How to Select an Ice Hockey Skate

Once you have properly sized your feet and have narrowed down which skate line is best for you, it’s time to choose the proper level of play. If you haven’t sized your feet yet, head over to our How To Size An Ice Hockey Skate page first.

Here at IW Hockey, we categorize ice hockey skates into three categories: Recreational, Performance, and Elite. It’s important to choose the right level of play in order to maximize your performance on the ice.

In order to know the differences in each level, we need to know the anatomy of the skate. The quarter package, toe box, skate tongue, tendon guard, outsole, holder and runners.

Recreational skates are built for the new-to-hockey player or casual skaters that are looking for an affordable option. These are great starter skates, especially for youth players.

One thing to keep in mind is the size or weight of the skater. While recreational skates are designed for the beginner, heavier adult skaters can create more force than the skates were designed to handle and results in a premature breakdown. In a scenario such as this, we would advise looking at performance-level skates so you save money in the long run since the skates will last longer and you will not need to replace them as quickly.

• Upper: The quarter package is the skate’s boot. For a new-to-hockey player, a softer quarter package will feel much more comfortable and is the best choice for players looking to learn the skating stride. If the boot is too stiff, it is not just uncomfortable but it hinders the learning process too. In a similar fashion, the outsole aka the sole of the boot is softer at this recreational level in order to allow additional flex.
• Lower: These skates do not come with removable runners (blades) which is okay since a player may be ready to step up to the performance-level skate by the time they wear out.

Performance-level skates are a great fit for players who are confident in their skating stride and are ready to take their on-ice performance to the next level. These players are on the ice 1-2 times a week playing mid-to-high level hockey.

• Upper: These hockey skates come with a stiffer quarter package, which allows for better power and agility. Another added benefit to the stiffer boot is increased protection, which is needed at a higher level of hockey. These skates are heat-moldable which allow the boot to create a personalized, custom mold around the player’s foot for easier break-in and a much better fit. When following specific directions, the skates are placed in an oven at home or in a designated skate oven for a short period of time. This allows the boot’s materials to warm up and form around the foot.

• Lower: Performance-level skates come with removable runners in the event that the steel is broken or has been worn down too far. Runners feature higher-grade steel for better edge life and resistance to nicks/burrs.

Elite-level skates are built for the best performance, protection, durability and comfort. These players are usually on the ice three times or more a week and are playing high-level hockey.

• Upper: Most boots are made of composite; which are the lightest, most responsive, protective and heat moldable. Exciting technology features such as full one-piece boots, asymmetrical boot designs, one-piece facing systems and much more make an appearance. Another key point about elite boots is enhanced durability from wear-and-tear and repeated use. Unlike the performance-level skates, the outsole at the elite-level is usually composite instead of plastic and is vented for better airflow while reducing drying time after use. The skate’s tongue is well reinforced and provides the required protection for the top of the foot from the faster shots and the more aggressive stick slashes found in high-end hockey.
• Lower: The runners are usually taller, which improves sharpening life, profiling options and turning radius. The flagship skates will feature an extra coating that holds an edge longer and prevents corrosion.