Hockey Skate Accessories

Hard guards for walking from the locker room to the ice, soft blade covers for drying and storage, and a spare pair of laces in your bag. Those three save more skates than anything else. Later on, a spare set of steel and a lace tightener are useful additions.

When repeated sharpening has worn the runner down so much that there's little height left, when it's chipped or bent, or when edges won't hold even after a fresh sharpening. Many players also keep a second pair of runners so they're never left without skates if one is damaged during a game.

For many players, yes. The stock insoles in most skates are thin and flat; a supportive insole holds the foot more stable, improves energy transfer and can reduce foot pain on long sessions. It's worth trying if your feet feel tired or you notice your arch collapsing inside the boot.