best junior hockey skates

Whether you’re graduating from a pair of youth ice hockey skates or you’re just starting out, choosing a pair of junior ice hockey skates that are comfortable, at a decent price and right for your skill level can be a challenge.

More and more junior hockey brands are throwing their hat into the ring.  But don’t worry, here at HonestHockey.com, we’re here to help make it a little easier on you.

We’ve done all the hard work for you and come up with a list of the best ice hockey skates for juniors that are out on the market right now.

Go ahead, take a look and choose your next pair of the best junior hockey skates!

 

SHORT ON TIME?   Here are our picks.

 

Best Overall Junior Hockey Skates

BAUER VAPOR 3X PRO

If you're an elite junior player and want the best OVERALL, the Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Junior skates offer the most advanced performance, comfort and safety features on the market. With high price comes high reward.

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Best Mid-Range Junior Skates

CCM TACKS AS-580

The junior hockey skates with the best mix of VALUE and FEATURES are the CCM TACKS AS-580 skates. You get a lot of bang for your buck with these mid-range junior skates.

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Best Budget-Friendly Junior Skates

BAUER X-LP

The best BUDGET-FRIENDLY skates are the Bauer X-LP Junior skates. These junior hockey skates have great safety and comfort features and won't break the bank.

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For full reviews on the best junior hockey skates, keep reading below…

1) CCM Tacks AS-V Junior Skates

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

ccm tacks as-v junior review

 

Overview 

The newly-designed, lightweight CCM AS-V junior hockey skates are a pro-level model which are constructed with stiff, responsive boots and a reinforced one-piece composite build for supreme power and speed. They offer fibreglass PowerFlex tendon guards and XS Asymmetrical 30-ounce multi-layered Tri-Tech tongues for protection and flexibility while smart foam reinforcements deliver additional comfort and impact protection. 

To get a perfect fit you just need to bake the heat-moldable skates and your feet are always kept comfortable, cool, dry and odour-free thanks to the advanced, moisture-managing hygienic liners. They also come with unwaxed laces, traditional facing, top-quality plastic outsoles, abrasion reinforcement, molded footbeds, and memory foam ankle and collar padding.  

This popular new junior model offers three different steel blade options as you can choose from premium-grade V-Steel, Step, and BlackSteel runners. If you’d like to change the blades it can be done quite easily and quickly as the SpeedBlade XS holders feature a tool-less dial release mechanism. 

The junior CCM Tacks AS-V Skates come in several sizes, fit profiles and widths with the size-9 boot  weighing 955 grams. They can usually be found in the mid-price range. 

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2) Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Junior Hockey Skates 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

bauer supreme m5 pro junior review

Overview

The new junior Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Skates are geared towards serious hockey players who require the best in performance and fit at an affordable price. These lightweight skates are made with 3D-lasted, Carbon Curv two-piece composite boots and come with 52-ounce, Reflex foam reinforced tongues as well as Reflex tendon guards. You can also choose from the 10-inch Pulse, CarbonLite, and Pulse Ti steel blades.   

The heat-moldable, flexible skates offer a fine fit, excellent energy transfer, maximum agility, and optimal skating power with each stride. The inside of the boots are outfitted with dual-zone Lock-Fit liners to provide Grade A comfort and moisture-wicking while the AeroFoam+ ankle pads give you the perfect amount of comfort and protection. Also, the asymmetrical toe boxes are made to maintain the perfect ratio of foot-to-ice connection. 

The junior Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Skates feature plastic midsoles and composite outsoles and can be found in several fit profiles, widths and sizes with the size-9 model weighing only 809 grams. They also come with abrasion reinforcement, foam ankle and collar padding and the LightSpeed Edge blade holders offer a quick-release spring mechanism. These junior skates are typically found in the mid-price range. 

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3) CCM Tacks AS-580 Junior Skates

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

ccm tacks as 580 junior review

 

Overview

The new lightweight CCM AS-580 junior skates come with top-of-the-line RocketFrame Composite one-piece boots for maximum energy transfer, speed and fit without affecting your mobility. The overall comfort of the skates is enhanced by the memory foam footbed and ankle pads, HD microfibre liners and Seamless Comfort collar pads while keeping your odour and sweat-free.

The skates feature PowerFlex injected tendon guards and can be quickly and easily molded to the shape of your feet by baking them in an oven. The innovative SpeedBlade XS Tongue System enables you to use one of three different reinforced felt tongue designs, which are Slim, Regular and Extra. In addition, the SpeedBlade XS Holders come with a quick-release, tool-less mechanical dial system to change the XS 10-inch steel blades. 

The abrasion-resistant CCM AS-580 junior skates are available in two different fit profiles and widths and come in several sizes with the size-9 model weighing 896 grams. They can usually be found in the mid-price range. 

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4) CCM Tacks AS-570 Junior Skates

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

ccm as 570 junior review

Overview

The CCM Tacks AS-570 junior skates are made to supply hockey players all the fit, comfort, protection and power needed at a competitive price. They offer maximum support and optimal stiffness and can be easily heated for a perfect custom fit. The replaceable XS felt tongues provide top-notch comfort and protection and and come in three different designs, which are the the Slim, Regular and Extra models.  

The 3D lightweight, one-piece composite fibreglass boots are ideal for transferring energy for speed and quickness while the HD microfibre liners are made to eliminate sweat, bacteria and odour while keeping your feet dry and comfortable. The skates are also constructed with standard tendon guards and footbeds along with traditional facing, high-grade plastic midsoles and foam ankle padding. 

The removable XS 10-inch steel blades are held firmly in place by SpeedBlade XS holders which come with a tool-less dial quick release mechanism. The performance-level junior CCM Tacks AS-570 Skates are available in different fit profiles, sizes and widths with the size-9 model weighing 853 grams. They can usually be found in the low to mid-price range. 

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5) CCM Jetspeed FT485 Junior Skates 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

ft485 junior skates review

Overview

The new CCM Jetspeed FT485 junior skates are second to none when it comes to value for the money as they provide maximum performance, durability and fit at a bargain price. They feature lightweight RocketFrame composite one-piece boots for supreme energy transfer and speed as well as foam collar padding and reinforced tendon guards.

The TotalDri Liners keep your feet dry and comfortable while the ADPT memory foam ankle pads supply added protection. The quick-release tool-less dial XS holders allow you to remove and change the XS1 stainless steel blades with ease and the reinforced XS felt tongues are also replaceable and interchangeable. They also come with unwaxed laces along with high-strength plastic midsoles.

The heat-moldable, abrasion-resistant junior skates are available in medium and high volume fit profile as well as regular and wide widths and several sizes. The CCM Jetspeed FT485 junior size nine skates weigh just 876 grams each and usually come in the mid price range.

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6) Bauer X-LP Junior Hockey Skates 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

bauer x lp junior skates review

Overview 

The X-LP junior skates by Bauer are new for 2021 and aimed at players who are new to the game. The unique boot design and comfortable foam ankle padding helps make learning to skate and play hockey a fantastic adventure. The 13-inch stainless steel blades offer plenty of stability and are held firmly in place by Tuuk LightSpeed Pro II holders while the padded 30-ounce tongues provide protection to the top of your feet.

The boots are made with a durable poly carbon material with 3D injection. They feature traditional tendon guards with TPR plastic midsoles and outsoles along with unwaxed laces and Microfibre liners to keep your feet dry and cool during the action.

The Bauer X-LP junior hockey skates are ideal for new and recreational players. They have a medium volume fit profile and come in various sizes with the size nine boot weighing just 754 grams. They offer terrific value as they can usually be found in the lower price range.

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7) Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Junior Skates 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

bauer 3x pro junior skates review

Overview 

Hockey players who need junior skates which provide plenty of fit, agility, speed and protection should have a look at the new lightweight, two-piece Bauer Vapor 3X Pro junior model. They’re built with responsive, durable and heat-moldable Curv Composite boots with a one-piece injected lacing system for optimal lateral support. The outsoles incorporate flexible Pro TPU material for improved starts, stops, turns and strides while the ankles and tendons are fully protected.

The skates are equipped with flexible 48-ounce Pro Tongues for maximum range of motion and energy transfer as well as moisture-wicking HydroLite liners and AeroFoam+ padding in all key areas for fantastic feel and fit. The Vapor 3x Pro skates boast asymmetrical top caps and Tuuk LightSpeed Edge holders with a fast-releasing trigger system to change the top-grade stainless steel blades.

The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro junior skates are available in assorted profiles, sizes and widths with the size nine boot weighing in at a lightweight 890 grams. These skates are designed for younger competitive players and are usually found in the higher price range.

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8) Bauer Vapor 3X Junior Skates 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

bauer 3x junior skates review

 

Overview 

These new two-piece junior skates by Bauer made for those who are looking for great performance at an affordable price as they offer quality fit, protection and agility. The lightweight 3D Flex composite boots are heat moldable and provide the perfect blend of support and stiffness required. They come with internal memory foams, 40-ounce felt tongues, moisture-managing liners, asymmetrical toes and foam ankle, collar and footbed padding.

The LightSpeed Balance stainless steel blades are designed for stability and outfitted with Tuuk LightSpeed Edge holders which come with a fast-release trigger system. The also skates feature unwaxed laces with Digi Comp outsoles, TPR plastic midsoles and moisture-wicking liners.

The Bauer Vapor 3X junior skates are available in various profiles, widths and sizes with the size nine model weighing 851 grams each. They’re perfect for price-conscious players as they are typically available in the low to mid price range.

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9) Bauer Supreme M4 Ice Junior Skates 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

bauer supreme m4 junior review

Overview 

New to the ice hockey market this season are the junior, heat-moldable Bauer Supreme M4 Ice Skates which are aimed at advanced-level players. These skates feature the Bauer’s popular 3D Fit System which is designed for maximum comfort and top-end power. The Flex 3D injected, two-piece composite boots are stiff, lightweight and supportive to provide excellent range of motion and energy transfer.

The top of the foot has been built with extra-reinforcement to protect against the most violent impacts while the 48-ounce felt tongues come with inserts and injected foams for even more protection. They have Asymmetrical toe caps for optimal foot-to-ice connection and hydrophobic microfibre liners to wick away moisture, bacteria and odours. The skates are offer traditional facing and tendon guards, TPR Plastic midsoles, Digi Comp outsoles, Aero Foam ankle padding, Comfort Edge collar padding and memory foam footbeds. 

The Tuuk LightSpeed Edge blade holders come with a quick-releasing trigger system which lets you change the top-grade, 10-inch steel blades in a matter of seconds. These junior Bauer skates come in different widths, sizes and fit profiles with the size-9 model weighing 814 grams. Threy can usually be found in the mid-price range. 

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10) Bauer Supreme M1 Junior Skates

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

bauer supreme m1 junior review

Overview

The Bauer Supreme M1 is another new junior ice skate which is aimed at casual players and those who are just starting out in the game. They offer all the protection and comfort needed as the lightweight skates feature supportive, flexible 3D-injected Polycarbonate materials in the boots as well as 13-inch stainless steel blades for added stability and confidence. 

The comfort level is increased by the 30-ounce, reinforced plush felt tongues and the boots can be quickly and easily molded to the shape of your feet by heating them in the oven. They come with protective lace guards, TPR plastic midsoles and outsoles, foam-padded ankles and footbeds, traditional tendon guards and soft microfibre linings to keep your feet dry, odour-free and comfortable while playing.   

These recreational-level junior skates are available in several sizes with the size-9 model weighing only 758 grams. The blades are kept securely in place with the Tuuk LightSpeed Pro II Holders which also offer added durability and stability.

The junior Bauer Supreme M1 Hockey Skates offer fantastic value as they can usually be found in the lower to mid-price range. 

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FAQs About Youth Hockey Skates

How do I find out the right shoe size of youth hockey skates at home?

It can be very easy to find out which size you wear just with a simple home method. This way you will also know which model would fit you better so you can avoid making a mistake if this is your first time shopping for youth ice hockey skates.

To make this “experiment” you will need to wear your hockey socks and place a white paper on the ground and step on it. Trace your feet with a pencil and then measure.

How do I find the right model for me according to the width of my feet?

After carefully measuring your width, basically you have three options to choose from:

  • Deep Heel/ Wide Forefoot – If the width ratio is less than 2.0
  • Standard Heel/ Standard Forefoot – If the ratio is between 2.5 – 3.0
  • Shallow Heel/ Narrow Forefoot – If the ratio is greater than 3.0

Can I customize my Bauer hockey skates?

Yes. You can customize your Bauer hockey skates, even though there are not a lot of options available. You can change some things in the design, except for the pattern of the skates no matter how expensive skates are. Bauer only makes their skates in red, yellow and blue, which might be a bit disappointing for players.

Ian Editor
Lead Writer , Honest Hockey
Honest Hockey is a website dedicated to bringing you the best information and resources to improve your hockey game. We are dedicated to bringing you the highest quality hockey gear reviews and industry news so that you’re up to date and know which equipment is best for your goals.
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