Finding the perfect hockey skates can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Every player has different needs – from foot shape and playing style to skill level and budget.
The good news is that modern skate makers offer more options than ever before.
Now, there are tons of brands out there, but I want to show you the top five companies that keep delivering great quality and keep pushing the boundaries with new ideas.
Let’s go over the 5 best ice hockey skate brands out there!
#1 Bauer
Bauer is the big name in hockey skates, and they’ve earned that spot.
Remember the TUUK holder system from the 1970s? That was them, and they haven’t stopped coming up with new ideas since.
They’ve got two main lines: Supreme and Vapor.
If you’re all about power skating, you’ll probably love the Supreme line – it fits your foot’s natural shape really well. More into quick turns and fast starts? The Vapor line might be your thing, with its sleek, low-profile design.
The cool thing about their newest skates is that they use materials that heat up and mold to your feet, plus they’ve got these carbon composite boots that really help transfer your energy into the ice.
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Here are some of their top models:
- Vapor 3X Pro Ice Hockey Skates
- Supreme Mach Ice Hockey Skates
- Supreme UltraSonic Ice Hockey Skates
- Vapor Hyperlite Ice Hockey Skates
- Supreme 3S Pro Ice Hockey Skates
#2 CCM
CCM is right up there competing with Bauer, and they’ve really stepped up their game in the last ten years.
Their JetSpeed line changed how skates are made by creating a single-piece boot instead of attaching the bottom separately. This means the power from your stride goes straight to the ice, and the skates are noticeably lighter.
Want solid ankle support and power? Check out their Tacks line. Need more flex in the front? Their Ribcor skates have got you covered.
CCM also pays special attention to how their skates fit, with their SpeedBlade holders that let you change steel quickly and special insoles that mold to your feet.
Here are some of their top models:
- JetSpeed FT4 Pro Ice Hockey Skates
- Super Tacks AS3 Pro Ice Hockey Skates
- Ribcor 100K Ice Hockey Skates
- JetSpeed FT475 Ice Hockey Skates
- Tacks 9380 Ice Hockey Skates
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#3 True
True is relatively new to making skates, but they’ve earned respect by focusing on making skates that fit perfectly.
What makes them special is that you can heat up the entire boot to mold it exactly to your foot shape. These skates maintain their performance level remarkably well over time – they feel the same after months of use as they did on day one.
While True doesn’t offer as many different models as other companies, they’ve perfected the ones they do make.
This dedication to quality has attracted many serious players, from professionals to dedicated recreational players, who continue to choose True skates time after time.
Here are some of the top True models:
- True TF9 Ice Hockey Skates
- True TF7 Ice Hockey Skates
- True Custom Pro Ice Hockey Skates
- True TF5 Ice Hockey Skates
- True Pro Custom Ice Hockey Skates
#4 Graf
Graf has been around since 1921, and they’re sticking to their traditional Swiss way of making skates.
While they might not use the newest ultralight materials that other companies do, their time-tested methods produce excellent results.
Plus there’s something really special about how they do things.
If you’ve got wide feet or feet that just don’t seem to fit in other skates, Graf might be your answer.
Their attention to fit and comfort, especially for unique foot shapes, has earned them a dedicated following among players who value these features.
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Here are some of the top Graf models:
- Graf PeakSpeed PK4400 Ice Hockey Skates
- Graf Ultra G75 Ice Hockey Skates
- Graf DM1080 Ice Hockey Skates
- Graf Supra 735 Ice Hockey Skates
- Graf PeakSpeed PK3300 Ice Hockey Skates
#5 Warrior
Warrior knows hockey gear, and they’ve brought all that knowledge into making skates.
They’ve come up with some cool stuff like their FuelCore technology, which gives you good feel while keeping things comfortable. The nice thing about Warrior is that they often cost less than other top brands, so you can get great features without spending as much.
They might not have as many different skates as Bauer or CCM, but the ones they make are really good, and more players are starting to notice.
Some of the top Warrior models are:
- Warrior Alpha LX Pro Ice Hockey Skates
- Warrior Covert QRE 10 Ice Hockey Skates
- Warrior Alpha LX30 Ice Hockey Skates
- Warrior Covert QRE 20 Pro Ice Hockey Skates
- Warrior Alpha DX5 Ice Hockey Skates
Bottom Line
When you’re picking out ice hockey skates, you need to think about the brand, but also about how they fit you and match your style of play.
Sure, Bauer and CCM are the big names with lots of options and the newest tech, but True, Graf, and Warrior each bring something different to the table.
At the end of the day, the best skates are the ones that fit your feet properly and work for your level of play.
The good news is that all these companies make really good skates that can handle whatever modern hockey throws at them.
