When it comes to playing hockey, choosing the right equipment has a big impact on the success of the player. A pair of properly fitted youth hockey skates increases performance, reduces the risks of injury, and makes skating more comfortable.
Unfortunately, finding the right pair of hockey skates isn’t always easy. With so many brands and products, it can be hard to know where to start.
Well, you’ve come to the right place. This guide has everything you need to know to pick out the best pair of youth hockey skates for your young player.
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall:
CCM Tacks AS-580 Ice Hockey Skates
Budget Option:
Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skates
Premium Option:
Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Ice Hockey Skates
Best Overall
CCM Tacks AS-580 Ice Hockey Skates
The CCM Tacks AS-580 hockey skates are a great all-around pair of skates. They’re made with high-quality composite materials and solid construction, making them both durable and comfortable.
The boots on these skates are tough. They can easily last for several seasons on the ice without wearing out.
These skates break in quickly and are easy to wear. The shape of the boot has plenty of room for wide feet. The stiff boot gives players excellent control and power in their strides, while the lightweight construction and microfiber liner keep the skates comfortable.
The mid-range price point is quite reasonable, especially when considering the high quality of these youth hockey skates.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Good for kids with wide feet
Cons
- A stiff boot isn’t ideal for beginners
- May be too wide for kids with narrow feet
Budget Option
Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skate
The Lake Placid Summit Adjustable Ice Skates are a great budget option for a beginner or anyone looking for a decent skate without spending much money.
Most kid hockey skates aren’t adjustable, which means you have to replace them as your kids grow. But these skates are made to grow with your child, so you can get the right fit without having to buy a whole new pair. That makes them even more budget-friendly.
The clip fasteners allow kids to get the skates on and off super fast, but that also means they provide less ankle support than lace-up skates.
The skates are warm and comfortable, with a thickly padded liner. With three different color options, your child can express their style by picking their favorite. The skates include blade covers to protect your new skates and multiple closures for a secure fit.
Pros
- Adjustable sizing
- Comfortable
- Affordable price
Cons
- On the smaller settings, the blade is a bit long for the length of the skate
- Not as much ankle support
- Quality isn’t as high as other brands
Premium Option
Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Ice Hockey Skates
The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Ice Hockey Skates are a great choice for experienced players looking to level up their game. These high-end skates have advanced features that help young players skate the best that they can.
The Lightspeed Pro II holder is designed to lock in the runner for an efficient energy transfer from the player to the skate. This gives increased power to the skater’s stride.
The steel blades hold up to wear and tear, so they don’t need to be sharpened as often. With extra sharp blades, players can stop and start more efficiently.
A hydrophobic liner wicks away moisture keeping the foot secure in the boot without slipping around. Secure footing leads to stronger strides and easier movement.
Memory foam padding feels plush and molds to the foot, giving your skater a comfortable and custom fit. The composite boot gives good support while remaining somewhat flexible.
Pros
- High performing
- Strong blades don’t need to be sharpened as often
- Comfortable, moldable fit
Cons
- Expensive
- Beginners won’t be able to tell the difference between this and a cheaper skate
CCM Jetspeed FT485 Ice Hockey Skates
The CCM Jetspeed FT485 youth hockey skates are made with injected core technology for a strong and durable boot. The microfiber liner makes the skates comfortable while keeping feet dry. Foam padding around the ankles molds to the skater’s foot, providing cushion and support.
In addition to being highly durable, this pair of skates is also great for performance. The Jetspeed line is designed for agility and acceleration, giving your skater better speed and control. The stiff boot allows players to take quicker and more powerful strides.
Overall this is a really high-quality skate for the price. It’s not as comfortable for a beginner, but it’s a solid choice for an experienced skater that likes a stiffer boot.
Pros
- Good for speed and agility
- Comfortable
- Long-lasting, durable pair of skates
Cons
- Great price point
- The stiff boot isn’t ideal for beginners
Bauer GSX Ice Hockey Goalie Skates
The Bauer GSX Ice Hockey Goalie Skates perfectly balance flexibility and structure. The top of the boot is flexible, allowing players to move with ease and get up and down from the ice quickly during play.
The lower construction offers stability and strength, allowing players to take powerful strides, especially when moving side to side between the posts.
These skates are built to protect young feet from pucks. The tough outer shell holds up against pucks, hitting it over and over again. Inside the boot, memory foam ankle padding keeps feet comfortable.
Steel blades grip the ice and don’t wear down as easily. It’s always a plus when you don’t have to sharpen your kid’s hockey skates as often.
Pros
- The steel blades are strong and durable
- Comfortable and flexible
- Offer strong protection for young feet
Cons
- Only for goalies, not for forwards or defensemen
- Expensive
Youth Hockey Skates Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for in the Best Youth Hockey Skates
Fit
When it comes to finding the best pair of skates, the most important thing to look for is fit. A poorly fitting hockey skate can result in discomfort, cause a skater to develop poor habits, and reduce performance.
On the other hand, a skate with the right fit increases performance, reduces the risk of injury, and feels a whole lot better.
Stiffness
For beginners, a flexible boot is more comfortable and easier to learn.
For experienced players, a stiffer boot gives more control and power.
Quality
For committed players who skate several times a week, a high-quality pair of skates is a must. Durable materials will keep your kid’s hockey skates going strong for all of those practices and games.
For beginners just getting started or more casual players that only skate a few times a month, you can get by with a lower-quality skate.
How to Get the Right Fit
Hockey skates fit differently from other forms of footwear. This can be a bit uncomfortable for beginners, but with practice, it’s not hard to get used to.
The proper fit for youth hockey skates is snug but not uncomfortably tight. The heel should fit firmly in the boot without wiggling around when the skates are laced up. The toes should come up to the edge of the boot but not be squished at any point.
Player Skates Vs. Goalie Skates
When it comes to youth hockey skates, there are two main types. Player skates and goalie skates. It’s important to choose the right type for your skater.
Player skates are designed for forwards and defensemen who will be starting and stopping, taking long strides, and looking for speed. Goalie skates, on the other hand, are designed for better protection, improved balance, and the ability to get up and down quickly.
If your child plays goalie, look for dedicated goalie skates. Goalie skates tend to be more expensive than player models, but it’s worth it to have the right skate for the position.
How to Break in a New Pair of Skates
Get out There and Skate
Putting them to use is one of the best ways to break in a new pair of youth hockey skates. Whether it’s hitting the ice or using synthetic ice, spending time skating allows the skates to mold to the shape of a skater’s foot, making them more comfortable over time.
If you’re interested in trying synthetic ice, definitely check out Polyglide. Polyglide makes it easy to get out and practice any time of the year, even in summer. Use our code lifeinminnesota to save 15% on your order!
Baking
Baking, or heat molding, is another way to break in hockey skates. It’s not usually necessary for beginner-level skates, but it can be useful in stiff skates. Hockey pro shops can bake skates for you, or you can do it yourself at home. Whatever you do, don’t try baking your skates in an oven.
To heat mold at home, use a hair dryer to heat the skates inside and out, then have your player put on the skates and lace them up. The skates will mold to the player’s foot as they cool.
Youth Hockey Skates Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best youth hockey skates?
The most important feature of a hockey skate is the fit. If the skate doesn’t fit correctly, the player is more likely to have pain in their feet and ankles, and they won’t be able to perform as well. Make sure the skate fits properly.
Price is also a deciding factor for many people. If you can afford a top-of-the-line model, that’s great. But if you can’t, don’t feel pressured to spend outside of your budget. Kids don’t need the latest and greatest model to have fun and gain skills during play. There are plenty of high-quality skates at affordable price points that will work just fine for the majority of players.
How much do hockey skates cost?
Speaking of price points, hockey skates come in a wide range of prices, so there’s something for every budget. Most youth hockey skates are between $50-$300 per pair.
An entry-level set of youth hockey skates usually costs around $50-$100. This is a great place for a beginner to start before committing to a more expensive pair.
An experienced player looking for premium skates can expect to pay around $200-$300.
Many high-quality mid-range skates are available in the $100-$150 range. These models offer a great balance between performance and price and work well for players of all different skill levels.
What makes hockey skates different from other ice skates?
Different ice skates have different features designed specifically for the type of sport they’re used in.
For example, figure skates have a front toe pick that’s used to help the skater execute jumps.
Hockey skates are made with a tougher outer material than other types of ice skates. This is important for protecting a player’s feet from pucks and sticks.
Hockey skates also have shorter blades than other skates. These are ideal for quick starting and stopping and easily turning and changing direction.
What’s the difference between youth and junior hockey skates?
The main difference is the size. Youth hockey skates are generally designed for kids nine and under with a shoe size of 1.5 or smaller.
Junior hockey skates are best for kids ages eight to ten, with a shoe size between 2-4.5.
Time to Get Some Youth Hockey Skates!
With one of these pairs of youth hockey skates, your player will soon be ready to get out there and have some fun. For a quality skate that doesn’t break the bank, the CCM Tacks AS-580 Ice Hockey Skates are a perfect choice.
To get more equipment advice, don’t miss the hockey page on the blog. And if you’re looking to learn from an NHL pro, check out this online hockey training.
- About the Author
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Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.