Youth Ice Hockey Skates

Learn About Youth Ice Hockey Skates

Youth ice hockey skates are engineered for young players, typically aged 3 to 8 years, offering a blend of comfort, support, and performance. These skates often feature advanced materials like thermoformable boots for a custom fit and moisture-wicking liners for dry, comfortable feet. The blade is a crucial component, made of tempered steel with varying radius, hollow, and rocker for stability, control, and agility.

How to Choose Youth Ice Hockey Skates

Selecting the right youth ice hockey skates involves considering the player’s foot size, skill level, and style of play. Ensure a snug fit without excessive tightness and look for skates that offer solid ankle support. Youth skates are available in various fits, from narrow to wide, to suit different foot shapes.

Youth Ice Hockey Skates Size Chart

Referencing a sizing chart is a good starting point if you aren't sure what size you are in a particular brand.

Note: If you’re sizing for a child, it’s common to get a larger pair of skates for them to grow into. However, if you plan on going larger, it’s recommended you only go a half size bigger for that extra room – going any bigger will be very uncomfortable and can cause blistering and a premature breakdown of the skate boot.

Youth Ice Hockey Skates FAQs

Youth hockey skates should be replaced when they no longer fit properly, show significant wear and tear, or when the child's skill level surpasses the capabilities of the skates. Regularly check the fit and condition of the skates, especially during growth spurts.

To ensure a proper fit, measure both feet since they can vary in size, and try on multiple pairs and brands where possible. Also factor in foot width to choose a skate that accommodates the child’s foot shape and size. Youth skates should fit snugly but not too tightly, with no heel lift and toes close to but not touching the front of the skate. 

Common mistakes include not measuring feet correctly, overlooking foot width, and not considering the type of hockey and player’s skill level. Avoid buying skates that are excessively large to accommodate growth, as this can lead to discomfort and injury.

Maintain youth hockey skates by keeping them dry after use, regularly sharpening the blades, storing them properly in a cool, dry place, and cleaning them after each use. Use a soft cloth for wiping and apply blade oil to prevent rust.