Best Ice Hockey Skates

for Elite, Performance and Recreational Hockey Players
Updated 2023
Best Ice Hockey Skates of 2023 header graphic

Whether you are a seasoned veteran ice hockey player or if you are brand new to the game, we are here to help you find the best skate for your skill level! For each category, we pick one skate for 'Overall Performance' based purely on tech and spec and another winner for 'Overall Value' that more heavily considers price, continue reading below to see why we chose each one!

Best Elite-Level Skates
Overall Performance CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro
Best Value True HZRDUS 9X
Best Performance-Level Skates
Overall Performance CCM JetSpeed FT680
Best Value True HZRDUS 7X
Best Recreational-Level Skates
Overall Performance True Catalyst 5
Best Value CCM Tacks AS-560

Best Hockey Skates
For Elite-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Skates

CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro hockey skate image

$499.99 MSRP for Junior (1.0-3.5)
$999.99 MSRP for Intermediate (4.0 - 6.5)
$1,149.99 MSRP for Senior (7.0 - 12.0)

When it comes to finding the best ice hockey in the game today, the CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Skates wears the crown in terms of performance, comfort and fit. Built for the versatile skater that is looking for the perfect balance of agility and power, CCM's dedication to excellence shines through in every feature and hockey players everywhere will feel the benefit.

The standout feature year in and and year out is the one-piece RocketFrame composite boot, that is featherlight and extremely responsive. This year, CCM introduced their Game Ready Fit 2.0, where the skates are pre-molded before leaving the factory, which provides an even better fit right out of the box that is perfected once a player actually bakes them.

Drawing inspiration from the RibCor Line, the FT6 Pro skates showcase a brand new Flex Tendon Guard and the XS ADPT Metatomic Tongue. These combine to optimize energy transfer through range of motion but the comfort benefits they provide are incredible too.

Last but not least, the FT6 Pro comes with a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, ensuring players can hit the ice with confidence knowing they can return or exchange their skates if they aren't completely satisfied!

Pros Cons
One-piece composite boot Premium Price
Step Black Steel
Game Ready Fit 2.0
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For Best Value,
True HZRDUS 9X Skates

True HZRDUS 9X Hockey Skate graphic

$499.99 MSRP for Junior (3.5-5.5)
$759.99 MSRP for Senior (6.0-10.5)

For players looking for a custom-like fit, premium responsiveness and speed without breaking the bank, the True HZRDUS 9X Skates are the go-to choice.

Featuring NeuroFit+ and True Shell technologies, this one-piece composite boot features a unique thermoplastic insert near the eyelets that creates heat molding properties unlike anything else on the market. At IW Hockey, we always advise on baking your True skates before trying them on because the level of adjustability they offer is second to none. This means a perfect fit for exceptional energy transfer and unmatched comfort.

Pros Cons
One-piece composite boot Limited third-party steel options
NeruoFit+ Technology Tool-required steel removal
True Shell Technology

Honorable Mentions

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Best Hockey Skates
For Performance-Level Players

For Overall Performance
CCM JetSpeed FT680 Skates

CCM JetSpeed FT680 Skates graphic

$249.99 MSRP for Junior (1.0-3.5)
$349.99 MSRP for Intermediate (4.0-6.5)
$449.99 MSRP for Senior (7.0-10.5)

The CCM JetSpeed FT680 Skates are the ultimate choice for the performance-level player looking for top-tier performance at a more approachable price. Boasting an NHL-caliber RocketFrame composite one-piece boot, these skates deliver direct energy transfer, lightning-fast stride and explosive power traditional two-piece boots can't keep up with.

Comfort was a huge focus for this year's JetSpeed Line and it shows in every price point! The HD microfiber liner tops extra thick memory foam that more comprehensively covers the foot, which is immediately noticeable and make for a much more enjoyable skating experience. While the SpeedBlade XS steel isn't our favorite feature at this price point, it is easily replaceable much like the XS tongue system so players can upgrade and microtune their FT680's performance and feel!

Pros Cons
One-piece composite boot Base Performance Steel Quality
Exceptional comfort
Customizable Performance
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For Best Value
True HZRDUS 7X Skates

True HZRDUS 7X Skates graphic

$299.99 MSRP for Junior (1.0-3.5)
$349.99 MSRP for Intermediate (4.0-6.5)
$449.99 MSRP for Senior (7.0-10.5)



Explosive power, unrivaled fit and insane value are the name of the game for the True HZRDUS 7X skates. Featuring NeuroFit+ and True Shell technologies in the composite one-piece boot just like the top-of-the-line 9X, these offer the best heatmoldability and anatomical fit at this level.

This year, True introduced their new asymmetrical Carv toe cap that further enhances the foot-to-ice connection while ensuring there is no energy loss during the skating stride. Unlike the 9X, the HZRDUS 7X comes with a more traditional felt tongue construction which some players might find more appealing than the new-school, low-profile tongues too.

Pros Cons
One-piece composite boot Tool Required for Blade Removal
Best-in-Class Fit
Enhanced Connection

Honorable Mentions

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Best Hockey Skates
For Recreational-Level Players

For Overall Performance
True Catalyst 5 Skates

True Catalyst 5 Skates graphic

$199.99 MSRP for Junior (1.0-3.5)
$219.99 MSRP for Intermediate (4-.0-6.5)
$249.99 MSRP for Senior (7.0-10.5)

The True Catalyst 5 skates are the perfect choice for recreational hockey players looking for high-end performance and fit without breaking the bank. The True Shell technology found in the one-piece boot allows the skate to mold around the foot for a nearly custom-like feel, which is more than impressive at this price point.

The asymmetrical toe cap and the flexible tendon guard allow for an uninhibited range of motion, which is perfect for the learning hockey player looking to develop their stride. The black wick liner is also a standout feature since it uses nearly the same design as the higher-end Catalyst 7 skate!

Pros Cons
One-Piece Boot More expensive than usual rec-skates
Best-in-Class Fit and Power Performance-driven Fit
Flexible Tendon Guard Tool Required for Holder Release
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For Best Value,
Bauer Tacks AS-559 Skates

CCM Tacks AS-560 graphic

$119.99 MSRP for Junior (1.0-3.0)
$149.99 MSRP for Intermediate (4.0-5.0)
$179.99 MSRP for Senior (6.0-12.0)

Last but not least, the CCM Tacks AS-560 Skates are an excellent pick for new hockey players looking for the best support, comfort and performance for their buck. The pro-style tongue and robust internal padding elevate these above the competition while making recreational play as fun and secure as possible.

Pros Cons
Excellent price Boot could be more supportive
Pro-style tongue Non-removable steel
Immediate Comfort Not heatmolable

Honorable Mentions

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Hockey Skate Sharpening and Profiling

Have your skates delivered ready-to-play

Did you know we offer professional skate sharpening services where your skates are delivered to your doorstep sharpened and even custom profiled? You simply select the hollow and custom profile when you add your skate or runner to your cart and we take of the rest!

If you love your sharpening or custom profile as much as we think you will, we even offer an Express Mail-In Sharpening and Profiling Service where you send in just your runners to have them sharpened or profiled.