Are you looking for intermediate skates?
Maybe you’re playing 12U, 14U, or 16U hockey? (Or Pee Wee, Bantam, or Midget in Canada).
Or, maybe you’re an adult hockey player with smaller feet who needs the right fit for your skates.
And.. you’re needing skates between sizes 4-6.5.
If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll show you the 3 best intermediate hockey skates in 2023. (Plus we’ve got sizing guidelines to help you determine which fit to get).
Let’s begin.
Best Overall: Bauer Vapor Hyperlite – Intermediate
When it comes to picking intermediate hockey skates, the major factor comes down to how far you want to go with performance.
If you’re looking for the best overall skate (and you’re not too worried about the price), then our top pick is the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite skates.
These are incredible top-tier hockey skates that are sure to make an impact on the ice.
Pros
- Nice, stiff boot offers impressive ankle support
- Very comfortable (with a Lock Fit Pro liner)
- Super Lightweight
- Easy to get the perfect fit with Bauer’s 3 Tier Fitting
- 3 choices for steel
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
- Some skaters have concerns about durability
| Skate Features | Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Ratings |
| Comfort | 10/10 |
| Stiffness | 9.5/10 |
| Weight | 10/10 |
| Sizing Versatility | 10/10 |
| Time to Break-In | 9/10 |
| Durability | 9/10 |
| Performance | 9.5/10 |
| Aesthetics | 9.5/10 |
| Runners (Blades) | 10/10 |
| Price | 6.5/10 |
| Overall | 93/100 |
The most important piece of equipment you can get in hockey is your skates.
We ranked the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite skates at 93/100.
Not only do the Hyperlites offer an impressive choice for intermediate skaters—but it’s our top rated skate overall for 2023.
The skate is made from a single piece poot, making it better fitting (and stiffer) to secure the foot well. This also allows easy energy transfer when moving on the ice so you can take off much quicker.
And, even though the skate is stiffer, it’s very comfortable. It has an Aerolite foam tongue, Lock Fit Pro liner, and even includes extra padding inside the boot.
Plus, if you have any trouble with weaker ankles, it can be hard to find a boot that fits right and gives you the proper support. Despite being super lightweight, the Hyperlites offer great support for ankles, strengthening them on the ice.
If you have had any trouble with finding the right skate size before, that won’t be an issue with these skates.
They come in a variety of sizes and widths—Sizes 4-6.5 in half sizes for intermediate skaters. Plus, you can get the perfect fit for the shape of your fit with choices between Fit 1, Fit 2, and Fit 3.
The one potential downside is some people have mentioned durability issues. But, the only real reason anyone should pick a different pair of skates is the price.
But, despite costing up to $1,000 for intermediate skaters, the value from the Hyperlites is just incredible.
Not only are these the top-of-the-line skates on the market. But, they’re also the best overall hockey skates for intermediate skaters—providing a high performance boot that’s both lightweight and comfortable for any player.
Runner Up: CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pro – Intermediate
Our runner up for best intermediate hockey skates are the CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pros.
These skates nearly took first place in this category, as they received a rating of 88.5 out of 100 overall.
They would have received a higher rating, but they just don’t have as many sizing options (width-wise) as the Bauer Vapor Hyperlites do.
Pros
- Very responsive to heat molding
- Great, stiff boot
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- One piece boot for maximum energy transfer
- Keeps your feet dry (TotalDri Pro+ moisture wicking)
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
- Doesn’t have as many sizing options (for foot width)
| Skate Features | CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pro Ratings |
| Comfort | 10/10 |
| Stiffness | 9/10 |
| Weight | 10/10 |
| Sizing Versatility | 7.510 |
| Time to Break-In | 9/10 |
| Durability | 9.5/10 |
| Performance | 9/10 |
| Aesthetics | 9/10 |
| Runners (Blades) | 9/10 |
| Price | 6.5/10 |
| Overall | 88.5/100 |
If you’re an intermediate skater (with skate size 4-6.5), then the CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pros are some of the best skates available to you in 2023.
Not only are these some of the highest performing skates on the market—but they make an excellent choice for intermediate skaters.
Thes Super Tacks AS3 Pros are premium one-piece skates. They have a top-tier One-Piece monoframe that allows for maximum energy transfer on the ice. This provides you with much more agility, power, and mobility.
While these are considered top-tier pro skates, the energy transfer makes these skates great for newer or intermediate players who are still building up their leg muscles for stopping and starting.
These hockey skates offer a great advantage when it comes to game time—particularly when it comes to frequently changing directions.
The AS3 Pros include CCM’s brand new foot bed technology—the Ortholite Ultralight footbed. This footbed makes the skates feel super comfortable on your feet.
Plus, they also offer moisture wicking technology that keeps your feet nice and dry when you’re on the ice.
While they don’t have the same amount of sizing (in terms of foot width), the AS3 Pros are very comfortable.
They also include the option for an interchangeable tongue, giving you an even better fit (not included in standard price).
If you’re wanting a performance hockey skate, and you’re okay with spending more on top-tier skates, then the CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pros are an impressive choice.
Best Budget: CCM Jetspeed FT475 – Intermediate
The CCM Jetspeed FT475s are our favorite budget pick for intermediate skates.
If you’re a skate size 4-6.5, and you want some performance skates… But, you aren’t willing to fork out $500-$1000 on skates, then these might be your best option.
Pros
- Incredible intermediate skate despite being entry-mid level
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Good for higher arches
- Quick release XS Runners
Cons
- Some skaters have shown concerns about durability
| Skate Features | CCM Jetspeed FT475 Ratings |
| Comfort | 8/10 |
| Stiffness | 8/10 |
| Weight | 8.5/10 |
| Sizing Versatility | 8/10 |
| Time to Break-In | 7.5/10 |
| Durability | 7/10 |
| Performance | 7.5/10 |
| Aesthetics | 8.5/10 |
| Runners | 7.5/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
| Overall | 78.5/100 |
CCM has crafted an excellent entry-mid tier skate in their CCM Jetspeed FT475.
From the skates’ core, this Jetspeed model features an impressive Metaframe One piece boot.
Considering the price you pay for these skates, this Metaframe boot is amazing. You essentially get a top-tier performance frame for entry-mid level pricing.
The Jetspeed’s one piece boot is crafted from fewer materials than other similarly priced skates.
This one piece system is great for two reasons: it’s much lighter allowing you to be quicker on the ice. And—the one piece boot gives you a more connected feel between your foot and the ice—helping to improve your overall skating.
The skates feature a sturdy (and soft) tongue giving you extra protection from pucks and slashes. They include a stock tongue that’s replaceable if you want to customize the skate even more (additional price).
While the CCM Jetspeed FT475 skates aren’t the best possible skates on the market for intermediate skaters—they’re top of their class as an entry-mid level skate.
They’re one of the best affordable hockey skates for performance.
Sizing Guidelines: Fitting Intermediate Hockey Skates
A Closer Look—Bauer’s Skate Sizing System:
A Closer Look—CCM’s Skate Sizing System:
What Are Intermediate Hockey Skates?
So, what exactly is an intermediate hockey skate?
Simply put, these are skates that range in skate sizes from 4-6.5.
They include these sizes:
- Skate size 4
- Skate size 4.5
- Skate size 5
- Skate size 5.5
- Skate size 6
- Skate size 6.5
Typically, you’ll fall into “intermediate” size hockey skates if you have a regular shoe size of between 5 to 8.5 shoes.
Here are all the ice hockey skate sizes:
- Youth (Sizes Y6.0 – Y13.5)
- Junior (Sizes 1.0 – 5.5)
- Intermediate (Sizes 4.0 – 6.5)
- Senior (Sizes 6.0 and up)
Intermediate sizing is a relatively new concept which typically help out skaters who fall into one of two categories:
1. Adult hockey players with smaller feet who need better performance than junior skates provide.
2. Youth hockey players with larger feet who need the support and benefits a senior skate may provide.
For more hockey gear tips and recommendations, check out these popular blog posts: 3 Best Roller Hockey Skates for Ice Hockey Players, Hockey & Neck Guards (14 Answers You Need to Know), and Can You Use Lacrosse Gear in Hockey.
Sources
https://www.purehockey.com/support/hockey-skate-sizing-guide/pg_id/20235
https://www.purehockey.com/product/ccm-jetspeed-ft475-ice-hockey-skates-senior/itm/45399-41/