Roller hockey is a fun and awesome roller sport that is gaining in popularity across the world. As the temperatures heat up, you’ll be sliding those ice hockey skates out of the way, grabbing your roller hockey skates as it’s time to get roller skating!
And, as a hockey player, you need the very best roller hockey skates to make sure you can compete at the top of your game. That’s what this article is all about.
Whether you are searching for elite inline hockey skates that are super lightweight and can also take a beating or you are a casual roller hockey player just looking to get started, we have the perfect roller hockey skate for you.
My top 10 list and buyer’s guide below have you covered. You want to be able to reach your top speed, move effortlessly with agility and then stop on a dime.
In a Hurry? Here’s My Best Inline Hockey Skates Top Pick
If you want to skip all the fluff below, the Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro are the best roller hockey skates on the market today. After hours of countless research, I found this is a great roller hockey skate overall. It has everything the most advanced skaters crave. Click here to read more about it.
However, every hockey player and skater is different. Some also have bigger wallets than others. So, I’ve included reviews of the best brands for every category and skating style of hockey skates below. Whether you need advanced skates or a simple pair of recreational skates will do, I got you covered.
My Top 10 Inline Hockey Skates for 2023
 | 1. Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro | Best Overall |  |
 | 2. Mission Inhaler WM01 | Runner-Up | |
 | 3. Bauer Vapor 2XR | Best for the Money (Bauer) | |
 | 4. Mission Inhaler WM02 | Best for the Money (Mission) | |
 | 5. Bauer Vapor X2.9R | Best Intermediate (Bauer) | |
 | 6. Mission Inhaler WM03 | Best Intermediate (Mission) | |
 | 7. Bauer RSX | Best for Outdoors | |
 | 8. Bauer Vapor X2.7R | Best for Beginners | |
 | 9. Bauer RS | Best for Beginners (Runner-Up) | |
 | 10. Bauer Coaster Recreational | Best for Beginners (Bronze) | |
Interested in quad skates? Check out our Best Roller Skates page for a list of all of the quad roller skates I recommend. Or, if you are interested in other types of inline skates, check out our Best Inline Skates & Rollerblades page.
The Best Roller Hockey Skates Reviewed
We have given you our top picks above at a glance, now let’s get into the nitty gritty details.
1. Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro Inline Skates – Best Roller Hockey Skates
The Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro is my top pick for the best inline hockey skates on the market today. The Vapor 2XR Pro is an elite-level roller hockey skate. It provides top of the line materials and maximum comfort.
Where these mens roller hockey skates really shine is in the boot. Bauer spent a lot of time and effort on the boot. This package uses the Dynaflex system. This new system provides a top cap engineered to reduce the volume of the skate. It is ideal for players looking for a low-profile fit.
The Dynaflex system also helps improve your push power. It provides an Integrated Injected Facing that wraps the foot for better support and increased control.
The Recoil Pro tongue offers great flexibility. It allows you to easily get low in your skate without friction. Also, the Lock-Fit liner helps reduce moisture all while keeping your foot secure. The Bauer Vapor also has a heat-moldable boot which is great for the perfect fit.
When it comes to wheels, these hockey skates roller blades are outfitted with the Labeda Addiction Grip. This is one of the top hockey skate wheels on the market today. These are designed especially for power skaters. They provide good grip and also give you the flexibility needed to pivot, cut, and turn quickly.
The Vapor 2XR Pro uses a Hi-Lo Kryptonium 76-80mm frame that is lightweight. This chassis lightweight design provides the hockey player with ultimate flexibility and responsiveness. The skate also comes with two 76mm wheels in the front and two 80mm wheels in the back. Perfect for putting you in an attacking position.
Finally, these Bauer skates use Hi-Lo Swiss bearing that are long-lasting and provides a superior roll. Swiss bearings are some of the best skate bearings on the market for their durability and long roll.
The Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro are the best inline hockey skates on the market today.
| RSD Classification | Best Overall |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in half size increments |
| Widths | D (Regular) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | Recoil Pro |
| Boot Construction | Curv Carbon |
| Liner | Lock-Fit Pro |
| Outsole Construction | Composite |
| Wheel Type | Labeda Addiction |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO Swiss |
| Chassis / Frame | HI-LO Kryptonium Chassis |
| Cost | $$$$ |
2. Mission Inhaler WM01 – Best Roller Hockey Skates (Runner-Up)
A close second on the best inline skates for hockey is the Inhaler WM01 from Mission. This skate provides top of the line materials and maximum comfort.
The outside of the boot is constructed with a full carbon Curv composite material. This makes the boot super tough and long-lasting. Plus, the boot is heat moldable. This is a process that allows you to break in your skates faster. It also allows you to shape the boot around your feet providing ultimate comfort.
The tongue on the boots is vented which provides airflow while you play. Plus, each tongue has a large piece of felt making it extra comfortable. The Grip Fit Pro tech used on these boots also helps to keep your feet securely locked in place.
When it comes to wheels, this skate is also outfitted with Labeda Addiction wheels. It also uses the Hi-Lo Kryptonium 76-80mm frame that is lightweight. The skate also comes with two 76mm wheels in the front and two 80mm wheels in the back. Perfect for putting you in an attacking position.
Finally, the WM01 uses a Hi-Lo Swiss bearing that is long-lasting and provides a superior roll. Swiss bearings are some of the best skate bearings on the market for their durability and long roll.
| RSD Classification | Runner-Up |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in half size increments |
| Widths | D (Regular) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | Tre Vented Tongue 52 Oz Felt |
| Boot Construction | Curv Composite |
| Liner | Grip Fit Pro with CT Technology |
| Outsole Construction | Full Carbon Composite |
| Wheel Type | Labeda Addiction Grip |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO Swiss |
| Chassis / Frame | HI-LO Kryptonium 76/80mm |
| Cost | $$$$ |
3. Bauer Vapor 2XR Inline Skates – Best Roller Hockey Skates for the Money (Bauer)
Much like the Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro, the 2XR comes with Labeda Addiction wheels and Hi-Lo Swiss bearings. The major differences between the 2XR and the 2XR Pro are in its boot, frame, and price.
First, the Bauer Vapor 2XR also comes with a heat-moldable boot. It uses its Lock-Fit+ and Recoil technology to help keep moisture away and keep your foot secure.
The 2XR uses a Hi-Lo Aluminum frame instead of the more lightweight Kryptonium chassis on the Pro. At 40% below the price of the 2XR Pro, these skates come in at a great value.
| RSD Classification | Best for the Money (Bauer) |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in half size increments |
| Widths | D (Regular) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | Recoil |
| Boot Construction | Curv Carbon |
| Liner | Lock-Fit+ |
| Wheel Type | Labeda Addiction |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO Swiss |
| Chassis / Frame | CNC HI-Lo Aluminum |
| Cost | $$$ |
4. Mission Inhaler WM02 Inline Skates – Best Roller Hockey Skates for the Money (Mission)
Next, we have the Inhaler WM02 from Mission. For the money, this is a great pair of roller hockey skates.
One of the best features on the WM02 is the injected tech mesh. The boot has a new ventilation system and and abrasion guard. The boot is also made out of a lightweight TPU material to give you enhanced lateral support. It’s also heat-moldable for the perfect fit.
A new feature in the WM02 skate is the asymmetrical toe cap and new vent shapes. The asymmetrical toe cap is designed to help reduce the overall volume of the skate for a better fit and to improve your push-off with each stride.
The Inhaler WM02 comes with the CNC HI-LO Aluminum Chassis. This frame uses two 76mm wheels in the front and two 80mm wheels in the back, giving the skater an increased attack angle for more speed and control, using the advantages that come with both small and large wheels.
| RSD Classification | Best for the Money (Mission) |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in half size increments |
| Widths | E (Wide) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | Form Fit 2 |
| Boot Construction | Curv Carbon |
| Liner | Grip-Fit |
| Wheel Type | Labeda Millenium |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO ABEC 9 |
| Chassis / Frame | CNC HI-Lo Aluminum |
| Cost | $$$ |
5. Bauer Vapor X2.9R Inline Skates – Best Intermediate Roller Hockey Skates (Bauer)
The Bauer Vapor X2.9R is next up on our list. This roller hockey skate comes with a heat-moldable boot. It also has a 48oz piece of felt on the tongue to make it extra comfy. It uses Bauer’s Form-Fit+ tech to keep your foot secure and in place while skating in this quarter package.
This version of the Bauer Vapor comes with Labeda Union wheels and ABEC 9 bearings. It is also outfitted with an aluminum frame that makes the skate lightweight.
This is the cheapest of the Bauer Vapor product line, and it packs a pretty good punch for the money.
| RSD Classification | Best Intermediate (Bauer) |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in half size increments |
| Widths | R (Regular) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | 48oz Felt |
| Boot Construction | Tech Mesh w/ X-Rib |
| Liner | Hydrophobic Microfiber Liner |
| Wheel Type | Labeda Union |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO Abec 9 |
| Chassis / Frame | HI-LO Aluminum |
| Cost | $$ |
6. Mission Inhaler WM03 Inline Skates – Best Intermediate Roller Hockey Skates (Mission)
The Mission Inhaler WM03 is next up on our list. This is the last skate in the Inhaler line up from Mission and is it’s cheapest model coming in at around $400.
The Inhaler WM03 uses a reinforced true-form PU quarter material. This boot has a new quarter ventilation and abrasion guard, offering you a dry and lightweight feel as well as added protection, comfort, and stiffness. The boot also includes a felt liner and has a thermo-adjustable upper, giving you a great feel at an affordable price.
It comes with the Labeda Union wheels which are for players who enjoy a fast wheel with great stopping power. These wheels are partnered with the HI-LO Aluminum chassis like many of the other skates above. This frame gives you a unique skating angle, with two 76-mm wheels in the front and two 80-mm wheels in the back, putting you in the perfect attacking angle for hockey.
| RSD Classification | Best Intermediate (Mission) |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in half size increments |
| Widths | E (Wide) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | 48 oz Felt |
| Boot Construction | TPU |
| Liner | Felt |
| Wheel Type | Labeda Union |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO Abec 7 |
| Chassis / Frame | HI-LO Aluminum |
| Cost | $$ |
7. Bauer RSX Hockey Skate – Best for Outdoor Roller Hockey
Our best inline skate for outdoors is the Bauer RSX. This skate comes in priced at just over $200. It provides good materials for the price for those of you starting out or for those needing an extra pair of skates for outside.
These men’s hockey roller blades come with a Court 76A wheel. This is a softer wheel than the Bauer RS wheel. Softer wheels are better for outdoor skating. They also provide more stability. The ABEC 5 bearings are also good for a starter skate. The boots are comfortable, sturdy, and heat-moldable.
Some players do complain about the frame. A few have stated that it easily bends with too much force and/or weight – much like the Bauer RS. So, for heavier skaters and more advanced players, we’d go with one of our other choices.
But, if you need a great outdoor skate at a good price, check out the RSX.
| RSD Classification | Best for Outdoors |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in full size increments |
| Widths | R (Regular) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | Anatomical, 2-piece felt |
| Boot Construction | Injected comp weave quarter |
| Liner | Microfiber Liner |
| Wheel Type | HI-LO Court (76A) |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO ABEC 5 |
| Chassis / Frame | HI-LO Ventilator Steel |
| Cost | $ |
8. Bauer Vapor X2.7R Inline Skates – Best for Beginners
For all you beginner roller hockey players, check out the Vapor X2.7R from Bauer. This is a great skate for beginners and intermediate players who skate a couple of times per week. It’s also the cheapest Bauer Vapor skate on the market.
The X2.7R offers a low-profile design, ideal for the players with low-volume foot dimensions. This design is enhanced through Bauer’s Comfortflex System, offering an improved overall feel by using some good technologies.
It comes with the HI-LO Aluminum frame that has 80mm Labeda Union wheels in the back and 76mm wheels in the front. It also comes with ABEC 7 skate bearings.
| RSD Classification | Best for Beginners |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in half size increments |
| Widths | R (Regular) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | 40 oz felt |
| Boot Construction | 3D Polycarb |
| Liner | Microfiber |
| Outsole Construction | TPR |
| Wheel Type | Labeda Union |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO Abec 7 |
| Chassis / Frame | HI-LO Aluminum 80/76mm |
| Cost | $$ |
9. Bauer RS Inline Skates – Best for Beginners (Runner-Up)
Our top inline skate for those on a budget is the Bauer RS. This skate comes in at under $200, which is very cheap for an inline hockey skate. They are also made by Bauer, one of the top skate manufacturers on the planet.
The skate comes with an 82A Hi-Lo Street wheel and ABEC 5 bearings which are great for both indoor and outdoor use. The boots are comfortable, sturdy, and heat-moldable.
Now, you do get what you pay for so it’s important to remember that before purchasing these skates. Some players do complain about the frame saying it easily bends with too much force and/or weight. For heavier skaters and more advanced players, we’d steer clear and go with one of our other choices.
Yet, if you are starting out, these can be a great skate at a very, very affordable price point.
| RSD Classification | Best for Beginners (Runner-Up) |
| Boot Features: | |
| Sizes | 6-12 in full size increments |
| Widths | R (Regular) |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Tongue Material | Anatomical, 2-piece felt |
| Boot Construction | Injected comp weave quarter |
| Liner | Microfiber Liner |
| Footbed | Standard comfort |
| Wheel Type | HI-LO Street (82A) |
| Bearing Type | HI-LO ABEC 5 |
| Chassis / Frame | HI-LO Ventilator Steel |
| Cost | $ |
10. Bauer Coaster Recreational Inline Skates – Best for Beginners (Bronze)
Last up, we have the Bauer Coaster Recreational. These inline skates are made exclusively for recreational outdoor skating, but I included them here because they can double as a beginner inline hockey skate.
These skates have a molded shell for support and fit. They have a removable, breathable liner so your feet stay cool and dry. They also have a Bauer aluminum chassis and comes with wheels, bearings and a replaceable brake.
If you are just looking to get started and want something that is super cheap but useable, then give these a try.
Factors to Consider When Buying Roller Hockey Skates
There are 3 main factors to consider when buying a pair of hockey skates. Those factors are the parts that make up your skate, your skill level, and your budget.
Roller Hockey Skate Parts
First, let’s go over each part of your roller skates so you know what to consider when purchasing.
Boots
Boots are by far the most important part of inline hockey skates. Your feet will thank you or curse you depending on this one piece of equipment. Here are some items to consider about your skate boot.
Boot Comfort & Finding the Right Fit
Comfort is the number one thing to think about when buying a new pair of skates. That means getting your skate size correct. Most roller skates come with a skate size that will match your shoe size, but this is not always true.
It’s important to always check the skate size chart before you buy. Most roller hockey skates not only take your shoe size but also take the width of your foot into account, too. Be sure to find the appropriate skate size chart and follow the instructions to ensure a good fit.
Liners
Liners are what you rest your foot on inside your skates. Microfiber liners are the best. They’re great at moisture-wicking and preventing odor buildup.
Heat Moldable
Heat molding allows you to more closely shape your boot to your foot. This process also allows you to more easily break in your boot when they are new.
The heat molding process uses a conventional oven to soften your boots. Then, you put the warm skates on your feet, and push on the boots from the outside to mold them around your foot.
Frame
Almost all hockey roller skates come with an aluminum or titanium frame. It keeps them lightweight so you can go faster while maintaining control. You will find titanium on the best skates.
Wheels
The two main types of wheels are soft and hard. Wheel hardness is measured on a scale called durometer. Soft wheels offer better maneuverability, traction, and control. They are also better outdoors for rough surfaces like asphalt.
Hard wheels are better suited for indoor skating and offer more speed and a longer roll. Unlike soft wheels, the hard variety will provide less traction and stability.
Next to the comfort of your boots, wheels are the second most important thing on a skate. Learn more about what to look for when buying roller skate wheels.
Bearings
Two roller skate bearings go into each skate wheel and allow it to roll freely on your plate’s axle. As I’ve discussed in a multitude of articles, the most important thing about a skate bearing is that it is clean. The next thing you want is a skate-rated bearing. These are bearings that are made especially for roller skates.
Skill Level
You should also take your skill level into account before you buy.
Beginner
If you are a beginner, you don’t want to buy the top of the line skates unless you have money to burn. Some beginners get started in a sport like roller hockey and then fizzle out. If you go with some of the top skates in this article as a beginner, that can set you back over $1,000.
Most beginners want to start with a cheaper skate while they are learning the ropes. You can get a good quality pair of skates in the $150-$400 range. Skates in this price range are not as nice as the skates that cost a grand, but they will get you started.
Intermediate
For those of you that have been playing hockey for longer, you’ll want to step up to a better pair of skates. Intermediate players are after a more comfortable boot, better wheels, and bearings.
Plus, now that you are playing more often, you’re going to be after a lighter skate. Most of the intermediate skates in this article fall in the $400-$800 range at the time of this writing.
Advanced
The advanced player, of course, is going to want the very best skates on the market. Our top pick, the Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro is our favorite for the advanced player. It has comfortable boots, superior handling, an excellent frame, and bearings. Another very suitable choice for the top of the line skater is the Mission Inhaler WM01. You can’t go wrong with either of these skates.
Budget
For those of you on a tight budget, you can get started with a good pair of inline hockey skates for under $150.
Price ranges vary based on your skill and quality of the skate parts. Most beginner skates are going to run in the $150-$400 range. Intermediate skaters are going to spend in the $400-$700 range. The top of the line skates are going to be in the $700+ range.
Best Inline Hockey Skates Fitting Guide
Buying a great pair of inline skates is an awesome feeling. But, that quickly evaporates if your top of the line skates doesn’t fit right. In this section, I’ll go over what you can do to ensure a great fit.
General Skate Sizing Tips
Most roller skates for men are the same as their shoe size. However, most inline roller hockey skates do no follow this trend. The skates in this article are 1.5 sizes smaller (on average) for U.S. skaters.
That means if you wear a US size 12, you are actually going to need to buy size 10.5. So, please be sure to check out the manufacturer’s skate size charts before you buy.
Skate Length and Width
Roller hockey inline skates also come in varying skate widths. These widths include narrow, regular, or wide. Be sure to take this into account when determining your size.
Skate Sizing Charts are Your Friend
To get the right skate fit, be sure to look at the Bauer and Mission skate sizing charts before you buy. I have included it below for your easy reference.
Mission & Bauer Senior Hockey Skate Sizing Chart
| Mission & Bauer Skate Size | US | Euro | UK |
| 6.0 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 6.5 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 41 | 7 |
| 7.0 | 8.5 | 42 | 7.5 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 42.5 | 8 |
| 8.0 | 9.5 | 43 | 8.5 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 44 | 9 |
| 9.0 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 9.5 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 45 | 10 |
| 10.0 | 11.5 | 45.5 | 10.5 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 46 | 11 |
| 11.0 | 12.5 | 47 | 11.5 |
| 11.5 | 13 | 47.5 | 12 |
| 12.0 | 13.5 | 48 | 12.5 |
| 12.5 | 14 | 48.5 | 13 |
| 13 | 14 | 49 | 13.5 |
| 14 | 15 | 50 | 14.5 |
| 15 | 16 | 51 | 15.5 |
Break Your Skates in Faster with a Heat Moldable Boot
Move over chocolate chip cookies, we’re baking some skates! That’s right. Some inline skates have a heat-moldable boot. This allows you to put the skates into your conventional oven and heat them up. Then, you take the skate out of the oven, put it on your foot, lace up the skate and let the boot form to your foot.
This helps break your boots in more quickly. It also gives you a one-of-a-kind custom fit.
10 Questions about Roller Hockey Skates Answered
Below I answer some of the most common questions I get about hockey skates.
What are roller hockey skates?
Inline hockey skates are a special type of roller skate made just for roller hockey. They have a high boot, an aluminum plate and come with wheels that are made especially for roller hockey.
What is the difference between roller hockey skates and regular rollerblades / inline skates?
Inline hockey skates do not have a brake on the back of the skate (like rollerblades do). Also, inline hockey skates have thinner wheels than rollerblades.
Some hockey skates can have different size wheels on the frame. This helps the skater stay forward on their skates and move and turn faster as they play.
A roller hockey skates’ parts are almost always of better quality than a traditional rollerblade. I have a thorough breakdown of each type of skate in my Rollerblades vs Roller Skates vs Inline Skates article.
Is inline skating harder than ice skating?
No. In fact, many professional ice skaters practice on inline skates during the summer months in some parts of the world and vice versa. The biggest difference is the surface and the traction (or lack thereof).
What are the best roller hockey skates?
Based on our thorough research, the best inline hockey skates on the market today are the Bauer Vapor 2XR Pro. We also really like the Bauer Vapor 2XR which is several hundred dollars cheaper. Both our excellent quality inline skates.
What roller hockey skates are best for beginners?
Our pick for the best beginner hockey skate is the Bauer Vapor X2.7R inline skates. It is a good all-around skate and is at a great price for the hockey player that is just starting out.
What are the most comfortable roller hockey skates?
This is a matter of personal preference. The Bauer Vapor and Mission Inhaler lines are our favorites for most comfortable.
How do you stop on roller hockey skates?
Most inline skates (be it hockey or speed) do not have a toe stop. So, how do you stop? There are several different kinds of stops you can do on inline skates. The most popular are the hockey stop and the T-stop. It’s either that or crash into the nearest bush. 🙂
Can roller hockey skates be used outside?
Yes. All skates (including hockey skates) can be used outside. It really has more to do with the wheels that you are using. You don’t want to skate through water, but otherwise, you can use most skates outdoors. Many advanced skaters have one set of wheels and bearings for indoors and another set for outdoors. This allows them to have wheels that are catered for each type of surface they skate on.
Can you bake roller hockey skates?
Yes. This is called heat molding and allows you to better break in inline skates while also getting a better fit.
Where are the best places to buy roller hockey skates?
Our favorite place to purchase hockey inline skates is at PureHockey.com. Note we are affiliate partners with PureHockey.com.
What are some of the top roller hockey skate brands?
Bauer, Mission and CCM roller hockey skates are some of the top brands on the market today.
Final Thoughts
Every player wants that perfect skate. A skate that will last longer, feels great and will keep them playing at their top level for longer.
Now, get on out there and skate!
Want to Learn Even More About Skating?
Want more reviews on roller skates? Check out my Best Roller Skates page for a list of all of the quads I recommend. I also have pages for roller skates for men, roller skates for women and roller skates for kids where I recommend the best skates on the market today for each group. Or, check out my roller skates for beginners if you are completely new to roller skating.
Or, if rollerblades or inline skates are more your style, then check out my rollerblades for men, rollerblades for women or rollerblades for kids pages. Or, if you are completely new, check out my rollerblades for beginners page.
