Goalie Skates

Pro Stock Ice Hockey Goalie Skates

Just like goalie pads and sticks differ from defensemen and forwards, goalie skates are designed to give goalies a specific range of movement along with unrivaled protection. Wearing the right skate can be the difference between making the save and watching the other team celebrate.

UNDERSTANDING HOCKEY GOALIE SKATES

What’s the biggest difference between goalie skates and those worn by other players? The cut. Instead of coming over the ankle, goalie skates are cut lower and have a shorter tongue. This gives goalies the ability to quickly shift their position in the crease.

Goalie skate blades are also different: Instead of a large curve from toe to heel and deep angles when sharpened, goalie blades are straight and flat, allowing goalies move quickly side-to-side. While some forward and backward motion is required, it's helpful to think of these skates as multi-directional; goalies cannot afford to be “stuck” in any single position. As a result, many netminders prefer to “rough up” their skates after sharpening to allow for easier side-to-side movement.

The final difference between goalie and player skates is the covering. Skates worn by forwards and defensemen come with a more flexible boot covering that allows for greater power and speed when charging up the ice or heading back to defend in their own zone. Goalie skates, meanwhile, are covered in a hard plastic shell to absorb the shock of impact. Considering that many top-tier NHLers can now rip the puck at more than 100 miles per hour toward the net — and its minder — this kind of protection is a necessity.

SIZE AND FIT

When it comes to boot sizing and width, goalie and player skates are almost identical. Look for skates that are 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoes, and when it comes to width go for “D” if you've never had problems with shoes cramping the edges of your feet. If width is an issue, look for “E” or “EE”. For fit, however, there's a very important rule: Make sure you can't reach the toe cap. Instead, aim for ¼ to 1/8 inch of space or you'll find out very quickly how much a slap shot really hurts.

QUALITY AND PRICE

You've got a few options when it comes to quality. Retail stores offer a range of material types and styles for differing player levels but when it comes to maximizing agility and protection as a goalie you may want to opt for pro stock gear — NHL hockey goalie skates owned by NHL teams that were never used. Opting for pro stock goalie skates comes with a few big benefits:

• High-Quality Materials & Uncompromising Design:
  these skates were designed for top-tier NHL goalies. Because NHL goalies play in the most demanding conditions possible, manufacturers never take shortcuts of any kind in the design, materials, and manufacturing process of these skates. While retail has good/better/best options, it will be extremely hard to find a retail option that can match Pro Stock Hockey’s lineup of authentic pro stock NHL goalie skates.
• Mix of Team Stock & Goalie-Requested Features:
  letting you find the ideal skate for your individual preference. Pro Stock Hockey works directly with NHL teams to acquire our goalie skates, so authenticity is never a question. Most of our skates have been completely customized to meet the specific needs of NHL goalies and the teams they play for. This gives you the option of finding a design that is simply not available through the usual retail channels.
• Variety of Brands & Styles Along Multiple Price Points:
  You may have a favorite brand or style, and you definitely have your own budget! We have several pro stock goalie skate options to help you zero-in on the ideal skate you’re after. And remember: our inventory is continually changing as we receive new shipments of pro stock gear. If you don’t see the item you’re looking for today, there’s a chance it will be there tomorrow!

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If you're a goalie, you understand the pressure that comes with standing between the pipes. Make sure your skates can handle the task.