Used Hockey Skates – A Complete Guide 2025

Updated: January 4, 2025 Written by Bill Burniece

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Buying used hockey skates can save you hundreds of dollars.

And you would be surprised the quality of skates that you can find out there.

I have seen time and time again a pair of hockey skates that was used only one season, and sometimes even used only one time, then put up for sale. 

Hockey is not cheap.

The cost of the equipment alone is enough to strain any budget.

Especially when you have to factor in the cost of playing in an organized league, tournament, or drop-in session.

Hockey skates cost more than any other piece of equipment in hockey.

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of ice hockey, the importance of a quality pair of skates is pretty damn important.

After all, skating is the most important skill in hockey. The better you can skate, the better you can play.

However, with rising prices for new gear including skates, the market for used hockey skates has recently surged.

Pre-owned skates offer a sustainable and economical alternative without necessarily compromising quality and performance.

In this article, I’ll analyze everything you need to know about used hockey skates.

I’ll explore the market, benefits, considerations, and where to find the best used hockey skates.

The Growing Used Hockey Skate Market

Demand for used hockey skates has spiked in recent years due to the rising costs of new skates and complicated by inflation.

Today. the used hockey skate market offers a range of options, from beginner skates to actual NHL-grade equipment.

You can find used hockey equipment from all of the best brands including CCM, Bauer, Nike-Bauer, Warrior, Sher-Wood, Easton, Vaughn and more.

The growth of used sports equipment stores like Play It Again Sports and websites like Sidelineswap have changed the game as far as options go.

Used Hockey Skates For Kids

Kids outgrow hockey skates and other gear in as little as one season.

If you boy or girl plays youth hockey, I don’t have to tell you how expensive this can get.

For that reason, I believe that used hockey skates makes the most sense for kids.

Since kids go through hockey skates so fast, the market is flooded with some really nice barely-used skates making them a great value.

Balancing Cost, Quality, And Experience

I play old-man beer league hockey and many of the players are beginners.

As such, some don’t want to shell out a thousand dollars or more for hockey skates when their skating skills aren’t that great to begin with.

Other experienced old-timers, myself included, are willing to pay a premium for new skates because we are looking for that extra benefit the latest and greatest skates offer.

Assessing the Fit and Condition

When buying used hockey skates, finding a pair that fit right and are in good condition is critical.

As a buyer you should look for signs of excessive wear, especially in the boot structure, blade attachment, and lacing eyelets. These are the areas of the skate that fail first.

As far as fit goes, a well-fitted skate not only ensures optimal performance but helps you prevent injuries.

Some used skates have been molded to the original owner’s feet, which might cause fitting issues for you when you put them on.

However, some used skates can be ‘re-baked’ to adapt to your unique foot structure, providing a customized fit.

11 Tips For Buying Used Hockey Skates

  1. Size Is Critical: It doesn’t matter how much money you save buying used hockey skates if they don’t feel comfortable while you’re skating. The key is to make sure the skates fit snugly but comfortably, without being too tight. Since they are already broken in, they likely won’t expand much. Your toes should just barely touch the front of the skate when standing up. If you choose skates with too much room they will likely cause blisters and affect your performance.
  2. Ask About The Skates’ History: It’s not like buying a car, but you’ll want to know if the skates spent the winter at the bottom of a lake in Kenora. That info may not be disclosed, but find out how often they were used and for what level of play. Skates used in competitive-level hockey will probably have more wear and tear than ones used in occasional skate n’ shoot sessions. .
  3. Carefully Inspect The Boot: Examine the skate boots for cracks, bumps, creases, and soft spots, which can indicate excessive wear. The boot should feel sturdy and supportive on your feet, with no anomalies.
  4. Check Out The Lining: Check the inside lining of the boots for wear and tear, such as holes or fraying. Even if the lining is a little worn, it should still provide enough cushioning and comfort to meet your standards.
  5. Test The Boot Eyelets: Skate lace eyelets eventually wear out and sometimes even break. Make sure the eyelets are intact and not bent, loose, enlarged, or missing altogether. Damaged eyelets can make it impossible for you to lace up your skates comfortably and securely.
  6. Examine the Blade Holder Or Tuuk: Inspect the blade holder (we always called it the Tuuk, but whatever. It’s the composite part that holds the blade to the boot) for cracks, missing rivets, or signs of damage. Replacing this part can be costly or even impossible if the skate is really old. This happened to me once after the sale. Sucked for me.
  7. Inspect The Skate Blades: Ensure the steel blades are straight and not excessively worn down close to the Tuuk. Look for rust, cracks, or pitting, which may compromise performance. Skate sharpening can fix dull edges, but damaged blades may need to be replaced. And again, availability can be a problem.
  8. Check The Blade Mounting Job: Jiggle the blades to make sure they are securely attached to the Tuuk and not loose. Misaligned or loose blades can seriously screw up your day.
  9. Try Them On and Walk Around: Try them on with the kind of socks you normally wear underneath and walk around to ensure they’re comfortable. Flex your ankles slightly to the side to test the ankle support and overall feel before you decide to buy them.
  10. Inspect The Tongue: The tongue of the skate may not seem important but it is. The tongue keeps the top of your foot secure and relatively protected. Check the tongue for wear, especially in the areas where the laces contact it. A beat-up tongue can cause discomfort and reduce your foot and ankle support.
  11. How Bad Do They Stink?: Look, used hockey equipment usually smells like @ss.Obviously, skates are no exception. But a particularly brutal odor can indicate bacterial buildup in the boot. Not good. Consider cleaning or sanitizing them before installing your own odor.

Where to Find Used Hockey Skates

Several platforms specialize in selling used hockey equipment.

Websites like SidelineSwap, Play It Again Sports, and eBay offer plenty of options.

My recommendation is the shop for used hockey skates on SidelineSwap because they have the largest selection and lowest prices.

Local sports stores, community boards like Craigslist, and social media groups are also excellent resources.

Before purchasing, it is advisable to conduct thorough research, compare prices, and read reviews if they exist.

Where Can I Find Used Hockey Skates Near Me?

Here are some great resources for finding used hockey skates near you:

  • Craiglist
  • Local Used Equipment Store
  • Social Media
  • Garage & Estate Sales 

Let’s Wrap It Up

The market for used hockey skates is thriving, presenting a great option for players seeking quality gear without breaking the bank.

By thoroughly assessing the condition and ensuring a proper fit buyers can unlock the full potential of used hockey skates.

With a variety of platforms offering a wide range of choices, the world of used hockey skates is an untapped treasure trove for both novice and experienced players alike.

Summary

As you may have guessed, this website is all about beer league hockey.

If you are looking for a local league: find beer hockey league near you.

Thanks for reading.

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