In Hockey, What is the Difference Between Player Skates and Goalie Skates?
Because regular hockey players -– such as forwards and defensemen -– skate in such a different manner than goalies, the type of skate used by goalies is much different form that of other players. While player skates and goalie skates both feature metal blades used for moving over the surface of the ice, goalie skates feature a blade that is much flatter than player skates. In addition, both player skates and goalie skates feature a boot that provides stability and protection for the feet, but goalie skate boots are much shorter to allow ankle movement. They also feature a hard plastic shell to protect against the oncoming puck.