Our Best Youth Ice Hockey Skates guide featuring top picks for all levels, from pond play to elite league, recommended by Vermont coaches and parents.
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Unveiled: The Ultimate Youth Hockey Skates of 2025
In Vermont, youth ice skating isn’t just a winter activity—it’s a cherished tradition. From the frozen ponds that dot the landscape to the bustling rinks hosting youth league games, kids here grow up with skates on their feet and hockey in their hearts. Nowhere is this more true than in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, where winter brings families together on local lakes for pickup pond hockey and communities gather in rinks to cheer on the next generation of players. Whether your child is taking their first strides or already chasing pucks with dreams of going pro, having the right pair of skates can make all the difference in how they learn, perform, and enjoy the game.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best youth ice hockey skates, featuring top picks recommended by coaches and parents right here in the Northeast Kingdom. For beginners or kids skating for fun on the pond, the CCM Next Ice Hockey Skates offer comfort and support at a budget-friendly price, making them an ideal first skate. For kids starting to play competitively, the CCM Tacks XF80, CCM Jetspeed FT680, and True Hzrdus 5X provide higher levels of performance, helping them develop strong strides and stay comfortable through practices and games. These skates offer better support, more durable materials, and added protection to keep young players confident and safe on the ice.
For the rising stars who are skating hard and playing at a higher level, the CCM Tacks XF Pro is an elite model that delivers top-tier performance, comfort, and protection—just like the pros use. These skates are built to handle the demands of competitive youth hockey, with advanced materials and features that give young players the edge they need to excel. Whether your child is just learning to skate or already lighting up the scoreboard, this guide will help you find the perfect pair of skates to match their skill level, goals, and love of the game.
CCM Next
Price: $59.99
The CCM Next Skates are a great pick for beginners or casual skaters who want to enjoy the ice in comfort and style. These skates feature a supportive one-piece boot that helps new skaters build proper stride while staying comfortable. Plush collar pads and thick ankle foam prevent irritation and discomfort, making it easier to stay on the ice longer. Right out of the box, the pre-sharpened blades mean you’re ready to skate without needing a trip to the sharpener. Plus, the padded tongue helps protect the top of your foot from lace bite and minor bumps. With a sleek design and durable construction, the CCM Next Skates are perfect for anyone just getting into hockey or enjoying pond skating with friends.
| Specifications | |
| Level of Play | Performance |
| Width | Regular |
| Sizes | Y6 – Y13 |
CCM Tacks XF80
Price: $129.99
The CCM Tacks XF 80 Youth Skates are a great choice for young players who are ready for competitive hockey and want both performance and style. These skates offer a stiffer, more supportive boot compared to recreational models, helping kids develop strong skating strides and more power on the ice. They come with fun color decals in red, blue, green, and pink, along with numbers to personalize the skates and show off their unique flair. Getting these skates on and off is easy thanks to the SlickTec Heel, which lets the boot slide on smoothly without losing a secure fit. With ADPT memory foam around the ankles and a soft microfiber liner, these skates deliver comfort right from the first wear, keeping young feet happy through every shift. Perfect for youth players who want to skate hard and look good doing it!
| Specifications | |
| Level of Play | Performance |
| Width | Regular |
| Sizes | Y8.0 – Y13.5 |
CCM Jetspeed FT680
Price: $129.99
The CCM Jetspeed FT680 Junior Ice Hockey Skates are celebrated for their focus on enhancing the skills of young, competitive players through advanced performance and comfort. The skates feature a reinforced 3D-lasted synthetic composite construction, ensuring foot stability and a comfortable fit, essential for quick on-ice maneuvers. Moisture management is handled expertly by the TotalDri liner, which keeps feet dry and prevents wear and tear. The SpeedBlade 4.0 holder, coupled with a stainless steel runner, is praised for improving balance and speed, which is critical for up-and-coming athletes. Additionally, the ability to personalize the skates with color decals and numbers is a fun bonus that allows young players to showcase their style while competing.
| Specifications | |
| Level of Play | Performance |
| Width | Regular |
| Sizes | Y8.0 – Y13.5 |
True Hzrdus 5X
Price: $199.99
The True HZRDUS 5X Junior Ice Hockey Skate is celebrated for delivering a top-tier, one-piece performance that sets a new benchmark in its price category. Its True Shell Technology is frequently praised for enabling enhanced speed, quick reactions, and lasting comfort throughout games and practices. Reviewers appreciate the low-profile Carv toe cap, which reduces redundant volume, thereby increasing the player’s connection with the ice for superior control. The black felt tongue is noted not just for its sleek look but also for providing excellent impact protection and preventing lace bite. These skates are favored among junior players for offering a potent combination of elite performance, comfort, and sleek design.
| Specifications | |
| Level of Play | Performance |
| Width | Regular, Wide |
| Sizes | 1.5 – 3.5 |
CCM Tacks XF Pro
Price: $229.99
The CCM Tacks XF Pro Youth Skates are built for young players who want elite-level performance, comfort, and protection on the ice. These skates feature a reinforced synthetic boot that offers excellent support and stiffness, helping kids skate with more power and agility. Inside, ADPT Memory Foam—the same found in CCM’s top adult skates—gives a snug, custom-like fit that’s lightweight and super comfortable. The dual-layer felt and foam tongue provides pro-level protection from pucks and sticks while still allowing full range of motion, so young players can move freely and stay safe. Perfect for competitive youth players, the XF Pro Youth Skates are designed to perform at a high level and hold up over time.
| Specifications | |
| Level of Play | Elite |
| Width | Regular |
| Sizes | Y11 – Y13.5 |