Hockey skates have a blade designed to run on the ice rather than glide. They are designed for high maneuverability, so the blade is high, the shin walks more freely, and the foot is securely fixed.
At the same time, the manufacturer needs to strike a balance between the necessary stiffness (for the sake of protection) and lightness. Let’s talk about the best hockey skates 2020-21.
Bauer Supreme S29
This is the newest semi-pro model from Bauer for 2021. Before use, it is recommended that the skate boot be heated in a special machine so that they take the shape of the foot.
Made of 3D fiber composite. Inside the skates is a high quality hydrophobic microfiber liner that wicks away moisture and keeps the foot in place. Flexible tendon protection provides maximum range of motion and provides the right level of protection.
The ankle is secured by inner tabs, which are filled with foam for memory effect. These skates can claim to be the best hockey skates for value for money.
- Pros
- + Replaceable blades
- + Tuuk Lightspeed Edge stainless steel LS1 holders
- + Composite boots
- + Stainless steel blades
- + Ankle inserts
- + Anatomical liners, boots, lacing
- Cons
- – It is better to buy more expensive blades
Bauer Nexus 2N
The Nexus 2N hockey skates provide explosive power. The boot is made of durable, ultra-lightweight CURV® 3D composite material that is stiff, efficient, and fits the foot perfectly.
Inside is an upgraded Hydra Max 2 liner to keep the foot in place and not trap moisture. Underneath the liner is a thermoplastic insole with a memory effect for increased comfort and a comfortable fit.
- Pros
- + Hydra Max 2 liner
- + Ultra-lightweight CURV® 3D composite material
- + Tuuk Lightspeed EDGE Holder
- + Form Fit+ Footbed
- + Tuuk LS3 Runner
- + 48-oz Pro Style Tongue
- Cons
- – Price
Bauer Supreme 2S Pro
One of the outstanding features of these hockey skates is the Reflex Pro felt tongue with molded inserts to adjust flexibility and range of motion to better match the player’s skating style.
The boot is made of ultralight composite material CURV®. Inside the skate is a new redesigned Lock-Fit Pro liner that helps skates dry very quickly. The new Bauer SpeedPlate 2.0 insole is also thermoformable for a more comfortable fit and more energy transfer.
The boots mount on the new Lightspeed Edge LIGHTSPEED 5 Carbon EDGE stainless steel cups.
- Pros
- + Customizable fit
- + Lock Fit Pro liner
- + Reflex Pro tongue
- + Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder
- + Carbon composite outsole
- Cons
- – Price
Bauer Vapor X2.9
The boot is made of 3D Lasted Tech Mesh Quarter material, which makes the skate one of the lightest in this price range. The new Flex-Lock tongue is a 48-ounce, three-piece felt tongue with more flexible protection.
The hydrophobic microfiber lining better stabilizes the foot, especially with heavy use and sweating. The skates are mounted on Tuuk Lightspeed Edge cups and are made of LS1 stainless steel.
- Pros
- + Tuuk Lightspeed EDGE Holder
- + Form-Fit+ Footbed
- + Comfort Edge and Aero Foam
- + PERFORMFLEX System
- Cons
- – No thermoforming
CCM Super Tacks AS1
Skates of 2018, which are still quite competitive. The distinctive feature of this skate is the innovative Monoframe 360 boot. The boot is fully anatomical and is currently one of the best among hockey skates on the market. The superior fit and stiffness of the Speedcore 3 material will provide direct energy transfer for a more powerful and efficient stride.
The skates also come with high-quality CCM orthopedic insoles that provide support and can be thermoformed for a custom fit. The SpeedBlade 4.0 holders are treated with SpeedBlade Black oxide steel.
- Pros
- + TotalDri Pro level liner
- + SpeedBlade 4.0 holders
- Cons
- – Old model
CCM JetSpeed FT470
The CCM JetSpeed FT470 skates feature Metaframe Technology, which is based on last year’s top of the line JetSpeed skates. The boots work with SpeedCore internal components that respond very well to the recommended thermoforming for increased comfort.
The JetSpeed FT470 hockey skates feature a reinforced outsole that improves power transfer and the SpeedBlade XS cup, which is also in CCM’s top line of skates. The new reinforced cup allows players to lean sideways even more.
- Pros
- + SpeedBlade XS holder
- + HD Microfiber Liner
- + Rocketframe composite
- + Speedblade XS Runner
- Cons
- – No
Bauer Vapor 2X Pro
The Bauer Vapor 2X professional hockey skates are some of the most efficient skates on the market today. The Bauer Vapor 2X pro boots are made of three-dimensional Carbon Curv® Composite Quarter material with an X-Rib structure that reduces the overall weight of the skate while maintaining its strength and support.
The upper of the 2X Pro skates features Bauer’s Comfort Edge cushioning, which helps with the ankle chafing that’s common with stiffer boots. The Recoil PRO tongue is unique because it is thermoformable, providing increased protection and flex for aggressive skating. Also unique to these skates is the lace lock feature, which keeps the laces in place during the game.
- Pros
- + Tuuk Lightspeed EDGE Holder
- + Recoil Tongue
- + Asymmetrical Toes Cap
- + DYNAFLEX System
- + LockFit Liner and Aero Foam
- + LS5 Blade
- Cons
- – Price
CCM RibCor 80k
The RibCor 80k is 10% lighter than last year’s previous model 70k. It’s a combination of a 3D-Lasted Composite boot with Flex Frame technology that increases forward flex, generating power and stability, helping to maximize energy transfer on every step. The tongue is a classic white felt for improved protection and comfort.
- Pros
- + Flexframe Technology
- + Speedblade XS holder
- + CCM Orthomove Footbed
- + Tritech Pro Tongue
- + Speedblade XS1 Black runner
- + ADPT Memory foam padding and TotalDri+ liner
- Cons
- – Old model
Bauer Vapor X2.7
Bauer Vapor X2.7 hockey skates are inexpensive skates for the average player. The Bauer X2.7 boot is a one-piece 3D polycarbonate material. It is lightweight and rigid, fully thermoformed for a custom fit.
The inside of the skate has an ankle padding of foam covered with a hydrophobic microfiber liner. This liner helps to absorb moisture and hold your foot in place. An anatomical two-piece felt tongue with a 40 oz. metatarsal protector helps protect the most vulnerable areas of the foot from pucks and shots.
- Pros
- + Price
- + COMFORTFLEX System
- + Tuuk Lightspeed EDGE holder
- + Memory Foam Inside
- Cons
- – Old model
CCM JetSpeed FT490
The CCM JetSpeed FT490 has all the high-performance features of the flagship FT2 skates. These skates have the same features as the FT2: TotalDri Liner and SpeedCore 3.
They have incredible thermoforming properties for efficiency and fit. The tongue is a Tritech Tongue with shrink foam for increased comfort in the top of the foot and excellent ankle support. Overall, the CCM JetSpeed FT490 is a high-performance professional skate.
- Pros
- + Speedblade XS Runner
- + Liteframe 360 Evo quarter package
- + Total-Dri Pro liner
- + Speedblade XS holder
- + Tritech Tongue
- Cons
- – Price
Graf G755 Pro
Graf has been one of the world market leaders among hockey equipment manufacturers for many years. Graf skates are superior to the competition in many ways. Skates are manufactured using the latest technology and ultra-lightweight composite materials.
- Pros
- + Tongue features 10mm protective felt
- + 4K composite outsole
- + Cobra 2.0 SS stainless steel runner
- + Graf 5000 Holder
- Cons
- – Price
CCM Ribcor 74K
The CCM Ribcor 74k hockey skates are great skates for the entry-level player looking for an improved version. The Ribcor 74k uses heavier materials to make the skates more accessible to hockey players of all levels.
The lining is made of heavy-duty microfiber for comfort and durability. The Ribcor 74K is mounted on the same SpeedBlade 4.0 cup used on the most expensive CCM skates today.
- Pros
- + Price
- + Brushed Microfiber Liner
- + Speeblade XS Stainless runner
- Cons
- – Weight
- – Model of 2019
How to choose hockey skates
Hockey skates are divided into three categories: professional, semi-professional, and amateur. The choice of model depends on the purpose for which they are purchased.
If you need skates for occasional mass skating, you can do with amateur models – they are cheaper. If it is about playing hockey, you should pay attention to semi-professional or professional models.
Fitting
The main criteria in choosing skates are their comfort and compliance of a particular model with the anatomic features of your foot. That is why you should carefully approach the issue of the fitting.
Professional and semi-professional models have the option of thermoforming when a skate is heated in a special stove, tightly laced on the foot to make it take the maximum shape of the foot and after cooling it becomes ideal.
Many people bake their skates at home, so, watch the video “How to Bake Your Hockey Skates at Home” from Ice Warehouse, that shows you how to do it in the comfort of your home.
Top Brands and Prices
The main skate manufacturers in the world are Bauer, Graf, and CCM. They produce professional models. Amateur skates are numerous and all are of approximately the same quality. The cost of hockey skates starts at $100 for a semi-professional model and can go up to $1000 in the case of custom skates.
How to Care for Skates
Skate care primarily consists of regular sharpening of blades, mandatory drying, and storage in a warm, ventilated room. With proper care, skates will serve you well for several years.
Best Hockey Skates in One Table
| Model | Price [$] | |
|---|---|---|
| Bauer Supreme S29 | 330 | |
| Bauer Nexus 2N | 700 | |
| Bauer Supreme 2S Pro | 900 | |
| Bauer Vapor X2.9 | 360 | |
| CCM Super Tacks AS1 | 850 | |
| CCM JetSpeed FT470 | 330 | |
| Bauer Vapor 2X Pro | 900 | |
| CCM RibCor 80k | 700 | |
| Bauer Vapor X2.7 | 210 | |
| CCM JetSpeed FT490 | 630 | |
| Graf G755 Pro | 550 | |
| CCM Ribcor 74K | 200 |
Check the price
Check prices and availability at the most popular hockey shops.
| Skates | Average price | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bauer Supreme S29 | $330 |  hockeymonkey.com |  purehockey.com |
| Bauer Nexus 2N | $700 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
| Bauer Supreme 2S Pro | $900 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
| Bauer Vapor X2.9 | $360 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
| CCM Super Tacks AS1 | $850 | hockeymonkey.com | – |
| CCM JetSpeed FT470 | $330 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
| Bauer Vapor 2X Pro | $900-950 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
| CCM RibCor 80k | $700-750 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
| Bauer Vapor X2.7 | $210-230 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
| CCM JetSpeed FT490 | $630 |  hockeymonkey.com |  purehockey.com |
| Graf G755 Pro | $550 | hockeymonkey.com | – |
| CCM Ribcor 74K | $200 | hockeymonkey.com | purehockey.com |
