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Best Hockey Skates in 2025 (Our Top 5)

best hockey skates

Choosing the perfect hockey skates can be a tough decision, but I break down the process to you in the most palatable way.

I made a list of the best options with their core features, lower-priced alternatives along with a summary of my top 3 choices here.

hyperlite 2 skates

Bauer Vapor

Hyperlite 2

Lightest, most versatile skate on the market today. The Hyperlite 2 are the gold standard of modern day skates.

93% Score

Bauer Supreme Shadow

Bauer Supreme

Shadow

Allows for more powerful strides resulting in greater speed and seamless crossovers.

90% Score

TRUE Custom SVH Player Hockey Skate

TRUE Custom 

SVH

Designed for comfort, featuring a performance-driven design to optimize your speed, power & control.

90% Score

When it comes to skates, there are different performance features that you are looking for.

Maybe its to enhance your abilities, correct for weaknesses in your game, or invest in a long-lasting, quality product.

Sometimes you want the skate to provide comfort and fit your foot like a glove. Especially if you have wide, narrow or flat feet.

When it comes to the models featured in this post, there's no doubt that they'll meet or exceed all of your expectations.

But with all these enhancements, be ready to spend a pretty penny.

To put your mind at ease, note that the pros are using the exact same skates. 

They were specifically designed to optimize their on-ice abilities, so you definitely won't regret making the investment.

Keep in mind that we also suggest similar, low-cost options from the same skate collection.

Best Hockey Skates in 2025

For those that don't know, there are 3 skate manufacturers currently operating in North America. They are Bauer, CCM and TRUE.

All three brands currently offer several collections with a wide range of skates - from low to high end.

The collections mainly focus on PowerAgility, Acceleration and Comfort

Both CCM and Bauer offer three width options, while TRUE offers both regular and wide fit.

Furthermore, the TRUE Pro versions are custom designed to the shape of your foot, which means they are not readily available off the shelf.

To order the TRUE Custom SVH skates, you'll need to select the "Size Yourself" button found here  or visit an authorized local dealer.

To locate a retailer near you, visit the TRUE Temper Dealer link.

We provide all the information below to determine which skates will best suit your needs.

1. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

Bauer Vapor Hyp2rlite

Released in 2023

hyperlite 2 skates
93%
Skate Score

Weight (Size 9M)

790g

Ideal For

Quickness and Agility

Size Range

7.0-12.0

Width Options

Regular, Wide or Narrow

List Price

$1,059.99 USD

$1,229.99 CAD

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Key Features:

  • Allows for fast starts, quick turns & responsiveness
  • Asymmetrical Toe Cap for increased toe space
  • Increased flex in lower portion of skate, while stiffer ankle support

What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2:

Like:

  • Lightest, most versatile skate on the market today
  • Available in 3x different width options out the gate
  • Personal customization available
  • Various blade options to suit skater's style

Dislike:

  • Not available in Junior Size (Except for Custom Design)

Skate Rating Breakdown:

100%

Lightness

90%

Durability

95%

Comfort

90%

Speed

90%

Acceleration

95%

Agility

Junior & Intermediate Options:

If you're searching for the same model skates but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. Note that the Hyperlite 2 is not available in Junior size.

Bauer Vapor X5 Pro
JUNIOR

List (USD)

$549.99

Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2
INTERMEDIATE

List (USD)

$949.99

Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:

Bauer Vapor X5 Pro
SENIOR

List (USD)

$809.99

Bauer Vapor X4/Shift
SENIOR

List (USD)

$499.99

Bauer Vapor X3
SENIOR

List (USD)

$299.99

2. Bauer Supreme Shadow (US | CAN)

Bauer Supreme Shadow

Released in 2024

Bauer Supreme Shadow
90%
Skate Score

Weight (Size 9M)

904g

Ideal For

Powerful Strides

Size Range

7.0-12.0

Width Options

Regular, Wide or Narrow

List Price

$1,069.99 USD

$1,319.99 CAD

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Bauer's Supreme Shadow skates made their NHL debut back in 2023 when Charlie McAvoy first wore them.

But they have caught on with plenty of other NHLers since, and are now the 3rd most worn skate in the NHL, behind the last generation Supreme Machs.

With stars like Cale Maker, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, and Jesper Bratt all rocking the Bauer Supreme Shadow for their teams, it's easy to see why they are so high on our list.

Bauer describes the Supreme Shadow as "power never seen before".

The boot consists of a 12K Carbon Curv composite material, which makes it sturdier and allows for maximum acceleration. In turn, this allows you to boost your stride length, and maximize your speed.

Key Features:

  • Stiffer lower part of skate for optimal energy transfer
  • Increased forward mobility through skating stride
  • Asymmetrical Toe Cap for increased toe space

What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Supreme Shadow:

Like:

  • Wider toe area
  • High customer satisfaction
  • Various blade options to suit skater's style

Dislike:

  • Stiff, harder to break in

Skate Rating Breakdown:

85%

Lightness

100%

Durability

90%

Comfort

95%

Speed

85%

Acceleration

85%

Agility

Junior & Intermediate Options:

If you're searching for the same model skates but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

Note that the Supreme Shadow is not available in Junior size.

Bauer Supreme M50 Pro
JUNIOR

List (USD)

$549.99

Bauer Supreme Shadow
INTERMEDIATE

List (USD)

$969.99

Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:

Bauer Supreme M50 Pro
SENIOR

List (USD)

$809.99

Bauer Supreme M40
SENIOR

List (USD)

$499.99

3. TRUE Custom SVH (US | CAN)

TRUE Custom SVH

Released in 2023

TRUE Custom SVH Player Hockey Skate
90%
Skate Score

Weight (Size 9M)

N/A

Ideal For

Powerful Strides

Size Range

7.0-11.5

Width Options

Customized to your foot

List Price

$1,119.99 USD

$1,399.99 CAD

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

The Custom SVH line is the successor to the most popular TRUE skates amongst NHL skaters, the TRUE TF Series.

The uniqueness of Custom SVH skates is that they strive to give the skater a 100% “true” fit.

This is accomplished by technology that is exclusive to TRUE, where a skater’s foot is scanned with a 3D anatomical digital image to collect the needed information.

The custom fit helps the skates deliver power and performance by offering optimized stability, a superior fit and direct power transfer, which leads to crisper strides.

If you can get your foot 3D scanned for a custom fit, then TRUE skates are the way to go.

Key Features:

  • Built for explosive power and superior response
  • Tighter fitting boot for more direct energy transfer
  • Asymmetrical tongue allows for maximum comfort

What I Like/Dislike About the TRUE Custom SVH Skates:

Like:

  • Great for powerful strides
  • Most comfortable skate on the market
  • Designed to fit the exact shape of your foot

Dislike:

  • SVH only available through custom design, delivered in 3-4 weeks time

Skate Rating Breakdown:

85%

Lightness

95%

Durability

85%

Comfort

90%

Speed

90%

Acceleration

85%

Agility

4. CCM Tacks XF Pro (US | CAN)

CCM Tacks XF Pro

Released in 2024

CCM Tacks XF
85%
Skate Score

Weight (Size 9M)

954g

Material

Powerful Strides

Size Range

7.0-12.0

Width Options

Regular, Wide or Narrow

List Price

$1,099.99 USD

$1,299.99 CAD

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Who else but Sidney Crosby would be the first to wear these CCM skates?

Along with Crosby, the fastest man on skates, John Tavares, Victor Hedman, and JT Miller can all be spotted wearing these Tacks XF Pros.

The CCM Tacks XF Pro skates are built with their signature one-piece boots and the brand’s elite RocketFrame composite materials.

The goal there is maximum stiffness and explosive power. These skates also provide one of the best fits you will find on the market.

They wrap and molds to a player’s foot with the entire boot instead of just certain areas, like other skates.

All told, these hockey skates are all about performance and power.

Multi-density foam pads wrap anatomically around your foot for customized fit and incomparable comfort, while the Game Ready Fit makes breaking-in easy, even for hobby hockey players.

Key Features:

  • 3 width sizes available: tapered, regular & wide
  • ADPT comfort tongue with Flex Motion
  • Total-Dri Pro liner is a high-performance moisture wicking material 

    What I Like/Dislike About the CCM Tacks XF Pro:

    Like:

    • Great for acceleration and agility
    • Out of the box comfort
    • Different width options for each foot type

    Dislike:

    • Carbon fiber may chip away through wear-and-tear 

    Skate Rating Breakdown:

    75%

    Lightness

    90%

    Durability

    90%

    Comfort

    85%

    Speed

    90%

    Acceleration

    80%

    Agility

    Junior & Intermediate Options:

    If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

    CCM Tacks XF Pro
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $599.99

    CCM Tacks XF Pro
    INTERMEDIATE

    List ( USD)

    $999.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Options (Senior):

    For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:

    CCM Tacks XF
    SENIOR

    List (USD)

    $849.99

    CCM Tacks XF90
    SENIOR

    List (USD)

    $549.99

    5. TRUE Catalyst 9X4 (See Price)

    TRUE Catalyst 9X4

    Released in 2024

    TRUE Catalyst 9X4 skates
    85%
    Skate Score

    Weight (Size 9M)

    1013g

    Ideal For

    Quickness & Agility

    Size Range

    7.0-11.5

    Width Options

    Regular or Wide

    List Price

    $1,079.99 USD

    $1,279.99 CAD

    While under 2% of NHLers wear the Catalyst 9X4, TRUE is gaining ground in the NHL world while holding a 10% stake in the skate game.

    You can see all the numbers behind how many NHL players wear which skate at GearGeek.

    The TRUE Catalyst 9X4 maintains the standard company look — a black base layer on the boot with silver trim and a few logos throughout.

    The iconic four-stripe silver logo is visible on both sides of the boot, a staple look for all TRUE skates.

    There are additional silver lines that gently scratch the sides of the boot, but nothing that distracts from the main design.

    In addition to its 3D anatomical foot scan, TRUE is hoping its new thermoformable one-piece shell will provide some extra comfort to those who choose these skates.

    The shell is advertised as being softer and more flexible, which lends to a better range of motion.

    The toe cap has also been redesigned with a lower profile for added agility and reduced weight, leading to quicker speed from the user.

    Key Features:

    • NEUROFIT+ one-piece carbon fiber shell
    • Features superior moldability, giving you a personalized fit and a super-lightweight boot
    • GENETIX insole, which offers two different fit systems to accommodate low/mid and high arches

    What I Like/Dislike About the Catalyst 9X4 Skates:

    Like:

    • Excellent comfort for off the shelf option
    • Great for acceleration & agility
    • High durability compared to other brands

    Dislike:

    • Tapered option (for narrow feet) not available for this model

    Skate Rating Breakdown:

    70%

    Lightness

    85%

    Durability

    85%

    Comfort

    85%

    Speed

    90%

    Acceleration

    95%

    Agility

    Junior & Intermediate Options:

    If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

    TRUE Catalyst 9X4
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $449.99

    TRUE Catalyst 9X4
    INTERMEDIATE

    List (USD)

    $279.99

    Final Thoughts

    While all the skates above do a great job of shedding excess weight, and being focused on comfort, it's clear that the best skate of the group remains the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2.

    The Hyperlite 2 is the gold standard of hockey skates. 

    Close to 40% of NHL players use the Hyperlite 2 skates (see here).

    If you want to use what the pros use, you know where to look, and what to get.

    Which Skates are Right for You?

    Choosing a pair of skates will depend on your hockey experience and your budget.

    If you are new to hockey, it's probably best to find a pair of skates that provide you maximum comfort, first and foremost.

    This includes proper ankle support for stability, a boot that perfectly contours your foot and good mobility.

    While the high-end models will meet all of these attributes and more, it might not be worth it to dish out on a brand new sport.

    The Bauer Vapor line might be the best place to start as they represent the gold standard of skates today.

    My personal preference would be Bauer Vapor X3 (Canada Here) for that matter.

    For more experienced players, you should be looking for skate more tailored to your style of play and needs.

    And if you want that extra edge against your opponents on the ice, be ready to break the bank.

    For forwards, there is no doubt that the Hyperlite 2 (Canada Here) should be high up your list.

    Meanwhile, defensemen should concern themselves with powerful strides and crossovers. That is offered in the Bauer Supreme series, with the Bauer Supreme Shadow (Canada Here) reigning "supreme".

    Final Thoughts

    Let me know which skates you decided to go with.

    Is there a brand you think stands out more than the others? I’m always open to testing out something new and give you my feedback.

    Drop a comment below.

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