If you've got the right hockey skates, you'll be unstoppable on the ice. A lot of the time, players are stuffed into men’s hockey skates that are either too big or too tight, so they can’t quickly drive out of their first three steps or transition smoothly in the neutral zone.
Willies offers special deals on hockey player ice skates and other equipment that every player needs in their kit bag on the regular, so stay informed about upcoming offers and learn about new inventory arrivals ahead of the curve by subscribing to our newsletter and connecting with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
We also love to talk about everything hockey on social media — let us know your take on hockey news, equipment or anything else in the sport! The Willies staff are crazy passionate about hockey, and most of us are amateur players ourselves. We understand how important ice skates are to your game, and we do everything possible to give you the best prices from top-quality manufacturers in the business.
Looking to take your game to the next level? A fresh pair of skates from Willies could be just what you need to take you there.
Choosing the right skate depends on your skill level, fit, and playing style. Entry-level skates are designed to be more forgiving and flexible for learning, while higher-end models offer increased stiffness and performance for competitive players.
At Willies, we stock leading brands including Bauer, CCM, and TRUE with options for all ages, budgets, and foot shapes, and offer expert fitting advice online and in-stores.
A common guideline is to choose skates around one size smaller than your regular shoe size for a snug, performance fit, though sizing can vary between brands and individual foot shapes.
Because skate fitting is highly individual, professional fitting is recommended to ensure comfort and control on the ice.
Many modern skates feature heat-mouldable construction, allowing them to be baked to match your foot shape and reduce break-in time.
For custom skates, Willies uses 3D anatomical scanning and in-store baking to fine-tune fit before you hit the ice.
Beginner skates are typically lighter, more flexible, and designed to help players develop fundamentals comfortably, while elite models are stiffer to maximise energy transfer, speed, and responsiveness.
Skates require professional sharpening before use because the blade must be shaped to create inside and outside edges for proper control on the ice.
In-stores you get a free sharpen with every skate purchased, if you want your online order of skates sharpened then add the 'Skate Sharpening - Online' product to your order.
Most skaters need sharpening approximately every 10–20 hours of ice time, depending on skating style, body weight, and ice conditions.
Regular sharpening improves control, glide, and safety by maintaining proper edge grip.
Yes — Willies offers expert fitting services, including precision scanning technology and in-store advice to help you find the right skate.
Custom skate options use 3D anatomical scans to build skates tailored to your exact foot shape and performance needs.
Proper maintenance includes regular sharpening, drying skates after use, and protecting blades off-ice to extend lifespan and performance.
Professional servicing such as profiling, repairs, and adjustments can further optimise performance.