Best Intermediate Hockey Skates

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 Supreme M50 Pro features Bauer’s PowerFly holder, which delivers energy transfer through a rigid front post, an enhanced stability bar, and a flexible rear post. The 3D-lasted Carbon Curv Composite boot offers lightweight support and responsiveness, while the Reflex Classic 52oz felt tongue and Reflex Tendon Guard maximize protection and range of motion. Inside, Aerofoam+ padding and a Lock-Fit Pro liner keep your feet comfortably secure and dry, ensuring consistent performance shift after shift.

The Bauer Supreme M40 skate offers top-tier performance at a competitive price. Designed for the performance-minded player, the M40 boasts a lightweight, thermoformable CURV Composite boot construction for a custom fit and superior support. The Pro Stock Felt Tongue provides pro-level comfort, while the Sublimated Liner helps keep your feet dry and comfortable.

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 CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro is a high-performance hockey skate designed for speed and agility. It features a one-piece boot for a comfortable fit and excellent range of motion, along with an ADPT comfort tongue for added flex and fit. Equipped with a Step Blacksteel blade, it offers better edge life and smooth gliding.

“

The FT6 Pro is basically the FT4 Pro on steroids. It offers really, really good speed and a bit better comfort than the FT4 Pro. It also has more flexibility and memory foam to prevent lace bite, and it addresses range-of-motion issues. This skate offers speed, power, and a good range of motion. You can really dig in and get that power and still go with the angles.

”

@Dstars79, Player 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 Supreme Shadow ice hockey skates feature the new PowerFly holder for explosive acceleration, a 12K Carbon Curv Composite boot for lightweight stiffness, and AMP Flex Facing for enhanced stride mobility. These skates maximize energy transfer and agility. With a Lock-Fit Pro liner and Carbon Connect outsole, the Supreme Shadow is built for players who demand top-tier performance on the ice.

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 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 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 CCM Tacks AS-V hockey skates are engineered for powerful strides and explosiveness on the ice. They feature a one-piece boot for superior energy transfer, a lightweight composite for better mobility, and a new Powerflex tendon for increased range of motion. As part of the Tacks line, known for power skating, the AS-V skates offer elite performance at a more accessible price.

“

The AS-V offers a close, professional fit, and a lot of power. I really love the quick acceleration. The number one thing with this skate is comfort. The padding really secures the ankle and foot while keeping the flexibility to turn and move. The tongue has a funky design, but it allows you to get a full range of motion without feeling insecure in the skate or like it's going to fall off or wobble.

”

@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 Tacks XF Pro skates that feature a new One-Piece Boot built with innovative FORS composite, it's lighter, more responsive, and more durable, while maintaining pro-level stiffness. Equipped with best-in-class STEP Blacksteel and our new Game Ready Fit, it delivers performance that never felt so good.

“

If you need a skate that can handle heavy impacts and provide support, the XF Pro delivers on both fronts. The boot is incredibly stiff, locking your foot in place and providing good energy transfer. The SpeedBlade steel is razor-sharp and holds an edge. They're a bit heavier than some other skates on the market, but the trade-off in terms of protection and performance is well worth it.

”

Kelly Leathem, Expert 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 CCM Tacks XF80 hockey skates feature CCM’s One-Piece Boot POWER construction with lightweight FORS composite. The XF80 maximizes energy transfer and stride responsiveness with a closer, more connected fit. The Flex Tendon 3.0 allows for greater range of motion and stride extension, while ADPT memory foam and enhanced ankle padding deliver a secure, game-ready fit.

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 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 CCM Jetspeed FT680 hockey skates offer a blend of features and value, making them a popular choice among hockey players of all levels. The FT680 features an HD Microfiber Liner that is highly resistant to wear and tear, with an added EVA layer delivering better fit and comfort. They also have a SpeedBlade XS Holder, a quick-release holder with a blade lock system so you can swap your blades quickly.

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 S37 hockey skate features a fiber composite boot that provides flexibility for good power transfer and a wider range of motion, making it easier to use for new skaters. Comfort is enhanced by lightweight memory foam ankle padding and a 40-ounce felt tongue with a mesh metatarsal guard. The skate also features a TUUK Lightspeed Edge holder for easy blade swapping. While not the top-of-the-line model in Bauer's Supreme line, the S37 offers good value for players looking for a comfortable and supportive skate.

“

The S37 features an anatomical fit for a lot of power. It won't have the Space Age memory foam designed by NASA or something, but it will be comfortable. It may feel heavier than the top lightweight pro model, but it's more than enough to last quite a while. It's still a strong skate. And that's common with a lot of skates these days. There's not a ton of difference between the mid-end and the top-end skates. What really separates them is durability and the exact type of comfort features.

”

@Dstars79, Player Review

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