment. The emergence of online retailers of ice hockey skates means that there is more competition and you can now find quality skates at lower prices. No matter where you buy your skates make sure you deal with people who are knowledgeable about ice hockey skates and can answer any questions you might have.

As with all other kinds of sports equipment, technology has made ice hockey skates even better with new kinds of materials and features. If you only play hockey a couple times a year you probably don’t need the features of someone who practices every day and competes on a team several days a week.

All ice hockey skates are a lot more comfortable than they used to be. Even the low-cost models have comfortable padding that molds to the foot, while the mid to top-of-the-line models have different types of micro-fibers and foams which not only mold to the foot cutting down on the breaking-in time, but dry out fast as well.

Today’s ice hockey skates are incredibly light especially as you get into the higher end models. Abrasion resistant quarters and lace-bite tongues are pretty common on all brands and models. As you move up to the professional models you will find high performance carbon composite outer soles and light, high-tech carbon fiber blades.

As you pick out your ice hockey skates, remember that the biggest mistake people make when buying skates is that they get sizes that are too large. In ice hockey skates bigger is not better. It’s better for them to feel short and tight when laced up than long and loose.

Also, ice hockey skates run larger than normal shoes or other sports footwear. Unless your feet are going to grow, always select a skate that is 1-½ sizes smaller than your running shoes or sneakers. So, if you normally wear a size 10, you need to buy a size 8-½ skate. Most skate models come in three different sizing systems: youth, junior, and senior. And as you go up through the various models, keep in mind that the more you pay to get a better model, the stiffer the skate is going to be. Beginners should stay away from stiff skates--for pros, most times the stiffer, the better.

A couple of really good skates for mid-level players in the medium price range are the CCM Vector V04 senior ice hockey skates and Nike Bauer Vapor XVI Sr. Hockey Skates.

CCM has what it calls its F-I-T System which means that the heat and pressure from your foot will mold the boot into a custom fit. That, combined with a special pro comfort foam around the ankles and an anatomical foot bed makes the CCM Vector V04 extremely comfy to wear. As with all CCM products they are extremely durable and abrasion resistant, with a Duratex professional lining that dries quickly. A low profile allows you to turn quickly and stop fast. Lightweight and with a very nice long-lasting steel blade, the CCM Vector V04 have the quality that’s built into every skate in the Vector line with a superb fit and high performance design. The CCM Vector skates are very popular with ice hockey players who like a more traditional skate.

The Nike Bauer Vapor XVI Sr. Ice Hockey Skates are also a mid-range skate with a sublimated tech nylon that’s a little stiffer than lower-priced models. They fit great with insta-form ankle pads and a lightweight, easy-drying, hydrophobic micro-fiber liner. A form-fit eva footbed and plenty of ankle support will allow you to have foot control, while this lightweight skate will give you plenty of power, and allow you to go faster and turn quicker. The Vapor XVI is a great skate for advanced beginners or intermediate players.