Hockey skates are an essential piece of equipment for any hockey player. They provide the grip and support you need to skate quickly and efficiently. But how much do hockey skates cost? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the level of play, brand, model, materials, and features. In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the price of hockey skates and provide some tips for choosing the right skates for your budget.
How Much Do Hockey Skates Cost?
Hockey skates are generally more expensive than usual shoes, but just like any other product, there are ways to stretch your money. Going for the top-of-the-line products will cost you anywhere around $800 to $1000+. Whether you need such high-end skates or not, depends on your skill level and of course, personal preference.
Below is a breakdown of different price ranges for hockey skates and their significance:
Beginner/Recreational Hockey Skates
Most beginner players and recreational athletes who want to get into ice hockey buy skates from this level. Entry-level hockey skates can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per pair. Before going for a higher-end skate, it is best to try out these relatively cheaper beginner skates and decide if hockey is the right sport for you.
Granted that these skates do not have a lot of features and wear down faster than skates in any other tier but they are more than adequate and suffice for the slow-paced gameplay of beginner hockey.
Intermediate Hockey Skates
The skates in this tier are best for players who have a keen interest in the sport and want to get better. Unlike beginner skates, these skates have extra features like padding and ankle supports to be a viable option for frequent practice sessions and matches.
Intermediate hockey skates have prices ranging from $200 to upwards of 500$ and are definitely worth considering for high school league players, club players, or college hockey players who are looking to get competitive with the game.
Advanced Hockey Skates
These skates are meant for players for whom precision is key. With performance superior to the intermediate skates, they provide unmatched comfort and grip and just about everything else needed by a hockey player in their skates, aiding to great skill levels.
Needless to say, these skates carry an expensive price tag of $500 to $1000, and beginner and intermediate players wouldn’t really benefit too much from these skates due to their lack of skill.
Custom-made Skates
These skates are for elite players who want nothing but the best. Custom-made skates are designed and manufactured only upon special request for a single customer, thus providing the ultimate fit, comfort, and precision. They almost always cost above $1000 with the upper limit depending on the brand and features you go with.
Factors That Influence the Price of Hockey Skates
There are a lot of parts and features that go into making a hockey skate, and the quality of these materials decides how expensive a skate is.
The following is a list that discusses the different materials that go into making hockey skates:
- Steel – At the top of the list, the specialized steel blade sets the hockey skate apart from footwear used in other sports. This steel must be formed, fitted, and finished, all of which add to the cost.
- Padded Tongue – A hockey skate cannot use a standard tongue like that used in a pair of street shoes. The tongue in a hockey skate must be extra thick and padded to absorb blows from pucks and errant sticks. Also, because hockey skates must be laced exceptionally tight, the tongue must be able to resist lace bite.
- Flexible Casing – In addition to durable rubber to protect the toes, the fabric and liner used to case the foot, and lower leg must be durable enough to withstand heavy force and flexible enough to have the mobility to perform sharp cuts and turns. Additionally, a “box cover” is used outside of the boot to provide added rigidity and support.
- Intricate System of Tall Laces – To tighten the skate correctly, the lacing system must be advanced and work its way up the ankle much higher than a standard shoe so that the joint’s stability is secured.
- Ankle Pads – Like the tongue, the skate’s interior must contain padding at the ankle to soften blows from pucks and sticks.
- Comfortable Sole – Because the bottom of the foot presses against the skate’s steel base for the practice or game duration, it is imperative that the sole, or footbed, be ergonomically designed to provide comfort throughout the session.
A lot goes into making the skates; intricately crafted pieces of equipment are what makes skates so expensive.
How to Choose the Right Skates for Your Budget?
Knowing what makes skates expensive and what are the price ranges isn’t enough. You need to know how to choose the right skates for your budget, and that’s where the next few tips will help.
Consider your level of play
The level of play is the most important factor affecting the price of hockey skates. Entry-level skates are designed for recreational players, while top-of-the-line skates are designed for professional players. If you are a beginner, you can get away with buying entry-level skates. However, if you are serious about hockey, you will need to invest in higher-quality skates.
Set a budget
Once you know your level of play, you can start to set a budget for your skates. The average price of hockey skates is around $300. However, you can find skates for as little as $75 or as much as $1,000. It is important to set a budget so that you do not overspend.
Buy from a reputable dealer
There are many places to buy hockey skates, including online retailers, sporting goods stores, and hockey shops. It is important to buy from a reputable dealer so that you can be sure that you are getting a quality product. It is important to do your research so that you know what you are buying. Read reviews, compare prices, and ask other hockey players for recommendations.
Alternatively, you can also consider buying used skates, since they’re often found in good condition for a fraction of the cost of new skates if you look hard enough. Many retailers offer discounts and sales on skates throughout the year so keep a look out for them if you are looking for skates to fit your budget.
Conclusion
Hockey skates come in all shapes and sizes, with different features and price tags with them. From entry-level skates costing around $100 on average, to $1000+ for the best quality skates, there’s everything for everyone and you need to decide wisely on what skates you need or want.
Not all skates are going to be viable for everybody and hence we hope our guide provided some clarity on what skates should you buy, so you can make a sound decision when you’re out buying your skates next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of hockey skates?
The average skates cost around $300 which is in a low intermediate category of skates, good for players who have just gotten out of the beginner stages of hockey.
Why do hockey skates vary so much in price?
Hockey skates have a multitude of features like adjustable buckles, padding, support for feet and ankles, and many more which can all increase or decrease the price of the skates, depending on their quality and availability.
Is buying used hockey skates a viable option to save money?
Definitely, used skates are often in good condition and the only part you might have problems with would be the blades, which can be easily replaced, costing you a fraction of the price of a brand-new skate.
Is it worth investing in custom-fit skates?
Custom-fit skates are meant for players who want to excel at the sport and can’t tolerate any inconsistencies in their movement and hence, the need for custom-fitted skates. You can consider investing in them if you’re at such a high level of play or if you need the perfect fit for your feet and can’t find it anywhere else.
