Buying Hockey Skates

This guide is useful before, during, and after purchasing skates for hockey or ice hockey.

Before you buy hockey skates

There is a significant difference in quality, fit, and size among the various hockey brands.
Generally, price and quality are correlated.

Please use this table as a guideline for quality and size selection:

If you are still growing, you might choose to buy your skates ½-1 size larger to use them a bit longer.
However, if you buy them too big, they will not provide proper support, and you will lose stability and power while skating.

When buying hockey skates

Try on the skates with the socks you plan to use while skating.
Try on multiple skate models to compare fit and quality.
Note that some of the more expensive hockey skates are heat moldable and can be heat molded to fit your feet after purchase. When buying these skates, they do not need to fit perfectly initially because the heat molding will shape the skate to your feet.

1. Loosen the laces enough for your foot to easily slip into the boot. Press your toes as far forward as possible. The size fits you when you can just put a finger behind the heel in the boot.
2. Put on both skates. Lace the skate firmly, but not too tightly. Stand up and walk around to feel how the skate fits. There should not be any painful pressure points.
3. Push the heel all the way back to ensure you have the correct heel support. Your heel should not move when it is all the way back in the boot.
4. Ensure there is space for the center of the foot and the toes, and there are no painful pressure points.
5. Bend your knees. The skate should be flexible and allow you to bend your knees to maintain a good hockey position.
6. Apply sideways pressure in the skate. The skate should be stiff and provide a lot of support for comfortable and powerful skating.

Find our Ice Hockey Skates Selection here.