If you’re pushing the edge with your old pair, then test your skills with next level design. You need a model that enables a little more finesse if you want to compete hard. Carbon steel blades are a good match for growing skills.

A brushed tricot liner will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Deluxe EVA foam padding will add to your foot’s ease, and the firm ankle support puts all your physical strength and efforts to good use. The Tour Hockey TR-700 with reinforced quarter panels and firm ankle support allow better maneuverability and speed on the ice, are good quality gear for an intermediate player. They will up your game, but they are not likely to last as long as a more expensive pick.

The Bauer Junior Nexus 4000 follows the line’s make with Deep-V heel pocket design, allowing for a firm and snug fit, so you don’t slide around inside it during critical maneuvers. It also allows for those with higher insteps to fit comfortably inside it and execute moves, as well as having a wide toe box. Quarter Panel is a lightweight mesh for support and breathability and lined with brushed nylon.

Packed with comfort features, the Bauer Junior Nexus 4000 has foam ankle pads to give support along with cushion, felt tongue to prevent lace bite, and a molded EVA footbed for supportive comfort. TPR outsole is stiff and helps transfer energy, while the TUUK Lightspeed Pro Holder is a unified one-piece system with the runner. Runners are TUUK stainless steel and cannot be replaced.

The plastic toe surrounded by high-quality PA fabric is designed to protect feet in collision situations. The upper has an ergonomic cut for comfort and strength on the sides with a padded lining of synthetic velour. New anatomical tongue design adds to comfort along with a felt “sandwich” insole to cushion the feet. This design will give you an extra jump as well as good responsiveness.

Sometimes popularity drives cost, but it doesn’t affect value. While Botas works to make their presence known, the high-quality product is modestly priced, and the value is extremely good.

Graf Supra is a much more comfortable option than other comparably priced non-pro models. These are still a high performance but not quite as durable as a pro model. Graf Supra would provide a great start for a beginner. These are very comfortable with great ankle support. A good option for amateurs learning to grind it out in the corners.

Less expensive than semi-pro designs, the Graf Supra G755 Pro gives away nothing in comfort. Same blade holder as the pricier models steel but a great buy for amateur and new skating enthusiasts.

Since kids have no choice but to grow, a hockey parent has to decide whether to buy as they grow or get the ones that grow with them. CCM offers this unusual trait, similar to Bauer, DBX and a few others do likewise but this is nicely priced.

There’s a lot to be said for a pair you’ve already broken in. As the foot grows, inserts are removed to allow more room. When the feet grow do you buy new, buy used, or adjust the ones you own?

The NSX was constructed keeping the heel pocket with a deep V fit, so you can be sure you won’t be slipping and sliding around inside it on critical maneuvers. Featherweight feel comes in the quarter package with mesh, and a brushed nylon lines the inside. While not heat moldable, it still keeps a great wide, volume fit you can take right out of the box and onto the ice.

Ankles are supported and padded with foam pads, and the tongue is pre-shaped with metatarsal guard and felt padding. To help keep you protected, the NSX has traditional flex tendon guards, and outsole consists of TPR, while inside you’re supported by a molded EVA footbed.

The Botas Largo 571 Pro was designed with the professional player in mind, packed full of technology for powerful and responsive skating, maneuvering, and protection. Uppers are created from synthetics which have a waterproof finish, and also help give it durability during play and off the ice. Ms lacing rings won’t fail over time as they’re rustproof and padded. Flex protection tongue is slimmer with a flexible anatomical shape to better protect and add a cushion.

Flex Fenders Technology provides the Botas largo 571 Pro better responsiveness for movement dynamics and stance positioning, no matter what situation you find yourself in on the ice. Double reinforced quarters make lateral movements supported and help absorb impacts, while the Profi 2 sole reduces overall weight while maintaining exceptional rigidity and energy transfer.

This is a great option for adults with a lot of power and looking for lightweight equipment, ready for the competitive levels. For semi-pro power forwards or playing defense, the CCM Jetspeed is fast. Good construction ensures continued support for your feet. The tapered fit is narrow in the forefoot while preventing slippage in the heel — Pro level stiffness for power forwards and hanging out in the crease.

These are pro level materials for serious players, and if the Low Profile cut works for you, then CCM is a great choice. More expensive than intermediate models, these are worthy of consideration if you’re looking for quality equipment.

For traditional two way play, these are highly responsive and lightweight. For players who like maximum ankle support, this one offers a great fitting boot with anatomical heel lock and a medium forefoot. CCMs constant innovation brings you a better boot with great comfort and increased maneuverability. The anatomical fit translates more of your energy into movement without increasing effort. That’s better performance all around.

Tacks are more expensive than the CCM Jetspeed, but this is the high end of non-pro models. Next level of performance without breaking the bank. If you’re a semi-pro or high-level college player, these are worth the investment.

Graf makes dozens of different models; none is better or less good than any other they are simply made for different types of feet. The Supra XI is made for youth play and will add comfort to growing feet and advancing play.

For young players, it’s impossible to develop skill levels if they can’t stay on the ice for hours of practice. Graf offers great comfort and fits in boots that aren’t a punishment to wear. The constant back and forth and the speed required to referee a game puts a lot of pressure on the ref's feet. Their equipment takes the same punishment as players and Grafs are often their picks.