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Best Men's Ice Skates

Updated February 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Jackson Ultima Softec Sport Men's Recreational Hockey Skates
Jackson Ultima
Softec Sport Men's Recreational Hockey Skates
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Warm, comfortable, and well-padded, yet stable on the ice.

Pros

Comfortable, well-padded, and sturdy. Fit matches standard shoe sizes. Solid straps for security. Feet stay warm on the ice. Stylish cuts that stand out from more traditional skates.

Cons

Size runs a little bit small, so most need to order a half size bigger.

Best Bang for the Buck
5th Element Stealth Ice Hockey Skates
5th Element
Stealth Ice Hockey Skates
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Great for Casual Games
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Customers love playing in these comfortable recreational ice hockey states

Pros

These durable skates are available in sizes 6-13. The stainless steel blade and ankle padding keep the skates together without sacrificing quality. Its moisture-wicking material keeps your feet dry.

Cons

Not for league hockey and intense recreational use - more for casual play.

American Athletic Ice Force 2.0
American Athletic
Ice Force 2.0
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Lightweight Toughness
Bottom Line

These comfortable skates support newcomers' feet and ankles as they learn hockey.

Pros

The stainless steel blade stays sharp and strong with use. They're great for recreational leagues and rookie skaters. The lightweight design won't weigh your feet down and inhibit your control.

Cons

They run small for their size.

K2 Kinetic Ice Men's Skates
K2
Kinetic Ice Men's Skates
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Sturdiest Skate
Bottom Line

K2 earned its status in the skating world with high-end but affordable skates such as these.

Pros

The K2 Softboot shoe fits to your foot and keeps it sturdy and comfortable. Traditional lacing with a Velcro closure makes them easy to put on and take off. They're water-resistant with a rust-proof blade.

Cons

European sizing may confuse some potential buyers.

American Athletic Tricot Lined Figure Skates
American Athletic
Tricot Lined Figure Skates
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Combine the elegance of leather shoes with the function of high-quality ice skates.

Pros

They're available in a wider range of sizes, 5-13, than your other options. Folks love their simple design that's easy to slip on and off compared to others. These offer effective ankle support.

Cons

Great for beginners, not intense use.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best men’s ice skates

From leisurely gliding on a frozen backyard pond to competing in an action-packed ice hockey game, taking to the ice is both a hobby and a sport that many enjoy. Not only do you need skates that provide a comfortable fit while offering exceptional performance,  but you also want them to look stylish. With the many options of men’s skates available on the market today, there’s no reason a man who wants to pursue skating can’t find a pair he will love, regardless of his skill level and budget.

The right pair of ice skates will provide an exceptional fit that will allow you to make the most of whatever activity on the ice you choose to pursue. While some prefer a smooth, steady movement, others need skates to help them hone various skills, such as jumps, spins, and speed.

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Ulrich Salchow won the first gold medal in men’s figure skating during the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

Types of men’s ice skates

Basic figure skates

Men who are just learning to ice skate, only skate every once in a while, or take to the ice as a leisure activity don’t have to spend a lot on skates. Basic styles often made of synthetic materials aren’t very expensive – typically around $40 to $100 – and are suitable for light use.

Professional-level ice skates

Whether training to compete to just ready to advance to pro-level skates suitable for jumps, spins, and twists, men in this category may want to consider ice skates made for advanced skaters. They are typically pricier, but built to last, have more rugged ankle support, and are made of leather. Since quality is a priority, the price typically starts around $100 and goes up from there.

Ice hockey skates

Built for the sport, these skates offer substantial ankle support and an outer shell for added foot protection. The blades are shorter than those of other ice skates for precise movements on the ice. The prices of these specialized skates vary, from those designed for chasing a few pucks around to those that are competition-ready. Depending on your needs, expect to pay around $70 dollars for a basic pair, and up to $1,000 for professional-grade skates.

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Did you know?
The “quad” is one of the most difficult ice skating jumps to master. It requires four rotations before landing back on the ice, and is commonly performed by top male figure skaters during various competitions.
STAFF
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Men’s ice skates considerations

Activity and skill level

Some men like to spend time on the ice with family and friends, enjoying the atmosphere and company – which doesn’t require expensive skates made for speed or competition. Others dabble in figure skating similar to the competitions held during the winter Olympics with varying degrees of skill.

Ice skates with precise workmanship and substantial support are available to suit almost all men, from those who are new to the sport to those on a competitive level. Ice hockey is in a category by itself and requires ice skates with specific features made for fast motion on the ice, such as shorter blades and thicker padding.

Fit and comfort

Finding the perfectly fitting ice skates can be challenging for some men because there is more to finding the right fit than simply their usual shoe size. Performance on the ice, especially during activities that require agility and speed, depends on a snug fit. Too much extra space probably indicates that a skate is too large.

Some ice skates don’t fit exactly true to size, but this isn’t necessarily a bad feature. Tightly-fitting skates often loosen up with wear, while those that are a bit too loose may be “fixed” by simply adjusting the laces for a more secure fit.

It’s also important that you realize there is a break-in period with most ice skates. This is particularly true of skates that are built for performance which often have stiffer material. Though the time frame varies, it’s part of getting used to a pair of new skates and learning how to maneuver in them on the ice.

"Falling is the highest risk for beginning ice skaters. Wearing extra gear while learning basic skills is vital. Learning to relax as much as possible for an impending fall and making every attempt possible to catch yourself with your hands will also help reduce the likelihood and seriousness of injuries."
STAFF
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Fashion sense

Though the appearance of ice skates has little to do with performance, most men want to look cool on the ice. From sporty designs with bold colors and materials to traditional figure skates with laces to the top of the ankle, there are numerous types of skates available to fit each male ice skater’s preferences when it comes to aesthetic appeal.

Materials

Men’s ice skates come in synthetic materials or leather, and there are pros and cons to both. While leather tends to be more durable and offers more support, synthetic materials are usually more comfortable and flexible. Leather skates also fall on the higher end of this price range, and they are suited to serious ice skaters and those planning to wear them to compete.

Leather

Pros:

  • More durable than synthetic material. Leather has the tendency to hold up to extensive use while synthetic material often shows wear sooner.

  • Offers superior support. The build is typically more substantial than synthetic materials, which is beneficial for more active skaters.

  • Often designed for pro-level skaters, thanks to the wearability and support leather ice skates provide.

Cons:

  • Tends to be somewhat stiff, and requires a longer break-in period than skates made of synthetic materials.

  • Leather skates are also somewhat pricey due to the quality of the material.
     

Synthetic

Pros:

  • Ice skates made of synthetic materials are often more flexible and provide a more comfortable fit that’s suitable for beginners.

  • Affordability is also a bonus to basic ice skates crafted off synthetic materials, as they typically fall well below the price of leather ice skates.

  • Shorter break-in period.

Cons:

  • Synthetic materials are prone to wearing out quicker than leather.

  • Not always suitable for frequent or competitive skaters who need materials that offer optimum support and provide long-term wear.
     

Interior materials

Ice skates also vary when it comes to their interior material, which consists of padding and lining. It’s a matter of preference, as some men like added cushioning and warmth. However, those who tend to have sweaty feet may prefer less padding, and they can wear socks to suit their warmth and cushioning needs.

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Winning in ice hockey depends on speed. Professional players have been known to race on the ice at speeds around 30 mph.

FAQ

Q. I’ve heard that ice skates need to fit snug but not too tightly. What’s the best way to ensure I get the right size?

A. It’s true that you don’t want too much wiggle room in ice skates to maximize control. When you try on a pair of skates, the best fit will leave about a finger’s width of free space at either the toes or the heel. Don’t forget to try them on with socks, as this can make a difference in the fit.

Q. I had a pair of ice hockey skates that was quite uncomfortable around the ankles. How can I prevent this with my next pair?

A. Ice hockey skates are more likely to chafe and rub because of the movements involved in the sport. Look for a pair that feels supportive around the ankles and that offers soft but sturdy support. Pass on any that feel flimsy or lack padding if you are prone to ankle discomfort.

Q. Style is important to me. What should I be looking for in the latest styles in men’s ice skates?

A. While traditional ice skates often look basic, they are still sleek and attractive. However, contemporary styles often include sporty details, angled cuts, and patterned lines that look great on the ice.

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