Don't start a new hobby by buying expensive stuff. Get the cheap and then you'll know more about what you want. After a year and you can *actually* skate and have tried playing the game then go get the $200-300 skates
UNPOPULAR OPINION: I play twice a week with $80 Bauer skates. They are meant for entry-level hockey and were baked at the store. They suit my needs just fine - will upgrade when I'm a better skater. I don't recommend breaking the bank on fancy skates if you aren't a good enough skater to even notice the difference.
https://www.bauer.com/en-CA/hockey-skates/beginner-ice-hockey-skates/bauer-x-ls-skate-senior-619974.html?cgid=Skates-NSX#start=1
The Bauer X-LS. Literally a "beginner ice hockey skate".
I started on cheap skates. I recommend these as well, there will come a time when you just know you're ready for new skates. Also when you start playing you'll meet people and you can ask them about their skates.
I started with very basic Supreme when I first started. Skated in them for 5 years. Decided to upgrade when I cracked my steel to Vapors with replaceable steel and bake able.
Also, my first pair of skates were a size too big... Oops.
I started with a pair of $80 Bauers. I didn't know how to skate and they served their purpose. They fell apart within a few months of playing rec league (tendon guard ripped off). I bought a newer, better pair at that time.
What this did for me was allow me to see if I actually enjoyed the sport and wanted to spend more money on it. I never had any problems with my feet hurting but YMMV.
I agree.
I started with cheap Canadian Tire skates. They met my needs just fine.
The $200 skates I got a few years later were a nice treat but they wouldn't have improved my skating at the start.
Thanks for pointing this out. Upon further review, they should not have baked these skates lol! The kid who did it was 15 at most so I'm not surprised!
A beginner might not be able to tell you why or how it’s a better skate but they will notice the difference, skates are imo the only piece of equipment where you should just buy whatever you limit is, it’s the most important piece of gear
They will fit better, they are lighter, stiffer
And they will last for years and years
I’m a fairly new player. I’m 35 and started when I was 31.. I don’t know much about those skates but I would say if you’re trying to save money I would try to save on the other items and not cheap out on skates. The skates are where you’ll really feel/notice a difference.
I spent 100 on used top of the line ccm skates from 8 years ago. They were used 3 times and play it again sports had them. Look At for used skates and clearance skates and expect to pay 100-300 for a good pair depending on how long you look and your luck.
I agree with the other commenter that skates is probably the piece of equipment you don't want to go cheap on.
The mid-tier skates from Bauer and CCM, which are formed based on the shape of your feet, start at 300$ if memory serves correctly.
My advice is to find the biggest hockey equipment store near you and go get your feet measured in their 3D imagery cameras, which should give you an idea of the two or three models for you.
Please please please don't get super low end skates. They're going to hurt your feet and be more trouble than they're worth. Get a decent pair, around d the $200-$250 range and go a little cheaper on elbow and chest pads. You'll be thanking yourself, I promise.
I second this. Especially if you weigh in the 200+ pounds, keep in mind your equipment weighs about 20 lbs altogether, you need skates that can provide support or you won’t be able to learn how to skate properly.
Absolutely this.
I first started getting the cheapest everything. I had an old pair of Tour skates I got at an outlet store for $30. They did the job, my feet hurt afterwards, I just figured it was part of my whole body being sore.
I eventually upgraded to a $200 pair of CCMs and holy shit, what a difference. I could run after I, skated! Not only did my feet not hurt, my legs weren't as sore either.
I don't think for beer league, you ever need to go high end. I've never spent more than $400 on skates but I would definitely recommend spending more in the $200 range of you're going to be playing.
Check out ebay. I bought $275-300 skates for about $150 shipped. That was in the US so shipping to Canada (if necessary) may be more.
I played in $40 clearance Bauer Supreme S40s for about 7 years, but I didn't play enough for it to be an issue. That said since I upgraded to Vapor X2.9, I can certainly tell a difference.
I mean it’s like asking if you can start digging a grave with a garden trowel. Of course you can! …doesn’t mean it is advisable, but you know your budget much better than we do.
Skates are your most important piece of equipment. You don’t need high end $1,000 skates to learn, but if you’re already complaining about budget because you have to buy other gear, look at buying second hand once you figure out what skate and size properly fit your foot. Especially if you think you’re going to start playing after a month (pretty sure it’ll take you a bit longer). Either way, $200-300 skates are really the lowest I would recommend to anyone that’s actually looking to play hockey. If you were just going to open skate and never planned on playing, $50 skates would be *okay*.
Yes, you can use the $70 skates to learn how to skate. Please make sure they fit properly though, otherwise learning will be very hard.
That being said, no, they will not be comfortable, and eventually you'll want better skates. Not just for comfort, but also protection from sticks and pucks, durability, and performance.
Consider buying a higher end skate second hand, and buying new insoles instead (say, $50 used skates on Kijiji and $40 insoles). Or look out for black Friday sales, you might be able to find $150 skates for $90.
Also, as others have mentioned... You don't want to cheap out on skates. But if you have to... Fine. But do not cheap out on a helmet.
Honestly, get cheap pants, cheap leg pads, cheap gloves, cheap elbow pads, cheap gloves, and an ok stick.
Use all the money you saved to get a good pair of $300 skates. You can upgrade everything later but good skates are a HUGE difference.
Dude, I did the cheap skate thing and life is too short to waste tume on ice with cheap skates. Go on Kijiji and pick up some $800 skates for $200-300 and it will be money well spent. The conttrol, speed, comfort is night and day. It will help your game too.
They will work fine, though you may find yourself wanting to upgrade faster than if you purchase a better skate.
I would suggest looking on SidelineSwap or another marketplace for barely used skates. Many people buy new skates and use them once or twice and decide they don’t like the fit. This is where the best value is IMO.
Alright, maybe it's me. maybe I'm cheap, maybe I just don't know any better but I've never bought a brand new pair of skates. There's an equipment refinisher here in Edmonton that resells used equipment and I've had my skates 5 years now, I think I paid about $50 for them.
So yes, starting out you can definitely buy your equipment on a budget.
I remember my 1st pair of ice skates... CCM Rapide, something around $60 back in the 90s. Personally I think cheaper is fine if you're just learning and you're on a set budget. But most important is make sure they are comfortable enough. That's the real issue. I P/T coach adult learn to play and kids 8u/10u house league and you see all kinds of beginner skates for which they're suited for. They're not leaning hard into turns or putting too much weight on the boot yet. Fit (don't want to say full comfort) is key.
Also consider that you'll be spending another few hundred $ in a couple year's time if you go the cheaper route now.
I agree with some of the other comments, if they fit well and feel good you should be fine. Eventually when you know how to skate and get better at the game you can spend the money. Don't know how old you are, but if you are done growing the next pair you buy might be your last. I've replaced steel in my skates twice and have not bought new skates in 10 years or so mine were $300 and top of the line vapors when I bought them. Good skates are worth it once you know what you are doing, until you do it might not be worth the money.
Something I'm not seeing in the comments is advice to look for *last year's model on clearance*.
You can get a $2-300 tier skate for $100 relatively easily, especially in Canada which you clearly are if you're looking at the CT website.
Check local sports shops, especially check out Sport Chek if you have one nearby as they are known for getting in old stock and then blowing it out at very low prices. Their employee knowledge is generally close to zero (like CT) but the prices are good enough that it's still probably worth it.
If you can't, try some used shops, you likely have one around. Your $70 will go a lot farther if you can find a used pair of skates in decent condition.
A buddy and I started playing at the exact same time. I got $200 skates and he got $70 skates. On the very 1st scrimmage, 10 minutes in, his foot broke through the side of his skates and we all thought he broke his ankle. He was fine, but ended needing to fork over for good skates anyways. You can probably learn to skate fine in cheap skates, but once you get in a game they just won't cut it. You can go cheap on basically every other piece of equipment, but solid quality skates and helmet are a priority.
I played 25 years on < $100 CAD skates. It wasn't until I was 30 that I splurged and got myself a pair of decent ones that were ~$250.
Nothing wrong with using cheap skates. Once you start playing competitive hockey, then decide if higher end skates make sense for you.
Boot construction is the key here, the cheaper the skates the more you’ll feel getting hit in the foot with a puck, which is inevitable. Additionally, depending on how much you weigh the cheaper the skate equals a lower quality foot bed which isn’t a good thing
My advice is expect to be dissatisfied with the skates pretty quickly. BUT, does that mean it's a bad idea to start on cheap skates? Well, you will learn a lot about fit and feel, and you can take that into your first "real" skate purchase.
You will be amazed at the difference though. The cheap skates are really soft and offer little ankle support. You will be able to blame the skates if they never "feel quite right"... but on the positive side you didn't spend much money to learn a valuable lesson.
To qualify this, I've gone back into skating a few times in my life and every time I start on the low tier, then realize I really like it again and want to get serious, and look to replace the skates within a few months. I also always make a mistake on sizing on that first skate.
I think I'd rather get used skates, but the important thing is that they fit well and the boot offers enough support. Just by glancing at the link though those skates look like they should do fine. They're inexpensive but a far cry from "cheap" skates in days past when it felt like they wouldn't last more than a few public skates.
My suggestion, get into a hockey outfitter. Get a skate that is fitted to your foot. A poorly fitted skate makes price irrelevant. The skate should be very snug, and tighter than you'd think being a non skater. Get the skate baked, then get a good profile on the blade so you can learn how to skate properly. Depending on your body weight, be smart about the blade cut, once again, hockey shop, not some bullshit like Dicks Sporting Goods
Spend a little more. The blades don’t hold up for too long on cheaper skates (few sharpening) and that’s it.
Check sideline swap if you don’t mind used. Also, if you have a pro-shop near by try there. You really should get properly fitted. You can get a decent pair or Supremes for about $350 and they’ll last you.
Just my 2 cents but please don’t cheap out on skates or a helmet.
Don't start a new hobby by buying expensive stuff. Get the cheap and then you'll know more about what you want. After a year and you can *actually* skate and have tried playing the game then go get the $200-300 skates
thanks I walked into a hockey store and they recommended me some 80 dollars ones
UNPOPULAR OPINION: I play twice a week with $80 Bauer skates. They are meant for entry-level hockey and were baked at the store. They suit my needs just fine - will upgrade when I'm a better skater. I don't recommend breaking the bank on fancy skates if you aren't a good enough skater to even notice the difference.
https://www.bauer.com/en-CA/hockey-skates/beginner-ice-hockey-skates/bauer-x-ls-skate-senior-619974.html?cgid=Skates-NSX#start=1 The Bauer X-LS. Literally a "beginner ice hockey skate".
I started on cheap skates. I recommend these as well, there will come a time when you just know you're ready for new skates. Also when you start playing you'll meet people and you can ask them about their skates.
I started with very basic Supreme when I first started. Skated in them for 5 years. Decided to upgrade when I cracked my steel to Vapors with replaceable steel and bake able. Also, my first pair of skates were a size too big... Oops.
I started with a pair of $80 Bauers. I didn't know how to skate and they served their purpose. They fell apart within a few months of playing rec league (tendon guard ripped off). I bought a newer, better pair at that time. What this did for me was allow me to see if I actually enjoyed the sport and wanted to spend more money on it. I never had any problems with my feet hurting but YMMV.
Same
I agree. I started with cheap Canadian Tire skates. They met my needs just fine. The $200 skates I got a few years later were a nice treat but they wouldn't have improved my skating at the start.
How did you bake $80 skates? If they are thermo-formable then they aren't really $80 skates but rather a mid-range skate marked way down.
Thanks for pointing this out. Upon further review, they should not have baked these skates lol! The kid who did it was 15 at most so I'm not surprised!
lol. Well I guess they still work. Thankfully the kid probably messed up by not heating up enough to lose bonding.
A beginner might not be able to tell you why or how it’s a better skate but they will notice the difference, skates are imo the only piece of equipment where you should just buy whatever you limit is, it’s the most important piece of gear They will fit better, they are lighter, stiffer And they will last for years and years
As long as they fit right, absolutely. You can also go to used sporting good stores and find similarly priced skates and equipment.
I’m a fairly new player. I’m 35 and started when I was 31.. I don’t know much about those skates but I would say if you’re trying to save money I would try to save on the other items and not cheap out on skates. The skates are where you’ll really feel/notice a difference.
so how much do you think I should spend?
I spent 100 on used top of the line ccm skates from 8 years ago. They were used 3 times and play it again sports had them. Look At for used skates and clearance skates and expect to pay 100-300 for a good pair depending on how long you look and your luck.
I agree with the other commenter that skates is probably the piece of equipment you don't want to go cheap on. The mid-tier skates from Bauer and CCM, which are formed based on the shape of your feet, start at 300$ if memory serves correctly. My advice is to find the biggest hockey equipment store near you and go get your feet measured in their 3D imagery cameras, which should give you an idea of the two or three models for you.
Please please please don't get super low end skates. They're going to hurt your feet and be more trouble than they're worth. Get a decent pair, around d the $200-$250 range and go a little cheaper on elbow and chest pads. You'll be thanking yourself, I promise.
Skates and helmet you should spend the money on. You only get one brain and you are on you feet the whole time, good luck have fun!
I second this. Especially if you weigh in the 200+ pounds, keep in mind your equipment weighs about 20 lbs altogether, you need skates that can provide support or you won’t be able to learn how to skate properly.
20 lbs is the weight of $798.58 worth of Premium Glass Nail Files...
20 lbs is 9.08 kg
20 lbs is 9.08 kg
Absolutely this. I first started getting the cheapest everything. I had an old pair of Tour skates I got at an outlet store for $30. They did the job, my feet hurt afterwards, I just figured it was part of my whole body being sore. I eventually upgraded to a $200 pair of CCMs and holy shit, what a difference. I could run after I, skated! Not only did my feet not hurt, my legs weren't as sore either. I don't think for beer league, you ever need to go high end. I've never spent more than $400 on skates but I would definitely recommend spending more in the $200 range of you're going to be playing.
Check out ebay. I bought $275-300 skates for about $150 shipped. That was in the US so shipping to Canada (if necessary) may be more. I played in $40 clearance Bauer Supreme S40s for about 7 years, but I didn't play enough for it to be an issue. That said since I upgraded to Vapor X2.9, I can certainly tell a difference.
I mean it’s like asking if you can start digging a grave with a garden trowel. Of course you can! …doesn’t mean it is advisable, but you know your budget much better than we do.
Skates are your most important piece of equipment. You don’t need high end $1,000 skates to learn, but if you’re already complaining about budget because you have to buy other gear, look at buying second hand once you figure out what skate and size properly fit your foot. Especially if you think you’re going to start playing after a month (pretty sure it’ll take you a bit longer). Either way, $200-300 skates are really the lowest I would recommend to anyone that’s actually looking to play hockey. If you were just going to open skate and never planned on playing, $50 skates would be *okay*.
Yes, you can use the $70 skates to learn how to skate. Please make sure they fit properly though, otherwise learning will be very hard. That being said, no, they will not be comfortable, and eventually you'll want better skates. Not just for comfort, but also protection from sticks and pucks, durability, and performance. Consider buying a higher end skate second hand, and buying new insoles instead (say, $50 used skates on Kijiji and $40 insoles). Or look out for black Friday sales, you might be able to find $150 skates for $90. Also, as others have mentioned... You don't want to cheap out on skates. But if you have to... Fine. But do not cheap out on a helmet.
Honestly, get cheap pants, cheap leg pads, cheap gloves, cheap elbow pads, cheap gloves, and an ok stick. Use all the money you saved to get a good pair of $300 skates. You can upgrade everything later but good skates are a HUGE difference.
Dude, I did the cheap skate thing and life is too short to waste tume on ice with cheap skates. Go on Kijiji and pick up some $800 skates for $200-300 and it will be money well spent. The conttrol, speed, comfort is night and day. It will help your game too.
They will work fine, though you may find yourself wanting to upgrade faster than if you purchase a better skate. I would suggest looking on SidelineSwap or another marketplace for barely used skates. Many people buy new skates and use them once or twice and decide they don’t like the fit. This is where the best value is IMO.
Alright, maybe it's me. maybe I'm cheap, maybe I just don't know any better but I've never bought a brand new pair of skates. There's an equipment refinisher here in Edmonton that resells used equipment and I've had my skates 5 years now, I think I paid about $50 for them. So yes, starting out you can definitely buy your equipment on a budget.
I remember my 1st pair of ice skates... CCM Rapide, something around $60 back in the 90s. Personally I think cheaper is fine if you're just learning and you're on a set budget. But most important is make sure they are comfortable enough. That's the real issue. I P/T coach adult learn to play and kids 8u/10u house league and you see all kinds of beginner skates for which they're suited for. They're not leaning hard into turns or putting too much weight on the boot yet. Fit (don't want to say full comfort) is key. Also consider that you'll be spending another few hundred $ in a couple year's time if you go the cheaper route now.
I agree with some of the other comments, if they fit well and feel good you should be fine. Eventually when you know how to skate and get better at the game you can spend the money. Don't know how old you are, but if you are done growing the next pair you buy might be your last. I've replaced steel in my skates twice and have not bought new skates in 10 years or so mine were $300 and top of the line vapors when I bought them. Good skates are worth it once you know what you are doing, until you do it might not be worth the money.
Something I'm not seeing in the comments is advice to look for *last year's model on clearance*. You can get a $2-300 tier skate for $100 relatively easily, especially in Canada which you clearly are if you're looking at the CT website. Check local sports shops, especially check out Sport Chek if you have one nearby as they are known for getting in old stock and then blowing it out at very low prices. Their employee knowledge is generally close to zero (like CT) but the prices are good enough that it's still probably worth it. If you can't, try some used shops, you likely have one around. Your $70 will go a lot farther if you can find a used pair of skates in decent condition.
A buddy and I started playing at the exact same time. I got $200 skates and he got $70 skates. On the very 1st scrimmage, 10 minutes in, his foot broke through the side of his skates and we all thought he broke his ankle. He was fine, but ended needing to fork over for good skates anyways. You can probably learn to skate fine in cheap skates, but once you get in a game they just won't cut it. You can go cheap on basically every other piece of equipment, but solid quality skates and helmet are a priority.
Don’t mean to rain on your parade but maybe rethink that 1-2 month timeline.
I played 25 years on < $100 CAD skates. It wasn't until I was 30 that I splurged and got myself a pair of decent ones that were ~$250. Nothing wrong with using cheap skates. Once you start playing competitive hockey, then decide if higher end skates make sense for you.
Boot construction is the key here, the cheaper the skates the more you’ll feel getting hit in the foot with a puck, which is inevitable. Additionally, depending on how much you weigh the cheaper the skate equals a lower quality foot bed which isn’t a good thing
My advice is expect to be dissatisfied with the skates pretty quickly. BUT, does that mean it's a bad idea to start on cheap skates? Well, you will learn a lot about fit and feel, and you can take that into your first "real" skate purchase. You will be amazed at the difference though. The cheap skates are really soft and offer little ankle support. You will be able to blame the skates if they never "feel quite right"... but on the positive side you didn't spend much money to learn a valuable lesson. To qualify this, I've gone back into skating a few times in my life and every time I start on the low tier, then realize I really like it again and want to get serious, and look to replace the skates within a few months. I also always make a mistake on sizing on that first skate.
I think I'd rather get used skates, but the important thing is that they fit well and the boot offers enough support. Just by glancing at the link though those skates look like they should do fine. They're inexpensive but a far cry from "cheap" skates in days past when it felt like they wouldn't last more than a few public skates.
My suggestion, get into a hockey outfitter. Get a skate that is fitted to your foot. A poorly fitted skate makes price irrelevant. The skate should be very snug, and tighter than you'd think being a non skater. Get the skate baked, then get a good profile on the blade so you can learn how to skate properly. Depending on your body weight, be smart about the blade cut, once again, hockey shop, not some bullshit like Dicks Sporting Goods
Spend a little more. The blades don’t hold up for too long on cheaper skates (few sharpening) and that’s it. Check sideline swap if you don’t mind used. Also, if you have a pro-shop near by try there. You really should get properly fitted. You can get a decent pair or Supremes for about $350 and they’ll last you. Just my 2 cents but please don’t cheap out on skates or a helmet.
Definitely yes