Player Skates

Pro Stock Ice Skates

If you've got the wrong hockey skates, you'll never be effective on the ice. All too often, hockey players are stuffed into men’s ice skates that are too tight or too big, making them unable to quickly drive out of their first three steps or make smooth transitions in the neutral zone. Here's a quick rundown for making the best hockey skates decision:

THE FIT

If your ice hockey skates don't fit properly you can’t play at the top of your game. Skate fitting is often described as an “imperfect science” because every foot and every player is different — some pros prefer their skates to be a little too tight and partly laced, while others prefer a little extra room in their boot and have a specific lacing method.

There are a few basics when it comes to fit, however. First, look for a skate that's 1 ½ to 2 sizes smaller than your current shoes; too big, and the skate won't hold your foot properly in place, resulting in less control on the ice. Ideally, your toes should just touch the toecap and your heel should sit firmly in the heel cup when the skates are fully laced up. For younger players, it's possible to choose a slightly larger option but don't go much more than ½ a shoe size — it's better to have skates that fit well for a short period of time rather than stumbling around the ice with skates that look like clown shoes. You may be tempted to try and save some money long term by leaving room for growth when purchasing new skates, but it really isn't worth it if the boots hurt your feet and/or hamper your abilities on the ice.

THE FEATURES

It's also important to consider the quality of features in your skate, such as the holder, runner and boot. High-end skate boots use better-quality materials to offer greater protection, but at a higher cost — something that may not be necessary if you're playing in a rec league or youth hockey. Blade holders on low-end, discount models, meanwhile, can be cumbersome and will often crack if hit by hard shots; high-end versions are more rigid and can take more abuse. Finally, the skate runner on top-tier models is typically made of stainless steel and is able to hold a sharp edge for longer periods of time.

THE CHOICE

That leaves you with a choice: Buy low cost and lower quality or opt for high performance, pro stock hockey skates designed for and purchased by NHL teams. The skates offered in our online store were originally intended to be used by professional NHL players, but were never or were rarely used. While it may be worth having a cheap pair of skates around for simple pick-up games or occasional laps around the rink, there are a few key benefits to getting your feet in a high-quality boot:

• Our pro stock ice hockey skates use only premium materials in all skate components — professional NHL players will settle for nothing less. They offer amazing protection against taking a shot to the foot in comparison to retail skates. Think of it as if your retail skates were wearing bulletproof vests, except pro stock skates are often lighter and custom made to enhance overall comfort.
• Pro stock skates are custom-designed for professional athletes with exacting requirements. You cannot buy ice hockey skates like these off a retail shelf.
• Our online store gives you a host of unique choices based on team preference and player style. Again, big box retailers have a lot of options, but they are generic compared to the options included on pro stock skates.
• Some already come broken in after being used in NHL practices — saving you the time and trouble of doing it. It’s kind of like having an NHL professional do the work for you!

CONNECT WITH US FOR DEALS ON MEN’S ICE HOCKEY SKATES

Pro Stock Hockey offers special deals on pro stock ice skates and other equipment. To stay informed about upcoming offers and learn about new inventory arrivals before the news hits the streets, subscribe to our newsletter and/or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus. Stay in the loop for a great discount or cheap price!

We also love to talk about the NHL, hockey equipment and everything else hockey on social media. We’d love to hear your opinions and take on the issues, so please jump into the conversation if you connect with us on social media. The Pro Stock Hockey staff is crazy passionate about hockey, and most of us are amateur players ourselves. We understand how important ice skates are to your game, and we do everything possible to give you the best prices and quality in the business!

Looking to take your game to the next level? A fresh pair of pro stock skates could be just what you need to take you there.