Ice Hockey Skates Low Cut vs. High Cut Boots

Hockey players and others involved in the sport wear skates with either a high cut or more low cut boot.

  1. History

    • Today's hockey skates are far more technologically advanced and better designed than they were 100 years ago. Most early skates consisted of soft leather boots that were not very rigid.

    Design of high cut skates

    • Modern high cut skates are made from a complex leather composite material that provides a much more rigid boot for the skater. This provides greater ankle support and protection for blocking pucks.

    Benefits of high cut skates

    • High cut skates are worn by officials, defensemen and forwards, since they prevent the ankle from rolling, and provide protection for the Achilles tendon and lower shin.

    Design of low cut skates

    • Low cut skates come with a composite protective shell around the lower half of the skate, which provides additional protection for blocking pucks. The low cut boot allows the player to bend his ankles more freely, making it easier to skate from side to side.

    Who benefits from low cut skates?

    • Low cut skates are worn exclusively by goaltenders. The skates allow a range of movement that would not benefit other players (defensemen and forwards) who have to routinely stop, turn and push off.