Buying hockey skates can be quite challenging especially if you are a beginner but it should not be a complicated task.
There are many skates in the market, and you cannot assume that the popular ones are the best hockey skates for beginners.
Since every skater is unique with their style of skating, preference, performance level, and sizing, finding hockey skates goes beyond selecting the best hockey skates possible.
Whether you are looking for speed or more stability, there is a skate for you.
Hockey beginners need more protection and cushioning than others when skating.
To ensure that you get the right size and fit, visit your local hockey shop or check the manufacturer’s website for guidelines. This is because every player needs a different fit depending on their fit.
Continue reading to get more information about the various beginner hockey skates that you can select from as well as a buying guide on the factors to consider and how you can use the Fit systems to find the right skate.
The Bauer Vapor 3X is the top pick for the best hockey skates for beginners because it is designed to provide you with comfort, performance, and a good balance of fit as you develop and master your skills on the ice. It is significantly lighter and features a 40oz felt tongue, asymmetrical toecap, hydrophobic liner, and a composite boot.
For a high-performing hockey skate, the CCM Tacks AS-V Pro is a better choice for beginners. This skate uses the one-boot technology to give the player a closer fit and a superior transfer of energy. It comes with excellent performance benefits and new technologies which are useful for players looking to skate four to five times per week.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly hockey skate that comes with comfortable features, then the Bauer Supreme M1 is for you. It features a carbon boot and TPR outsole for an improved fit and extra flexibility. It also comes with a memory foam ankle padding that protects your feet from rubbing and a microfiber liner that ensures you are comfortable on the ice.
8 Best Hockey Skates For Beginners (2022)
Finding the right hockey skate as a beginner is important because you need to be comfortable when learning the skills of the game and not injure yourself in the process.
Taking into consideration the foot types, skate sizes, performance level, and construction, the following are the 8 best ice hockey skates for beginners on the market.
Each pair comes with a description of its performance, design, pros, and cons to help you find the right skates that suit your needs.
Read through all the important features before deciding and you will find the perfect one for you.
1. Bauer Vapor 3X Ice Hockey Skates
Best Hockey Skates For Beginners (Editor’s Choice)
Design
The Bauer Vapor 3X is a great skate for beginner skaters who want to play 2-3 times per week and looking for the perfect fit, comfort, and performance.
It has a weight reduction of around 6.5% which makes it lightweight.
The Vapor 3X features a full boot made of composite material to provide great thermoforming capabilities and great support.
Performance
Since the Vapor model focuses on quickness, the upper part of this skate is stiffer to ensure there is increased lateral support while the lower part is softer to increase response.
The asymmetrical toe cap is designed in a way that the volume of the skate is reduced for an improved low-profile fit as well as enabling you to improve your push-off with every stride.
The Bauer Vapor 3X offer skaters a great low-profile and the right fit option for great performance at a great value.
The flex composite outsole on the boot provides great support and lasts longer and has thermoforming capabilities.
The 40oz tongue comes with a comfortable lining that provides support, balance, and a great feel.
The LS+ runner and the Lightspeed Edge Holder provide the skate with better quality and a long-lasting edge.
To ensure that you are comfortable when skating, the Vapor 3X comes with a hydrophobic liner that has moisture-wicking properties which keep the sweat away and your feet secured.
The memory foam lining underneath the skate ensures that you feel comfortable as soon as you wear it.
The outsole makes the skate have a lower kick point for quickness and better agility. The 3D lasted composite keeps the skate lightweight and offers elite support to the skater.
Pros
- Super comfortable.
- Lightweight.
- Great performance.
- Amazing heel lock.
Cons
- Could not find one.
2. CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Hockey Skates
High Performance
Design
CCM Tacks AS-V Pro skates feature the new fit profile including wide, regular, and tapered.
They come with a boot that offers intense explosiveness and strides. With this skate, you get a closer fit and direct transfer of energy.
For increased skating power, improved range of motion, and fuller strides, this skate features a powerful tendon.
It also comes with a 7mm tongue with asymmetrical flex point, replaceable foam, and embedded D30 smart material.
Performance
The boot is constructed using a composite material with carbon for a skater who wants explosive strides.
This skate uses premium materials to offer high energy transfer on the ice. For a more customized fit, it also has a thermoformable core.
For maximum range of motion when playing, the Tack AS-V comes with a carbon tendon guard.
The D30 multi-layered tongue has a 7mm thickness for a comfortable fit. The asymmetrical flex point allows the skate to wrap around your feet closely for support and protection.
The liner inside the boot keeps your feet lighter and dry on the ice by wicking away the moisture.
This is made possible by the improved treatment and durability which also keeps the odor away.
The molded footbed at the bottom of the skate grips well for enhanced comfort and support. The recycled EVA foam makes this skate environmentally friendly.
It features a Speedblade XS holder which allows for a quick release of the blade lock system to make swapping out the steel easy.
With this hockey skate, you have the option of choosing the runner that you like. The three options available include the Blacksteel runners, V-steel runners, and steel runners.
The Blacksteel runner uses less energy for maximum speed and is coated with carbon nanoparticles. The V-steel runner also uses less energy and gives you more precise turns.
The steel runner has a high-precision profile to offer you a superior glide, a better turning radius, and long-lasting sharpening life.
Pros
- Durable.
- Lightweight.
- Great power when skating on ice.
- Improved support and comfort.
Cons
- Could not find one.
3. Bauer Supreme M1 Hockey Skates
Budget-Friendly
Design
If you are new to skates or hockey, the Bauer Supreme M1 Ice Hockey skate is the right one for you as it comes with comfortable features to get you started on your new hobby and adventure.
It is designed with a microfiber liner for maximum comfort, an ankle padding that prevents rubbing, and a felt tongue with a metatarsal guard that ensures your feet are protected.
The EVA foam footbed provides a great feel and support and the outsole has extra flexibility.
It also features a stainless-steel runner and a 3D poly carbon boot.
Performance
Focusing on fit when buying a hockey skate is essential and if you are not sure if the skate fits you well, you should visit your local Pure Hockey for accurate assessment and measurements.
The Supreme M1 skate comes with an enhanced fit because of the TPR outsole and one-piece carbon boot.
The outsole provides the skate with more flexibility which makes it easy to use while the carbon boot offers a solid fit in the heel and ankle.
These features are necessary for beginner skaters who may not yet require a stiffer boot for performance.
The interior of the boot features a memory foam padding that surrounds the ankle area for maximum support.
This material keeps you comfortable and provides you the feel you want as you grow your skills on the ice. To improve the overall feel of the skate, Bauer has added a microfiber liner.
The Supreme M1 also comes with a metatarsal guard and a 30oz felt tongue for comfort and increased protection on the upper side of the skate.
The Lightspeed holder locks the blade in position and the stainless-steel runner provides extra durability.
The Bauer Supreme M1 is an affordable and comfortable skate that provides great value for beginners.
However, if you are looking for improved performance, a better fit, and more comfort, you can upgrade to a higher-end Supreme model such as the M5 Pro or Mach.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Perfect for beginners.
- Has more flexibility.
- Provides support and protection around the ankle.
- Comfortable.
Cons
- Not suitable for elite players.
4. Bauer Supreme M4 Hockey Skates
For Wide Feet
Design
The Bauer Supreme M4 hockey skate is made for a player who skates twice or thrice per week and needs comfort, a good balance of fit, and performance.
It comes with a felt tongue, form fit+ footbed, symmetrical flex facing, and LS+ runner.
These features ensure that the skate gives you great performance and a comfortable fit on the ice.
Performance
In the past few years, Bauer has been working on the features of Supreme and Vapor skates from the perspective of performance and on-ice feel.
The new technologies and materials as well as different flex points used are what differentiate the two models.
Generally, Supreme skates focus on power which is why the upper side is softer for increased mobility and the lower side is stiffer for enhanced transfer of energy.
The felt tongue and metatarsal guard that is exposed give you comfort and protection in the crucial parts of your foot.
The composite quarter package has a 3D flex to offer great support and thermoforming capabilities.
The outsole of this skate is designed using Digi composite to ensure that it keeps the lower stiffness that creates power for each stride.
The microfiber liner inside the skate is hydrophobic and made of Aerofoam to provide maximum comfort in the ankle region.
The Fit+ technology in the footbed ensures that your feet are kept in place throughout the game.
The Supreme M4 hockey skate comes with great protection and performance features at a great value.
Pros
- Excellent energy transfer.
- Comfortable fit.
- Your ankles are protected.
- Enhanced mobility.
- Great value.
Cons
- Could not find any.
5. CCM Jetspeed FT485 Ice Hockey Skates
Design
The CCM Jetspeed FT485 hockey skate is made for a skater who is in search of top technologies and solid performance features.
You can skate two to three times per week with this skate and it comes with great value.
For a closer fit and energy transfer, this skate comes with a boot that has a one-piece design.
It also features stainless steel runners, an interchangeable tongue, and a TotalDri liner for great performance and comfort.
Performance
To ensure that you have great performance in your game, you should find the right fit for your feet.
Visit your local Pure Hockey store for help if you are not sure about your measurements and fit. CCM Jetspeed FT485 offers a regular or wide fit to enable you to have faster strides, a customized feel, and a closer fit depending on your feet.
The boot of this skate is constructed using a composite material that gives players performance, acceleration, and direct transfer of energy.
Compared to the FT4 and FT4 pro, the FT 485 has a lower stiff index but is lightweight and offers enough support.
To take your comfort and protection to the next level, this skate comes with an interchangeable XS tongue.
The tongue system gives players the choice of changing the inserts, so they can increase or decrease the boot volume for the best fit.
The tongue inserts come in three thicknesses including 10mm, 7mm, and 4mm.
The pads and liner anatomically wrap around your feet which helps in wicking away the moisture to keep the skate and your feet dry and protect your feet from abrasions.
For a lightweight feel and ideal support, the footbed is designed with 5% recycled rubber. The holder and the runner provide long-lasting performance and a durable edge.
Pros
- Provides faster strides.
- Affordable.
- Great comfort and performance.
- Lightweight.
- You can switch the tongue.
Cons
- Difficult to break into.
6. Bauer Vapor X3.7 Ice Hockey Skates
Design
If you are a player who skates weekly, the Bauer Vapor X3.7 Ice Hockey skate is for you because it provides you with good comfort and great performance at a great value.
The Vapor X3.7 skates come with foam ankle padding, soft microfiber liner, and foam footbed to ensure that you have support, optimal comfort, feel, and flexibility. They are also 4% lighter.
Performance
The Bauer Vapor X3.7 hockey skate puts the value of comfort and graphic appeal first and this company uses digital printing capabilities to bring out the visual richness of this skate.
The 3D composite boot makes this skate 4% lighter than other models on the market.
The boot’s interior is made of a combination of memory foam padding and microfiber liner.
The liner ensures that you have added comfort and support when playing while the padding around the ankle area ensures that your foot is comfortable wrapped.
The boot’s bottom has a footbed that offers you good support and feels when skating. The tongue and the liner at the upper part of the skate ensure that you have extra comfort and flexibility.
The Vapor X3.7 skate features a Lightspeed holder and LS1 runner that offers a long-lasting blade at this price.
If you want to improve your performance, you can opt for a higher-end skate, however, the Vapor X3.7 comes with quality features that provide you with the comfort and flexibility you require.
Pros
- Great stability and support.
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
- Easy to switch the blades.
Cons
- Not ideal for daily skating.
7. CCM Jetspeed FT475 Ice Hockey Skates
Design
This hockey skate is built and designed for the player who skates weekly and wants a skate that has good performance and comfort features to play their best.
When you find the right skate, you find the right model that fits your feet well. It provides a wider and regular fit depending on the foot.
This allows the skater to have a customized feel, faster strides, and a closer fit.
Performance
This Jetspeed FT475 has a boot for direct energy transfer and a solid core for good skating performance. This boot will provide a closer fit hence faster strides.
It has the XS tongue that takes protection and comfort to a new level. It allows you to change the different inserts to maximize protection and feel in your skate.
This system offers players options in the thickness to increase or decrease the volume of the inner boot for the best fit.
The Jetspeed FT475 has a 7mm felt tongue with a reinforcement layer for increased protection and comfort.
It also has multi-density memory foam pads that wrap around the foot for quality comfort and a personalized fit.
To round up on this skate, there is a holder with the runner that makes the changing of the blades to be quick and easy so you can be back on the ice quickly.
This skate may sit on the lower price point but has plenty of high-level features and technologies as well as the right comfort and feel for casual players who want performance benefits to improve the game.
Pros
- Offers a closer fit and a more direct transfer of energy.
- It has better resistance to wear
- Helps wick away the moisture for support and comfort.
- It provides a customized feel.
Cons
- Could not find one.
8. Bauer X-LP Ice Hockey Skates
Design
This Bauer X-LP skate is for the skater who is new to the game or wants to upgrade and looking for a durable skate.
This skate is engineered and designed for the player who is more serious about this hockey game and the fun that the game offers.
It features a more comfortable and warmer fleece liner for extra comfort and protection to the tongue and gets easy to balance on a 13ft radius.
Performance
This skate is designed for the entry-level skate hence it has a universal fit profile. It is for the average foot shape and only comes in regular width.
X-LP consists of the 3D Poly carbon quarter package that allows the boot to have the right support and flexibility for the players who want to enjoy the game and stay comfortable.
It is made of a microfiber liner that extends to the inner tongue to enhance the comfort level of the skate.
It has a more comfortable fleece liner for more comfort and warmth.
It has a 30oz felt tongue to provide players with great comfort and protection.
The lightspeed pro 2 holder and stainless steel give the player a great glide on the ice. The graphics on this skate gives it a new look.
There is a little bit more stiffness on the X-LP therefore, it will provide better overall longevity and a little more energy transfer. It is also very comfortable for the player who is starting to learn hockey strides.
Pros
- Good for entry-level skaters
- The 3D poly carbon quarter allows flexibility and support.
- Provide added comfort and protection
Cons
- Only come in a regular fit.
New Bauer Performance Fit System Explained
Bauer changed their skates fit as of 2020 by moving to the new performance fit. This change has helped the skaters to choose their skates on the width and the level of performance.
Skaters with wide feet used to have limited options because they used to buy a skate by how it used to fit instead of the position they played and how they skated.
However, with the new fit system, all skaters can access various lines.
Bauer collected thousands of feet and came up with three fits that were developed from the 3D skate Lab scan to identify the foot depth, instep, and width of the skate.
When you combine these new fits with baking you achieve your best fit.
Bauer Fit 1 is a low-profile fit. Fit 1 has a low volume, low instep, and shallow heel pocket for the tightest fit around the ankle as well and is the narrowest of the three.
Bauer Fit 2 is for the mid-profile fit which has a mid-heel pocket and is for skaters who need a slightly higher instep, increased volume at the ankle, and wider forefoot width.
Bauer Fit 3 is for players who need the most volume. It is the least common and caters to specific foot types.
They have a taller instep, wider width, and deep heel pocket.
New CCM Custom Fit system Explained
The New Custom Fit system launched by CCM will allow the skaters to use their performance features when selecting their skates rather than going for any skate that fits their feet.
CCM has three fit systems in the Ribcor and Jetspeed skate lines to provide an opportunity for the skater to select a skate suitable for their game.
CCM’s 3D fit scanner provides accurate measurement of the player’s foot to get the best fit for them. These Three fits ensure that the instep, depth, and width of the foot are accounted for.
Tapered Fit skates are narrow and low profile. It has a low foot volume, low instep, and a shallow heel pocket. It is the narrowest of the three and allows the tightest fit around the ankle wrap.
Regular fit skates are for mid-profile feet and are like the traditional Tack D width. This regular fit has a wider forefoot, increased volume in the ankle wraps, and a mid-heel pocket.
Wide Fit skates are for those who need the most volume for their feet. This wide fit has a similar size to EE and caters to a specific foot type and is the least common.
It fits players who want a wider overall skate, a taller instep, and a deep heel pocket.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Beginner Hockey Skates
Hockey Skates Sizing
Many people would think that hockey skates would be the same size as their street shoes. However, that is not the case.
Going by the brand, your skate will be at least one or two sizes smaller than your normal shoe size.
Most brands from CCM to Bauer have their skating size chart that one will need to follow to ensure they get the right fit.
Individuals who order online, need not make a wild guess but you will likely return them. Ensure you follow closely the size charts so that you get the best size possible.
Your Foot Type And Fit
The fit of your skates can be affected by the width of your foot. The width of the hockey skates has different ratings from the standard shoes.
These hockey skates come in different widths that are imaginable to be able to accommodate various widths.
CCM major models are Ribcor (Narrow width), Jetspeed (average width), and Tacks (average to wide width) while Bauer skates’ major lines are Vapor (Narrow Width), Supreme (Average width), and Nexus (average to wide width)
Major brands usually offer a variety of widths, but it is good to pay attention to the fit as well because some skates will run narrower or tighter than others.
The Skill Level And Playing Style
The type of hockey player that you are can affect the type of hockey skates you need to get.
Aggressive players possibly put heavy force on their skates. Skates with a forward pitch at the ankles are what you need because they give a deeper knee bend.
Forward players should opt for these skates because they need skates that allow them to push with force to be able to move forward with great power and speed.
They also need skates that are highly responsive and lightweight. These skates need to be rigid and have a flat foot plate for maximum power.
Reserved players are players that can go with skates that have a traditional fit. These defensive positions can go with more traditional or reserved-fitting skates because they will chase down puck-like forwards.
Hockey doesn’t usually work for all levels of skaters. The level of experience impacts the type of skates to get.
Experienced players and beginners should go for different features to find the best hockey skates.
Beginners can go with a middle of the line skate can go middle of the line skate. There is no reason to go for the most expensive and high-performance skates when starting.
For beginners looking for hockey skates and do a squeeze test on the boot of the skate.
Competitive and experienced players need to look for skates at a higher price. The skates needed are those extra stiff.
Weight And Features
The more weight the skater has, the stiffer as well as more supportive your skate should be whether you are an entry-level player or an experienced one.
Heavier players should go for a skate of a higher level than those who are beginners because they need extra support.
Entry-level skates are skates with basic features that ensure the movement of the player on the ice is not impacted.
Mid-level skates are those with a few of the higher-end features like the trigger release on the holder.
They provide extra support on the ankle and last longer than entry-level skates. They are ideal for beginners and experienced skaters who skate fairly regularly.
The high-level premium ice skate is the stiffest, lightest, and most durable. They have top-end features to give high performance and improve the play.
They have a more protective and thicker tongue with the most innovative properties.
How Stiff Should Beginner Hockey Skates Be?
Your skate’s stiffness depends entirely on the level of skating and the type of skating you will be doing. If your skate is too soft, it will have no stability that set you up for injury like sprained ankle on the ice.
High-quality skates are usually stiffer than standard shoes. This is because they are supposed to protect sticks and pucks and can support your ankle.
Since the foot is higher off the ground or ice than the shoes then there is a higher risk of turning your ankle if it was just to strap blades on your shoes.
Therefore, the added stiffness on the hockey boot can make the skater move safely and confidently.
Advanced players opt for stiff boots that don’t offer much flexibility around the ankle.
Thermoformable skates are good because they are incredibly soft when heated up and once cooled down, they regain their stiff look. The heating of your skate does not improve its overall stiffness of it.
Breaking Into Your New Hockey Skates
It is amazing to find that your skate fits exactly well right when you get it out of the box, however, it takes some time to break in the skates.
The stiffer the skate boot, the longer it will take to break in the skates naturally.
It is good to make sure you have skates that will fit you well first as well. Therefore, try on several different types before you decide on which skate to settle on. This will help you have a better break-in time than when you get the wrong skate.
Once more it is good to consider that higher-end skates many times can be baked which means they are gently heated to the extent that they get moldable around the feet.
This reduces the time of the skate break-in dramatically. If your skate allows baking, you can do it at home if you can do it well or can be done by a hockey professional.
Final Words
When buying an ice hockey skate, you need to consider your comfort and skill level. This is because beginner skates have different features compared to elite-level skates.
Ensure that the skate you buy fits you perfectly and works well for you. This not only improves your game but also helps in preventing any injuries that may occur if you use unsupportive skates.
From our list, our top pick for the best beginner hockey skates is the Bauer Vapor 3X because it is designed to provide you with comfort, performance, and a good balance of fit as you develop and master your skills on the ice.
It is significantly lighter and features a 40oz felt tongue, asymmetrical toecap, hydrophobic liner, and a composite boot.
The Bauer Vapor 3X will allow you to improve your overall skating techniques as you can wear it all day without feeling any discomfort.