NFT: Ice Skate Recommendations?

CCM, etc. all have entry level models in that price range.

I suggest if there is a local hockey pro shop near you, go in for a fitting, if not check online here.

Pure Hockey
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Bauer probably the way to go. I would get the cheapest they make. They were pretty uncomfortable at least back in the day. Also I believe sizing runs smaller than shoe/sneaker sizes so keep that in mind.

In comment 15120250 Mark from Jersey said:

Quote:

Bauer probably the way to go. I would get the cheapest they make. They were pretty uncomfortable at least back in the day. Also I believe sizing runs smaller than shoe/sneaker sizes so keep that in mind.

Sorry I would not get the cheapest.

Wearing Lange Lazer 5's ahhhh the memories.

If you are focused on recreational skating, you can find the base level hockey skates from the major brands for a very similar price to the ones you linked and IMHO you get a much better skate. Go to one of your local skate shops and they'll be able to fit you and get you into the right level of skate for your purposes.

Bauer - they have their three core lines, Supreme, Vapor, and Nexus.

CCM - I am less familiar but they have equivalents lines in Tacks, Jetspeed, and Ribcore.

There are a few other brands so don't ignore them, I just don't know them as well (True, Graf). Try to be brand agnostic and get a comfortable skate first.

I coach hockey (medium-high skill youth level) and I have a pair of Bauer Supreme skates, maybe their 3rd from the bottom. They suit my purposes well. I was able to get them heat molded and have SuperFeet insoles.

A few key things off the top of my head.

Most skates can get heat molded, which can help the fit immensely.

Hockey skate sizing is always smaller than your shoe size, often by up to 2 sizes. My skates are 2.5 sizes smaller than my shoe size.

When fitting, it is ok if your toes feather the skate boot. As soon as you move into an athletic position, they will pull away and your heel should lock in. If your heel moves when you are in a skating position, there is a good chance you have the wrong skate.

I remember it used to be you tied skates as tight as you could. Today, it is about getting a snug fit, not a super tight uncomfortable fit (personal preference aside). Many players I have coached tell you "not too tight" when you are helping them.

Consider a pair of aftermarket insoles such as SuperFeet to help align your foot better / less slop in the boot / helps lock in the heel.

Skates do break in a bit but consider getting them punched if you have a hot spot down the road. It is pretty amazing what a good shop can do to modify the fit.

Last thing is consider replacing the stock laces with waxed laces. They help keep the "tightness" when you tie your skates.

Good luck in your search!

In comment 15120398 Keenan443 said:

Quote:

If you are focused on recreational skating, you can find the base level hockey skates from the major brands for a very similar price to the ones you linked and IMHO you get a much better skate. Go to one of your local skate shops and they'll be able to fit you and get you into the right level of skate for your purposes. Bauer - they have their three core lines, Supreme, Vapor, and Nexus. CCM - I am less familiar but they have equivalents lines in Tacks, Jetspeed, and Ribcore. There are a few other brands so don't ignore them, I just don't know them as well (True, Graf). Try to be brand agnostic and get a comfortable skate first. I coach hockey (medium-high skill youth level) and I have a pair of Bauer Supreme skates, maybe their 3rd from the bottom. They suit my purposes well. I was able to get them heat molded and have SuperFeet insoles. A few key things off the top of my head. Most skates can get heat molded, which can help the fit immensely. Hockey skate sizing is always smaller than your shoe size, often by up to 2 sizes. My skates are 2.5 sizes smaller than my shoe size. When fitting, it is ok if your toes feather the skate boot. As soon as you move into an athletic position, they will pull away and your heel should lock in. If your heel moves when you are in a skating position, there is a good chance you have the wrong skate. I remember it used to be you tied skates as tight as you could. Today, it is about getting a snug fit, not a super tight uncomfortable fit (personal preference aside). Many players I have coached tell you "not too tight" when you are helping them. Consider a pair of aftermarket insoles such as SuperFeet to help align your foot better / less slop in the boot / helps lock in the heel. Skates do break in a bit but consider getting them punched if you have a hot spot down the road. It is pretty amazing what a good shop can do to modify the fit. Last thing is consider replacing the stock laces with waxed laces. They help keep the "tightness" when you tie your skates. Good luck in your search!

Thanks for the feedback. Good info.

Even had a metal hook with handle to help the process.

Honestly that is what I was remembering about hockey skates is it was a long process putting them on. That’s why I thought I might be interested in the linked pair. Quick and easy get them on and can focus on getting the kids ready and setup.

I play adult hockey (in my 40s). Rasbutan pretty much nailed it. I finally had to update my skates about a year ago. I really recommend going to a shop and trying on skates. They all fit very differently. Get a skate that needs to be baked to match the sole of your foot and ankles. It makes a huge difference in comfort. You can wear a normal thin sock when you do that and you’ll get fantastic control. Skates are the one thing I won’t mail order. Support you nearest shop and go try some on and pick what feels right to you. Some brands run narrow, some wider, some are 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe size and some run 2+ sizes from your shoe size:

The price range was like 250 for good entry level,500 for a really good mid level, and 600+ for the higher end skates (think college level hockey or better) The 250 level sounds good for just tooling around and not beating the crap out of the skates with blocking shots and getting slashed on the ankles and playing hockey every week.

Get the blue Tuuks.

...If you are a bigger person, My foot size is 14 and wide and those seemed to be the best fit. I went to a place in Manhattan called Eastside Hockey but I am not sure if they are open. Hockey Monkey in Woodbridge, NJ is a good spot. I am not sure where you are located.

Hope that polar vortex delivers and I get solid ice that will last a while.

In terms of price, I am in Canada and you get get into Bauer's entry level performance skate for ~$250 CAD with replaceable blades and thermomoldable boot. Just to reiterate, every brand makes multiple boots (i.e. Vapor/Nexus/Supreme) for different foot sizes and often in a couple different widths (D and EE) so check out all the brands if you can. Note: that is regular price and if you are lucky you can catch a sale.

So, I imagine in the US you could get into one for ~$175-$200 USD MSRP.

In the world today and the "shop local" trend, one nice thing about your local skate shop is this should include your first skate sharpening (standard 1/2" hollow should be fine for you), thermomoulding, and depending on the skate shop, some will even adjust canting (bull/bow legged, supination/pronation) and punch as needed. And, if your shop is really good, they'll let you come back after you use them for a few skates and do boot adjustments at no cost (within reasonable timeframes).

Good luck!

go to a second hand sports store and buy a good brand Hockey skate for a good price. They will help you at the store pick out a good fit.