Winter sports for many people do not appear without skates. If you take a quick look at the entire range of products presented in sports stores, it may seem that all the skates are the same - the only difference can be found in the shape of the blades of figured and hockey products. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that such a first judgment is erroneous.
Hockey skates, designed for regular use, are quite expensive compared to amateur models. In addition, they have a number of important differences that must be taken into account when choosing. This is the subject of our review. So, let's start with the main characteristics of the models: we will not only list them, but also try to reveal them in the most detail.
Summary of the rating:
Key Features of Hockey Skates
The main element of any skate is the blade. In hockey models, they are fixed in a special holder, it is usually made of hard plastic, attached to the sole with rivets or screws. It is best to purchase products with removable blades so that they can be replaced if necessary.
The plastic of which the holder is made should be quite durable, withstand the blows of washers, clubs and other skates. The main property of the blades of the skates is their hardness - this indicator largely affects how often you have to sharpen. If the skates are inexpensive, then the blades are made of a rather soft alloy of stainless steel: their sharpness will last only for a couple of days of vigorous use. Recently, this material has been replaced by carbon steel, which is harder. However, it requires careful care - after each use, the skates must be wiped off from moisture, lubricated with special compounds.
The skate shoe itself also needs close attention. It is best to purchase a construction made by thermoforming technology, which ensures a snug fit of the boot to the foot. This will protect the foot from tucking, relieve rubbing and other inconveniences. They also look at the lacing, because it is also responsible for the rigidity of the fit of the foot with the boot.
When writing our review, we took into account all these factors, in addition, user reviews and professional hockey players. A lot of attention was paid to the price-performance ratio of the models. We hope that our rating of the best hockey skates of 2019 will be quite useful for you and will help you choose the most suitable model that will deliver only pleasure on ice, without any discomfort.
The best models of hockey skates
10. GRAF Super 105 Sakurai
This semi-professional male model opens our rating. It is designed for beginner athletes who are just discovering the world of hockey. The entire size range is on sale. The blade is made of high carbon steel, which is able to withstand even fairly low temperatures. It has an ideal ratio of stiffness and fragility, therefore, it can withstand even strong impacts. The lacing base is quite wide, so the leg will be fixed in the boot rather rigidly, not hanging out in it. This allows you to prevent injury to the ankle, increases stability on ice.
The outer surface of the boot is made of high-quality artificial leather, which not only withstands any physical stress, but also does not require additional care. The inside of the boot is made of breathable materials that prevent sweating. The tongue is felt, gently fits the leg and does not allow the laces to rub it.
Benefits:
- Comfortably sit on the foot;
- Blades do not require frequent sharpening;
- High quality materials;
- They behave perfectly even on uneven ice.
Disadvantages:
- The blades will have to be constantly looked after to extend their life.
9. Action PW-216AE
The outside is finished with nylon and polyvinyl chloride materials, thanks to which they will not get wet even during prolonged continuous use. They do not weigh too much, in addition, the outer upholstery is able to maintain a beautiful appearance for a long time. The toe is also reinforced with rigid polypropylene, which will withstand significant loads, in particular, blows of clubs or other skates (even a collision with a blade). The boot has a reliable lacing, carefully fixing the leg in one position. It is additionally equipped with a high hard back.
The ankle is supported by flexible elements that hold it in the correct anatomical position, but allow it to move. The interior upholstery is fabric, made of breathable materials, and it will also provide support to the legs. All seams are high-quality, carefully stitched. The blades are made of carbon steel, which behaves well during sliding, and when performing even serious maneuvers. They are attached to the sole with rivets, so replacing them if necessary will fail.
Benefits:
- Beautiful appearance;
- Perfectly supports the leg, excluding injuries;
- Quality carbon steel blades;
- Reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- Blade covers are flimsy - not enough for even one season.
8. Profy Lux 3000
The model is characterized by medium rigidity, it comfortably supports the leg, the covers do not fit on the blades. This model belongs to the professional field, the sole is anatomical. The sock can withstand even very strong blows, the rest of the boot is made of artificial leather. The boot has a reliable ankle protection, presented in the form of a hard back of increased length. The factory sharpening of some models is not too uniform, so it is better to sharpen them again immediately after purchase. The blade is low, which affects maneuverability, however, if you adapt to such skates, then you can write quite complex pirouettes.
The tongue is made of two-layer felt, which will well protect the leg from rubbing with laces. The blades here are made of stainless steel of increased rigidity, do not need frequent sharpening.
Benefits:
- Quality blade;
- The foot feels very comfortable in the boot;
- Reasonable cost;
- Hard case.
Disadvantages:
- The kit includes fairly short shoelaces, so it’s better to buy longer ones right away;
- A low blade initially creates certain inconveniences.
7. Larsen Light
It has an outer skin made of nylon and polyvinyl chloride - materials that can easily withstand low temperatures. The toe is made of mesh nylon that protects the feet from moisture, and on the outside it is covered with durable leatherette. The tongue, like most models of the best hockey skates presented in our review, is made of durable and wear-resistant felt. The insole also absorbs moisture. The stand is polypropylene, of moderate stiffness - it supports the leg in the correct position and at the same time bends somewhat, repeating the movements of the joints.
This model is perfect for beginner hockey players, as well as for more experienced and even professionals. The blade is made of stainless steel, it will need regular sharpening, however, this is where the care for it ends. The entire size range is on sale.
Benefits:
- High level of strength;
- Comfortably sit on the foot;
- Made from quality materials;
- Attractive appearance.
Disadvantages:
- After each skating, the outer surface should be thoroughly wiped and lubricated, otherwise the skates will quickly lose their original beautiful appearance.
6. CCM Tacks 2092
This model has a bright, stylish and modern look: in sunlight or artificial light, the surface shimmers beautifully, making it appear that this thing is quite expensive, although its price is quite reasonable. It is worth noting that such skates will retain a beautiful appearance for a long time, although usually such glossy surfaces quickly wear out and stop shining. The boot is made using the fairly modern Monoframe 360 technology, due to which its design is monolithic. Its outer surface is cast, made of carbon fiber, thanks to this technology it was possible to bypass such a classic element of skates as a separate sole.
The boot mass is small, it has a high back, which is responsible for supporting the ankle. Compression resistance is quite high. The toe has an overlay made of hard and plastic plastic. The lacing is tight, but at the same time quite soft, it fits the leg nicely and supports it while riding. The blades are made of stainless steel, which has undergone additional hardening, so they will not have to be sharpened too often - about once a month, depending on the intensity of use.
Benefits:
- Reliably fixes a leg;
- It is made from quality materials;
- The blade is not wide, due to which it is possible to keep balance well.
Disadvantages:
- Laces are quickly erased and torn.
5. Profy Next Z
This model is classified as semi-professional. The outer surface of the boot is sheathed with a layer of artificial leather, which perfectly resists moisture and low temperatures. The tongue is also made of artificial materials. The boot has a reinforced block, protection is provided for the toe and the back of the foot. The insole is anatomical, exactly repeats all the bends of the foot, making the riding process more comfortable. The laces are long and wide enough, resistant to abrasion, they do not rub the leg at all.
The blades are made of stainless steel, which needs regular sharpening. In addition, they require constant self-care: immediately after use, they must be wiped to a dry state, it is very important to clean off the ice. Blades on the blade are made of durable plastic, able to last more than one season.
Benefits:
- They fix the leg well;
- There is an anatomical insole;
- Do not rub your feet.
Disadvantages:
- The only negative is the blades, which need careful maintenance, otherwise they quickly fail.
4. NORDWAY NDW500
This model has an optimal ratio of price and quality, allows for excellent maneuverability. They support any leg well, even a person with wide ankles will feel comfortable in them. It is worth noting that the model is presented in two versions - narrow or wide molding, so they must be measured before purchase. The protection of the toe is at the level of semi-professional skates, so they will not be suitable for a sufficiently active game of hockey, as the pucks or sticks will be very sensitive. The tongue is reinforced, comfortably fits the leg, additionally protecting it from damage. The back is very high and durable, which also prevents injury.
The blades are steel, made of hot metal, processed using the latest Solid Blade technology, due to which the sharpness of the skates lasts much longer. Factory sharpening is not too good, so it’s better to re-sharpen them before the first ride. You need to be careful with the shoelaces - they stretch a lot, because of which the leg fixation will not be too tight: it is advisable to replace them immediately.
Benefits:
- The warmed model from breathing materials;
- They look attractive;
- Good foot protection.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for professional hockey games;
- Trailing shoelaces.
3. Bauer Vapor X800 S17
This is one of the best models of hockey skates, which was in third place in our review only because of its high cost - for the rest, it is head and shoulders superior to all other models presented here. The boot is made of composite materials that are tough enough, but at the same time do not hamper the foot. He will securely fix it, both the foot and the heel, without depriving them of mobility. Due to this, you can quickly gain speed, perform even very complex maneuvers.
The model is perfectly protected all areas through which one could get injured. The back is reinforced, on the outside there is a rubberized insert. The tongue is made from reliable felt, on top it has a pad of nylon. The sole is made of molded plastic, respectively, the blade is not removable. On the one hand, this does not allow replacing them if necessary, and on the other hand, stainless blades with proper care will serve for a rather long time.
Benefits:
- Good quality;
- Good level of protection;
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced hockey players.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
2. CCM CCM 92
Great for beginner players. They will not freeze their legs even at a sufficiently low temperature, largely due to the Cambrelle's insulated lining, and the external case is made of high-quality plastic that can withstand even severe frosts. It is additionally lined with synthetic fabric, which is well resistant to abrasion and other physical influences. The design is stylish, practically no different from professional skates. Under the ankle are special anatomical inserts. They are designed to additionally fix the ankle joint and reduce the likelihood of stretching.
The insole is anatomical, made of foam plastic, the shoe is comfortable, moderately movable. Largely thanks to it, you can perform fairly complex maneuvers. Blades are made of high carbon steel with a special coating that protects them from the need for regular sharpening.
Benefits:
- High level of strength;
- Reliably fixed foot;
- Additional warming layer;
- The boot withstands even strong blows;
- Beautiful appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Blades require careful maintenance, otherwise they quickly begin to rust.
1. Bauer Supreme One.4
This model has been on the Russian market for almost three years, but until today it has not lost its relevance and popularity among fans of such a winter game as hockey. These skates are made on the basis of the most modern materials and the latest technical developments. Appearance is very interesting, it can be attributed to the classic style. The body is made of durable composite materials that reliably protect the leg even from strong impacts with the ridge blades. These skates have an ergonomic shape, due to which you can pick up speed much faster and slow down almost instantly. When performing maneuvers, the legs will have a minimum load, as they will be well fixed.
The design of the skates is lightweight, they have a long service life, the appearance is maintained for a long time due to the nylon sheathing. On the upper edge there is a special Total Edge Comfort pad that does not allow rubbing of the feet. The backdrop is one of the highest in our review of the best hockey skates. It has medium rigidity due to the presence of two inserts - one made of dense rubber, the second plastic. The lacing is monolithic, which allows you to additionally fix the boot on the foot.
Benefits:
- Insignificant mass - skates are almost not felt on the legs;
- Tightly sits on a leg;
- Maximum comfort while riding;
- Reasonable cost;
- High level of thermal insulation4
- Skates are made of breathable materials, have ventilation holes.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
In conclusion, an interesting video:
Here is our review and came to its logical conclusion. We tried to answer all possible questions regarding the choice of skates. If you still have some difficulties in this regard, or if you want to share your impression about a particular model, you are welcome to comment on this article.