Hockey skates are designed to provide stability, agility, and control, allowing players to maneuver quickly and perform various skating techniques with precision while playing the game.
Key Features:
Boot Construction: hockey skates have a stiff boot that provides ankle support and helps maintain balance and stability. The boot is typically made from synthetic materials, leather, or a combination, and has padding or reinforcement in key areas for added protection and comfort.
Blades: are made from high-quality stainless steel and feature a hollow-ground design that allows for better grip and maneuverability on the ice. Blades have various profiles, such as a flat or radius, affecting skating performance. All are meant to be sharpened over time and some models are replaceable.
Lacing System: most hockey skates feature a traditional lacing system that allows you to tighten the skates securely for a snug and comfortable fit. Some skates also have reinforced eyelets or lace locks, to help prevent the laces from coming loose during play. Waxed laces give a more secure fit.
Boot Flexibility: this can vary depending on your preference and skating style. Some players prefer a stiffer boot for maximum support and responsiveness, while others prefer a more flexible boot for greater mobility and agility.
Fit and Comfort: go hand in hand. Skates should fit snugly, with minimal movement or pressure points. You’ll find different width options to accommodate a range of foot shapes and sizes.
Popular Hockey Skate Brands:
Bauer: is still ‘the one’, with a wide range of models to suit players from beginners to pros. Their skates are known for their durability, performance, and innovative features.
CCM: is another leading brand, known for high-quality craftsmanship and advanced technologies, CCM skates are favored by professional and amateur players for their comfort, performance, and customization options.
True: is a newer player in the hockey skate market but has quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and customizable fit options. True skates are known for their lightweight construction, excellent fit, and customizable heat-molding process.
Graf: is a European brand known for its high-quality and attention to detail. Graf skates are also popular among players of all skill levels for their comfort, performance, and durability.
We recommend you try on different skate models and brands to find the one that offers the best fit, comfort, and performance for you. A properly-fitted skate will actually be about 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe size. Most manufacturers use this sizing formula, but not all skates are sized the same.
Skate Size | Men's Shoe Size | ||
U.S. | Euro | U.K. | |
6.0 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 6.5 |
6.5 | 8.0 | 41 | 7.0 |
7.0 | 8.5 | 42 | 7.5 |
7.5 | 9.0 | 42.5 | 8.0 |
8.0 | 9.5 | 43 | 8.5 |
8.5 | 10.0 | 44 | 9.0 |
9.0 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 9.5 |
9.5 | 11.0 | 45 | 10.0 |
10.0 | 11.5 | 45.5 | 10.5 |
10.5 | 12.0 | 46 | 11.0 |
11.0 | 12.5 | 47 | 11.5 |
11.5 | 13.0 | 47.5 | 12.0 |
12.0 | 13.5 | 48 | 12.5 |
12.5 | 14.0 | 48.5 | 13.0 |
13.0 | 14 | 49 | 13.5 |
14.0 | 15 | 50 | 14.5 |
15.0 | 16 | 51 | 15.5 |
Junior Skate Sizing | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Skate Size | Boy's Shoe Size | ||
U.S. | Euro | U.K. | |
1.0 | 2.0 | 33.5 | 1.5 |
1.5 | 3.5 | 34 | 2.0 |
2.0 | 3.0 | 35 | 2.5 |
2.5 | 3.5 | 35.5 | 3.0 |
3.0 | 4.0 | 36 | 3.5 |
3.5 | 4.5 | 36.5 | 4.0 |
4.0 | 5.0 | 37.5 | 4.5 |
4.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 5.0 |
5.0 | 6.0 | 38.5 | 5.5 |
5.5 | 6.5 | 39 | 6.0 |
Youth Skate Sizing | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Skate Size | Kid's Shoe Size | ||
U.S. | Euro | U.K. | |
6.0 | 7.0 | 23.5 | 6.5 |
7.0 | 8 | 25 | 7.5 |
8.0 | 9 | 26 | 8.5 |
8.5 | 9.5 | 26.5 | 9.0 |
9.0 | 10.0 | 27 | 9.5 |
9.5 | 10.5 | 27.5 | 10.0 |
10.0 | 11.0 | 28 | 10.5 |
10.5 | 11.5 | 28.5 | 11.0 |
11.0 | 12.0 | 29.5 | 11.5 |
11.5 | 12.5 | 30 | 12.0 |
12.0 | 13.0 | 31 | 12.5 |
12.5 | 13.5 | 31.5 | 13.0 |
13.0 | 1.0 | 32 | 13.5 |
13.5 | 1.5 | 33 | 1.0 |
How to fit kids for youth hockey skates
Youth skates should fit 1 – 1.5 sizes smaller than the child’s shoes. Toes should barely touch the toe cap, and there should be a maximum of ¼" of space in the heel. When laced up, skates should feel snug, but not too tight. You can go up a half size bigger, since kids feet grow quickly, but don’t go any bigger than that or you risk blisters, and the boots will wear down more quickly.
