From entry-level to elite-level models, there's a Bauer skate for everyone. We collaborate with players and gear experts to review each skate based on durability (ability to withstand wear and tear), power (the transfer of energy from the skater's legs to the ice), and speed (capacity to propel a player to maximum speed). Rankings are updated weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
Like all Canadians, Austin has hockey in his blood and has been passionately playing the sport across the US, Canada, and Finland since childhood.
Kelly played for 22 years in a prominent hockey town before finishing her career at SUNY Canton where she played at the collegiate level.
The Bauer Supreme Shadow hockey skate includes a Powerfly holder for energy transfer, a Carbon Connect outsole for acceleration, and an Ergo Connect toe cap for comfort and agility. The Carbon Curv composite provides lightweight support, and the PowerCoil tongue and liner offer comfort and performance.
The Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Ice Hockey Skates are designed for powerful skaters who play frequently and want to enhance their explosiveness. They feature a lightweight, supportive, and thermoformable 3D lasted Carbon Curv composite boot, which is stiff at the lower portion for better power transfer. The design allows for maximum ankle flexion and extension, and also includes a "Choose Your Steel" option for blade selection to match playing style.
The M5 Pro is focused on giving a lot of power. Normally, you'd hear a Supreme or Bauer Pro model going for $900+. The M5 Pro is different than that. It has all the Pro features, but for a cheaper price—more of a mid-range level price. So the M5 Pro has all the same comfort features, durability, the ability to change your steel, and the traditional supreme anatomic fit. With the new Fit System mechanisms, the M5 Pro allows you to customize whether you want it wide, narrow, etc.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor X5 Pro hockey skates are designed for elite players, featuring durable Curv Composite materials and a stable Injected Facing construction. The POWERFLY Holder enhances agility and responsiveness, while the available blades and 3D sizing options help elevate your performance on the ice.
As a skater focused on speed and agility, these skates are a dream. Their lightweight design allows for quick acceleration and direction changes. The snug fit and Curv composite quarter package offer great ankle support while maintaining flexibility. The 3D-Curved carbon fiber blade provides stiffness for precise edge work and power. While they're a bit pricey, the X5 Pro delivers excellent performance and durability, making them worth the investment.
Kelly Leathem, Expert Review
The Bauer Vapor X4 hockey skates are the ultimate in lightweight performance. Crafted with innovative materials like Curv Composite, these skates offer pro-level support without sacrificing speed. The trusted Lightspeed (LS) Edge holder and LS Pluse SS Steel Blade provide exceptional stability and acceleration. The Pro Stock Comfort Tongue, Comfort Edge, and Asymmetrical Toe Cap ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Experience the next level of hockey skating with the Bauer Vapor X4.
The X4s are great for the recreational hockey player. The boot is comfortable right out of the box and should last you a long time. The skate feels lightweight and responsive, making it easy to maneuver on the ice. The blade holds an edge well and provides good stability. While it may not have all the top-tier features of the X5 Pro, the X4 offers a great balance of performance and affordability.
Kelly Leathem, Expert Review
The Bauer Supreme M4 hockey skates are designed for developing athletes, featuring a flexible composite material for a powerful stride and exceptional comfort. The Pro 48 ounce Felt Tongue adds support, while the 3D Lasted Flex Composite quarter ensures a responsive fit. With Traditional Facing and a Symmetrical Toe Cap, these skates aim to enhance on-ice performance.
Bauer Supreme Mach hockey skates are crafted for elite players focused on speed and power. They feature a lightweight, 3D lasted 12K Carbon Curv composite boot for support and stiffness, along with AMP Flex facing for powerful strides. With various runner options, these skates are designed for different playing styles, showcasing Bauer's commitment to innovation and performance.
The Mach is the premiere equivalent of the HyperLite skate. In my opinion, the Mach is really popular because it's all black and can look new even after two years of pretty intensive play. I know that color doesn't impact feel or performance... but the all black is one reason the Mach has been really popular. Also, the power of this skate is a lot like the Ultrasonic, which came out right before it. The Mach is super lightweight, which means you can go a lot faster, and of course, Supreme is always featuring new kinds of foam and other tech in their skates.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor 3X hockey skates are ideal for performance-driven players who skate frequently and need a balance of comfort and value. They feature a lightweight composite boot for support and custom fit, a comfortable 40-ounce felt tongue, and a durable Lightspeed Edge holder with LS+ stainless steel blades. Known for quickness and agility, the Vapor line offers the 3X as an affordable option that retains many features of higher-end models.
The 3X was released close to the HyperLite, which was a revolutionary skate at the time, so it kinda got lost in the mix. It's still a good skate and very similar to the 3X Pro model but without as much comfort. It's a mid- to upper-level fully composite skate with a felt tongue and a hydrophobic liner with a great grip.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Vapor Hyperlite 2 is a high-performance hockey skate designed for quickness and agility. It features a stiff upper and flexible lower boot for optimal balance, along with the PowerFly Holder for explosive acceleration, Aerolite 2.0 Tongue for comfort, and Hyperflex Tech for durability. With its lightweight Carbon Curv Composite construction and LockFit Pro liner, the Hyperlite 2 ensures a secure and powerful skating experience.
There is not as much difference between the HyperLite and the HyperLite 2 as there was between the Hyperlite and the 2x Pro, but the 2 is really just a lighter skate. More comfort features have been added also, and there is a new locking mechanism. The HyperLite 2 still offers the quick release, but it's a different upgraded style, which makes it easier to switch the steel in and out. The holder itself is different and extremely lightweight.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite is a premium ice hockey skate aimed at professional and aspiring players prioritizing agility. It features the Powerfly holder for improved responsiveness, enabling quicker acceleration and smoother transitions. Its lightweight Aerolite foam offers mobility while maintaining support and comfort, emphasizing quickness and maneuverability, in contrast to the power-focused Supreme line.
I've had multiple pairs of the HyperLites, both retail and custom-made. It's like the HyperLite took the best elements from all the top Vapor skates and made them even lighter and more comfortable. The Hyperlite is the lightest skate I've ever used. It's almost so light that you need to get adjusted to putting pressure differently using your blades because heavier skates do give you a little extra weight. Also, it's a great travel skate. Everything is weight-based if you're flying somewhere, so the HyperLite is an excellent option.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro hockey skates are designed for agility and speed. They feature a lightweight, heat-moldable Curv composite boot that provides great stability within the skate. The 3x pro skates also feature AeroFoam+ which is interior padding for comfort and support.
The 3x Pro is made of light materials and is super durable. It's a pro model, so it has top-level comfort with high-quality foam and an asymmetrical toe cap. The lower part of the skate is softer, while the upper part is stiffer, allowing for more support. The 2X Pro was such a hit, and it's kind of hard to follow up... but they made a decent skate with the 3X Pro.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Supreme 3S Pro hockey skates are ideal for skilled players seeking a balance of comfort and performance. They feature a lightweight, thermoformable 3D Curv composite boot with a power-cut design for better ankle stability and power transfer. The LS Pulse Runner is engineered with a high mirror finish to provide superior glide for increased speed. Overall, these skates are a great choice for players wanting comfort and high performance.
Similar to the 3S, the Pro version has even more bells and whistles. It features the classic pro tongue with molded inserts for a customized fit. It still has the classic Supreme composite boot and higher-level comfort foam. The higher the level of skate, the more comfort in the foam, and usually, the less time it takes to break in. You still see the 3S Pro in the NHL, and they hold up well. You can also quickly change out the blades and keep going. Players use them for years without any kind of loss in performance in terms of power.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic ice hockey skates are designed for elite players, offering powerful strides and superior control. Their Performance Fit System ensures comfort and better energy transfer, while the 3D lasted Carbon Curv composite boot provides stiffness and support. The unibody sole enhances power with each stride, making these skates ideal for serious players.
I've used these. Really good states. They are kind of the predecessor to the Mach, which is a top comfort skate. The ultrasonics is just a classic, extremely durable skate. The power boot cut creates a super powerful stride so that you can attack the puck better and the boot is really supportive. These skates will go on forever. Really good power. Pretty good agility.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor X3 skate is a fantastic option for new hockey players, offering advanced technology at an affordable price. With a flexible DIGI COMP Quarter and a comfortable Pro Stock Comfort Tongue, the X3 provides a great fit and feel.
The Bauer Supreme 3S hockey skates are designed for skilled players seeking a comfortable, powerful stride. They feature an injected foam for pro level protection and lace bite protection. The 3S also feature a LockFit Liner, which helps wick away moisture and aerofoam agile pads for increased comfort.
The 3S will give you a lot of power, more power than you would get with some of the older models. It features the Pro TPU outsole, which has additional stiffness in the lower portion of the skate, delivering more speed. It's lightweight, and the upgraded foam also adds comfort. The 3S has the stainless steal runner and the trigger release system, allowing you to quickly swap out the blade. It's a skate you could play multiple seasons with.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro hockey skates are lightweight and designed for agility, making them perfect for players who prioritize quickness on the ice. They feature Bauer's DYNAFLEX system with an asymmetrical toe cap for a low-volume fit, along with a carbon composite quarter package for stiffness and energy transfer. The 2X Pro also feature the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder which stabilizes the skate and makes it feel extremely secure.
One of the things that makes the 2X Pro great is how light it feels. It's an extremely lightweight boot that is also really durable. It's a predecessor to what you see in the HyperLite these days. Very durable but also very light. So the 2X Pro is perfect for agility, cutting back and forth across the ice. And, it still has good power. At the professional level, some NHL players use the 2X Pro and have no issues. It’s a skate that will last you. Mine are still fine to play in even after years. It's a skate built to last.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Hockey Skates provide elite performance for players focused on power and acceleration. With a stiff, 3D-lasted carbon Curv composite boot, they ensure excellent support and energy transfer for powerful strides. The Reflex Pro tongue and lacing system enhance the locked-in feel, embodying Bauer's commitment to advanced technology for game elevation.
The 2S Pro is a higher-end skate built for professional or competitive play. It has a lot of extra comfort and will be lighter with all the space-age technology materials. The 2S Pro has excellent power and control, so you can repeatedly explode your speed. This skate does have a quick-release mechanism to switch out your blades easily. The Supreme line has a more anatomical kind of snug fit. If you want a skate with all the bells and whistles, the 2S Pro is for you.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Supreme Matrix hockey skates feature a 3D-lasted Carbon Curv composite boot, which offers a thermoformable, game-ready fit. Inside, a Lock-Fit liner and Aerofoam+ ankle padding deliver premium comfort, moisture control, and a secure heel lock. A 48-ounce pro-style felt tongue enhances forward flex and responsiveness, while the ReFlex tendon guard and standard flex facing work together for explosive power in each push-off.
he Bauer X-LP hockey skate is a great option for young hockey players who want to improve their game. The traditional lacing system and fleece liner offer a comfortable and familiar fit, while the 13-foot radius runner provides a balance of stability and maneuverability.
The Bauer Vapor 2X hockey skate is a high-end choice for competitive players seeking a low-profile fit. It features the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge Holder, which includes a trigger mechanism to easily switch out a damaged or broken blade. The 2X also includes Aero Foam+ which wraps around the player's foot for comfort and is very flexible for a personalized fit.
The Vapor 2X is just one notch down in durability and comfort from the 2X Pro. You might not notice as much comfort right off the bat, but overall, the fit and feel are pretty much the same. The 2X will still have the asymmetrical toe cap, ankle padding, and three-piece felt tongue. If you gave someone a new pair of 2X Pros and the 2Xs, blindfolded them, and asked them to figure out which was which, they would have difficulty distinguishing between the two.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor X3.7 hockey skates are ideal for recreational and intermediate players seeking comfort and performance. They feature a lightweight 3D injected composite boot, a microfiber liner, and memory foam ankle padding. Designed for narrower feet, the X3.7 is a mid-tier option in the Vapor line, providing solid performance at an affordable price.
The X3.7 is a middle-tier skate. It's the skate a player would use after a introductory level skate or a lower level like x 2.7. This skate is flexible and agile and has a good amount of comfort, enough that it will last you quite a while as long as you're not skating seven times a week. The X3.7 has a quick release for exchanging blades, so it's meant to be worn for quite a while, longer than the lifespan of a single blade.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor X2.7 hockey skate is designed for competitive players who value comfort and performance. It features a one-piece 3D Polycarb quarter for a snug fit, enhanced by the Comfort Flex system. Memory foam ankle padding and a microfiber liner offer added comfort, while the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder enables easy blade swapping. This low-volume skate is responsive, making it ideal for agile players, and provides a good balance of features and affordability.
I've had these many times; it's a mid-tier, performance-level skate where you can undoubtedly play a few seasons (probably not in the NHL), but in University, high-level competitive play. The X2.7 has a quick-release holder, and the Vapor fit will be a bit lower, snug, and flexible. The top-level pro-Vapors might last you three years, whereas these might last one and a half two years, but it's the same kind of comfort. It just comes down to your abilities.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor X3.5 is designed with a comfortable one-piece 3D Poly carbon quarter package and a flexible TPR outsole, that offers a supportive and forgiving fit. The memory foam ankle padding and microfiber liner enhance comfort, while the Lightspeed Pro II holder and S Stainless steel runner provide reliable performance.
The Bauer Vapor X2.9 hockey skates offer a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and value. Designed for dedicated skaters, these skates feature a low-profile design and a comfortable fit. The 3D Lasted Tech Mesh quarter, Comfort Edge, and Aero Foam padding provide support and customization. The Form-Fit+ footbed ensures a step-in experience, while the Tuuk Lightspeed EDGE holder delivers easy blade changes.
The Bauer Supreme M3 hockey skates are designed for recreational and competitive players. They feature a Digi Comp quarter for a lightweight and supportive fit, a memory foam ankle pad for comfort, and a traditional flex profile for a good range of motion. The liner is made of a moisture-wicking material to help keep feet dry, and the LS Edge holder makes it easy to swap out blades. The Bauer Supreme M3 skates are a good mid-range option for players who are looking for a skate that offers good value for the money.
The M3 is a low to mid-level skate. It's a bit more expensive than the introductory ones, but it has the quick-release steel changer. So players can use the M3 for a lot longer than if there was no way to change the blades efficiently. It has a lot of comfort features like a thick padded tongue. It's so focused on comfort and this keeps players happier. Because when you're starting out, comfort is a bit more important. The reason I've seen people STOP using this skate is just because of the durability aspect. As people become more comfortable with their game or their skating, and they start doing different cuts and using their skates differently, the wear will happen in different areas and degrade this skate faster than higher-end models.
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Vapor 1X hockey skate features Bauer's Speed Plate Technology for enhanced power transfer, and LS4 Steel for exceptional durability. The updated aluminized X-Rib Curv Composite Boot, inspired by the OD1N Project, offers superior stiffness and responsiveness.
The Bauer Ns ice hockey skates have a stainless steel runner, secured in a Tuuk Lightspeed Pro II holder, providing smooth gliding and reliable performance. The EVA footbed offers a comfortable base, while the injected composite weave quarter package provides a balance of stability and flexibility.
The Bauer Supreme skate utilizes a stiffer composite material to maximize energy transfer with every stride, while the upper section offers increased flexibility for enhanced mobility. The Digi Composite quarter package and outsole provide exceptional support and thermoformability, allowing the skate to mold to your foot for a customized fit.
The Bauer X-LS skate is designed with a traditional lacing system, a comfortable microfiber liner, and a stainless steel runner with a forgiving 13-foot radius. The X-LS skate provides a balance of comfort, support, and ease of use, making it an ideal option for those just starting out in the sport.
The Bauer Supreme 140 hockey skates offer an excellent entry point into the iconic Supreme line, known for its anatomical fit and close-to-the-foot feel. These skates are ideal for recreational players or those just starting in the sport, providing a comfortable fit with a premium nylon construction and a microfiber liner. The injected TPR outsole and TUUK Lightspeed Pro holder with stainless steel runners offer durability and reliable performance. Building upon Bauer's legacy of innovation, the Supreme 140 delivers quality and value to help new players discover the joy of hockey.
There is no quick-release mechanism for the metal runners or blades, which makes the 140 a good skate for beginners or skaters who skate less often and don't want to pay too much but still want a quality skate. The 140 will last only a few years, but it’s an excellent introductory skate in the Supreme line, allowing you to get a feel for it. Do you like the Supreme? Do you like a bit of extra power or do you want to try something different?
@Dstars79, Player Review
The Bauer Supreme M1 hockey skates focus on providing a personalized fit. The M1 features a 3D Poly Carbon Quarter Package, which provides a solid fit in the ankle and heel, while the outsole gives the skate more flexibility for ease of use. They also feature Memory Foam Padding, which provides increased support around the ankles, keeps the player comfortable, and further enhances the overall feel of the skate.