May 2023 – The Stanley Keg

As a seasoned player in the adult hockey league, I've laced up my fair share of skates and can shed some light on this topic. The difference between waxed and unwaxed hockey laces is more than just a matter of preference. It can significantly impact your comfort and performance on the ice. waxed laces offer increased durability, water resistance, and ease of untying, making them suitable for players seeking longevity and convenience. Unwaxed laces are budget-friendly, flexible, and ideal for beginners or those who prefer a less tight fit around the ankles. What is the difference between waxed and unwaxed hockey laces? Waxed hockey laces are essentially traditional laces treated with a layer of wax. This wax provides a number of benefits. First and foremost, it offers a better grip. The wax creates friction, ensuring that once you tie your skates, the laces stay put. Some players love this about waxed hockey skate laces because they prefer a super tight-fitting boot. Additionally, waxed laces are more resistant to water and ice. This resistance means they won't soak up moisture and become heavy during the game, maintaining their original weight and feel. A major benefit of waxed laces is that the wax layer also extends the laces' lifespan by reducing fraying and wear, which is great if you skate frequently and want to avoid regular replacements. The wax also allows for a more customizable fit. You can tighten or loosen different areas of the skate to your preference without the rest of the lace slipping, ensuring a consistent and snug fit that caters to your specific needs. I've found this feature extremely helpful for getting the perfect fit, especially during those long tournament days. Now, on to unwaxed laces. Unwaxed hockey laces are the traditional, classic choice. They are typically softer and more flexible than their waxed counterparts, making them easier to handle and tie. Because of their flexibility, they can often provide a more comfortable fit, especially for players who don't like their skates tied tightly. The simplicity of unwaxed laces is their charm. They are straightforward, easy to tie, and do the job without any fuss. However, they may not hold their knot as well as waxed laces and are more susceptible to water absorption, which can lead to loosening over time during play. That said, some players prefer the natural feel of unwaxed laces, and they can be a great choice if you prioritize comfort and ease of use over the ultra-snug fit offered by waxed laces. One thing I've learned over the years is that hockey is a game of personal preferences, and that extends to your gear as well. Whether you go with waxed or unwaxed laces comes down to what you value most: the grip and durability of waxed laces, or the comfort and flexibility of unwaxed ones. Both have their advantages, and both can serve you well on the ice. I tend to prefer unwaxed laces. I do not like my skates to be super tight around my ankles. A looser fit allows for more ankle flexibility and I find that im able to be more agile that way. However, some players prefer a more snug fit around their ankles and foot. It is totally a personal preference. Why should you choose waxed hockey laces? Choosing waxed hockey laces comes with several advantages, and they could be a great choice depending on your skating style and preferences. Here are some reasons why you might want to opt for waxed laces: Enhanced Grip: One of the most significant advantages of waxed laces is their superior grip. The wax coating increases friction, ensuring that once you tie your skates, the laces stay put. This feature is especially valuable during a game or practice, where you can't afford to lose time retying your skates. Water and Ice Resistance: Waxed laces are more resistant to water and ice compared to unwaxed laces. This means they won't absorb moisture and become heavy during play, maintaining their original weight and feel. Durability: The wax coating on the laces helps to reduce fraying and general wear and tear. This added durability means waxed laces tend to last longer, providing value for money for frequent skaters. Customizable Fit: Waxed laces allow for a more personalized fit. You can tighten or loosen different areas of your skate to your preference, and the laces will hold in place. This consistent tension enables better foot stability in the skate, which can result in improved performance on the ice. Consistent Tension: Waxed laces are less likely to loosen over time as you skate. This means that the fit and feel of your skates will remain consistent throughout your time on the ice. However, it's important to note that every skater is different, and what works best for one person may not be the ideal choice for another. Some skaters might find waxed laces too stiff or uncomfortable, or they might prefer the traditional feel of unwaxed laces. It's all about personal preference, and the key is to try out both types and see which one works best for you. Why should you choose unwaxed hockey laces? Unwaxed hockey laces, while seemingly traditional, offer several unique advantages that could make them the right choice for you. Here's why you might prefer unwaxed laces: Comfort: Unwaxed laces are typically softer and more flexible than their waxed counterparts. They can provide a more comfortable fit, especially for those players who don't like their skates tied too tightly. This flexibility also allows for easier tying and untying. Natural Feel: Some players prefer the traditional, natural feel of unwaxed laces. Without the wax coating, these laces offer a more familiar texture that some skaters appreciate. Easy to Replace: Unwaxed laces are generally easier to replace than waxed ones. If you're someone who prefers to change their laces frequently or doesn't want to worry about the extra care waxed laces might require, unwaxed could be the way to go. Cost-effective: Generally speaking, unwaxed laces are less expensive than waxed ones. If budget is a consideration, or if you're a beginner not yet ready to invest in higher-cost gear, unwaxed laces can be a good choice. Versatility in Tying: Unwaxed laces can often be tied in a variety of ways due to their flexibility. This might be beneficial if you have a specific way you like to tie your skates, or if you find waxed laces limit your options. However, it's essential to remember that choosing between waxed and unwaxed laces ultimately comes down to personal preference. While unwaxed laces offer their own set of benefits, they might not be for everyone. They tend to absorb more moisture than waxed laces, and they might not hold a knot as tightly. Always consider your own comfort and skating style when choosing your laces. The best lace for you is the one that helps you feel most comfortable and perform at your best on the ice. Selecting the Best Hockey Lace Brands Choosing the right hockey lace for your skates can make a significant difference in your comfort and performance on the ice. While it's important to select the right type of lace (waxed vs. unwaxed), the brand of lace you choose is also crucial. Different brands offer different qualities of laces, and finding the right one for you can enhance your experience on the ice. Let's take a look at some of the top brands in the market for hockey laces: Howies Hockey Tape: Known for their high-quality hockey products, Howies offers both waxed and unwaxed laces. Their waxed laces are particularly popular and are renowned for their high wax content, ensuring excellent hold and durability. Both their waxed and unwaxed laces are made from woven polyester, making them robust and long-lasting. A&R Sports: Another major player in the hockey accessory industry, A&R Sports offers a variety of hockey laces, including waxed, unwaxed, and even multi-colored options. Their laces are known for their durability and solid performance. Elite Hockey: Elite Hockey laces are well-regarded in the hockey community. Their Pro-Lace waxed hockey laces are known for their molded tips, making it easier to lace up your skates. The laces are also treated with a proprietary wax formula that resists ice and snow build-up. Bauer: A household name in hockey equipment, Bauer offers high-quality laces that are durable and reliable. Their waxed laces come with fused tips that won't fray, making them easy to use and long-lasting. True Sport: True Sport laces are recognized for their strength and durability. Their waxed laces have a heavy wax coating that allows for a tight, secure fit. These laces are particularly resistant to wear and tear, making them a great choice for regular players. Mr. Lacy: Though not solely a hockey brand, Mr. Lacy offers a line of hockey laces that are favored for their strength and vibrant colors. Their Hikies line is well suited for hockey skates, offering both unwaxed and waxed options. When choosing the best hockey lace brand for you, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the specific features that matter most to you. Whether it's the level of wax, the durability, or even the color options, different brands offer different advantages. It may take some experimenting before you find the perfect brand for your needs, but the effort will be worth it for the improved comfort and performance on the ice. Conclusion Waxed hockey laces are a great option for those who want a durable and long-lasting lace that will not fray or break easily. However, if you're just starting out as a hockey player and aren't sure if these features will benefit your needs then it may be better to go with an unwaxed pair instead - they're cheaper! It really comes down to personal preference. I prefer unwaxed laces because I like a looser fit around my ankles. This allows for more flexibility. However, there are some guys that I play with that absolutely hate this. They want their skates to fit as tight as possible. So, if you don’t mind a looser fit around your ankles, unwaxed laces are probably for you, but if you want your skate to fit as snug as possible, you are probably looking for waxed laces. Is Hockey Stick Wax Useful?