Goalie Skates. Besides your helmet, we argue that the goalie skates you chose are the single most important piece of equipment you’ll ever buy. If you can’t skate, you’ll have a tough time getting in front of pucks. If you have a tough time getting in front of pucks, your odds of making the save is lower and you’ll find yourself riding pine, as they say! Choose a pair of skates that are heavy and on the lower end of the price range, and you’re going to be upgrading in a year or two.
Opt for a high performance, lightweight goalie skate, and you’ll wear them for years. Case in point. A few years ago, one of my young goalies was struggling to find a skate he liked. He was in a set of Bauer Reactor skates (remember those?!) and opted for a top of the line at the time, Bauer 2S Pro. Mind you, 5 years later, these are still great skates if you can find them. He wore these skates for 4 years!
We get asked this question time and time again, “what is best goalie skate?”. Keeping the story from above in mind, we say that you should buy the most high end goalie skate that you can afford.
In our honest opinion, that’s going to be either the Bauer PRO or the CCM SuperTacks AS3 Pro, but we’ll get into that below.
Editors Note: in this goalie skate buying guide, we’re talking about the top end, pro level goalie skates. These are the same skates many NHL goalies wear, which means they’re also very expensive. If you’re a parent searching for your son or daughters first pair of goalie skates, we recommend taking a look at our Youth Goalie Skates buying guide.
These are the best goalie skates money can buy.
- Bauer PRO Goalie Skates – Top Performance
- CCM E-Flex E6.9 – Best For Wide Feet
- Bauer GSX
- True Catalyst 9×4
- Bauer Elite
Here’s how we rated the highest-performing goalie skates on the market.
| Goalie Skate Model | Skate Rating |
| Bauer Pro | 71/80 |
| CCM E-Flex E6.9 | 70/80 |
| True Catalyst 7×4 | 69/80 |
| Bauer GSX | 67/80 |
| True Catalyst 9×4 | 66/80 |
| Bauer Elite | 60/80 |
The most popular goalie skate, and the best bang for your buck this year, is the Bauer PRO goalie skate.
As the game of hockey evolves, goalies are becoming faster and quicker with their edges on the ice. Players are moving at fast speeds and shots are coming from all angles in split seconds. Having high quality skates is more important than ever before in hockey history.
First, we must point out that the best goalie skates are the skates that fit you the best. When your skates fit well, you’ll move better. When you move better, you get in front of more pucks. When you get in front of more pucks, well, you get the point.
We update this list of the top goalie skates on a regular basis, and right now, Bauer makes the best goalie skate on the market for both elite and youth goalies alike.
Bauer PRO Goalie Skates – Top Performance
Note: the toe in our pair of Bauer Pro skates cracked just 3 months in to on ice testing. We detail that further below.
Here’s what’s new with the Bauer PRO Goalie Skates
- Redesigned ankle collar
- New “Stanceflex Pro” boot design, for improved mobility and attack angle
- Introduction of the “Agility” blade profile specifically for goalies
Redesigned ankle collar. Honestly, this one’s a bit of a marketing ploy by Bauer. Basically, they’re saying they used new material in the ankle region of the skate. In my personal opinion, we’re at the phase of goalie skate design where companies are being forced to coin new phrases and say things are all new, so this isn’t a huge improvement (the ankle area on previous Bauer skates was not broken).
New “Stanceflex Pro”.Marketing jargon aside, this is a pretty big deal. From the ankle to the toe, the boot of this skate has been slimmed down, giving the goalie a lighter product that offers better attack angles and positioning from head to toe. Believe it or not, the height of your goalie skate does make a difference, even if in just the way your pads sit on your foot.
“Agility Blade”. This is also big.
Bauer’s marriage of the Supreme and Vapor lines, when it comes to Goalie Skates. The most advanced goalie skate ever manufactured by Bauer. Worth every penny!
Here’s how we rated the Bauer PRO goalie skates.
| Rating Categories | Bauer Pro |
| Comfort | 10/10 |
| Protection | 10/10 |
| Attack Angle | 10/10 |
| Break In Time | 9/10 |
| Longevity | 8/10 |
| Versatility (for Different Foot Types) | 9/10 |
| Breathability | 8/10 |
| Price | 7/10 |
| Final Skate Rating | 71/80 |
Editors note: the toe in our Bauer Pro goalie skates cracked after just 3 months of use. We covered that further in detail on our review of the Bauer Pro goalie skates, however, we believe this was a one-off issue. While the company did not honor the warranty and we were unhappy with the result, these are still one of the most comfortable pairs of goalie skates we’ve worn and we feel they are still an excellent option for goalies looking to upgrade their goalie skates.
CCM E-Flex E6.9 – Best for Wide Feet
Move over, True Hockey. Without question, the CCM E-Flex E6.9 goalie skate is highest rated pair of CCM skates on the market.
The CCM E-Flex E6.9 has been a long time coming. For years, CCM has focused on its bread and butter, the goalie pads. It’s not that skates haven’t been a priority, it’s just that they’ve been focused on perfecting their goalie gear lineup in other areas.
That said, however, it’s time to take a look at the E6.9. Now, we should point out that when it comes to us writing about the “best of the best”, we don’t like to just make things up.
So, when we start hearing from our pro clients about a certain piece of gear.. we take notice. Over the past summer, we heard and saw quite a bit of rumblings about the E6.9 goalie skate making a name for itself. Having worn this skate for a couple months, we decided it was fit for the top ranking on this list.
See, Bauer basically reinvented the goalie skate with the “cowling-less” profile. CCM and other brands soon followed, but they couldn’t match the performance of Bauer.
While Bauer has shifted focus into sticks, they’ve offered less innovation on the skate side. Now, don’t get us wrong. They still make one of the most elite goalie skates available to the public in the UltraSonic, 2S, 3S and now, Bauer PRO.
So, our favorite things about the E6.9?
These skates are built to basically form to your foot on the ice. Which, is what a great skate should do. They’re a one piece frame, with a low cut ankle and stiff profile designed to form to your foot. Wait, what? Stiff skates that form to your foot? How?
- The tongue is built with memory foam designed to mold to the top of your foot
- Built with Rocketframe composite, super lightweight, NHL caliber material designed to shape with your foot
- Thermo-formable core fits your foot from the start and gets better with time
- Molded dual density footbed is the single best performing sole of a goalie skate on the market
What makes the E6.9 goalie skates special?
These skates will perform at every level of play. They’ll also adapt to ANY FOOT. Unlike thin profile skates (Bauer 2S / 3S) the CCM E6.9 are built with literally every goalie in mind. They combine performance and adaptability unlike anything else on the market, and they’re worth every penny.
Editors note: since we’ve wrote this, Bauer has released the Bauer PRO. The Bauer PRO comes in three “FITs”, designed to adapt to any foot.
The CCM EFlex 6.9 goalie skates are built for comfort, mobility, and control in the crease. With a one-piece composite boot, asymmetrical flex collar, and moisture-wicking liner, they offer a snug fit and smooth movements. The XSG holder and replaceable steel give you a quick edge on every play.
Here’s how we rated the CCM E-Flex E6.9 goalie skates.
| Rating Categories | CCM E-Flex E6.9 |
| Comfort | 10/10 |
| Protection | 9/10 |
| Attack Angle | 10/10 |
| Break In Time | 8/10 |
| Longevity | 9/10 |
| Versatility (for Different Foot Types) | 9/10 |
| Breathability | 8/10 |
| Price | 7/10 |
| Final Skate Rating | 70/80 |
Bauer GSX
The Bauer GSX goalie skates are built for comfort and flexibility, perfect for newer goalies. They feature a supportive boot, memory foam padding, and the Vertexx Edge holder for quick movements and easy blade changes.
With the rate at which goalie gear manufacturers release new gear, it feels as if the Bauer GSX goalie skates are distant history.
If you just want the best of the best, go with the new Bauer PRO goalie skates.
With that said, if you’re patient, you could pick up the Bauer GSX skates at a discount as retailers try to move them. I’ve been wearing a pair of Bauer 2S skates since before they were released several years ago, and they still perform like they’re brand new. Seriously. Bauer does not miss when it comes to goalie skates.
These are a top pair of goalie skates that many pros have been wearing in practice leading up to the August NHL playoffs.
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Low-angle design allows for lower stances
- Some of the most comfortable goalie skates
- Carbon coated steel
- Durability
Disadvantages
- Expensive
The GSX skates are some of the best stock option goalie skates you are going to find on the market. If you can afford them, they’re worth it.
True Catalyst 9×4
The Bauer GSX goalie skates are designed for newer and recreational goalies seeking comfort and mobility. They feature a flexible boot with StanceFlex technology for easier movement, memory foam ankle padding for a snug fit, and the Vertexx Edge holder with LS1G+ steel for quick blade changes and solid push-offs .
I’m excited about this edition to the list. True makes one of the most popular goalie skates amongst NHL goalies, the True Custom skate, but they haven’t offered a really great option for younger goalies who aren’t looking to buy a fully custom skate.
Well, wait no longer. Meet the True 7×4 goalie skate. This is a highly versatile skate that’s going to be a step-down performance-wise from the custom models offered by True, but an awesome skate nonetheless.
Realistically, this skate should be in a different category from the first skates on our list. It should be in the “non-pro level” goalie skate category, as it’s not truly a pro-level skate like the skates we ranked higher than this one are.
Here’s how we rated the True 9×4 goalie skate.
| Rating Categories | True 9×4 |
| Comfort | 8/10 |
| Protection | 8/10 |
| Attack Angle | 10/10 |
| Break In Time | 8/10 |
| Longevity | 7/10 |
| Versatility (for Different Foot Types) | 8/10 |
| Breathability | 8/10 |
| Price | 9/10 |
| Final Skate Rating | 66/80 |
Related: Best Goalie Sticks
Bauer Elite
The Bauer Elite goalie skates are built for competitive goalies who want a lightweight, responsive boot without sacrificing comfort.The Curv composite boot with StanceFlex+ gives you flexibility up top and solid support down low for powerful pushes.Inside, Aerofoam ankle padding and a HydraMax liner keep your foot locked in and dry.The Vertexx Edge holder with LS3G+ steel offers a tall, aggressive attack angle and quick blade swaps.
The Bauer Elite goalie skate graded low on our goalie skate ratings, but make no mistake, this is an excellent skate for those looking to get a high end goalie skate at a bargain price.
I’m really excited about this addition to the top goalie skates guide, as this is the first time that I truly feel Bauer has made a highly competitive, lower end skate. This skate molds the Bauer 3S and features from the Bauer 2X line, coming together for what they’re calling the “Elite” skate. This skate is a step down from the Bauer PRO.
Here’s how the Bauer Elite goalie skates graded.
| Rating Categories | Bauer ELITE |
| Comfort | 8/10 |
| Protection | 7/10 |
| Attack Angle | 10/10 |
| Break In Time | 9/10 |
| Longevity | 5/10 |
| Versatility (for Different Foot Types) | 7/10 |
| Breathability | 5/10 |
| Price | 9/10 |
| Final Skate Rating | 60/80 |
Related: Best Goalie Masks
Honorable mention goalie skates
There are a ton of other high-performance skates on the market. Unfortunately, in terms of the true, highest performing goalie skates, we’re not willing to list every skate just because it exists. If you’re considering getting into a lower end goalie skate, take a look at some of the skates we’ve got broken down here below.
True Custom 1 Piece Pro
First on my list was an easy decision for me, the True – 1 Piece Custom goal skate. True excels in the skate department and in recent years we’ve seen many pro goalies switch over to them. This skate would be one of our top ranked goalie skates for this year, minus the fact that it’s a few years old, the True Custom 1 Piece skate is still popular at the NHL level.
True says that since the skate is designed as a one piece there is less energy loss from the push to the ice, if that’s true or not (I’m hilarious) the company has a convincing case going for itself.
The skate is one of the most comfortable skates on the market right now hands down. With that being said, it isn’t the lightest. The outer shell is made of carbon fiber and the toe wields what they call the “True ToeCap” that absorbs pucks off the toe without pain in the foot. This is a huge bonus.
The eyelets of the skate are put in such a way that goalies wearing them are at a lower angle to the ice which is better for grabbing an edge here or there quickly. Not only that but True also uses a 3D scan to create a skate that will fit each goalie individually, a huge advantage over other stock skates. These, like most skates on the market aren’t without a hefty price tag, but the performance and comfort surely won’t disappoint.
Biggest features of True Custom 1 Piece Pro
- They’re custom fit to your foot (yeah, that means custom)
- These are the single best goalie skate money can buy
- True ToeCap designed to absorb pucks off the toe
Biggest disadvantages
- They’re one of the more expensive goalie skates on the market
Bauer 3S
The Bauer 3S would be the knockoff goalie skate in the Bauer Ultrasonic line. The different between these and the Bauer Ultrasonic is actually quite minimal, with the Ultrasonic using some improved materials for protection and comfort. The Bauer 3S skate is still a high performing skate, it just comes without the price tag of the UltraSonic, always a nice bonus.
Bauer 2S Pro
The Bauer 2S Pro goalie skates can be had at a discount these days. When it was first released, the 2S Pro was far and away the top goalie skate on the market. It’s been long since forgotten about with the release of the UltraSonic and the Bauer Pro, but for a pro-level goalie skate, this one can currently be had at a very affordable price.
Graf Pro G
The days of Graf making the top skate on the market are long gone, it’s safe to say the small skate manufacturer has been steamrolled by innovation from larger manufactuers such as True, Bauer, and CCM.
Buy the Graf Pro G at Goalie Monkey.
Things to consider when buying new goalie skates
That will wrap up this post on the best goalie skates of 2022. If you weren’t able to find something that will fit your budget, remember that each skate on this list has different skate options in the same lineup which are priced lower.
For example, if you want the Bauer Ultrasonic skates but at a better price, get the Bauer Supreme 3S skates. They’re not the same quality as the 3S are lesser than the Ultrasonics, but still very good. With every new iteration and technology change in the goalies skate, comes lower-end skates that are still high quality.
Goalie Skates Are Much Different Than Player Skates
There are major differences in goalie skates vs player skates. Traditional hockey skates are built specifically with speed in mind. Less blade contact with the ice means less friction and more speed, whereas goalie skates feature a longer blade built for the maximum grip of the ice.
Other differences include
- Increased protection in goalie skates
- Better attack angle in goalie skates
- More ice grip with goalie skate blades
Where to Find Discounted Goalie Skates
When it comes to skates that will give you the maximum performance, buying the exact same skates worn by your favorite NHL goalie is a no-brainer. If you’re looking to save money on your new skate purchase, there are a couple of ways to do this.
- Check eBay for used skates, many goalies upgrade each year and sell their goalie skates at a discounted rate
- Use buy and sell Facebook groups for goalie equipment
- Ask your local association coaches if their goalies are selling their old equipment
- Check Pure Hockey and Goalie Monkey for skate sales
Buying on sale goalie equipment is one of the easiest ways to save money on your goalie gear purchase. Both Pure Goalie and Goalie Monkey hold clearance sales 365 days of the year.
