The ice has melted, and the rinks indoors and outdoors are ready to be bladed on! If you’re searching for a new set of inline hockey skates – you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed tons of models from the best in class to budget friendly picks to help you stay one stride ahead of the competition this summer. If you’re just looking for our top pick right out of the gate – the Bauer Vapor 2XR is our top pick. Packed with technology, lightweight, and not the most expensive skate – This is an amazing all arounder. If you want more details on all the roller hockey skates we’ve looked at, scroll down to get the full scoop!
If you also want to check out the newest on-ice skates available today, click here to check out our Best New Senior Hockey Skates page!
Best Overall Inline Hockey Skate
An update on the 2020 model with new Hi-Lo Rollers and Chassis, this is the sweet spot in terms of price and performance!
Bauer’s second from the top model gets a great update for 2021. Save a few hundred bucks compared to the 2XR Pro’s and still get unreal features like Labeda Addiction wheels, Accelflex System in the boot, and a full HI-LO holder / bearing package. You get the critical top of the line tech from the 2XR Pro for a more wallet friendly price!
Most Advanced Roller Hockey Skate
Mission doesn’t hold anything back when developing this inline skate and it is the choice for players that demands the ultimate in performance!
Mission came to the table with one thing in mind with the Inhaler WM01 – Create elite inline hockey skates. The Mission Inhaler WM01 roller hockey skate offers innovations not seen elsewhere on skates including its 3D curv composite quarter which offers amazing ankle support. The Grip Fit Pro liner makes this skate as comfortable as it is advanced. The boot features ventilation ducts and the tongue has Mission’s True Vented technology to keep your feet cool and dry throughout the game. When you need the best inline skate offered today, the Mission Inhaler WM01 is your bet – Oh, and they look sick to boot.
Tour makes Ice and roller hockey products, but has really differentiated themselves in inline hockey lately. The third generation Tour Code 1.One is their flagship inline skate. Featuring technology such as lightweight Varroc plastic construction, and a fully moldable boot, Tour will keep you feeling fresh and ready with a lightweight amazing fitting boot. Tour has also put in Vibram patches in high wear areas to ensure your hard earned dollars are pent wisely and hold up for a long time to come. With a fully moldable boot, and great reinforcement, the Tour Code 1.One is everything you need to dominate your inline league!
Wallet Friendly Roller Hockey Skate
Borrowing technologies from Tour’s Code 1 skate, but coming in at 1/3 the price of Bauer and Mission’s offerings, the Code 2 doesn’t make you spend top dollar.
Tour is a household name in the inline hockey skate world – providing insane value for the prices they charge. The Volt KV2 is no different and builds on the Tour Code 1’s of last year. Heat moldable, with comfortable pillow padding, they feature FUSE split frames with KV2 Cyclonium wheels. Sometimes you get the feeling Tour could charge twice what they are for these and still sell, but they don’t and thats why they are easily out budget pick! Pick up a set of Tour Volt KV2‘s today and save your wallet and improve your inline game!
Our Recommendations
The Top Of The Line Inline Skate
Bauer takes its top of the line Vapor 2X Pro ice skate and morphs it into the highest performing and ultimate roller hockey skate
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Performance and Value All In One
All the features of a $1000 dollar skate for much, much, less has Tour’s Code 1.One Roller Hockey Skates are on top of our rankings for this year
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Performance On A Budget
Coming in at 1/3 the price of Bauer and Mission’s offerings, the Code 2 allows you to get to the top of your game without spending top dollar
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Looking for some new inline hockey gear? Check out our guide on the top pants, girdles, and padded shirts!
Our Research and Findings
Roller Hockey Skates have come a long way from their humble beginnings, which shared more in common with casual roller blades than their true performance oriented ice hockey brethren. No longer, as companies such as Mission, Bauer, and Tour have bridged the gap and started putting out technologically advanced inline offerings such as those listed above to help you take your game to the next level.
With multiple leagues popping up all over the United States in particular, Roller / Inline Hockey is picking up steam and becoming more and more popular. It is just simply much more feasible to have concrete rinks to play on in cities and states where the temperature can get above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
In our article we will go over the top inline hockey skate offerings from Bauer, Mission, Tour, and CCM to help you pick the best roller hockey skates to help you dominate on the concrete!
Best Overall Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- ACCELFLEX System – Bauer’s advanced boot system designed to maximize stride power transfer
- Aero Foam Memory Foam – An advanced memory foam wraps around your ankle inside the boots quarter package for amazing comfot
- Recoil Tongue – A flexible tongue that helps create explosive strides by recoiling the force you put down to the ground!
- Labeda Addiction Wheels– Those who know, know! The Labeda Addiction wheels are top of the line and grip like crazy
Advantages:
Bauer has upped the ante and improved upon the already amazing Vapor 1XR and stormed onto the inline hockey scene with the 2XR. The boot features space age like carbon fiber technologies borrowed from its top selling Vapor 2X Inline Hockey Skate. The Labeda Addiction wheels are designed specifically to grip indoor playing surfaces with a 76A grip rating and an 83-86A hardness meaning you get all the grip without sacrificing durability! Bauer says this skate is ideal for those skating 3-4 times a week, but honestly you can play every day in these bad boys and they hold up amazing. The reviews don’t lie on the product page!
BOTTOM LINE:
The Bauer Vapor 2XR is the ultimate roller hockey skate. It features all of Bauer’s top technologies and has a wicked wheel and frame chassis down low to help you dominate your roller league. The price is mid range for inline hockey skates, so you can save a few bucks compared to the top of the line Mission or Bauer 2XR Pro’s and still get an unreal package.
2. Mission Inhaler WM01
Best Mission Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- Off White Curb Quarter – An advanced boot designed for optimal support, key for power transfer
- Grip Fit Pro Liner– With a hard, lightweight plastic on the outside, the interior of the boot needs advanced materials to help your foot feel comfortable and supported
- True Vented Tongue– Increases air-flow to your foot to keep it dry and feeling cool throughout the game
- Labeda Addiction Wheels– Top of the line wheels helping you achieve the ultimate in control and turning so you have superior agility compared to your opponents
Advantages:
The Mission Inhaler WM01 RH is an elite level roller skate with ultimate performance in mind. Mission has packed so many technologies into this boot and frame it is hard to cover them all. 3D Lasted Curv Quarter package borrowed from top of the line ice skates, HI-LO Kryptonium chassis, and liner technologies inside are a few of the highlights. The thick and sturdy 10mm 52oz toungue features 5 piece construction and is perforated to keep your foot cool all game long, no matter the temperatures! If you need elite inline hockey skates, look no further than the WM01’s.
BOTTOM LINE:
The WM01 has everything you could want from an roller hockey skate. Boot and frame technologies, cooling air ducts, soft and supple materials inside the boot, and top of the line Labeda wheels mean these skates will give you the greatest odds to dominate in the arena
Best Value Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- Bionic Quarter Package – High quality carbon composite helping harness power for explosive strides
- Sensor Fit Pro Liner – An upgrade over last years vibram liner, these keep your feet nice and comfy!
- Pillow Padding – Reinforcing the high wear areas, Tour ensures these skates will last for the long run
- Fuse Split Frame – Tour has brought their frame in house with the Fuse Split Frame
Advantages:
Tour’s flagship model is loaded with all of their top of the line technologies and features, making this a contender for both our favorite inline skate as well as greatest value inline hockey skate. High quality plastics throughout help make this a tough and sturdy skate, and the heat moldable boot gives you that extra custom feeling. Tour has also included vertical air ventilation ports on the side to help keep your foot dry and cool throughout the game. Tour’s top of the line inline hockey skate also utilizes their own new Cyclonium Wheels.
BOTTOM LINE:
An amazing overall inline skate, Tour has carved out a niche in the roller universe. Players everywhere love their roller hockey skates, and they also come in at a great price as opposed to some of Bauer and Mission’s top of the line offerings. It’s a top of the line skate that can go head to head with any others, and also offers unbeatable value. Honestly, at the price they offer the Volt KV2 at it almost feels like stealing!
Best Bauer Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- DynaFlex System Boot – Using an Asymmetrical toe cap to reduce volume of the skate – you get a sleek low profile boot!
- LOCK-FIT PRO Liner– This liner technology keeps your foot locked down all game, and keeps it dry and cool by dissipating heat
- Recoil PRO Tongue – This new tongue helps lock your foot down in conjunction with the Lock Fit liner for unbeatable fit
- Aero Foam Padding – Also borrowed from top of the line skates, the Aero Foam Padding makes this one of the most comfortable sets of roller hockey skates around
Advantages:
The 2XR Pro is built to go head to head with the Mission WM01 at the top of the range for inline skates. If you are an ice hockey player that wants to rely on technologies proven on the ice rink, this skate is for you. You are basically getting a top of the line Vapor 2X Pro boot and strapping it on wheels. The Vapor line is focused on agility and balance so you will cut up the rink like no other in these skates. However, if you have a wide volume foot – these skates might not be for you!
BOTTOM LINE:
If we were ranking skates simply on the top performing and not taking price into account, you would be seeing the 2XR Pro at the top of the list. The technologies on this skate are taken right from the most commonly used skate in the NHL, so if you demand the best for your inline game, these will definitely compete with the WM01 for your hard earned money
Are you a casual hockey player looking for some affordable comfortable hockey skates? Click on the link to check our article out!
Best Inline Hockey Skate for the Money
Specifications and Features:
- Vorrac Quarter Package – High quality carbon composite helping harness power for explosive strides
- Kinetic Tendon Guard – A tendon guard designed to harness your stride energy and snap back into place after your stride is finished
- VIbram Patches– Reinforcing the high wear areas, Tour ensures these skates will last for the long run
Advantages:
The Tour Code GX is one of our top inline skates as it checks all the boxes. It is relatively affordable, and features a decent suite of technologies, such as the Vorrac Quarter Package, Kinetic Tendon Guard, and Vibram Patches for better wear.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Tour Code GX are a great entry level pair of inline skates for someone looking to skate a few times a week. Comfy, not too heavy, and priced well, these are a great introductory pair of skates!
Are you looking for some new figure skates for yourself or your child? Check our review article out to see some awesome choices!
6. Bauer Vapor X2.7R - Best Value Bauer Skate
Best Budget Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- 3D Curv Composite Boot – A technology taken right from the top of the line Vapor 1X Ice Skates, this boot hasfull carbon composite construction offering the ultimate protection
- LOCK-FIT PRO Liner– This liner technology keeps your foot locked down all game, and keeps it dry and cool by dissipating heat
- FLEX-LOCK Pro Tongue – This new tongue helps lock your foot down in conjunction with the Lock Fit liner for unbeatable fit
Advantages:
The Vapor XR800 is an excellent roller hockey skate that borrows many features and technologies from the Vapor 1XR. The 3D Curv Composite boot keeps your feet protected from slashes or blocking shots, and the combination of the Lock Fit liner and the Flex Lock pro tongue mean your foot is going to be locked in for a comfortable but responsive skate.
BOTTOM LINE:
For those looking to get technologies tried and tested on the ice rink, but not quite ready to dish out for the top inline hockey skate currently produced, the XR800 is a great choice. Features to protect your foot and lock it in place means you will be performing great all while enjoying great protection at the same time
Best Value Mission Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- Tru-Form PU Quarter Package– An advanced boot designed for optimal support, key for power transfer
- Grip Fit Liner– With a hard, lightweight plastic on the outside, the interior of the boot needs advanced materials to help your foot feel comfortable and supported
- Form Fitting 3 Piece Tongue– This tongue is designed to conform right to your foot to give you that out of the box custom feel
- Labeda Union Wheels– Smaller 76mm wheels up front paired with 80mm wheels in the back help you with maneuverability in tight situations
Advantages:
Slotting in two models below the top of the line FZ-0 skates, the Mission FZ-3 uses a lot of the same technologies, but lacks some of the light weight or breathability of its bigger brother the FZ-0.
BOTTOM LINE:
If you want a great fitting roller hockey skates that borrows some technologies from premier skates, but are willing to sacrifice a bit in the ventilation and weight departments, the WM02 is a great budget option for anyone looking to take their game to the next level
Best Outdoor Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- Injected Comp Weave Quarter Package – Offers moderate stiffness but enough flexibility for a comfortable fit. A great mix of performance and comfort
- Molded EVA footbed and Microfiber Liner – Both technologies make this a comfortable skate that won’t leave you with blisters after a long game
- HI-LO Ventilator Steel Chassis and HI-LO wheels – Providing a unique skating angle and wheels that help with balance and stride efficiency
Advantages:
Bauer built this skate with the casual inline player in mind and it works great for that purpose. A solid boot for flexibility and stride efficiency, an EVA molded footbed andmicrofiber liner provide suppoert and comfort, and HI-LO chassis and wheels for a great feeling skate. For the price the Bauer RSX is a great roller hockey skate for the casual or new player
BOTTOM LINE:
For a casual roller hockey player looking for a comfortable well balanced skate, the Bauer RSX is a fantastic choice The price point allows players to save some money as well.
Best Cheap Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- Injected Comp Weave Quarter Package – Offers moderate stiffness but enough flexibility for a comfortable fit. A great mix of performance and comfort
- Standard footbed and Microfiber Liner – Both technologies make this a comfortable skate that won’t leave you with blisters after a long game
- HI-LO Ventilator Steel Chassis and HI-LO street wheels – Providing a unique skating angle and wheels that help with balance and stride efficiency
Advantages:
Designed for new players or those who want to take their skates on roads or paths. This skate has many of the same features as the Bauer RSX, with the big difference being the standard vs moldable footbed, and the HI-LO street wheels that are not quite as responsive as the RSX’s, but can handle road and path skating better
BOTTOM LINE:
Another solid entry into the beginner roller hockey player segment, the Bauer RS is a fantastic, budget friendly choice for aspiring inline players
Best Junior Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- Bionik Series 4 – Tour’s midline boot construction for lightweight performance and stiffness
- Pillow Padding – The same padding found on the top of the line KV2’s for comfort
- Fuse Split Frame – Tour’s in house built wheel frame
- Kemistry Magnium Soft Wheels – Soft and grippy wheels that have a great lifespan
Advantages:
For this year Tour has brought alot of it’s part usage in house, including the Fuse Split Frame and the Kemistry Magnium Wheels. This boot is focused on comfort while still maintaining a high level of performance. If your kid wants a great looking pair of wheels for a good price, the Volt KV4’s are a fantastic choice!
BOTTOM LINE:
If your child is looking at getting into the inline / roller world, or is just looking to get a new set of roller hockey skates – The Tour Volt KV4 is a fantastic choice. Coming in at a budget friendly price while still sharing many features with its big brother the KV2’s, these skates look great, and perform even better!
Best Kids Inline Hockey Skate
Specifications and Features:
- Removable Brake Arm – For learning to skate the little brake on the back will help your little guy or gal stop
- Outdoor Wheels – Made so you can take these anywhere!
- Adjustable Toe Cap – To make sure your childs quickly growing feet don’t outgrow the skates!
Advantages:
If you have a little boy or girl looking to learn to roller skate – these are a great budget friendly option. With wheels that work indoor / outdoor, and an adjustable toe cap so that they don’t outgrow them, this is a great option to find out if your child is interested in pursuing the sport!
BOTTOM LINE:
Kids will grow out of skates, it’s inevitable! But the Mission Lil Rippers help keep your kid in one set for a bit longer, thanks to the adjustable toe cap. These aer a perfect set of skates for a child just getting into roller skating.
Best Inline Hockey Skate Brands
Bauer Inline Hockey
Bauer is a big time player in the inline skate world. Flexing their research and development budget shared with their ice hockey skate line, Bauer is able to bring the latest and most advanced technology to their skates. They are typically the most advanced and at the same time the most expensive.
Mission Roller Hockey
Bauer purchased the Mission-Itech brand in 2008, and has incorporated these two lines into their overall product lineup since. Itech was a leader in the visor / cage area, and Mission had technologies in sticks, skates, and inline hockey. Bauer has since transitioned Mission to purely roller hockey. Mission now makes advanced skates with more aggressive and unique graphics than the traditional Bauers. Their technology is quite similar so you are still getting a top of the line package just in a different skin!
Tour Hockey
Tour is a Roller Hockey first brand that specializes in making budget friendly yet high performing inline hockey skates. They don’t have the technology of a hundred million dollar company like Bauer, but make up for it by putting the good tech they have into skates and offering them for a super competitive price. They also make inline hockey pants, protective shirts, and wheels.
CCM Inline Hockey
CCM also offers inline skates, but isn’t as prominent in the roller hockey world. If you are a CCM diehard however, I wouldn’t steer you away from them!
Roller Hockey Skate Fitment Guide
Below you will find some basic information on the parts of a hockey skate and how to fit them properly. We will be writing a more in depth article on how to fit skates at a later date so keep a look out for it! Until then the guide below can point you in the right direction to get a great fit!
Parts of the Inline Hockey Skate
Boot
This part of the skate that you put your foot into and is comprised of an Achilles guard, heel cup, quarter panel (the sides), and a toe cap. Some companies manufacture these pieces separately and then assemble them into the final product. Other newer and more advanced skates have several or all of these pieces manufactured as one striving for a more ‘one piece’ construction which creates a stronger skate with better energy transfer.
Frame
This is the part of the skate that is screwed into the boot at the top and holds the wheels at the bottom. Although this part of the skate doesn’t get the same attention as new lightweight boots or fancy wheels, it is an integral part of the skate.
Bearings
A super important part of the skate, the bearings determine how easily your wheels rotate. Higher end bearings will have less friction and will spin more easily, ensuring you don’t waste energy.
Wheels
This part is pretty obvious, however, there are many types of wheels. From soft wheels designed for ultimate traction and maneuverability indoors, to outdoor wheels which are harder and will not wear as easy. Higher end skates generally come with softer and higher end wheels standard
SKATE LENGTH
The first question everyone asks is ‘How does my shoe size correlate to skate size?’. A hockey skate is usually 1.5 (US) sizes smaller than your shoe size for an adult, and closer to 1 full size down for a child. An adult wearing a 10 US size shoe would start off trying on a size 8.5 skate.
SKATE WIDTH
Hockey skate widths are measured in letters and can belong to one of two width nomenclature systems. The sizing is ranked from narrowest to widest. The classic ranking system is C, D, E, EE, and an alternative system is N, R, and W meaning narrow, regular, and wide. The majority of players will fit into D or R width skates.
Heat Molding Skates
Heat molding skates became standard in the early 2000’s. Before heat molding, hockey players had to find a skate that fit reasonably well out of the box, and then literally through blood, sweat, and tears, break the skates in over a period of 10-20 skates. Thankfully time has changed and on most upper end skates you can bake them and get a great fit right out of the box!
Conclusion
We have gone over many of the best inline skates in the game, as well as some budget options At the end of the day if you are looking for a high performance skate, that amazingly does not come in at the most expensive in our list, we think you should go for the Bauer Vapor 2XR. If anyone has an opinion or question on any of the roller hockey skates I have talked about, we’d love to hear from you.
