Best Hockey Skates for Youth, Junior & Senior Ice Hockey – Buyer’s Guide

Within this guide, you will find our top ten best ice hockey skates for a variety of skill levels, along with an overview of each product, including a description of the product, its performance, and any technical issues.

The price variance for skates is large so, depending on your needs, the skate can vary quite a bit. We have included a comparison table of best hockey skates for beginners, for wide feet, for flat feet … for easy reference.

This should help you narrow things down after you have read through a few times. Research is an important part of a skate purchase so we have streamlined it for you.

COVID-19 Hockey Info: USA Hockey has a player safety and health page where they are provided updates related to COVID-19 and USA Hockey, including USA National and Junior Team events. They also have a PDF on recommendations for full-shield face masks.

What are the best hockey skates in October 2021?

The Buyer’s Guide at the end of this article is an essential read before you decide which type of skates to purchase, and, really, how much you actually want to spend. That is the overarching theme here.

Take your time as you read and consider the differences between the best hockey skates 2021. The Buyer’s Guide at the end will help you consider the options further.

Youth Ice Skates

Best Ice Skates for Youth: Bauer Youth Supreme 140

This skate is a good choice for intermediate skaters. This model is a comfortable, affordable option. Beyond some sharpening, you should not have any issues with this pair if you are skating for fun. The Youth Supreme 140 is similar to the Senior S140. It has the Tuuk Super stainless runners and Lightspeed Pro blade holders, as well.

We would recommend this model for frequent (but not competitive) skaters. This pair will serve you well. The anatomical felt tongue and patented integrated anatomical heel and ankle support will provide comfort as you train or go out for fun. Just keep in mind, Bauer tends to run wide. Bauer Youth is the best youth hockey skates.

Similar to the Senior model (which we review below), you do not have to sacrifice comfort for saving money with these skates. It makes sense to purchase the Bauer Youth Supreme 140s if you are just getting into the sport or are still growing quickly and are not in any stiff competitions.

Bauer Junior Supreme 140 Skate, Black, R 1.0

• Supreme Skate Fit; Find the responsive action you're looking for with this anatomical, thermo-moldable skate
• The Supreme 140 skate comes with a premium nylon quarter and a Microfiber liner
• Includes a TPR outsole and a TUUK LIGHTSPEED Pro Holder and TUUK Super Stainless Runner

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Junior Hockey Skates

Best Junior Hockey Skates for Beginners: Bauer Junior Supreme 150

This pair is excellent for a junior, starting skater. You are not going to be able to lace these up and go pro, but they will help you learn the basics that will lead you there. With the lower price comes some lower quality and durability, but a beginning skater who is growing fast will not need to worry about this. We definitely recommend this pair for a beginner as this skate is an affordable option for learning and growing, but do not expect high performance. Bauer Junior is best junior hockey skates.

The Bauer skates again continue with their Tuuk Lightspeed Pro Holder and Tuuk Super Stainless Runners, as well as the comfort that comes with the anatomical, thermo-moldable structure. The Bauer Supreme is a slightly wide line of skates. If you have a narrow foot, this may not be a good choice for you. Pay close attention to the fit.

Bauer Junior Supreme 150 Skate, Black, D 4.5

• Supreme Skate Fit; Find the responsive action you're looking for with this anatomical, thermo-moldable skate
• The Supreme 150 skate comes with a 3D Trueform tech PU quarter and a Hydrophobic microfiber liner
• Includes a TPR outsole and a TUUK LIGHTSPEED Pro Holder and TUUK Super Stainless Runner

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Adult Senior Ice Skates

Best Senior Ice Skates for the Price: Bauer Vapor X400

We’re checking out the Bauer Vapor X400 ice hockey skate. We have the light speed pro holder with stainless steel runners. It looks just like the one that you’re going to find in the NHL. These are not removable. This is all connected to an injected TPR outsole. The skate has a nice indentation down through the center to add a little bit of stiffness and rigidity to it, which gives better energy transfer, but it is still forgiving like the quarter package.

This is their true form tech PU and it’s going to have a big upgrade in stiffness from what we saw in the 300. It’s going to be thermo-adjustable, so go ahead: bake these in the oven. It’s going to give you a customized fit for the foams on the inside. This is the first model in which we’ll find their X-rib design. This was updated in last year’s generation because it adds a little bit more stiffness and rigidity through the back.

Nice overall comfort

Into the liner, this is where we’ll find their inner form ankle pads. Like I said, these are what’s going to form to your foot when you do bake them. Has a really nice thickness to it, so it gives you that nice overall comfort, and then as you could tell there, we do have that signature Vapor heel arc, really kind of sends you down in there, and then we’re going to have a microfiber liner, soft to the touch, but it’s going to help to wick away moisture too.

And, then for the foot bed, this is going to be a molded standard EVA foam foot bed with a good amount of thickness to it. Now, as far as fit profile, this is that Vapor line that has been known for that low volume fit, so it’s going to have a pretty narrow forefoot, and also just a really shallow overall fit as well.

Conclusion

These skates are a step up from the beginner level in price and quality. The comfort and performance also goes up with the price. Your speed and maneuverability will rise, too, if you are skating at a higher skill level.

We recommend this pair for the semi-pro skater. You might not want to invest in this price if you have not already dedicated yourself to the ice. Competing in tournaments or joining a travel team means you need better equipment, and it makes sense to spend a little more for durability and performance that can make a difference competitively.

Bauer continues their dedication to the Tuuk Lightspeed Pro blade holder and Super Stainless steel runner for added acceleration and speed to go with the comfort expected from the brand.

Especially at a higher level, you must ensure that your skates are not loose, and support your ankle well. You should always ensure skates fit well because some lines, like Bauer, run wide and might not give regular-sized feet the support they need.

These skates are a good choice for those who have made a firm choice to spend years on the ice.

Bauer Senior Vapor X400 Ice Hockey Skates (Black, 9)

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Best Skate for Seniors with Wide Feet: Bauer Supreme S140 Senior

The Bauer 140 skates, well, the Supreme line, are comfortable skates. They’re great beginners. The blades are good. They’re stainless steel. The bolts that hold the blade, the two wick blade holder, in place are not stainless steel, so you will need a towel to clean them.

The skates come with cloth laces, so you’re going to get a lot of lace bite. The boot on the toe is really hard, but it doesn’t really scratch up bad. It protects your toe. You don’t feel it hitting or hurting your toe if you hit the wall.

Fit to the foot

The boot itself is pretty comfortable and molds to your foot, rather than having to be baked. As these skates form to your feet, you could feel the groove change shape and mold to my foot. It’s not loose unless you tighten them. These are great beginner skates.

The only thing disclaimer we have is that the tongue doesn’t have padding in the ankle, so if you’re playing hockey and the puck  hits you right in this area, you’re going to feel it and you’re going to go down; you won’t be able to skate or play hockey for a week or so. That’s the only disclaimer of these. I haven’t been hit in the ankle area, but I heard that it happens a lot, so that’s the only thing I’m mad about the skate, but overall they’re really good skates.

Another concern I forgot to say is cross overs. When you’re skating, your blade is going to be getting chopped up right here because my cross overs are so low to the floor, it gets nicked here, but I mean it’s not that bad. You’re still beginner going to be able to skate and stuff. You’re not going to have a big whole ’cause these skates are good and they protect a lot.

Conclusion

This skate is a great, affordable option, especially for those with a wide foot. The Supreme S140 is the base model in the new line of Supreme skates. There are only minute differences between the ability of these skates and more expensive skates. These differences will not be noticed by the casual skater. However, this pair does come with the Tuuk Lightspeed Pro holders and Lightspeed Super stainless steel runners – these features should add to your speed as you build your skill. Bauer Supreme is the best hockey skates for wide feet.

At times, you sacrifice comfort for saving money, but these skates have an anatomical ankle for maximum support and comfort. Plus, the construction makes the skate look fairly professional. You can usually depend on the Bauer brand for comfort at all price levels. In fact, the Supreme line has the Tuuk accents and comfort across the entire line.

We would recommended this pair for the casual skater. While these skates may not have the durability of a more expensive skate, they are great skates at a great price for someone starting out. Also, they will grow with your skill for a while and the comfort is an added bonus.

Bauer Senior Supreme 140 Skate, Black, R 11.0

• Supreme Skate Fit; Find the responsive action you're looking for with this anatomical, thermo-moldable skate
• The Supreme 140 skate comes with a premium nylon quarter and a Microfiber liner
• Includes a TPR outsole and a TUUK LIGHTSPEED Pro Holder and TUUK Super Stainless Runner

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Best for Quick Turns: Tour Hockey TR-700 Senior

The TR-700 Series has a reinforced ankle meant to assist skating with a little more finesse. While still affordable, these skates take it to the next level of high performance. The durability may not match more expensive skates, but the craftsmanship is excellent for the price range. Many customers are impressed with how they perform and hold up against frequent skating.

This is a great choice for the skater who may not be dedicated to tournaments or travel but is starting to skate at a higher level. In other words, intermediate skaters are best suited to this pair of skates. Durability is not a given in this price range, but you will be happy with the performance.

Those who are just starting out should not spend in this range, and those who are skating at a professional level should spend more to maximize their performance.

Tour Hockey XLT50-09 TR-700 Ice Hockey Skate

• Reinforced quarter panels, Comfort brushed TRICOT lining, Deluxe foam padding
• Firm Ankle Support
• Carbon Steel, Edge hardened Blade

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Best for Casual Skating: American Athletic Shoe Senior Cougar Soft Boot

This skate is best suited to an adult who accompanies someone else to the rink. If you want to skate beside your child or an amateur skater and are not interested in getting fancy, this is an excellent choice for a short, fun skate.

You will notice these skates are not pro level in the least. This is fine if you are casually skating around. There is also a quality issue, on some models, with the velcro strap. Ensure that it is properly attached before use.

We would recommend this pair for the casual companion skater. You won’t be able to do anything fancy, but it will get the job done for a fun time skating on the perimeter of the action.

This skate would also work well for a hockey parent who only occasionally gets on the ice or someone who wants to take their kids ice skating a few times during the winter. These skates are not going to work for any longer than that.

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Men's Cougar Soft Boot Hockey Skate

• Grey and Black camouflage pattern
• Soft boot hockey skate for non-competitive ice hockey and recreation
• Thick foam padding for warmth and comfort

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Best Skate for Beginner Adults: American Athletic Shoe Men's Ice Force

These skates are entry level. The price is right for dipping your toe in, as it were. Keep in mind that these cheaper skates are stiff and will not be comfortable for extended wear.

This pair will perform at a basic level. Do not expect any impressive moves to come out of them, even if you are a talented skater. A hockey stop can be difficult in these skates, even if you know what you are doing. We would recommend this pair for the adult, beginning skater.

Like we said, these skates are not going to impress anyone who has worn a nice pair of skates. These are definitely suited for a beginner to occasionally skate for short time periods.

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American Ice Force 2.0 Hockey Skate, 13, Black

• Perfect skates for beginner skaters to intermediate skaters
• Indoor and Outdoor skates, good for pond hockey
• Light weight sidewall injection mold giving the skate a custom fit right out of the box

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Best for Speed and Angles: CCM Unisex SK350J JS SR

These low profile skates are great for speed and agility. The comfort, along with the price, has gone up considerably since the last pair. This skate is great for a more experienced skater who is concerned with more complicated skating.

The low profile may not be preferred by some. You should try out a pair before ordering, just to make sure. We recommend this pair for the experienced, adult skater. As we advise in the Buyer’s Guide, it is a good idea to visit your local shops and rinks to see if you like a particular kind of skate before you buy it.

The comfort and maneuverability add lots of points to this pair. The low profile may be a plus for you, maybe not. It is something to keep in mind. These skates are the lightweight material that you will definitely want once you are playing at the competitive level, going to tournaments, or participating in the travel team. This is where the thicker tongue, extra hooks, and other expert-level concerns will come in.

CCM Jetspeed FT350 Ice Hockey Skates (SR 8.0D)

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Best Skates for the Money: Tour Hockey FB-225

Here we have a mid-range option for older youth. These skates are comfortable for mid-level skill and ability. You will be able to do a nice hockey stop, but do not expect anything crazy. More experienced skaters may find these skates to be uncomfortable if they are used to a higher priced skate.

Intermediate and occasional skating seems to be the best fit, so we recommend this skate for a mid-level skater. They are an affordable option for the intermediate skater, but not suited for someone skating a higher level. The reinforced ankle is there, but you won’t find the lightweight agility with these.

You might also consider whether the comfort will last for skating longer periods of time. This is an important consideration for anyone buying a pair of skates but is especially weighty when deciding between entire price range. In short, if you want to do anything beyond the occasional fun, you will need some skates that can handle more use and live up to your fancier moves.

Tour Hockey XLT54-10 Senior FB-225 Ice Hockey Skate

• Reinforced Quarter Panels, with Comfort brushed Tricot lining
• Deluxe Foam padding
• Carbon Steel (Edged Hardened) blade

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Best for Beginning Semi Pro Skating: Bauer Senior Vapor X300

This senior skate is one with unexpected comfort and durability. You can bake this pair, which helps a lot with the fit. If you are tired of rentals, these are an excellent choice. These are not pro level skates, but they are great for someone who skates often and for longer periods of time.

We recommend this pair for the frequent skater who has grown beyond rentals. You are going to get the most comfort and support in the price range from this pair. Bauer continues their comfort spree while including the Tuuk Lightspeed Pro holder and a White Felt Tongue for performance and visual appeal.

This pair of skates will save you money, in the long run, if you are frequently visiting the rink or pond. Rentals add up, and sometimes you have to pay a little for comfort.

'Bauer Supreme 190 Ice Skates [JUNIOR]' for ASIN 'B00K3GJLR4

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Frequently Asked Questions

Buyer’s Guide – Ice Hockey Skates of 2021

General Guidelines

Once you have thought about those options and made a decision on each one, you can better decide which pair to purchase. You do not want to buy a pair of semi-pro skates if you are going to casually skate around the wall while your kids practice. It is fine to be a casual skater (have fun!), but do not spend unnecessary money when you will not notice the difference. On the flip side, if you are a semi-pro skater, you do not want to cheat yourself on quality and durability to save a little money. By investing a bit more, you are ensuring you get a set that will last and serve your needs for speed and maneuvering.

At a more competitive level of skating, you will notice the difference in the price ranges, and your teammates will appreciate the difference in your skating: no matter how talented a hockey player you are, the equipment you use will make all the difference at high level of playing.

Cheaper skates will come with the blade attached, while more expensive skates will come with it unattached for easy replacement. This is because the boot will last longer with more expensive skates. The boot decision should be made mostly on comfort. You can start worrying about the weight and more complicated choices once you reach a higher level of skating. These choices will include looking for more padding on the tongue or extra hooks. Three hooks should be enough for a beginner.

Sizing is width and length. What best hockey skates for flat feet?

How much you spend on a pair of skates should depend on your level of play. If you are skating a few times a season, you can make do with the cheaper skates, but if you are skating often at a casual level, you may want to go with an intermediately priced skate. At an intermediate level, you will be looking for ample ankle support and trying to ensure the blades are attached at the correct height. More expensive skates are a good choice for skaters who play competitively. They are lighter weight, will last longer, will fit better, and will give you better support, comfort, and protection.

Tips for the Right Fit

There are several tests that can be done to test your fit: the squeeze test, the pencil test, the finger test, and the toe brush test. These tests will help you determine whether you have made a good choice, but, ultimately, you will be the one to decide if they are the right pair for you. Even if the tests say they should be an amazing fit, you may just not like them. Speak up! Ultimately, you are the one who has to skate on them.

Tips to Break Them In

Your skates will likely hurt the first few times you wear them. They need to be “broken in.” If you have skated five or more times, and they still hurt, you likely do not have the right skates. Several of the skates in the higher price ranges will be “thermo-moldable,” meaning you can bake the boot and mold it to your foot. This aids comfort and stability in a big way because the boot is then “made for you.”

Another idea to aid the breaking in process is to wear your skates around the house (with the guards on). This will speed the process along. If you have skated in the past and notice a regression with your new skates, try not to be discouraged; it will not last. Once your skates are broken in, you will notice a rapid improvement.

We are excited to provide you with this guide to help you find your perfect pair of skates. Hopefully, this article has helped you decide on your skates or has at least assisted you in beginning your search. Do not hesitate to go to your local rink and try on some skates. They will know how to help you get an idea of what you like, no matter your skill level. People with a passion for the sport will be glad to see your interest.

Remember to consider and balance your need for comfort, durability, agility, speed, and cost. Ice skating and hockey are both fun and great exercise! You will be skill building and making new friends! Have fun out there.

Conclusion

The two standouts are the Bauer Senior vapor X400 skate and the CCM JetSpeed 260 skate. The Bauer skate is a top pick because of the overall appeal, comfort, and affordability. It is a great choice for a wide range of skill levels. If you go beyond the beginning and intermediate levels, the CCM skate looks great and performs well. The low profile adds to the ability and visual appeal. Both pairs will give you the comfort and durability you need, so as long as you understand your skill level, you can’t go wrong.