Best hockey skates 2022

In hockey skates, the blade is made in such a way that it does not so much slide as run on ice. They are designed for high maneuverability, so the blade is high, the lower leg moves more freely, and the foot is securely fixed. At the same time, it is important for the manufacturer to strike a balance between the necessary rigidity (for the sake of protection) and lightness. In our roundup of the best hockey skates of 2022, we’ll be talking about models exclusively for field players, not goaltenders, as they are the most in demand.

Top 10 rating according to KP

Editor’s Choice

1. Bauer NSX S18 (from 7,4 thousand rubles)

Hockey fans often argue which is better: the American Bauers or the Canadian CCM? The answer must be sought in the same place where BMW and Mercedes fans swear. We will start our rating with products from the USA. The manufacturer itself positions them as an amateur model. But this quality of execution and thoughtfulness can be envied by many. The boot is made of composite materials: the feel is something between plastic and hard leather. The model is easy. With prolonged loads, the leg gets tired less in such. Inside, everything is done according to the laws of anatomical shoes: the leg and ankle are supported, and the joints are fixed. The tongue consists of three layers, while in domestic hockey skates you will rarely find more than two. The amount affects the protective properties. At the same time, there is a layer of foam inside so that the laces wrap around the skate more securely. The heel of the glass is slightly raised, which contributes to the convenience of the run. Inside is a microfiber lining that absorbs moisture from the foot. 

Features

Composite boots, stainless steel blades, ankle inserts, ankle support, lacing, reinforced toe, frost-resistant glass. 

2. CCM Tacks 9060 (from 9 thousand rubles)

Hockey fans know that it is with this model that the Canadians have earned their reputation. True, what kind of reincarnation of the legendary Tex is already in a row – you can’t count it. But among those who are passionate about sports on the ice, a bike has long been walking that if you don’t feel sorry for the money and you want one of the best hockey skates, take these. The boot is made of textured composite: the coating resembles a honeycomb. This model can be thermoformed, i.e. heating to take the optimal shape on the athlete’s leg. In general, buyers note the highest level of comfort while playing in such skates. The boot is very hard and retains this feature for a long time. But this is not the kind of stiffness that rubs and creates blisters. On the contrary, it is pleasant, which maintains the tone of the skate and does not interfere with the athlete. The back is located at an angle, which contributes to a better “explosion” of the athlete when gaining speed. 

Features

Composite boots, stainless steel blades, anatomical insole and boot, lacing, reinforced tongue, thermoformable boot. 

3. SK Senator RT (from 3 thousand rubles)

This model has an impressive size range: from 27 to 47 sizes. The brand is democratic and does not have articles in its arsenal that professional players would stop at. However, among amateurs, the company is known for its reliability and convenience. At the same time, all models in this price category from the manufacturer are similar and differ only in nuances, often purely decorative. For example, “Senator” is distinguished by color scheme and knitted lining inside. The shoe itself is made of artificial leather, securely fixes the foot. At the same time, the ankle remains not tightened in order to maintain the mobility of the player’s leg. The insole is made in such a way as to slip under the foot and hold the heel. There is protection from stick or puck strikes. The outsole is molded from polymer materials, which increases the power of the player: less loss of speed during maneuvers. 

Features

Anatomical faux leather boots, stainless steel blades, ankle inserts, ankle support, lacing, reinforced heel, boot, toe. 

What other hockey skates are worth paying attention to?

4. MaxCity Ottawa (from 2,6 thousand rubles)

Amateur model of hockey skates, made in Our Country. Suitable for both playing in the box and for normal riding. In the description of the product, the manufacturer says that when creating the model, the anatomical features of the feet of the inhabitants of the country were taken into account. Exactly which ones, he doesn’t specify. In the reviews, buyers write that the skates are slightly small. Please take this into account when choosing your size. The upper part of the shoe is made of leatherette. It is quite durable and not the most pleasant to the touch, but it is the best for fixing the ankle. Plus, this will not crack in the cold. Under the insole there is an insert made of foam material, which, after a couple of rides, is crushed under the athlete’s foot. There are recesses in the ankle area that help to avoid pressure on the foot. The toe box is made of polyurethane, a durable polymer that holds its shape and protects the foot. 

Features

Anatomical synthetic and leather boots, stainless steel blades, ankle inserts, ankle support, lacing, reinforced heel, boot, toe. 

5. GRAF Super G (from 4 thousand rubles)

Among the best hockey skates, this popular manufacturer cannot be ignored. All models in his arsenal are approximately the same price. Differ in rigidity. Although there are expensive options that are not in high demand, since for that kind of money most people prefer to take simple CCM or Bauer. This model is designed for field players. It is made of combined synthetics: somewhere the fabric is stronger, somewhere more loose so as not to interfere with the movement of the ankle. The material breathes, so the skates dry well. But what about protection from hitting the boards or pucks? The manufacturer claims that the fabric will withstand everything. We have not received negative feedback on this from buyers. The toe of the boot is made of frost-resistant plastic, and the glass allows the blade to be changed. 

Features

Synthetic blend outer boot, stainless steel blades, frost-resistant toe, lacing. 

6. SK Leader (from 1,5 thousand rubles)

Budget skates. These often get rentals at ice rinks. They are quite durable and practical. Although the manufacturer himself warns that they are not intended for hitting them with a puck. However, we are talking about serious projectile speeds, which are hardly possible for amateurs. The outer boot is made of composite, a very hard plastic. You can’t ride in this without a special sock. Luckily it’s included. Made from synthetics. The advantage of this form factor is the convenience of drying. If desired, the inner boot can even be refreshed in the washing machine. The frame is two-glass, and the blade is cast from carbon steel. Buyers note that the skates are very light and can withstand several seasons of aggressive skating. Of course, you won’t go to professional sports in these, but for an amateur game, including a children’s game, this is the most preferable option. 

Features

Plastic outer boot, carbon steel blades, anatomical tongue, lacing. 

7. Novus AHSK-17.01 Blade (from 2,2 thousand rubles)

Another inexpensive model of hockey skates. Boots are made of frost-resistant leather. According to the manufacturer’s specification, this one does not crack at minus 20 degrees Celsius. Lined with velvet on the inside. It sounds nice, but in fact, with regular active skiing, it quickly rubs off. The tongue is covered with felt, which, of course, cannot be compared with the three-layer analogues and foam filler of top models, but still not bad. In the ranking of the best hockey skates in 2022, this model was included for its durability. Cape and racks are made of frost-resistant plastic. Unfortunately, it can rub, so a special sock is needed. The insole is made of EVA material – soft synthetic material, which is unpretentious in use and does not absorb odors. 

Features

Faux leather boots, stainless steel blades, lacing, frost-resistant glass, toe and heel. 

8. Larsen Force (from 2 thousand rubles)

These hockey skates are designed for unpretentious players. For whom sport is primarily pleasure and excitement, and not high achievements. The boot is made from a combination of materials. They have a nylon upper that gives the ankle the necessary mobility. Next comes polyvinyl chloride, which most people know under the abbreviated name vinyl – that same plastic. Racks are made of impact-resistant plastic to protect the athlete from the puck and stick of opponents. The only thing that seems strange is the decision to cover the sock – one of the most friction-prone parts – with a cloth. Under it is protection, but the coating wears out. Inside, the skates are soft and lined with Cambrella, a synthetic breathable fabric. It is renowned for its durability. This model is presented in stores in different colors. 

Features

Reinforced vinyl boots, high carbon steel blades, lacing, ankle support. 

9. Bauer Supreme S29 S18 (from 25,5 thousand rubles)

This is the latest semi-professional model from Bauer for 2022. Note that the gradations of Americans are rather relative and not applicable to amateur sports. Any of their models on a player who plays hockey for pleasure will be an excellent kit. Before use, the shoes are recommended to be heated in a special apparatus so that they take on the shape of the foot. The local composite material is akin to high-tech developments, because despite its lightness, it is as strong as possible. The ankle is secured with internal tabs that are filled with memory foam. Inside microfiber, which removes moisture and is not wiped for many years. The brand focuses on the special shape of the cups on these hockey skates. Their stances are slightly higher than usual, which means that the turning radius will be lower, and the angle of attack will be higher – a plus for the athlete’s maneuverability. Blades are replaceable. 

Features

Composite boots, stainless steel blades, ankle inserts, anatomic inserts, boots, lacing, reinforced toe and tongue, thermoformable. 

10. Action PW-217 (from 1,7 thousand rubles)

The best model of hockey skates in the “cheap and cheerful” category. Perfect for those who like to run with the breeze and sometimes armed with a stick for the game. This is an ordinary model and not the most practical in terms of colors. However, we want to praise them for their attention to the blade. It is covered with a protective coating and perforated, which in theory should increase its durability and performance. The top of the skate is made of nylon with vinyl inserts. Durable material and foot support. The toe box is reinforced with plastic that can withstand puck and blade runs during wrestling. True, judging by the reviews, the discomfort from these actions is still felt, so the protection could be better. But it is strange to expect an ideal model for such a price. In their category, they really look decent. 

Features

Synthetic blend boots, stainless steel blades, ankle support, lacing. 

How to choose hockey skates

We talked about the best hockey skates that you can find on sale in 2022. A pupil of HC Spartak Moscow will tell about how to choose an element of a sports uniform, candidate master of sports and coach of the SKA Legion team Yuri Kuzin.

About species

Hockey skates are divided into three categories: professional, semi-professional and amateur. The choice of model corresponds to the purposes for which they are purchased. If you need skates for periodic visits to mass skating, you can get by with amateur models – they are cheaper. If we are talking about playing hockey, then you should pay attention to semi-professional or professional models. 

Fitting

The main criteria in choosing skates are their comfort and compliance of a particular model with the anatomical features of your foot. It is for this that you should carefully approach the issue of fitting, and in professional and semi-professional models there is also the thermoforming option, when the skate is heated in a special oven, tightly laced on the foot so that it takes the shape of the leg as much as possible and after cooling becomes perfect.

Best brands and prices

The main skate manufacturers in the world are Bauer and CCM. They produce professional models. There are a large number of amateur ones and all of approximately the same quality. The cost of hockey skates starts from 3-4 thousand rubles for a semi-professional model and can reach up to 70 thousand in the case of custom-made skates.

How to care

Maintenance of skates primarily consists in regular sharpening of blades, obligatory drying and storage in a warm, ventilated room. With proper care, your skates will serve you well for many years.