Even with high-tech, the expertise of your local skate shop is crucial

Ice hockey skate retailers across North America are being invaded.

In many of them, consumers will now find at least one of Bauer’s 3D Skate Lab, CCM’s 3D Fit Scanner or True’s 3D Foot Scan. In True’s case, the skate is customized and built inside out from the scan. With CCM and Bauer, the scans analyze the consumer’s feet so the respective company can determine which of its models will be the best fitting — and thus, best performing — skate.

The technology has been received favorably. However, experienced pro skate shops don’t want consumers to rush to wear what the scans recommend. They ask that the consumers simply take the scans into account and use them as a guide to find the perfect skate.