For hockey players, skates are everything. They aren’t just equipment — they’re extensions of the body. The right pair can make the difference between a good game and a great one. That’s why so many professionals are picky about their ice hockey skates. They test, tweak, and sometimes even customize their gear until it feels just right. In this blog, we asked a group of pro players about their favorite skates and why they choose them. Their answers may surprise you — or help you decide your next pair.
Why Pro Players Are So Particular
Performance Starts with Fit
Professional hockey is fast. Every second counts. Every movement matters. That’s why pro players demand skates that fit perfectly. A skate that feels too tight or too loose can mess with balance and power. Most players try multiple models before they find their match.
Many pros stick with one brand throughout their career. Others change as their skating style evolves. But one thing remains constant — they all want ice hockey skates that give them speed, control, and confidence.
Skates That Suit Their Style
Some players are all about quick turns. Others focus on long, powerful strides. Some need ankle flexibility. Others prefer a stiff boot for maximum support. That’s why there’s no single “best” skate. The right one depends on how you play, how your feet are shaped, and what you need on the ice.
Bauer Vapor: The Choice for Quick Cuts
Connor McDavid – Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2
Connor McDavid is known for speed. His explosive edge work leaves defenders spinning. He chooses the Bauer Vapor line — specifically the HyperLite 2 in 2025. The Vapor is built for agility, with a low-profile fit and lightweight design.
McDavid praises the HyperLite 2 for its responsiveness. “Every movement I make, the skate reacts,” he said. The asymmetrical toe cap and AeroLite tongue help reduce weight while keeping his feet locked in.
Why It Works
The Vapor line fits narrower feet and supports sharp movements. It’s ideal for players who play fast, cut quickly, and need maximum mobility. The HyperLite 2 also comes with Bauer’s PowerFly holder, which boosts energy transfer for better acceleration.
If you’re a forward who relies on speed and edge work, Vapor might be your best match.
CCM JetSpeed: Balanced and Smooth
Auston Matthews – CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro
Auston Matthews brings a mix of skill and strength. His go-to skates are the CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro. JetSpeed skates offer a tapered fit — snug in the heel but roomier in the forefoot. That means control without pressure points.
Matthews highlights the one-piece boot design as a game-changer. “It wraps around my foot like a glove,” he says. “It gives me great energy return without sacrificing comfort.”
Why It Works
The JetSpeed is all about balance. It’s light but durable. Flexible yet supportive. The FT6 Pro includes the Game Ready Fit system, which reduces break-in time. The XS blade holder makes blade swaps fast and easy.
This line suits players who want a smooth glide and consistent feel across every shift.
True SVH Custom: Built for the Player
Mitch Marner – True SVH Custom Skates
Mitch Marner is agile and crafty. He plays with creativity and quick decision-making. His skate of choice? True SVH Custom. True skates are different — they’re made to fit your exact foot shape, using 3D foot scanning technology.
Marner likes that his skates feel custom from day one. “I didn’t have to break them in,” he explains. “They just felt like they were part of my body.” The one-piece carbon fiber shell gives a stiff outer boot with a soft, molded interior.
Why It Works
True’s SVH Custom skates reduce pressure points and eliminate foot movement inside the boot. That means more comfort, better control, and less fatigue.
True is perfect for players with unique foot shapes or past issues with fit. If nothing else has worked, custom might be the solution.
Bauer Supreme: Power and Stability
Victor Hedman – Bauer Supreme Mach
Victor Hedman plays a powerful game. As a defenseman, he needs stability, stride length, and durability. He wears the Bauer Supreme Mach skates — known for their explosive energy transfer and maximum support.
Hedman says the skates help him drive forward with force. “Every stride gives me more push,” he says. The Mach’s PowerCut boot and 3D-lasted carbon fiber quarter provide a snug, structured fit.
Why It Works
The Supreme line is built for straight-line power. The stiffer boot supports bigger players and long shifts. The sole is designed to lock your foot in place, reducing energy loss.
Supreme works well for defensemen or players who like a solid, responsive boot that supports strong movement.
CCM Ribcor: Flexibility and Feel
Sidney Crosby – CCM Ribcor 100K Pro
Sidney Crosby needs feel and flexibility. That’s why he skates in the CCM Ribcor 100K Pro. The Ribcor is CCM’s most flexible skate line. It’s designed for mobility and edge control.
Crosby likes the soft inner padding and adaptable boot structure. “It gives me more control in tight spaces,” he says. The FlexFrame boot and Step Steel blades give him a strong grip without locking his ankles.
Why It Works
Ribcor suits players who like to feel the ice under their feet. The flexible boot gives you better edge control and quicker foot movement.
If you’re a center or playmaker who relies on turns, pivots, and short bursts, Ribcor could be a great fit.
What We Can Learn from the Pros
Try Different Fits
These pros all play at the highest level. Yet they all choose different ice hockey skates. Why? Because fit and feel matter more than brand loyalty. The takeaway: Try several models and see what feels best for you.
Go to a pro shop and get fitted. Learn your foot type. Consider your playing style. Don’t just buy what your favorite player wears — buy what works for you.
Customize When Needed
Some pros customize their skates with insoles, blade profiles, or tongue swaps. Others go full custom, like with True or CCM Total Custom. You can do the same. Even small tweaks can make a big difference in comfort and performance.
Listen to your feet. If something doesn’t feel right, make adjustments. Great skates don’t just fit well — they make you want to stay on the ice longer.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Skate Is Out There
Professional players know what they want from their ice hockey skates. Whether it’s speed, power, flexibility, or comfort, their choices reflect their game. You don’t need to be in the NHL to benefit from their insights. Learn from their preferences. Use them to guide your own decision.
Your ideal skate might be Vapor, JetSpeed, Ribcor, Supreme, or True. Try them. Test them. And once you find the right pair, your game will feel sharper, quicker, and more confident.