Best Hockey Skates for 2023 – Top Ice Hockey Skate Reviews

Overview:

Engineered for the most powerful athletes in the game, the all-new Bauer Supreme Mach Senior Ice Hockey Skates look to give you power on a whole new level with their most advanced Supreme skated ever designed. The 3D lasted curve composite quarter package and 12K curve composite boot is an ultra-lightweight structure and is Bauer's  most thermoformable boot, giving you the best fit possible for your foot shape.

A new addition, AMP (active motion performance) skate flex, is a flex facing that adds more forward flex in the upper portion of the skate. This flex will allow you to push harder and get more energy transfer to get a stronger stride each time you push off. The Powercoil tongue features an improved insert for faster recoil speed that helps explode into each stride giving you the maximum flex and performance every time you skate.

The Lock Fit Pro liner is designed to keep your feet locked into place, as well as quickly wick away sweat, providing you with ultimate feel and control while on the ice. Customize your skates with your choice of runner options; simply choose the skate with your desired performance level and finish.

Known For:

• 3D lasted curve 12K composite quarter package
• Powercoil tongue
• Lock Fit Pro liner
• TUUK Lightspeed Edge holders
• Choose your preferred runners: Carbonlite, Pulse TI, or Pulse

Overview:

The CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Senior Ice Hockey Skates are built for strength and power while being extremely lightweight. This skate provides superior energy transfer and a closer fit, to support the most intense skating strides. These skates feature a close to the foot anatomical fit that players are accustomed to with the Tacks line. This form-fitting, 360-degree fit around the forefoot, heel, and ankle helps eliminate negative space within the boot, allowing for more efficient energy transfer meaning improved speed and agility.

CCM’s one-piece “Power” boot technology gives you more direct energy transfer and a closer to the foot fit to keep you as fast and agile as possible on the ice. This one piece boot is built with RFM composite carbon which is a premium carbon material that delivers the best energy transfer possible within the boot.

CCM’s replaceable metatomic tongue with D30 foam, a multi-layer 7mm tongue will have an asymmetrical flex point for a better wrap and the D30 smart material insert will help to disperse the force of direct impacts, such as blocked shots, away from the sensitive ankle areas.

The TotalDri Pro+ liner with Polygiene is an elite-performance moisture-wicking material that helps wick moisture away from the body, keeping them dry and light on their feet. The Ortholite Ultralite footbed with heel grip offers premium comfort and support using recycled EVA foams.

SpeedBlade XS holders were developed as a quick and easy way for players to replace runners on the fly, while ensuring a consistent feel every time. The holders utilize a positive-lock mechanism that tightly secures the runners to the holder to prevent the blade from loosening during gameplay. Customize your skates with your choice of STEP Steel options; simply choose the skate with your desired performance level and finish.

Known For:

• One-piece “Power” boot technology
• Replaceable metatomic tongue with D30 foam
• TotalDri Pro+ liner with Polygiene
• SpeedBlade XS holders
• Choose your preferred steel runners: Step Blacksteel, Step-V-Steel, or Step Steel

Overview:

The quarter package is built with Bauer’s Injected flex system conforms to the natural shape of your foot, which helps with overall performance and comfort. This design is constructed out of Bauer’s 3-D lasted Carbon Curv Composite material and Comfort Edge padding within the boot. This setup provides a familiar snug, close to the foot feel. The X-Rib pattern on the back of the skates helps lock the heel into place for quicker crossovers and tighter turns.

A classic pro stock 48oz felt tongue with injected inserts provides players with improved forward flex meaning more range of motion during skating strides. The asymmetrical toe cap and box enhances your push-off power, helping increase top-end speed.

Bauer’s Hydrolite liner is specifically designed to keep players feet dry and comfortable, as well as locked into place during gameplay thanks to the lock fit footbed. Bauer’s tried-and-true LightSpeed EDGE holders are three millimeters taller than older model LightSpeed holders allowing players to get lower on their turns.

Known For:

• 3-D lasted Carbon Curv Composite quarter package
• Aerofoam+ memory foam pads within the ankles of the boot
• New toe cap and box is a touch shorter in height and longer in length

Overview:

CCM is pulling out all the stops with their highly advanced one-piece boot SPEED technology and all new fit system, giving players a skate that is engineered to fit your exact foot shape with a boot built for pure acceleration. Choose from Tapered, Regular, or Wide and get the fit that will best help you to achieve top performance

One-piece SPEED boot technology is engineered with no outsole, no stitching, and no glue in high-energy transfer zones. Players will get more direct energy transfer and a closer fit for faster strides. The Asymmetrical toe cap improves fit and comfort in the toe area.

The new XS tongue system allows you to replace the tongue with one that suits your preferences, whether you want a thicker or thinng tongue. CCM’s TotalDri Liner helps wick away any moisture, helping keep your feet dry and your skates light.

The SpeedBlade XS holder were developed as a quick and easy way to replace blades on the fly, while ensuring you a consistent feel and performance every time. STEP Steel (+4mm) runners are made of the highest quality steel with an increased height that lets you dig into the ice with control and confidence.

Known For:

• One-piece SPEED boot technology
• NHL-caliber RFM composite material
• TotalDri Liner
• STEP Steel (+4mm) runners

Overview:

The True TF9 Ice Hockey Skates are a culmination of thousands of foot scans and hundreds of hours of development to get as close to a custom skate fit as possible, in a stock skate. TRUESHELL tech provides a high level of protection and performance while staying ultra-lightweight.

The adjustable tongue has a stiff and contoured design allowing for a lightweight but anatomical fit for enhanced comfort and the T-Guard insert delivers superior protection against impact while preventing lace bite.

Hydrofoam liner is an antimicrobial, moisture wicking liner to keep your feet dry while providing superior comfort through a multi-density foam construction. The TF9 insole integrates fit inserts to accommodate low, mid, and high arch feet. Placement of the fit inserts are marked on the insole for easy positioning to ensure proper fit regardless of your arch type.

Known For:

• TRUESHELL tech, True's proprietary co-molded carbon fiber and thermoplastic one-piece shell creates a thermoformed boot
• Antimicrobial, moisture wicking liner keeps your feet dry while providing superior comfort through a multi-density foam construction
• SHIFT holders feature enhanced BenchChange technology allowing for faster blade replacement
• SHIFT Onyx black steel runners enhance the longevity of skate sharpenings and provide a sharper edge

Overview:

Looking to provide players with a skate that has a classic Graf feel mixed with modern technology, the Graf PK5900 is a great choice for any skater. Ultra-light 2-piece heat moldable Pure composite quarter panels provide unmatched heel lock and fit. SPEEDFIT technology means these skates are designed for quick break-in, comfort, support, and precision control.

An asymmetrical tongue is built specifically to stay locked in position and prevent shifting during play. The toe cap is lined with a foam lining that will better help protect your foot from impacts while providing extra durability to the skate. Asymmetrical ankle pockets help with a precise fit around the ankle.

An overall contoured shape helps reduce negative space inside the skate allowing for a precise improved fit. A brushed nylon quick dry liner throughout the inside will help to wick moisture away, keeping the foot dry, and add a great level of comfort for your foot.

Known For:

• SPEEDFIT maximizes heel lock, stiffness, and increases protection without adding additional weight to the skate
• Felt tongue is comfortable without sacrificing protection
• Asymmetrical ankle pockets for a precise fit
• Graf 5500 Holder and replaceable Cobra 2.0 stainless steel runners with a 10ft. radius, allowing for tighter and quicker turns

Overview:

True is looking to transform the skate market once again, introducing its groundbreaking technology in the performance and competitive stock skate categories with the True TF7 Senior Ice Hockey Skates. Built around the fundamental player benefits that have become synonymous with true: best-in-class fit, best-in-class performance and versatile designs.

The True TF7 shell uses TRUESHELL tech, their proprietary fiberglass one-piece shell that creates the thermoformed boot and gives it that best-in-class fit. The TRUESHELL tech wraps the toe box providing superior protection while eliminating any weak points around high impact areas.

An anatomical felt tongue that creates a stiff, contoured design. The blackwick liner, an antimicrobial, moisture wicking liner, helps to keep your feet dry while simultaneously providing enhanced comfort. The TF7 insole integrates fit inserts to accommodate low, mid, and high arch feet. Placement of the fit inserts are marked on the insole for easy positioning to ensure proper fit regardless of your arch type.

The SHIFT holders feature enhanced BenchChange technology allowing for faster blade replacement without the need for a special tool. SHIFT stainless steel runners provides a dense, durable quality stainless steel that will hold a sharp edge over time.

Known For:

• TRUESHELL tech, True's proprietary co-molded carbon fiber and thermoplastic one-piece shell creates a thermoformed boot
• Antimicrobial, moisture wicking liner keeps your feet dry while providing superior comfort through a multi-density foam construction
• SHIFT holders feature enhanced BenchChange technology allowing for faster blade replacement
• SHIFTstainless steel runners provide a dense, durable quality stainless steel that will hold a sharp edge over time

Overview:

 Featuring a 3-D Polycarb quarter construction that provides players with added comfort and flex, helping the boot form to the natural shape of players’ feet, the Vapor X3.5 skates are a great option for any recreational player.

The tongue is made of Bauer’s 40-ounce felt tongue with metatarsal guards, giving you a highly comfortable and protective fit and feel. The microfiber liner is specifically designed to keep players feet dry and comfortable by working to wick away moisture.

Memory foam pads within the ankles of the boot deliver premium thermoformability, good comfort and durability, and an improved fit. Bauer’s LightSpeed PRO II holders, paired with stainless steel runners are highly durable and lightweight and provide increased longevity on skate sharpenings.

Known For:

• 3-D Polycarb quarter construction
• 40-ounce felt tongue with metatarsal guards
• Memory foam pads within the ankles of the boot
• Bauer’s LightSpeed PRO II holders with stainless steel runners

Overview:

The CCM Ribcor 86K skate is designed to help maximize agility on the ice and give a good balance of comfort fit and performance. A composite quarter package using an injected synthetic composite shapes to your foot better for a good fit around your foot. This boot will have a good structural stiffness and a performance stiffness of 130 which will generate a good skating performance.

The new XS tongue system allows you to replace the tongue with one that suits your preferences, whether you want a thicker or thinng tongue. The HD microfiber liner works to keep players as dry and comfortable as possible all game long. ADPT memory foams wrap snugly but comfortably around players feet, providing an anatomical type fit and comfort for all different foot shapes.

The SpeedBlade XS holder uses CCM’s BladeLock Technology, a positive-lock dial that tightly secures the blade to the holder and helps prevent the blade from loosening during gameplay.

Known For:

• XS tongue system
• HD microfiber liner
• ADPT memory foams inside the boot
• SpeedBlade XS holder

Overview:

Constantly pushing innovation with their skates, Bauer Hockey has designed a new Supreme skate for 2022. Built as the Supreme family’s recreational skate, the all-new Bauer Supreme M1 Senior Ice Hockey Skates look to provide the ultimate comfort, so you can focus on finding your stride.

Bauer is using a 3D poly-carb quarter package that is designed for a more flexible and forgiving fit. The softer boot makes recreational skating a breeze right out of the box. The Supreme M1 skates feature a standard symmetrical facing flex to players find comfort in the boot and be able to flex easier to find their stride without being too stiff.

The classic 30oz felt tongue with a mesh insert is a tried and true felt tongue that will make the skate more comfortable for recreational skaters. The microfiber liner is designed to keep your feet locked into place, as well as quickly wick away sweat, providing you with good feel and control while on the ice.

Known For:

• Standard symmetrical facing flex for comfort
• Classic 30oz felt tongue
• Microfiber liner quickly wicks away sweat
• TUUK LS Pro II holder