The Best Ice Hockey Skates For 2025
Finding the best hockey skates for your game is always an important decision, whether you ’re a seasoned skater or you ’re getting ready to step onto the ice for the first time.
Some players might be looking for the latest-and-greatest skates to take their game to the next level, while others might be looking for a simple pair of rec skates for pick-up games. No matter your experience or skill level, Pure Hockey has you covered with a wide selection of ice skates from top brands like Bauer , CCM , and TRUE.
Let ’s take a look at some of Pure Hockey ’s top picks for the best ice hockey skates on the market this year, with options for all different price points and styles of play. If you ’re still not sure which pair of skates is right for you, we also offer more general information on How to Buy Hockey Skates , and we encourage you to stop by your local Pure Hockey store to get a full assessment from our staff.
These skates offer the best features
Pro Hockey Skates
The Pro-level ice hockey skates are where you ’ll find first-class technology to provide the best protection and comfort features. These top-of-the-line skates will be thermoformable, offer a stiffer boot for better energy transfer, more protection in the tongue and the top of the foot, extra padding in the ankles, high-performance footbeds, and the ability to choose your steel based on your needs. A lot of Pro skates also include a Flex Facing technology near the eyelets of the skate that provide players more ankle mobility.
The extra padding in the ankles and high-performance footbeds will give you more comfort and a more customized feel. Thermoformable means the skates can be baked in a skate oven to allow the boot to conform to your foot for a customized fit. You will be able to bake your skates at any of our Pure Hockey stores.
Most Pro-level skates come with the ability to quickly change your steel, allowing you to swap it out without missing a shift. With this feature, it ’s a good idea to carry extra steel in your hockey bag with a runner sleeve so you always have a set on hand and don ’t have to worry about broken blades or losing an edge and needing them sharpened right away.
Bauer Vapor FlyLite Skates ($1,179.99 - $1,229.99)
The all-new Vapor FlyLite skate line is built for ultimate quickness and agility. Vapor skates feature stiffer and more supportive material in the upper portion of the skate, and increased flex and responsiveness in the lower part of the boot. A couple of big upgrades Bauer put into the models of the 2025 Vapor line include the PowerFly Holders, Aerolite 3.0 Tongue, improved eyelets, and better materials in the outsole for a more comfortable and responsive skate.
Bauer continues to push performance to another level with the PowerFly Holder, increasing player’s takeoff acceleration and side to side transitions through the various flex points. The front post of the holder is rigid, increasing energy transfer in every stride for faster acceleration. The hyperbolic stability bar increases balance for quicker transitions, and the responsive back post promotes faster side to side transitions. The trigger on the holder is also improved to eliminate the blade releasing on impact.
This year's Vapor Flylite skate features the new, innovative Fusion Curv Composite quarter package and Fusion Flex outsole. These advanced materials are designed to work together, providing enhanced energy return during acceleration, transitions, and stops, allowing for quick reactions in critical moments. Another improvement from the previous generation HyperLite skate is the Aerolite 3.0 tongue. Bauer improved the comfort where the tongue and ankle interact by adding comfort edge. This alleviates the pressure point on the ankles, while still maintaining flexibility and performance.
Bauer Vapor FlyLite Skates - Senior
Bauer Vapor FlyLite Skates - Intermediate
Bauer Vapor FlyLite Skates - Junior
Bauer Supreme Shadow Skates ($1,129.99 –$1,179.99)
For the player looking for a top-of-the-line skate, the Bauer Supreme Shadow is an excellent option. The latest addition of the Supreme family is designed for power and acceleration. This skate is lighter than other Supreme skates, with an increased wrap that improves lateral stability.
Upgraded from the previous generation Supreme Ultrasonic skate is the 3D lasted 12K Carbon Composite boot, Powercoil Tongue, AMP Flex technology, and the ability to choose your steel based on your personal performance needs.
The AMP (Active Motion Performance) Flex Technology is a facing technology that improves the overall flex profile of the skate. The AMP Flex Facing is added between the 2nd and 3rd eyelets of the skate to allow increased forward mobility through the skating stride, enhancing the range of motion for the skater.
With Bauer ’s fit system, you are able to choose your skate based on the performance features rather than picking the skate because it is made for a certain foot type. If you are a player looking for a more explosive stride, the Supreme line focuses on power with the lower part of the skate being stiffer to optimize energy transfer and the upper part of the skate being softer, allowing for increased mobility.
Bauer Supreme Shadow Skates - Custom
Bauer Supreme Shadow Skates - Senior
Bauer Supreme Shadow Skates - Intermediate
CCM JetSpeed FT8 Pro Skates ($1229.99)
CCM has crafted the FT8 Pro skates with its highly advanced FORS One-Piece Boot Power technology. The lightweight FORS composite material is engineered for performance and acceleration, giving players a more direct energy transfer and a closer fit for more powerful strides.
New to the top JetSpeed model is the inclusion of the elite STEP Blacksteel runner for your ultra-performative needs on the ice. The steel features an increased height over standard runners. Other great features include high-quality ADPT memory foam for comfort, a newly designed tendon guard for increased protection without sacrificing mobility, and CCM ’s TotalDri Pro Liner with Polygiene and responsive foam. Polygiene is an odor control technology that protects fabrics from odor-causing bacteria, which helps you stay fresh longer and makes your equipment last longer.
The new and reinforced tongue is fostered by CCM's ADPT Comfort much like the footbed however, CCM provides a new ribbed center channel down the tongue for an extra layer of defense against impacts and lace-bite. CCM also includes their Fit System in the FT8 Pro skates, allowing you to choose a skate based on your unique foot shape, not the product line. The FT8 Pro skate will give you superior energy transfer and a closer fit for optimal power and explosiveness.
CCM JetSpeed FT8 Pro Skates - Senior
CCM JetSpeed FT8 Pro Skates - Intermediate
CCM JetSpeed FT8 Pro Skates - Junior
CCM Tacks XF Pro Skates ($1199.99)
CCM has built the Tacks XF Pro with its highly advanced FORS One-Piece Boot Power technology. The lightweight FORS composite material is engineered for performance and acceleration, giving players a more direct energy transfer and a closer fit for more powerful strides.
New to the CCM Tacks line is the ability to choose your steel based on your performance needs. Other great features include high-quality memory foam for comfort, the new Flex Tendon 3.0 Guard for increased mobility, a molded Ortholite Ultralite footbed with heel grip, and CCM ’s TotalDri Pro Liner with Polygiene and responsive foam.
Polygiene is an odor control technology that protects fabrics from odor-causing bacteria, which helps you stay fresh longer and makes your equipment last longer.
The Ortholite Ultralite insole technology provides long term cushioning, moisture management, and a high level of breathability.
CCM also includes their Fit System in the Tacks XF Pro skates, allowing you to choose a skate based on your unique foot shape, not the product line. The XF Pro skate will give you superior energy transfer and a closer fit for optimal power and explosiveness.
CCM Tacks XF Pro Skates - Senior
CCM Tacks XF Pro Skates - Intermediate
CCM Tacks XF Pro Skates - Junior
CCM Tacks XF Pro Skates - Youth
Elite Hockey Skates
The elite skates make up the second price point within a product line, and include a lot of the features found in the top price point skate but at a lower cost. These skates will be thermoformable, in many cases you will have the ability to choose your steel, and the boot will usually be made with the same high-end materials as the Pro skates but won ’t be as stiff.
Thermoformable means the skates can be baked in a skate oven to allow the boot to conform to your foot for a customized fit. You can bake your skates at any of our Pure Hockey stores.
Most Elite-level skates come with the ability to quickly change your steel, allowing you to swap it out without missing a shift. With this feature, it ’s a good idea to carry extra steel in your hockey bag with a runner sleeve so you always have a set on hand and don ’t have to worry about broken blades or losing an edge and needing them sharpened right away.
There will be some downgrades in other materials and technology, like the liner and tongue, but these skates are still a great option for an elite level skater who is looking for top-notch features in a high-end skate but doesn ’t want to pay top dollar.
Bauer Supreme M50 Pro Skates ($849.99 –$ 899.99)
The Bauer Supreme skate family is designed for power and acceleration. The M50 Pro includes a LockFit Pro Liner, Reflex Tendon Guard and a Reflex Classic Pro Felt tongue. A lot of these materials were found in the previous generation M5 skate, making this a great skate at this price point.
Another key feature passed down is the 3D Lasted Carbon Curv Composite boot. This enhances thermoformability, while keeping the skate very lightweight. New to the Supreme line at this price point is the ability to choose your steel based on your performance needs.
With Bauer ’s fit system, you are able to choose your skate based on the performance features rather than picking the skate because it is made for a certain foot type. The Supreme line focuses on power with the lower part of the skate being stiffer to optimize energy transfer and the upper part of the skate being softer, allowing for increased mobility.
Bauer Supreme M50 Pro Skates - Senior
Bauer Supreme M50 Pro Skates - Intermediate
Bauer Supreme M50 Pro Skates - Junior
Bauer Supreme M50 Pro Skates - Youth
Bauer Vapor FlyPro Skates ($919.99 - $969.99)
The all-new Vapor skate line is built for ultimate quickness and agility. Vapor skates feature stiffer and more supportive material in the upper portion of the skate, and increased flex and responsiveness in the lower part of the boot. A couple of big upgrades Bauer put into the FlyPro include the Powerfly Holder, choosing your steel, Hydrolite liner, and Hyperflex eyelets.
The Bauer Vapor FlyPro has a 3D lasted Curv Composite Quarter package which provides elite level support while keeping the skate very lightweight. The outsole is made of Digi Comp, which allows the skate to maintain its lower flex point for optimal quickness and agility.
The FlyPro has been enhanced with the introduction of Hyperflex Facing, a feature that was initially part of the premium Hyperlite 2 skate. This innovative design includes strategically positioned notches that facilitate a deeper knee bend, resulting in a spring-like effect that provides an additional burst of energy during push-offs. The Bauer Vapor FlyPro skate is an excellent option for players who skate 3-4 times a week and are looking for elite features in a high-performing skate all at a great value. Although this skate is recommended for Elite and Performance skaters, any player at any level can upgrade from a lower model.
Bauer Vapor FlyPro Skates - Senior
Bauer Vapor FlyPro Skates - Intermediate
CCM Tacks XF Skates ($949.99)
Passed down from the top-end Tacks XF Pro is the highly advanced FORS One-Piece Boot Power technology. This technology will help the modern power skater with intense strides achieve more explosiveness without restriction.
New to the CCM Tacks line this year is the ability to choose your steel based on your performance needs. Other great features include multi-density memory foam for comfort, the Flex Tendon Guard 3.0 for increased mobility, a molded Ortholite Ultralite footbed, and CCM ’s TotalDri Pro Liner with Polygiene.
Polygiene is an odor control technology that protects fabrics from odor-causing bacteria, which helps you stay fresh longer and makes your equipment last longer.
The Ortholite Ultralite insole technology provides long term cushioning, moisture management, and a high level of breathability.
CCM also includes their Fit System in the Tacks XF skates, allowing you to choose a skate based on your unique foot, not the product line. The XF skate includes some of the top-end technologies found in the XF Pro but the materials will be slightly downgraded. This skate makes a great option for a player looking for more power and explosiveness but who doesn ’t want to pay at the top price point.
CCM Tacks XF Skates - Senior
CCM Tacks XF Skates - Intermediate
CCM JetSpeed FT8 Skates ($949.99)
Passed down from the top-end FT8 Pro is the One-Piece Boot Power technology, TotalDri Pro liner with polygiene and the Speedblade XS holder with an enhanced dial. These technologies will help the modern power skater with intense strides achieve more explosiveness and performance without restriction.
The FT8 skates include the heightened STEP steel runner based on the performance needs of players at this level. The runner sits 4mm higher than regular runners for a longer life span no matter how often you sharpen your skates. The ADPT Comfort Tongue with FlexMotion provides players molded lace-bite protection for the perfect blend of performance and fit. Polygiene is an odor control technology that protects fabrics from odor-causing bacteria, which helps you stay fresh longer and makes your equipment last longer.
CCM also includes their Fit System in the FT8 skates, allowing you to choose a skate based on your unique foot, not the product line. The FT8 skate includes some of the top-end technologies found in the Pro model but the materials will be slightly downgraded. This skate makes a great option for a player looking for more power and explosiveness but who doesn’t want to pay at the top price point.
CCM JetSpeed FT8 Skates - Senior
CCM JetSpeed FT8 Skates - Intermediate
Performance Hockey Skates
Performance skates fall into the mid-price point and often feature some top technologies but won ’t offer the same protection or durability as the Pro or Elite skates. Mid-price point skates will be thermoformable, but the boot will be a lot less stiff, allowing for easier ankle bend and a quicker break-in process. The softer boot won ’t provide as much support, but inside the skate still includes a quality footbed and a moisture-wicking liner.
Thermoformable means the skates can be baked in a skate oven to allow the boot to conform to your foot for a customized fit. You can bake your skates at any of our Pure Hockey stores.
Most Performance-level skates now come with the ability to quickly change your steel, allowing you to swap it out without missing a shift. With this feature, it ’s a good idea to carry extra steel in your hockey bag with a runner sleeve so you always have a set on hand and don ’t have to worry about broken blades or losing an edge and needing them sharpened right away.
These skates are designed for players skating at a competitive level a couple times a week or for a men ’s league player who doesn ’t need all the high-end materials and features but who wants a quality skate with the comfort and technology they need.
CCM JetSpeed FT890 Skates ($679.99)
Passed down from the FT8 model is the One-Piece Boot Power technology, STEP Steel runner and ADPT Comfort Tongue with FlexMotion. These technologies will help the modern power skater with intense strides achieve more explosiveness and performance without restriction.
Some other great features include ADPT memory foam for comfort and foot securement in the boot, newly designed JetSpeed tendon guard for increased protection and mobility, a molded Ortholite Ultralite footbed, and CCM ’s TotalDri Pro Liner as seen on the FT8.
The Ortholite Ultralite insole technology provides long term cushioning, moisture management, and a high level of breathability.
CCM also includes their Fit System in the FT890 skates, allowing you to choose a skate based on your unique foot, not the product line. The FT890 skate includes some of the top-end technologies found in the FT8 and FT8 Pro but the materials will be slightly downgraded. This skate makes a great option for a player looking for more power and explosiveness but who doesn ’t want to pay at the top price point.
CCM Tacks XF90 Skates - Senior
CCM JetSpeed FT890 Skates - Intermediate
CCM JetSpeed FT890 Skates - Junior
Bauer Supreme M40 Skates ($529.99)
The Bauer Supreme skate family is designed for the player looking for more power and acceleration out of their stride. The M40 will provide a good balance of fit, performance, and comfort at a much lower price point.
Although a lot of the material and technology is downgraded, the M40 still comes with Bauer ’s Lightspeed Edge Holder to quickly swap out steel, is thermoformable, and includes memory foam in the ankle pads and footbed.
This skate comes with the Pulse SS runner and does include Bauer ’s Fit System so you can choose your skate based on your unique foot shape.
Bauer Supreme M40 Skates - Senior
Bauer Supreme M40 Skates - Intermediate
Bauer Supreme M40 Skates - Junior
Bauer Supreme M40 Skates - Youth
Bauer Vapor Fly40 Skates ($579.99)
The all-new Vapor skate line is built for ultimate quickness and agility. Vapor skates feature stiffer and more supportive material in the upper portion of the skate, and increased flex and responsiveness in the lower part of the boot. A couple of big upgrades Bauer put into the Fly40 include the Sublimated liner with Comfort Edge, Powerfly holder (SR & INT) and Fly-X runner.
A big upgrade from the previous Vapor X4 skate model is the inclusion of the Powerfly holder, increasing player’s takeoff acceleration and side to side transitions through the various flex points. The front post of the holder is rigid, increasing energy transfer in every stride for faster acceleration. The Junior Fly40 Skate has a LS Balance runner with a 13ft radius and Motion-Flex to make it easier for kids to bend their knees and learn the skating stride.
The 40oz Pro Stock tongue has a comfort lining that offers a balance of performance, support and great feel. Inside the boot you’ll find a Sublimated liner with comfort edge on the ankles and Bauer’s Form-Fit footbed. The Fit System and ability to change your steel are nice features to have at this price point - they help players to really own, and really fashion their equipment based on their specific needs.
Bauer Vapor Fly40 Skates - Senior
Bauer Vapor Fly40 Skates - Intermediate
Bauer Vapor Fly40 Skates - Junior
CCM Tacks XF90 Skates ($549.99)
Passed down from the top-end Tacks XF Pro is the highly advanced FORS One-Piece Boot Power technology. This technology will help the modern power skater with intense strides achieve more explosiveness without restriction.
New to the CCM Tacks line this year is the ability to choose your steel based on your performance needs. Other great features include multi-density memory foam for comfort, the Flex Tendon 3.0 Guard for increased mobility, a molded Ortholite Ultralite footbed, and CCM ’s TotalDri Pro Liner with Polygiene.
Polygiene is an odor control technology that protects fabrics from odor-causing bacteria, which helps you stay fresh longer and makes your equipment last longer.
The Ortholite Ultralite insole technology provides long term cushioning, moisture management, and a high level of breathability.
CCM also includes their Fit System in the Tacks XF90 skates, allowing you to choose a skate based on your unique foot, not the product line. The XF skate includes some of the top-end technologies found in the XF Pro but the materials will be slightly downgraded. This skate makes a great option for a player looking for more power and explosiveness but who doesn ’t want to pay at the top price point.
CCM Tacks XF90 Skates - Senior
CCM Tacks XF90 Skates - Intermediate
CCM JetSpeed FT880 Skates ($499.99)
The CCM JetSpeed FT880 ice hockey skate is designed for the player who skates 2-3 times per week and is looking for some top technologies and solid performance features - all at a greater value.
The JetSpeed FT880 features a One-piece boot, built with a lightweight Composite Fiberglass material. The boot is engineered for performance and acceleration, giving players a more direct energy transfer and a closer fit for faster strides. The stiffness index is less than the FT6 Pro and FT6 but will still provide enough support for a performance level player.
A new feature in this JetSpeed model is the TotalDri Pro liner with Ortholite footbed, which is also found in the FT8 and the FT890. These will improve the skater’s range of motion, add comfort and moisture-wicking technology allowing for a consistent performance on the ice.
CCM JetSpeed FT880 Skates - Senior
CCM JetSpeed FT880 Skates - Intermediate
CCM Tacks XF80 Skates ($449.99)
The XF80 skates features a one-piece boot, built with a lightweight RFM composite material. The boot is engineered for performance and acceleration, giving players a more direct energy transfer and a closer fit for faster strides.
New to the CCM Tacks line this year is the ability to choose your steel based on your performance needs. Other great features include multi-density memory foam for comfort, the Flex Tendon 3.0 Guard for increased mobility, a molded Ortholite Ultralite footbed, and CCM ’s TotalDri Pro Liner with Polygiene.
Polygiene is an odor control technology that protects fabrics from odor-causing bacteria, which helps you stay fresh longer and makes your equipment last longer.
The Ortholite Ultralite insole technology provides long term cushioning, moisture management, and a high level of breathability.
CCM also includes their Fit System in the Tacks XF80 skates, allowing you to choose a skate based on your unique foot, not the product line. The XF skate includes some of the top-end technologies found in the XF Pro but the materials will be slightly downgraded. This skate makes a great option for a player looking for more power and explosiveness but who doesn ’t want to pay at the top price point.
CCM Tacks XF80 Skates - Senior
CCM Tacks XF80 Skates - Intermediate
CCM Tacks XF80 Skates - Junior
CCM Tacks XF80 Skates - Youth
Entry-Level &Recreational Hockey Skates
Entry level skates fall into the lowest price point and are a great option for someone just starting out or who plays occasionally. These skates will sometimes be thermoformable, and now include the ability to quickly swap out steel, but do not come with a performance fit system. The boot is usually made with a carbon blend and will offer some protection in the tongue, with memory foam padding inside the skate for comfort.
The recreational skates we offer are great for people looking for an extra pair of skates for pond hockey or want something for public skating with the family. These skates usually range in price from $50-$130
Bauer Supreme M30 Skates ($319.99)
The Bauer Supreme skate family is designed for the player looking for more power and acceleration out of their stride. The Supreme M30 skate is designed for new-to-hockey or occasional players looking for some protection and comfort. The M30 skates have a Digi Composite boot, a microfiber liner with memory foam padding, and a 40oz. felt tongue with a metatarsal guard for protection.
If you ’re a recreational player or you ’re new to the game of hockey, you certainly aren ’t restricted to this price point. If you want the top technologies and performance features that Bauer has to offer, resulting in more comfort, a better fit, and improved performance, it is certainly worth considering a higher-end skate. But if you ’re looking for an affordable and comfortable skate that offers good features at a great value, the Bauer Supreme M30 is a great option.
Bauer Supreme M30 Skates - Senior
Bauer Supreme M30 Skates - Intermediate
Bauer Vapor Fly30 Skates ($319.99)
The all-new Vapor skate line is built for ultimate quickness and agility. Vapor skates feature stiffer and more supportive material in the upper portion of the skate, and increased flex and responsiveness in the lower part of the boot. A couple of big upgrades Bauer put into the X3 include the Digi Comp Quarter Package and LS+ Runners.
The Vapor Fly30 skate has a 2-Piece Digi Composite quarter package making this a lightweight, durable skate for this price point. Inside the boot, Bauer combines memory foam padding with a sublimated Microfiber liner. The memory foam is strategically placed in the ankle area to wrap the foot in quality comfort, while the liner provides good support and some added comfort throughout the hockey skate.
While there are certainly benefits to purchasing a higher-end model, especially if you’re looking for more technologies to help your performance, the Bauer Vapor Fly30 skates offer quality features for the occasional or new to hockey player.
Bauer Vapor Fly30 Skates - Senior
Bauer Vapor Fly30 Skates - Intermediate
Bauer Vapor Fly30 Skates - Junior
CCM Tacks XF70 Skates ($179.99)
The Tacks XF70 features a 2D Metaframe boot, built with a combination of high strength plastic and composite material. The boot is engineered for performance and acceleration, giving players a more direct energy transfer and a closer fit for faster strides. The stiffness index is less than the higher models but will still provide enough support for a competitive or beginner level player.
CCM has included their 7mm asymmetrical black felt tongue with embossed lace-bite protection foam core, for enhanced comfort and an improved overall feel. The HD microfiber liner helps the skater’s foot resist abrasions while also wicking away unvented moisture, while the footbed of the XF70 is made from CCM’s Ortholite technology for a molded fit.
The CCM Tacks XF70 may sit at a lower price point, but it includes plenty of good features, with the right comfort and feel for the casual or beginner players who don’t need top-of-the-line technologies.
CCM Tacks XF70 Skates - Senior
CCM Tacks XF70 Skates - Intermediate
CCM Tacks XF70 Skates - Junior
CCM JetSpeed FT870 Skates ($179.99)
The JetSpeed FT870 features a 2D Metaframe boot, built with a combination of high strength synthetic composite material. These JetSpeed features will help the modern power skater with intense strides achieve more explosiveness and performance without restriction. The stiffness index is less than the higher models but will still provide enough support for a competitive or beginner level player.
CCM has included their 7mm asymmetrical felt tongue with embossed lace-bite protection foam core, for enhanced comfort and an improved overall feel. The HD microfiber liner helps the skater’s foot resist abrasions while also wicking away unvented moisture, while the footbed of the FT870 is made from CCM’s Ortholite technology for a molded fit. Rounding out this skate is the Speedblade XS holder and the CCM XS1 runner. This holder has a spring-lock system that secures the blade to the holder and makes swapping out blades faster.
The CCM JetSpeed FT870 may sit at a lower price point, but it includes plenty of good features, with the right comfort and feel for the casual or beginner players who don’t need top-of-the-line technologies.
CCM JetSpeed FT870 Skates - Senior
CCM JetSpeed FT870 Skates - Intermediate
CCM JetSpeed FT870 Skates - Junior
Are you in the market for a new pair of ice hockey skates? Pure Hockey offers a full range of skates for every size, price point, and style of play. We also have resources on How to Buy and How to Fit Hockey Skates , and tips for maintaining your skates, such as our Hockey Skate Sharpening Guide.
Contact us online or at your local Pure Hockey store if you need more information to help you with your skate purchase.