Top Hockey Skate Brands to Elevate Your Game

In the fast-paced world of hockey, having the right pair of skates can make all the difference in your game, providing crucial support, speed, and agility on the ice. As you navigate through numerous options available on the market, it's essential to consider the most reputable brands that hockey professionals and enthusiasts across the globe trust. From cutting-edge technology to unparalleled craftsmanship, certain names stand out in the quest for the perfect hockey skates. Curious about which brands have made the mark? Read on to explore the top contenders that promise to enhance your performance on the rink.

Illustration of hockey skates

Best brands of hockey skates in 2025

Bauer

Bauer, a leading brand in the hockey equipment industry, is renowned for producing some of the best hockey skates available. Since its founding in 1927, Bauer has consistently innovated, introducing groundbreaking technologies like the Vapor and Supreme lines, which have captured over 50% of the market share. Their skates are favored by professional players, with over 80% of NHL players choosing Bauer. The brand's commitment to quality and performance is evident in their rigorous testing processes and continuous improvement. For instance, the Bauer Vapor 1X Lite skate features a 37.5% lighter boot compared to previous models.

CCM

CCM is a leading brand in the hockey skates market, known for its high-performance and innovative products. The CCM Super Tacks, for instance, features a Monocoque boot design, providing unparalleled fit and energy transfer, making it a top choice for professional and serious amateur players. In 2024, CCM is part of a market where North America dominates, accounting for around 40% of the global revenue, with the Asia Pacific region emerging as the fastest-growing segment. CCM's products are characterized by advanced features such as lightweight materials, enhanced ankle support, and precise fit mechanisms, driving consistent demand in regions like North America and Europe. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a forefront manufacturer in the ice hockey skates market.

TRUE Hockey

TRUE Hockey has established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-quality hockey skates, particularly dominating the NHL goalie equipment market with 75% of all NHL goalies using TRUE skates. The brand has also seen significant adoption among NHL skaters, with the number of players using TRUE sticks increasing from 3.5% to 5.4% between the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons. TRUE Hockey's innovative products, such as the one-piece boot design and NeuroFit+ Technology, provide ultimate fit, power, and mobility, making them a favorite among professional and serious amateur players. Their skates, like the True Catalyst and HZRDUS series, are known for their lightweight materials, enhanced agility, and custom-like fit. This technological edge and performance-driven design have solidified TRUE Hockey's position as a top choice in the hockey equipment market. For more information on their lineup, visit their TRUE Hockey Skates page.

Graf

Graf Hockey, established in 1921, is a renowned producer of high-quality ice hockey skates, with a rich history of craftsmanship and innovation. Since 1937, Graf has been manufacturing hand-crafted skates, specializing in ice hockey and figure skating boots since 1974. The company, based in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, exports 85% of its skates worldwide, with key markets including Russia, Scandinavia, and Germany. Graf's commitment to quality and precision has earned it a respectable reputation, equipping numerous A-Level teams over the years. Their skates are celebrated for their comfort, precision, and performance.

Easton

Easton, though no longer an independent producer, was once a pinnacle in the hockey skate industry, known for its innovative products such as the Mako II, which featured a monocoque construction, Extendon Guard, and asymmetrical patterns, enhancing player performance and control. By the late 1990s, Easton introduced its parabolic blade technology and the Razor Blade skating system, significantly improving skate performance. In 2001, the Z-Air Skate was launched, incorporating thermally activated composite construction and a drainage system. At its peak, nearly 40% of NHL players used Easton sticks, and the company's skates were highly regarded for their lightweight and high-performance design. Despite being acquired by Bauer's parent company in 2016, Easton's legacy in hockey equipment remains significant. For an in-depth look at these legendary skates, check out this honest hockey review of Easton Mako II.

Warrior

Warrior Sports Inc., although not as prominently known for hockey skates as brands like Bauer, CCM, and TRUE Sports, is a significant player in the ice hockey equipment market. The global ice hockey equipment market, which includes skates, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2032, reaching a valuation of US$ 1,844 million by 2032. Ice skates, a crucial segment, are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2030, driven by player preferences for customized and technologically advanced skates. While Warrior is more recognized for its sticks and other equipment, its entry into the skate market could capitalize on the rising demand for high-performance skates. However, the market dominance of existing brands may pose a challenge for new entrants. For more details on Warrior's entry into the skate market, visit the discussion on Warrior getting into skates.

Sherwood

Sher-Wood Hockey is a highly reputable Canadian brand, renowned for producing high-quality ice hockey equipment, including hockey skates, sticks, pads, and pucks. Since 2008, Sher-Wood has been supplying the NHL with official hockey pucks, and recently, the brand has seen significant growth with eight NHL players, including Connor Bedard and William Nylander, using its sticks. Sher-Wood sticks are among the few remaining wooden sticks produced in Canada, highlighting the brand's commitment to local manufacturing. The brand's rise to prominence is marked by its strategic signings of prominent NHL stars and its expansion into major hockey markets. Sher-Wood's dedication to quality has earned it a solid position in the hockey equipment market.

Reebok

Reebok is a renowned brand in the ice hockey skates market, known for its high-quality and performance-oriented products. The brand is part of the broader ice hockey equipment market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2032, reaching nearly $1,844 million by 2032. Reebok's ice hockey skates, such as the RIBCOR 24K PUMP, are favored by both professional and amateur players for their lightweight materials, enhanced agility, and precise fit mechanisms. In the global ice hockey skates market, North America, where Reebok has a significant presence, dominates with around 40% of the global revenue, driven by a fervent hockey culture and technological advancements. Reebok's products cater to the diverse needs of players, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in the industry.

Mission

Mission Hockey, founded in 1994 by three former Bauer employees, is a renowned brand in the hockey equipment market, particularly known for its high-quality inline skates. The brand gained significant traction in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with its equipment being widely used in the National Hockey League. Mission's innovative products, such as the Proto line and the Inhaler series, have set benchmarks in performance and comfort. Despite merging with Itech in 2004 and being acquired by Bauer in 2008, Mission continues to produce top-tier inline skates under the Bauer umbrella. The Mission Inhaler WM01 Roller Hockey Skates, for example, are highlighted as one of the most advanced roller skates on the market, featuring a 3D-lasted Curv composite quarter package and a heat-moldable Grip-Fit PRO liner.

Jackson Ultima

Jackson Ultima, a global leader in figure skate boots, blades, and complete skates, also offers high-quality recreational and hockey skates. Founded by Don Jackson, the 1962 World Figure Skating Champion, the company boasts a rich legacy of innovation and passion for ice skating. Acquired by Sport Maska Inc. (SMI) in late 2021, Jackson Ultima blends decades of expertise from both figure skating and hockey, elevating performance and comfort for skaters. Their Softec Sport Men's recreational hockey skates are equipped with Thinsulate(r)-lined uppers and cushy foam padding for optimal comfort and warmth. The company's support rating system offers tailored stiffness levels for each skater's skill ranging from 2 to 85.