Every move on the ice begins with the right hockey skate. Buying the right pair of ice skates can make all the difference in your skating experience. Whether you or your loved one is just starting out or you’ve been on ice for years, grabbing the right pair of skates is vital for success.
This ice skate buying guide covers everything from sizing and ankle support to blade quality and budget.
Understanding Hockey Skate Sizes
Correct sizing is paramount for performance and comfort. Finding the best ice skates for hockey is important to every player. Skates vary for senior, junior, and youth players: senior sizes range from 6 upwards; juniors, 1 to 5.5; and youth, 6 to 13.5. Those transitioning from regular shoes to skates should note: hockey skates are usually 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than street shoes.
Referencing a sizing chart is a good starting point if you aren't sure what size you are in a particular brand.
Hockey Skate Sizing Chart
Read also: USA Skiing Without the High Cost
| Youth Skate Size | US Boy's Shoe Size | EUR Boy's Shoe Size | US Girl's Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 9.5 | 26 | 11.0 |
| 9.0 | 10.5 | 27 | 12.0 |
| 10.0 | 11.5 | 29 | 13.0 |
| 11.0 | 12.5 | 30 | 1.0 |
| 11.5 | 13.0 | 31 | 1.5 |
| 12.0 | 13.5 | 31 | 2.0 |
Note: If you’re sizing for a child, it’s common to get a larger pair of skates for them to grow into. However, if you plan on going larger, it’s recommended you only go a half size bigger for that extra room - going any bigger will be very uncomfortable and can cause blistering and a premature breakdown of the skate boot.
Types of Hockey Skates
Our Hockey Skates are designed for players of all ages and skill levels. Choose from top brands like Bauer, CCM, Graf, and True.
By usage type, each style is built for a different purpose, designed for what the skater is looking to do.
Recreational Skates
First, recreational skates are made for general fun and casual outings. These skates have softer boots, more comfortable padding, and blades that are easy to manage. If someone just wants to glide and enjoy the ice without serious jumps or competition, recreational skates are a smart pick. They’re available as men’s and women's skates and usually in simpler and more forgiving versions.
Figure Skates
Figure skating skates are designed for artistic moves, spins, glides, and jumps. The boot is higher for ankle support, and the blade typically has a toe pick (those jagged teeth at the front) and a longer flat surface for balance. Especially helpful for figure skaters, these skates feature features to improve edge control and precision. If the skater is working on one-foot glides, single jumps, or dance-style movements, figure skates let them do more than just go forward and back.
Read also: Features of Custom Hockey Gloves
Hockey Skates
Hockey skates, on the other hand, are built for speed, agility, and quick turns. Their blades are shorter, and their boots are more rugged and lower-cut around the ankles so that players can move fast. If the goal is to play hockey or do fast drills rather than perform spins or jump combos, hockey skates are the way to go.
How to Choose an Ice Hockey Skate
Fit and Sizing: Importance of Proper Sizing
Proper fit and sizing are among the most important factors when choosing ice skates. A skate that fits well keeps your feet supported and comfortable, which helps you stay balanced and in control. Skates that are too loose can cause blisters and make it hard to steer, while skates that are too tight can cut off circulation and cause pain.
Sizing tips by category:
- Women's Ice Skates: Typically run 1-1.5 sizes smaller than street shoes
- Men's Ice Skates: Usually 1 full size smaller than regular shoes
- Girls' Ice Skates: Consider ½ size larger for growing feet
- Boys' Ice Skates: Allow thumb-width space for growth
Whether you’re fitting for a girl’s or a boy’s skate or that of a veteran competitor, tightness matters. The fit should allow the toes to lightly touch the end of the boot without being cramped. It’s best to try on skates with the same socks you’ll wear on the ice to find the perfect, secure fit.
Read also: The story of Craig Needham
Boot Support: Ankle Support Needs by Experience Level
Ankle support is one of the biggest factors that change as a skater gains experience. The boot’s stiffness and structure help keep the ankle stable, improving control and reducing the risk of injury. Beginner skates have softer, more flexible boots to make learning comfortable and less restrictive. As skaters advance, they need stronger ankle support to handle sharper turns, deeper edges, and landings from jumps.
Ankle support by experience level:
- Beginner: Light support. Softer boots allow natural movement and comfort for learning basic balance and gliding.
- Intermediate: Medium support. Boots include reinforced materials that stabilize the ankle during spins and single jumps.
- Advanced: Firm support. High-performance boots are very stiff, built for power and precision in double or triple jumps.
Having the right boot stiffness helps skaters progress confidently while protecting their ankles from strain.
Blade Quality: Steel Types and Maintenance
The quality of a skate’s blade affects speed, control, and how smoothly a skater glides across the ice. Blades are usually made from different types of steel, which vary in strength, edge retention, and rust resistance. Higher-quality steel holds a sharper edge longer, while softer steel is easier to sharpen but may dull more quickly.
Common blade steel types:
- Carbon steel: Sharp and responsive, but requires frequent drying to prevent rust.
- Stainless steel: More corrosion-resistant, ideal for recreational skaters.
- High-carbon stainless steel: Combines durability and sharpness, often used in performance blades.
Regular sharpening and wiping blades dry after skating helps maintain edge quality and lifespan.
Budget Guidelines: Price Ranges and Value Expectations
The price of hockey skates varies widely based on brand, design, and features. At HockeyMonkey, we offer a diverse range of prices to cater to everyone from beginners to professionals.
- Beginner Skates: Entry-level recreational skates typically cost between $100 and $200. These models focus on comfort, warmth, and stability for beginners or casual skaters.
- Intermediate Skates: Intermediate skates usually fall in the $150 to $300 range. They feature stronger materials, improved support, and better-quality blades designed for single jumps or longer skating sessions.
- Advanced or Competitive Skates: Advanced and competitive skates start around $450 and can reach $650 or more for top-tier models. These boots are handcrafted with stiff leather or composite materials, paired with high-end blades for precision and power.
Beginner vs. Intermediate Ice Skates
When comparing beginner and intermediate ice skates, the main differences center on support, materials, and performance. Beginner skates are designed to help new skaters feel comfortable and confident as they learn the basics. Intermediate skates are stronger and more supportive, helping handle more advanced moves like spins and jumps. Choosing the right level makes skating easier and safer.
| Feature | Beginner Skates | Intermediate Skates |
|---|---|---|
| Boot stiffness | Soft and flexible | Stiffer for ankle support |
| Blade quality | Basic stainless steel | Higher-grade steel, better edge retention |
| Purpose | Comfort and balance | Skill development and control |
| Durability | 1-2 seasons of regular use | 2-3+ seasons with frequent practice |
| Price Range | $100-$200 | $150-$300 |
Personal Experience Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right fit can be a journey. One user shared their experience:
My foot profile: learned through this process that I have a pretty narrow heel but a wide forefoot. And when I put weight onto my feet, my feet spread out more than most (making even more wide).
Bauer Nexus 7000 and 8000, EE width: My foot fit mostly well in these but I didn't feel like my heel locked in enough. So felt like it was too roomy in the heel. Also had a minor tightness just before my big toe.
Bauer Supreme S170, EE width: Just way to narrow for me.
Easton Mako M8, EE width: The salesman heated these up for me before I put them on. Wow. All I can say. Fit like a dream. It's narrow enough in the heel/ankle for me but very wide and accommodating upfront, toebox felt great too. Not a single tight spot. Also hugs top of my foot well, not too roomy. I knew within 20 seconds I was buying these. And I feel super lucky to find these given Easton is gone.
tags: #affordable #hockey #skates