Best Speed Skates of 2019

IW staff chose the best speed skates of 2019 based on comfort, value and performance.

Comfort: 8/10

It wasn't as narrow as expected, with the heel cup immediately being comfortable, even before heat molding. Microfiber uppers with substantial padding around the top edge of the boot make an otherwise unforgiving boot comfortable, even during the sharpest of corners. Lace covers provide aerodynamics but limit ventilation. The carbon fiber construction makes the skate completely heat moldable allowing for a personal, customized fit. The Icon Wind is extremely stiff (6K Carbon Weave) and measures just 96mm (EU41) from the bottom of the heel to the tendon padding making it suited for expert and pro level skating. If that doesn't describe you, it will leave you wanting support and we'd suggest passing for something a bit more comfortable and supportive.

Value: 8/10

If you're not s sponsored and/or a professional skater, this skate is a substantial investment. The price tag does buy you the highest quality components in every aspect of the skate (boot, frame, bearings, wheels)if you are looking for the best of the best, no holds barred. The boot durability is high, but the leather at the toe and sides is will show abrasions and scuffing and wear over time. Trinity mounting adds to their value with Powerslide offering a vast selection of trinity mount frames to make changing wheel configurations easy.

Performance: 10/10

The Icon Wind has the best Powerslide and Matter has to offer. It also benefits from a unique collaboration with Bio-Racer/Hunter, which developed an air stripe material also used on Powerslide Speed Suits. Strategically placed, it makes the Icon Wind more aerodynamic to cut through the air and reduce the drag vortex at the heel.

Powerslide XXX frames are proven winners, known for being stiff and having excellent power transfer. The 3x125 uses Matter G13 wheels with a CHR Core. The CHR Core has a little more flex than what the HC would allow for on 125mm. This makes it easier to skate and more stable at high speeds. All said and done, this is the best performance skate package for 2019.

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Comfort: 8/10

Out of the box, expect a tight-fitting last with a moderately low toe box and some pressure points at the ankle. Nothing a little heat molding won't fix for most people though. The tendon pillow works great, but the padding along the top edge of the cuff was a little thin, causing some discomfort during turns. The Jet boots have excellent ventilation, more so than any speed boot we’ve come across. There are holes on top of your toes as well as the tongue, keeping your feet cool and dry no matter how long or how hard you skate. At about 105mm (EU41.5) from heel to tendon pillow, it's best suited for skilled skaters who want a little support along with full range of motion.

Value: 10/10

The Jet boot has been one of the world’s most popular speed boots for good reason. It’s an unmatched combination of support, comfort and performance that make it my best value pick. The ventilation is second to none and anti-stretch tape used in the construction prevents stretching over time. Recently added rubber toe protectors protect the boots from abrasions and help to ensure a long life. The boot is great on its own but didn't have a great skate package option. Always the problem solvers, our staff put together a package with Luigino’s Striker Mark II Frames, Atom Matrix Wheels and Inline Warehouse Swiss Bearings for a great skate that has high-end performance and saves you some cash for race entries.

Performance: 8/10

The Jet is a highly moldable, one-piece, hand constructed boot. It sandwiches a cross-weave of high-grade carbon and fiberglass, embedded with epoxy thermosetting resins... Whaaat? The short version, Bont works hard to build in performance and does so with great results. Mark II Frames benefit from engineering provided by EO Frames (known for high-end carbon frames) for a fraction of the cost of comparable frames. Atom Matrix Wheels are good all-purpose wheels for training. Race day may call for an upgraded wheel, but the IW Swiss bearings can roll with the best of them.

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Comfort: 7/10

It can be especially daunting to get the appropriate support you need when transitioning from a traditional cuff height to a low-cut speed boot but the Luigino Strut does a great job with this. Measuring approximately 125mm from bottom of heel to tendon pad (EU41), there is still some support but also enough freedom to start mastering advanced striding techniques. Honorable mentions go to the Powerslide R-Series Skates (R2, R4 and R6), but the lack of heat molding available on the line put the Strut on top. The ProBack tendon area combined with the forgiving upper edge of the boot is nice and comfortable but the toe box area is lower and tighter than what we would prefer, even after molding.

Value: 9/10

With many of the same components found on my value pick, the Strut Striker gets a good score here. The boot is the main difference between the two skates and since it's designed for entry speed skating, some skaters may want to trade up to a lower cut boot before the boots are through their life. For beginners or advanced skaters who like the extra support, these pack a big punch.

Performance: 8/10

When comparing against other entry-level speed packages, the Luigino Strut Striker ranks high on the list. The carbon fiber blend is firm enough to provide a good pop and far outperforms traditional cross-training skates. Striker Mark II Frames are plenty stiff and responsive at this level. The Matrix wheels may not have the rebound qualities of podium placing wheels, but they are reasonably priced, durable, fast and good for road training. I would have liked to see better bearings included. Bionic ABEC7’s are good, but even entry-level speed packages warrant Swiss or equivalents.

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