Best Ice Hockey Skates 2021: Top Picks For Beginners, Juniors, And More


There's a lot to consider when searching for the best ice hockey skates, especially when factoring in all the different types and styles available, making it hard to know what's best to accompany your top hockey stick.

Fortunately, then we've put together this list based on features, price, and reviews, to help you begin your search for the best pair for you.

So, whether you're looking for a top pair of all-round skates, like these CCM Super Tacks 9350's, or you're searching for some that are built for support, like these Botas Draft 281's, then we've got you covered right here.

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Best Ice Hockey Skates

Best All-Round Ice Hockey Skates - CCM Super Tacks 9350

Best ice hockey skates CCM product image of a pair of black shoes with white skates
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Image Credit: CCM

Brand: CCM | Runner: CCM Superblade

We've featured CCM products before in our list of the best ice hockey sticks because they're one of the leading manufacturers of ice hockey equipment around, so it is probably no surprise they feature in our list of best skates.

CCM market the Super Tacks is the complete performance package thanks to innovative features such as the reinforced 3D injected boot which is a new, ergonomic boot-shaping system designed to provide more comfort and durability.

Towards the bottom of the boots, you have CCM’s own footbed, engineered to provide further support and comfort, and stainless steel CCM Speedblades with an elevated holder for an increased attack angle.

Considering the price and the number of innovative features, the Super Tacks are definitely a worthy contender for one of the best all-round ice hockey skates going.

Best Budget Ice Hockey Skates - Jackson Ultima Softec Sport

Best ice hockey skates Jackson Ultima product image of a pair of grey skates with white lining
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Image Credit: Jackson Ultima

Brand: Jackson Ultima | Runner: Stainless Steel

The Jackson Ultima Softec Sport's should be a great pair of budget skates for both men and women just starting out in the sport to replicate what you see in the NHL on your top TV for sports.

They come with an insulated upper and tongue with foam padding to help maximise comfort and warmth as well as an upper made of nylon which has been designed to be durable - vital in ice hockey as your skates tend to take a lot of punishment during a game.

In terms of the blade, Jackson Ultima markets them as 'leisure blades' meaning these skates should suit more casual matches or training than intense competitive fixtures which, again, makes them more ideal for beginners.

On the whole, if you're looking for a pair of skates on a budget, the Jackson Ultima Softec Sport's might be the boots for you.

Best Premium Ice Hockey Skates - Bauer Vapor X 100

Best ice hockey skates Bauer product image of a singular black skate with white laces and red details
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Image Credit: Bauer

Brand: Bauer | Runner: Tuuk LS2 Stainless Steel

If you're serious about your hockey and in need of some skates to match your drive and ability, then the Vapor X 100's could be your answer.

Starting with the quarter package, the Vapor X 100's use a 3D lasted Curv Composite with an x-rib pattern designed for maximum comfort and stability as you race around the rink.

Moreover, they come with Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holders that give you a 3mm increase in height as well as a quick blade release mechanism to make maintaining and changing the blades far easier.

With a felt tongue and a fully composite outsole, the Vapor X 100's should be extremely lightweight and therefore great for building up some serious speed across the ice.

Best Ice Hockey Skates For Support - Botas Draft 281

Best ice hockey skates Botas product image of a pair of all-black skates with gold lettering
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Image Credit: Botas

Brand: Botas | Runner: Icehawk Carbon Ultra Steel

This offering from the Czech Republic should be a great option if you're searching for one of the most comfortable and supportive ice skates around.

The defining features of the Draft 281's are their comfort and support thanks to well-padded linings and resistant synthetic and PA fabric outers.

Furthermore, the Icehawk Carbon blades and Ultra Steel runners should help you glide effortlessly over the ice to increase the likelihood of you outperforming your opposition.

All in all, the Draft 281's will likely be a great option if you're looking for a pair of boots that offer the utmost levels of support and comfort.

Best Ice Hockey Skates For Juniors - Bauer Junior Skates

Best ice hockey skates Bauer product image of a pair of black, junior skates with red details
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Image Credit: Bauer

Brand: Bauer | Runner: Tuuk S-Stainless Steel Runners

Back to Bauer now with a pair of skates that will likely be ideal for the vast majority of junior ice hockey players.

The Bauer Junior Skates are designed to be highly supportive and comfortable thanks to a soft microfibre liner, AnaForm ankle padding, and shaped EVA foam in the footbed.

Bauer boasts the Tuuk Lightspeed Pro II holder provides better stability, leverage, and control than the first generation, and the steel runners should be highly durable, reducing the need to replace the boots as often.

As a junior player, if you're after a top pair of skates from one of the leading manufacturers, then the Bauer Junior Skates might be your answer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Hockey Skates

With an abundance of variations out there, you probably have a few questions surround ice hockey skates, but don't worry because we're here to clear up some of the more common queries.

How Much Should I Spend On A Pair Of Skates?

This will ultimately depend on the budget you have set aside to pick up a new pair of boots.

Although ice hockey skates can come with a premium price tag, as shown Vapor X 100's, the Jackson Ultima Softec Sport's demonstrate that not all skates are that expensive.

If you're looking for the latest technology and features, you may have to pay a bit more to get a pair of boots that incorporate them, but if you're not interested in any of that then you'll probably find a few relatively inexpensive pairs out there that suit your needs.

What To Look For In Ice Hockey Skates?

There are a number of features to keep an eye on when purchasing a new pair of skates.

Firstly, you may want to pay attention to their weight as lighter skates tend to reduce fatigue and help you build up more speed across the ice.

Also, it is good to look out for the padding because you'll want a pair of boots that are comfortable, supportive, and protective against flying pucks and ice hockey sticks.

In terms of the runner, keep an eye on those made with the hardest stainless steel possible as these will likely last longer and they typically hold their edges better.

What Does The Quarter Package Mean In Ice Hockey?

The quarter package is an area on the ice skates.

It refers to the area that runs from behind the toe box, along the midfoot, and up to the ankle and is typically rigid to provide you with the most protection and support possible.

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