The best men’s skates 2022

Hockey in Our Country can be called the main winter sport. Admirers of matches with a stick and a puck often go out on the ice themselves, since we have enough different kinds of playgrounds – from yard boxes and icy lakes to professional fields. And we also love to ride: cut measured circles, thinking about life, swagger with friends or test ourselves for strength, setting new speed records. Healthy Food Near Me has prepared a rating of the best men’s skates of 2022.

Top 10 rating according to KP

Editor’s Choice

1. Bauer Supreme S27 (from 12 thousand rubles)

The manufacturer himself calls this model semi-professional. However, hockey enthusiasts often argue that this American brand, which makes one of the top products on the market in 2022, seems to be inflating the price of more expensive skates – after all, the company’s line includes under a hundred models of different prices. So if you decide to fork out for this average model by the standards of professional skates, then know that it will still be one of the best. In the reviews, amateur players write that they significantly increase the speed of overclocking. Outside, the skates are finished with branded polyurethane – it feels like soft plastic to the touch. The boot can be baked, or thermoformed: the skate is heated in a special device, and then put on and laced to achieve an optimal fit. Inside it has foam that tightly wraps around the ankle. The “glasses” of these men’s skates are slightly raised, so that the athlete can reduce the turning radius and increase the angle of attack.

Features: composite boot, stainless steel blades, ankle inserts, lace up, thermoformable.

Advantages and disadvantages

2. CCM Tacks 9070 (from 16 thousand rubles)

If we talk about the best men’s skates of 2022, then the first two lines will definitely be occupied by models from Bauer and Canadian competitor CCM. But it’s like deciding which is better – a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. If we talk about this participant in our rating, then we note the anatomical shape of the boot and a comfortable fit. The model is designed in such a way that it clearly follows the foot of the player and at the same time securely fixes it inside. To improve performance, it is recommended to tuck the boots in the thermoforming procedure. Praise the model stands for the floating insert in the upper part, which insures the lower leg against rough contact with the upper edge. Inside, everything is sheathed with microfiber, which is reinforced in places of greatest contact in order to avoid abrasion. The soles are equipped with ventilation channels that remove heat and moisture. The design of the glasses favors aggressive turns.

Features: composite boot, perforated stainless steel blades, ankle inserts, anatomical insole and boot with laces, reinforced tongue, thermoformable.

Advantages and disadvantages

3. GRAF Super 103 Sakurai (from 4,7 thousand rubles)

This company most often closes the top three. The mentioned model has a wide block, which is perfect for running while playing hockey. But just for pleasure riding they are also good. The sidewalls are solid and high, the heel is protected by an additional seal, inside there is a synthetic mesh that removes moisture well. The insoles are molded from foam and covered with a top protective layer. The thick felt tongue has a decent density and contributes to a comfortable fixation and protection of the foot. The sock is plastic, without synthetic coating, which most often peels off after a couple of skating sessions. Comes with cotton laces interspersed with synthetic thread. The skate is completely stitched on all sides, which is an attribute of a quality product. If necessary, you can replace not only the blade, but also the “glass”.

Features: nylon boot, stainless steel blades, laces, reinforced toe.

Advantages and disadvantages

What other men’s skates are worth paying attention to

4. MaxCity Ottawa (from 2,5 thousand rubles)

If you are looking for inexpensive and high-quality men’s skates, then pay attention to the model, popular in 2022, named after the capital of Canada – the most hockey country. The inventory is suitable for participation in amateur matches and for comfortable riding in the park. The manufacturer claims that he developed skates taking into account the anatomical features of the inhabitants of our country (whatever that means). Outside, the boot is trimmed with frost-resistant eco-leather or, more simply, leatherette. The skate firmly fixes the leg and provides increased stability on ice. There are foam inserts to adapt to the shape of the foot. There are recesses in the ankle area that eliminate pressure on this part. Cape impact-resistant, made of polyurethane. There is also protection on the sides.

Features: anatomical boot made of artificial leather, stainless steel blades, ankle inserts, ankle support, laces, reinforced heel and toe, frost-resistant glass.

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Senator RT (from 3 thousand rubles)

Maneuverable model of the Sports Collection company. In the same price range, the company has completely similar men’s skates, so the name should be attributed exclusively to the color scheme – a combination of silver, red and black. The boot is wear-resistant and, due to the anatomical shape, helps to distribute the load correctly. A mixture of composite materials, a felt two-layer tongue and a special design of the back are responsible for the fixation here. At the same time, the leg inside does not get stuck tightly. The ankle remains mobile, which is required to achieve the best results on the ice. There are inserts of EVA material inside: this is a soft lining that takes the shape of the foot. The sock is made of energy-absorbing polyurethane, which is useful for protecting the foot from collisions and club strikes. The heel and Achilles tendon are also protected by special inserts.

Features: anatomical imitation leather boot, stainless steel blades, ankle support, anatomical insole, lace up, reinforced boot and toe.

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Bauer NSX S18 (from 7 thousand rubles)

If you do not want to shell out large sums, but want to join the top brand, then pay attention to this amateur model of an American company. In these boots, the company has focused not so much on playing hockey as on skating. Although it is very possible to drive the puck in them. First, let’s note the stylish design: fiery red inserts in combination with black gloss effectively distinguish their owner on the ice. Skates are made of expensive composite materials. This means that the weight of the inventory can be reduced without sacrificing strength. The design is orthopedic and allows you to ride for a long time without fatigue. The joints and ankle are securely fixed. The tongue is glued together from three sections, and not one or two, as in other budget models. Thanks to this, the skate fits securely and additional protection is guaranteed.

Features: anatomical composite boot, stainless steel blades, ankle support, anatomical liners, laces, reinforced toe, frost-resistant glass.

Advantages and disadvantages

7. Larsen Light (from 1500 rubles)

If you go out on the ice a couple of times a year solely for leisurely skating, then these men’s skates are worth considering. An inexpensive model that is easy to find on sale in 2022. You can also play hockey in them, but be aware that they are made of nylon and other synthetic materials. So – the protective properties are not so high. Although the cape is plastic, it is again covered with nylon – with aggressive use, it will quickly wear out. On the inside, Cambrelle is a new material used in sports shoes. It has good breathability and abrasion resistance. Buyers note that the skates dry quickly, there is no smell. The insole is textile, with the addition of EVA for softness.

Features: Reinforced mixed synthetic boot, stainless steel blades, ankle support, laces.

Advantages and disadvantages

8. Fischer CT250 (from 4,2 thousand rubles)

A well-known brand that specializes in the production of paraphernalia for winter sports. Their skates are considered among the best for amateur skating. This model features a comfortable wide shoe. Skate liner, i.e. the inside is made of microfiber. The sole, as well as the outer part of the boot, is made of nylon. This, of course, is not a composite with its high-class characteristics, but it is not cheap plastic either. Such material is resistant to frost and can last a lifetime if you do not kill it while playing hockey. Perforated insole, thick tongue, EVA foam inside. The glass is resistant to low temperatures. They have a memory effect. Blade made of stainless steel HRC50, which is distinguished by high strength.

Features: nylon boot, stainless steel blades, anatomical sole, lace up.

Advantages and disadvantages

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

Another budget model. Please note that the blade of the skates is short and high. This is suitable not only for measured pleasure riding, but for running on ice. Field hockey players need such maneuverability. However, there are also fans to rush around the rink. Note that despite the positioning for hockey, the model does not have proper protection. For adults, the design may seem too bright, but for teenagers and children – just right. The size range is wide: from 36 to 47. Although in the reviews, buyers warn that the shoes run small. Therefore, it is worth trying them on immediately with a tight sock in which you will ride. The blade is perforated and covered with a protective coating.

Features: synthetic blend boot, perforated stainless steel blades, ankle support, laces.

Advantages and disadvantages

10. KHL Nitro (from 2,2 thousand rubles)

The brand name is consonant with our hockey league, the products are made under license, but in China. This model is suitable for those who prefer maximum rigidity and are looking for increased protective properties at a reasonable price. Thanks to the margin of safety, the sports equipment withstands high loads and intense sports riding. With such players, it is not a problem to go out on the ice with a stick, since the protection against puck and other people’s shots is at the proper level here. The block has an anatomical shape. Outside, the skate is trimmed with artificial leather, resistant to cuts and abrasion. Thanks to the reinforced heel, the energy of the push is accumulated for maximum speed at the start. The inner lining is antibacterial. However, this will not eliminate the need to dry the skates after the rental. The sock is shockproof, the tongue is quite thick. There is a factory sharpened blade.

Features: anatomical artificial leather boot, high-carbon steel blades, ankle inserts, frost-resistant glass, reinforced heel, reinforced toe, laces.

Advantages and disadvantages

How to choose men’s skates

Decide on the view

Hockey skates are divided into three categories: amateur, semi-professional and professional. They differ in the quality of the materials of both the inner and outer parts of the boot. Glass and skate blades are made from different components. There are also differences in weight, comfort and leg protection from puck and stick strikes. The closer to professional skates, the stiffer they are, and also have a stiff tongue for better ankle support and increased protection against injury. But these models are more expensive.

If you work with a children’s coach or play amateur hockey with a coach, be sure to consult with him. But in any case, if there is an opportunity and the budget allows, it is better to take a professional model. She will be the best option.

If it is not possible to purchase a professional model or you simply do not see the point in this, then a semi-professional model is quite suitable. This category of skates is ideal for amateur players and older children, teenagers.

When buying skates for younger children, we advise you not to buy top models, because, firstly, the price is several times higher, and secondly, a child can grow out of skates quickly.

Key Criteria for Good Skates

• The quality of the materials used and the quality of the production of skates: even, neat seams, high-quality fastening of the glass and blade to the boot.
• The fit of the skate is the construction of the boot at a certain angle to make it easier for the player to glide across the ice.
• Boot Stiffness: If the skate is soft and doesn’t hold the foot, you can’t control it. The rigidity of the boot is also present in some models of amateur skates, but not in all.
  

What to look for when buying

• You need to take a skate in the store and visually inspect it so that there are neat seams, joints, there are no chips, cuts, defects, and you should also compare the selected skate with other models.
• Unfortunately, it is impossible to check the skates when buying in the case. All you can do is come in and try on the many different models of skates available in the store, choosing the one that best suits the size and fullness of the skate (there are models for narrow or wide feet).
• It is advisable to try on all possible models in the store that suit your price. As a rule, after trying on, literally 1-2 options are suitable. But if there were more than two convenient models, then look more closely at the quality of materials and workmanship.
• Recently, a 3D scanner service has appeared in specialized stores: you stand on the platform, and the device reads the parameters of the foot. Then the program selects the optimal model in the right size. As a rule, the scanner shows the correct result.

Prices and top brands

The leaders are overseas firms BAUER and CCM. Prices vary greatly as there are child/junior/adult sizes. The minimum cost of skates that will meet the basic criteria is 5 rubles, but good models will cost about 000 rubles.

Adults will cost about 8 – 000 rubles. for entry level, 10 – 000 for intermediate and 20 – 000 for professionals.

When to sharpen blades

Over time, skate blades become dull from skating, or if you accidentally step on concrete, tile, or other unsuitable surfaces. Remember that in a skate it is advisable to walk only on rubber. Stepping on any other surface is very likely to dull them, and you will have to sharpen your skates unscheduled.

The frequency of sharpening skates for professional athletes depends on their desire: someone sharpens them for every workout, someone may not sharpen them for a month. For children and those who like to play hockey at a non-professional level, the frequency of sharpening is determined solely by the condition of the skate blade. You need to check if the skate is dull, if there are burrs, if it slips when you ride. If these signs are present, then the skates must be sharpened.

There are special covers for blades, they come in different types, but they have one goal – to protect against blunting. You can both wear skates in them and walk on surfaces not intended for blades.

How to care for men’s skates

After each training session, after each game, it is necessary to dry the skates: it is advisable to put them in a dry, warm place, remove the insoles and leave them in this form. If possible, special dryers can be used. Skates are serviced, as a rule, in special workshops, at the master grinder, at the master of hockey equipment.

Life time

Depends on who uses them and how often. Professionals change up to several pairs of skates per season. Adult hockey fans, since the leg is no longer growing and if there is no desire to buy a new model, they can skate without changing skates for several years until they stop playing hockey. In children, skates last a maximum of two seasons, as the leg grows and it is difficult to predict this.