Buying Hockey Skates for Kids: A Parent's Complete Guide
Buying hockey skates for your child doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. The key is understanding what actually matters at each age and skill level — and what's just marketing. This guide covers everything you need to know, from sizing growing feet to budget recommendations.
The Most Common Mistake
Parents consistently make one mistake: buying skates that are too big "so they'll last longer." This backfires badly. Oversized skates cause:
- Ankle instability and potential injuries
- Slower skill development (harder to balance and edge)
- More discomfort, not less
- Bad habits that are hard to unlearn
Accept that kids will outgrow skates. It's better to buy proper-fitting skates twice than ill-fitting skates once.
Size Categories Explained
Hockey skates come in three size ranges based on age:
| Category | Typical Age | Skate Sizes | Shoe Size Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth (Y) | 4-7 years | Y6 - Y13 | Kids 7-1 |
| Junior (JR) | 7-12 years | 1.0 - 5.5 | Kids 2-7 |
| Senior (SR) | 12+ years | 6.0+ | Men's 7.5+ |
The sizing rule is simpler for kids than adults: hockey skates run about 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size. A child wearing size 3 shoes would typically wear size 1.5 hockey skates.
How Much to Spend
This is the big question. Here's the practical answer:
Learn-to-Skate / Recreational: $50-$150
For kids in learn-to-skate programs or skating a few times per season, entry-level skates are fine. They won't have premium materials, but they'll support the ankle and let your child learn the basics. At this stage, fit matters more than features.
House League / Regular Practice: $150-$300
Once your child is skating weekly and playing organized hockey, mid-range skates are worth it. Better ankle support, more durable materials, and heat-moldable boots for custom fit. This is the sweet spot for most youth players.
Travel / Competitive: $300-$500
For serious players skating 3+ times per week, upper-mid skates provide meaningful performance benefits — lighter weight, stiffer boot for power transfer, better steel. Skip this tier if your child is still growing rapidly.
$500+ Skates: Usually Overkill for Kids
Top-tier skates are built for adult NHL-caliber players. They're extremely stiff — often too stiff for lighter kids to flex properly. A 70-pound child in $900 skates will often perform worse than in $300 skates because they can't use the boot correctly. Save the flagship money until their feet stop growing.
Entry-Level Options (4 models under $200)
Current entry-level models from our database:
| Model | Brand | Price | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacks AS-550 | CCM | $89.99 | 2022 |
| Tacks AS-560 | CCM | $179.99 | 2022 |
| Supreme M1 | Bauer | $199.99 | 2022 |
| Vapor X | Bauer | $199.99 | 2023 |
When to Replace Skates
Kids outgrow skates fast. Here's when it's time for new ones:
- Toes hit the cap: When toes touch the front even in a bent-knee stance, it's time.
- Heel lift: If the heel moves up and down (and didn't before), they've outgrown the length or the boot has broken down.
- Boot breakdown: If the ankle area feels soft/floppy or the boot is cracking, the skate is done regardless of fit.
- Every 6-12 months: For actively growing kids, budget for new skates at least once per year.
New vs. Used Skates
Used skates are a legitimate option for growing kids, especially at the beginner level.
Used Skates Make Sense When:
- Your child is under 8 and growing rapidly
- They're in learn-to-skate or beginner programs
- You find a quality mid-range skate at entry-level prices
- The boot is still structurally sound (not soft or cracked)
Buy New When:
- Your child is skating competitively
- Used skates in the right size aren't available
- You want heat molding for custom fit (used skates are already molded to someone else)
Where to find used: Play It Again Sports, Facebook Marketplace, hockey association swap sales, and SidelineSwap online. Always inspect for cracked boots, worn-out steel, and broken holders.
What About Baking?
Heat molding ("baking") skates helps them conform to your child's foot shape. It's worth doing for skates $150+, but skip it for entry-level skates — the materials aren't designed for it and baking can actually reduce their lifespan.
Most hockey shops will bake new skates for free or a small fee. The process takes about 15 minutes and can significantly improve comfort.
Steel and Sharpening
Stock steel on youth skates is fine. Don't upgrade steel until your child is in senior-sized skates and skating 3+ times per week — they'll outgrow the skates before the upgrade matters.
For sharpening, every 10-15 hours of ice time is typical for recreational players. Most rinks and hockey shops offer sharpening for $5-10. A standard 1/2" hollow works for most kids.
Quick Checklist: Fitting Kids' Skates
- ✓ Toes lightly brush the cap when standing, clear when knees bent
- ✓ Heel is locked in place with no lift when walking
- ✓ No pressure points on ankle bones
- ✓ Child can bend their ankle forward in the boot
- ✓ Width feels snug but not painful across the forefoot
- ✗ Avoid: "Room to grow" sizing
- ✗ Avoid: Top-tier stiffness for light/young players
The Bottom Line
For most young players, $150-$250 buys everything they need. Focus on proper fit over premium features. Accept that you'll replace skates as they grow. And skip the top-tier models until their feet stop growing and their skating demands it.