The thing to keep in mind about finding the best youth hockey skates is that there is no perfect skate for every player. Finding the right skate will depend on budget, skill level, foot size and width, and playing style. Ratings and reviews compare brands and models of skates. However, because one size doesn’t fit all, finding the right skate can be tricky.
With that said, some of the best skates are:
1. Bauer Vapor 2X Youth Hockey Skates.
This is a high-end, advanced choice that provides ultimate outer stiffness with padding and foam that forms perfectly to the foot.
For an entry level player, these skates are the most budget-friendly choice.
Stiffer skates - like the Bauer Vapor 2X - offer more protection, but there’s a tradeoff on break-in time. (Ultra-stiff skates can take a very long time for youth players to break in. That can lead to a lot of foot discomfort!)
Whatever the stiffness, hockey skates should have comfortable padding, foam, and insoles.
The lightest hockey skates offer greater mobility on-ice, like the Bauer Pro Series and CCM Jetspeed Series. Skates need to provide adequate protection and ankle support.
Youth hockey skates should never hurt the player’s foot or ankle.
Socks can also be important. All the major skate brands, such as Bauer, CCM, and Warrior, offer sock choices.
As far as maintenance goes, hockey skates should be sharpened about every 2-4 weeks, or after about 20-30 hours of time on the ice. Blade guards, covers, and soakers can keep skates in good condition.
Goalies need more protection than other players, and skates like the Bauer Vapor X2.7 offer that.
The fit of the skate is important because it helps to ensure that a player can move easily on the ice. In addition, wearing a well-fit skate protects from injury.
In sizing youth hockey skates, the conversion is easy. Hockey skates should be about 1.5 sizes smaller than the player’s street shoes. The toe should barely touch the toecap. If there is more than about a half inch of room between the toe and the toecap, the skates are too big. The skates should fit snugly around the foot and be comfortable, especially around the heel and ankle. Although the outside of the skate should be stiff, the inside should provide cushion.
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Youth hockey skates are incredibly durable, and buying them used can unlock big savings without any quality trade-offs.
