Over the years, there has been great debate about what brand has the best hockey skates.  The answer is simple, the brand that fits the skaters foot the best.

Too often, amateur players want to emulate the professionals and wear the same equipment they do. Professional players help the different companies by marketing their products. In some of these instances, the players are compensated monetarily. Unfortunately, for the amateur player they are not being paid to wear the equipment. So their focus when purchasing skates should not be on what company promotes their hockey skates the most or aesthetically looks the best. Instead, their focus should be on what each company's family line fits the players foot. The best hockey skates are ones that identify the correct foot type, heel lock, and proper stiffness.

In determining what the best hockey skates are the first thing the player should be aware of is their foot type. Each player has a specific foot type that fits a certain hockey skate. The player should know his size, width and arch type. If the player is unsure of the foot type, an experienced hockey shop professional would be able to determine what the foot type is. Once the player's foot type is determined then the best hockey skates will be chosen from a companies family line. For example, the two leading skate manufacturers have three fit families designed for different foot types. Bauer's three boot styles consist of the Vapor, Supreme, and Nexus line. The Vapor line fits a more tapered forefoot, medium to low volume, and a standard "v" heel pocket. The Supreme line fits a more contoured forefoot, medium to high volume, and a more standard heel pocket. And the Nexus line fit is going to have a wide forefoot, high volume, a deeper "v" heel pocket, and a high in-step. CCM's three boot styles consist of the Tacks, Ribcore, and Jetspeed line. The Tacks line fits a wide forefoot, high volume, and deep heel pocket. The Ribcore line fits a slightly narrow forefoot, low volume, and narrow heel pocket. The Jetspeed line fits a standard forefoot, medium volume, and standard heel pocket.


The best hockey skates also have the proper heel lock for the individual player. Heel lock is defined as the foot being flat on the outsole, having zero to minimal movement, and proper warp for the heel in the pocket of the skate. If the heel has movement then the skater's stride can be affected, the heel can develop blisters, and the rubbing can cause discomfort and affect the players skating ability.

Finally, best hockey skates are also the ones with the proper stiffness and factor in the individuals amount of ice time per week. Stiffness of a skate is defined as the level of flex a player can get in a particular skate model for their skill level. Depending on what level your are and what you weigh will determine which stiffness and model skate you should be in. For example, the best hockey skates for a player that is on the ice five times a week such as a elite player that has above average to good leg strength and weighs more, should be in a stiffer skate. The stiffer skate will give them better ankle support, durability, and better protection. The best hockey skates for an intermediate club player that is on the ice three to four time per week should be in the mid range price point. The skate still offers good protection and proper stiffness but also does not affect the players skating style. The best hockey skates for a recreational to beginner skater who is on the ice one to two times a week would be in a lower end skate that has adequate ankle support comfort and less of a break in process.

In conclusion, the best hockey skates will be the brand and model that fits the foot. After outlining these three factors and what to look for consumers will have the knowledge going forward to consistently purchase the best hockey skates for their foot.