The best value hockey skate? True TF9 & TF7 comparison & Snap Shot review

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Equipment Used:
Skates: True VH Customs, True TF9, True TF7
Camera: GoPro Hero 7 Black
Microphone: Robe Videomic GO

[@hunterlaboucan9803]

tf 7 do come with inserts

[@HYP3DSNIP3R]

They do

[@richlee509]

Are they fast

[@candacejohnsalverda8405]

Yes, both models come with the inserts, low, medium and high arch attachments.

[@philcampeau]

Bought a pair of TF7's after a year on a set of True Pro Stock returns. The TF's were the best decision for me. Very comfortable fit after baking. In my use the past year no foot soreness and tons of stiffness which I love. At this price point I couldn't even look at anything else that was close in price or performance. Great product.

[@tylersheard2240]

I work at a pro shop and can tell you the TF7 and 9 holder quick release works with the skate lace :)

[@boobboob7352]

Woah thats really cool!

[@barackobama2050]

Saw them at the shop today look pretty good for the price

[@hockey4life96]

I got my TF9’s yesterday and used them for the first time today and were SOOOOOO nice, they wrap around ur feet so well and have absolutely no pain

[@Chanmantroop10]

True to size or did you go 1/2 smaller like this review? Everywhere else says go with same size as Bauer

[@HockeyReviews]

I have now 3 different stores doing fits that agree you should go 1/2 smaller...

[@hockey4life96]

Spidey No, definitely go 1/2 smaller cause I got an 8 but it felt like an 8.5 but I didn’t real mind them being a little big but go a half a size down

[@jonathanwebber7718]

My customs and my TF9s are identical legnth. I even squeezed my hobbit feet into an R width which really eliminated any negative space. Better heal lock than my customs ever had too.

[@greggf6831]

you mean Go down a half size from traditional skates. If i use a bauer 7.5 i should try a 7.0 in True? Thx

[@jasonbirmingham1929]

I appreciate your very earnest and in depth reviews. I am looking at TF7's (getting back in the game after some time off) and am curious how you would compare them to the Upper and Mid price point skates from CCM or Bauer. Are they on par with $600 90K's in terms of quality or even better than similarly priced 88K's (and ones from other lines at same level)? I tried TF7's on today and they felt great even before baked.

[@kostontubehd3693]

This video helped me choosing the TF7. I’m a Ref and had a pair of vapors that just never fit me well and gave me issues basically every skate. I was able to pick up a new in box pair of TF7’s for right around 100$ and after the first bake and skate I had a few pressure points so I rebaked them and they’ve been incredible. I’ve done 3 games back to back and zero pain. Great skates

[@HockeyReviews]

Glad these are working out for you!

[@distantreplaydotorg]

This is by far the best product review on skates that I've seen in years. Your attention to detail is amazing. You addressed a huge issue that I have with my customs, which is the heel rub because of the finish. I'm thinking of taking it to a shoe repair guy to put a soft bumper on it like work boots have. Otherwise it's cutting my ankle. I've been taping a cut up rubber pad around my ankle as a buffer, but that's a PITA. Just wanted your opinion on that since you seem to be super knowledgeable on these skates. Much appreciated.

[@HockeyReviews]

Which part exactly is cutting up your ankle?

[@distantreplaydotorg]

@@HockeyReviews about an inch above the ankle. Caused by the seams on the inside of both sides of both boots.

[@HockeyReviews]

If I am understanding correctly... you are taking about the spot that all other skates have the "Comfort Edge"? The best solution would probably gluing/stitching a piece of foam underneath leather on that area. A stop gap might be gel lace bite guards like these: bit.ly/3neNTOp ?

[@distantreplaydotorg]

@@HockeyReviews That's why I was thinking of taking it to a shoe repair guy to have him add the comfort edge type thing that you see on work boots so the seams are hidden. Your suggestions are gr8 as well. I just figured that for a pair of custom skates that cost over $1,100 US I wouldn't have the seams exposed like that and cutting my ankle.

[@HockeyReviews]

@@distantreplaydotorg That has basically been one of my major complaints with the True custom skates. The fit and finish of them is awful and they are missing features a bunch of the lower tiered skates have. Disappointing but when everyone keeps raving about them and saying they are the best things since sliced bread True isn't going to change anything.

[@jonathanderhy5865]

I got the TF9s in the same size as my Bauer supreme skates (8.5R). I use super feet in both (also, the true insole is the exact same length as my super feet insoles that were previously in my bauer skates). Before buying the True TF9s I tried on some other skates from CCM and Bauer and I noticed that CCM skates feel half a size smaller than Bauer skates. Its possible that if youre coming from bauer skates go with the same size and if youre coming from CCM go with 1/2 smaller. Awesome video btw! thanks

[@HockeyReviews]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@hunterlaboucan9803]

these skates are great i bought the tf7 and i went to go skate for tryouts last week for the first time since march and the already felt broken in and they felt like i was already used to them and had been skating in the for months

[@HockeyReviews]

Glad they worked!

[@candacejohnsalverda8405]

Great skates but very stiff when you initially use them. I had to go down to a size 7 from a 71/2 that I usually wear in the other two major brands but found my forefoot is much more comfortable than in my previous skates ,but it takes a bit of getting use to the fitThey take time to break in. Leave yourself a bit more time to pull them on and take them off when you first get them. You’ll need to unlace them down bit more than other brands and work the tongue to loosen it up. The insoles are better quality than you’ll get in other brands but the arch attachments are relatively useless because they eventually come off on your socks when taking off your skates. Quite frankly I found you don’t even need them because the skates fit so nice after you heat mould them. The skates themselves are made from high quality materials and both the TF7 and TF9 perform amazingly on the ice and I do feel they react slightly better than a two piece skate at the same level. You may need a little time to adjust to the forward profile on these skates because they feel like Grafs when you first pull them on. But the profile aids in the way they react when you manoeuvre or dig in for straight speed forward. If the feel doesn’t suit you you can have your local hockey shop cut it to the profile that suits you best anyway. I’m giving these skates a 4.8 out of five rating. I’d give them a five out of five if not for the fact they take a bit of time to break in due to their stiffness and the need to adjust to putting them on and taking them off due to their fit being so close and good. I purchased a pair of TF7’s first because I wasn’t sure about changing over from one of the other major brands. Picked up the TF9’s after I was sure these would work for me. Both these skates perform at an elite level or at an almost elite level ( the TF 7’s are slightly less stiff ) but other than my own lack of skating ability are more than sufficient for my beer league needs.

[@willsinclair8631]

Bought TF7s a couple months ago and love them. Incredibly comfortable after baking and no break in period whatsoever. I feel incredibly efficient, quick, and agile on the ice. I personally like the felt tongue better. What am I missing out on by being a cheapo and not getting the TF9s?

[@HockeyReviews]

I feel like this video should've explained at least the physical differences between the two skates... TF9 should be stiffer and have better steel than the TF7, besides that they should be pretty much the same.

[@scottmorphy]

What size shoe do you wear ?

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

I put a 5/8” hollow on my TF9s, and they had insane grip, I could hardly skate. Went down to 1”, and they are superb, it’s like skating on rails, I’ve never had so much edge control. They were painful to put on, so I rebaked each skate with a 4mm thick rubber shim under the top three outside eyelets. I replaced the insoles with my old Bauer speedplates. I wore size 7 Bauer Supremes, went to 6.5R in TF9. I was in Bauer customs before, the Trues are far better. It’s almost as if the Bauers were broken.

[@jameo1095]

They don't fit right for me, I tried the wide and they were still too narrow in the toes.

[@ed-mb9ir]

I just picked up a pair of TF7's. Just comparing in the store the 9's didnt seem like they were worth the $300 difference. I've been in different models of bauer supremes for the last 12 years and was hesitant to switch (I tried ccms a few years back and hated them) but these seemed to fit really well in the store. Haven't tried them yet but they seemed a bit shallow compared to supremes so I hope lacebite won't be an issue. Also had to drop from 8.5ee to 8w

[@HockeyReviews]

Generally with True skates you don't have to crank the laces anywhere near the toes. While they are more "shallow" the skate should wrap your foot there. I need generally deep skates and don't have an issue with the True unless I crank the laces where it isn't necessary. Thanks for sharing about your sizing as well!

[@ed-mb9ir]

@@HockeyReviews good to know, thanks. It seemed like it was pretty flush along the top after they baked them but i've had lacebite before and it's not a good time. I normally go a lot tighter near the top though. Honestly for $400 they seem like a great value. I worked at a hockey store selling skates for a few years but not since 2010 so a lot has changed with value and materials.

[@JoeSchmoeJr]

My son has the TF7s, but I'm looking to go up a tier in either a Bauer or CCM. What Bauer / CCM models most closely match this fit? He really liked the fit of these in the store, so I jumped at the price savings. Sadly though, the skates have been nothing but trouble since we bought them. The heel guard cracked. The screw threads then stripped when the store replaced the guards. We didn't realize this until it came off in a game. Next, the rivets all came loose on the holder, and the blade warped even though my son doesn't know why. Fortunately, the store we bought them from has helped us out all along.

[@JoeSchmoeJr]

Edit from above, he wears a regular D width.

[@rlowery857]

No stores near me to try, would the "wide" suit me? I wear a nexus 8000 currently in D width. I wear a 9.5, but have extra room, I fit in a 9 just a little cramped ( prob 9.25 in Bauer would be perfect for me)What size would you recommend?

[@HockeyReviews]

Probably a 9W but I don't like to give size suggestions as everyone's fit is very different and personal preference

[@jimmyfallen1340]

should i order TF7 size7 or 7.5. the skates i have now is 7.5 fit good but its an old skate. my feet are small and narrow with high arch

[@StompDemHataZ]

Hey. Would you consider the TF9 a upgrade to 3 year old CCM Super Tacks ? Could get them for 450€ 🤔 Keep up the great work man!

[@HockeyReviews]

I would say it depends on the shape of your SuperTacks. It wouldn't be an upgrade in terms of performance really.

[@Monsieur-Estrada]

How long in CM does your feet measure? That will give everybody a better idea on what size to buy, thanks!

[@HockeyReviews]

Not going to make my foot the bases of peoples' sizing. Besides, length of foot isn't the only factor when sizing and the shape of the heel is extremely important as well. I will say what I have said to everyone else, try them on and make sure you bake them to your foot.

[@beetlejuice7858]

I am going from a Ccm jetspeed skate size 7 there a bit small would I still get size 7.5 I am still growing also

[@HockeyReviews]

I would talk to your retailer... you can't really fit skates over the internet. I don't want to make suggestions for people and them end up not working.

[@RichiEeEe1990]

i want to buy them, but the store that has them (outside of my country) sent me a picture of ccm 7.5 insole vs a 7.5 of true tf9 and the 7.5 CCM is longer than the True....now i am not sure if to go with the same size i use or if i should risk it and go to a 7

[@HockeyReviews]

I can only comment on how I feel the skates fit. But I now have 3 different fitters that agree the True's fit long.

[@RichiEeEe1990]

​@@HockeyReviews i ordered the 7, wasn't on ice with them for now, will skate on them tomorrow...but from the size the 7 is just great...thanks for your tip and review, would bought the wrong size otherwise

[@robbiemoody7697]

I’m deciding between the tf7, 3s, and 2.9. I’ve always used Bauer should I stick with them or should I try the tf7s?

[@HockeyReviews]

Go with whatever skate fits you best...

[@robbiemoody7697]

Hockey Reviews I’ve heard some bad things about the durability. Some people I’ve talked to said that the rivets and Oleta were already rusting after just a week of use.(on the tf7)

[@HockeyReviews]

Rusting only happen when people don't air out their skates and leave their insoles in them... I haven't heard of a skate rusting in a matter of weeks.

[@tomhaslimitshall2375]

TF7s are a way better deal than the TF9s in my opinion. Have tried both and the TF7s are just as good all around as the TF9s with the main difference being the TF9s are $699.99 while the TF7s are $399.99. All prices Canadian dollars. The fact that I couldn't tell the difference while wearing them tells me that the TF7s are right for me. I have a feeling that the future models of both these are gonna jump up in price! I really hope they don't though. Thanks for the video.

[@UrMrR1ght]

the $699.99 price tag been holding me back but then I found a sale from Hockey Supremacy. $399.99 for the TF9.

[@APar2008]

I went half a size down and my toes touched the end. So had to go with size 9 and theyre too wide in the front

[@thecount1001]

what is the weight difference between the 7 and 9? this is supposed to be one of the primary differences.

[@HockeyReviews]

It wasn't noticeable enough for me to weight them.

[@jonathanderhy5865]

Do you know where and if you can buy replacement tongues for the TF9? I wore them for the first time tonight and they felt a little too roomy. Thinking I might need a thicker tongue. Thanks in advance

[@HockeyReviews]

I know you can get them, but I have no idea where or how. Maybe reach out to True on social media and ask them that way?

[@jonathanderhy5865]

Hockey Reviews okay thanks man. Last question, do the tongues from the custom skates fit into the TF9?

[@HockeyReviews]

Yes, all True tongues are interchangeable

[@KC-kx7xb]

@@jonathanderhy5865 i know this is super late but eBay has replacement true tongues

[@chrislatlat2444]

Hi Matt Again I need an advice and I come to you to know your thoughts : I am hesitating between the 3x fit3 (not pro) and the TF7 in wide, which ones should I get ? Considering I have wide flat feet (12cm wide) and an extra navicular bone due to my feet being flat. Also I was able to get either skate at 330 EUR.

[@HockeyReviews]

I don't really like giving suggest between skates and feel like personal suggestions on the matter aren't helpful because everyone's foot and fit preference is different. All I can say is that you have to try stuff on!

[@chrislatlat2444]

@@HockeyReviews I understand your point and agree with you I will try to find a solution to try them because no store close to my location has the True in stock

[@HockeyReviews]

Good luck!

[@chrislatlat2444]

@@HockeyReviews thanks I guess my only option is to order both and to return the one I do not like I see no other option really

[@markryan53]

I just busted up my Mako II that I've had for years. Went to a CCM Tack Classic Pro because Easton is no more. I just can't get comfortable in them. Would the True skates fit and sit on the ice closer to the Mako? I've been waiting for True to come out with a less expensive option, and TF7 or TF9 might be it?

[@HockeyReviews]

True is basically the newest iteration of what the Mako was. I think these would be closest you will get to your Mako.

[@jonathanstronge8019]

Would the size 8W fit similar to the old Nexus EE sizing? I heard you mention that you should go down a size in the TF9 and my feet measure with the charting at 8.5 so now I am wondering if I should go with that 8 as well if it indeed does fit bigger than marketed.

[@HockeyReviews]

I don't think an W is a direct comparison to Nexus EE sizing for width, unfortunately I don't think there are any skates out there that compare to those really at the retail level. I compared my sizing to other brands and went down half the sized based on that.

[@jonathanstronge8019]

@@HockeyReviews ended up trying on the true skates yesterday both the TF9s and the new catalyst 9 both in wides. Sizing length wise was very similar but width not close. The new fit for the nexus EE is "fit 3" from Bauer in the supreme line. Appreciate the response!

[@HockeyReviews]

Supreme Fit 3 isn't a Nexus EE though, it is closer to a Nexus D. Nexus EE was the only stock skate that would fit my depth and forefoot width, Supreme Fit 3 doesn't fit either of those now.

[@jonathanstronge8019]

@@HockeyReviews That's odd then, I bought my nexus 9000 years ago had no idea what the new fit styles were but the supreme matrix fit 3 seemed to be the best fit. So much changes with these fit styles its crazy.

[@ml6941]

Quick question: Why do the Superfeet add space in the toe box? I have the same issue on my True customs. The left skate has my toes jammed into the toe cap so I can't wear them. I'm very happy to hear you may have solved it - but I'm not sure how this adds space. Anyhow, thanks for your answer and thanks for your reviews.

[@HockeyReviews]

Check out this video. I talk about it with a demonstration on how Superfeet work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4epmqyrqZtqa68

[@ml6941]

@@HockeyReviews Thanks!

[@puksindheep7561]

I wonder if they’re gonna make goalie skates like these.

[@HockeyReviews]

I heard they will in the future but can't remember where I saw it.

[@anthonythomas7769]

@@HockeyReviews I think in one of the True videos Scott Van Horne mentioned that they were working on goalie skates for next summer, but couldn't give more details than that.

[@EmpireWorldwideTrade]

want to support you but purehockey doesn't ship to Canada.

[@HockeyReviews]

Thanks I appreciate it! I mention that site for American viewers. Hopefully one day I can add a Canadian site. In the meantime shop wherever is the most convenient for you :)

[@acsh81]

What about the fit type?

[@HockeyReviews]

The W felt fairly close to my SuperTacks

[@hunterlaboucan9803]

these skates are really meant to fit any foot, as the shape of the boot is base off of tens of thousands of foot scans

[@protraining940]

what about the weight? would you say it’s the same as the ft2’s?

[@HockeyReviews]

FT2 should be lighter

[@TheDragonWarrior95]

Ft2 are about 100 grams lighter. Pretty sure they are the lightest on the market. Not sure if you'll actually notice it though

[@brianphilippoi349]

Makos had Texalium not fibreglass.

[@HockeyReviews]

Correct, and Texalium is fiberglass with an aluminum coating.

[@noahfearon6112]

Ur suppose to bake any of them I got my tf7 bakes at the store n now they feel way better

[@HockeyReviews]

Yeah, but some stores don't allow baking unless you're buying. And lots of people but online without baking or try them on without baking and will think "these skates are too small"

[@distantreplaydotorg]

@@HockeyReviews I literally couldn't get them on my feet w/out baking and following their special way of putting them on.

[@gwp1ohio]

weight differences?

[@HockeyReviews]

I never weighted them, if I don't notice the weight when it is on my foot the gram difference isn't going to really make a difference.

[@matzesauerwein2183]

are the 3s skate or the TF 7 better performance wise

[@HockeyReviews]

I haven't really looked at both so can't say sorry.

[@spoiler5oo]

where are they made?

[@HockeyReviews]

Not in Canada.

[@spoiler5oo]

@@HockeyReviews but where, do you know?

[@HockeyReviews]

Box says China

[@asdfkhieee]

I cant find a follow up vid on how these felt on the ice, so i'm assuming you never tried them out. Did you have any friends that had a pair, did they like them?

[@HockeyReviews]

I did wear these, but they didn't have enough depth for me to actually wear them comfortably. The stock profile and steel made them feel like I was a very un-agile boat. But that is something that can be fixed and modified to replicate other skates. They felt like other top end skates I used and I had no issues with them in that regards, but I got massive lace bite because I need custom skates so they didn't work from a comfort angle.

[@asdfkhieee]

@@HockeyReviews do you have abnormal feet?

[@HockeyReviews]

They don't look abnormal but they never quiet fit into retail skates. Forefoot is slightly too wide for their length, instep is too tall, while heel is relatively standard.

[@cjboiss5779]

re; True's blade replacement system. You don't need True's tool specifically, you just need *a* tool. Something slender enough to fit through the hole, long enough that you can hook a finger around both sides, and rigid enough not to bend when you pull on it. A small screwdriver would work, like the kind you'd use for tightening helmet screws. True includes their specialized tool because the hex end lets you remove the tendon guard. re; Fit. I went from an 8.5EE Vapor X800 to an 8.5W TF7. The X800 fits longer. (not sure if Bauer has changed the sizing on their more modern skates). TF's probably wouldn't fit well if you need a high volume boot, but if you fit a Vapor/Jetspeed or Supreme/Super Tack, you'll probably fit a TF. (if you're coming from a Vapor/Jetspeed, you should like the way TF's lock in your heel and wrap your ankle.)

[@HockeyReviews]

I am aware you don't need the True tool specifically to take out the steel. My point was all of the other designs you don't need a tool at all.

[@trevorlambert4226]

Interesting that you say they fit half a size bigger, because according to the company they fit exactly the same as Bauer and CCM, which is 1.5 sizes bigger than North American shoe size.

[@HockeyReviews]

Sometimes companies make mistakes, and Bauer and CCM saying sizing is incorrect if you actually fit skates properly. But people trying things on will instantly feel their toes touching and think the skates don't fit so both of those companies give room in the toes to accommodate that. Here is an entire thread agreeing with me on the sizing for True TF line: modsquadhockey.com/forums/topic/73433-true-tf9tf7-skates/?tab=comments#comment-1108632 This video was also so helpful to people getting a proper fit in the TF line of skates, that True sent me a pair of Catalyst Pro to review and talk about the Catalyst sizing compared to the TF line.

[@tonpear5909]

Their custom fit and finish quality appears to extend to the editing of statements displayed on their site's main page (copied/pasted with no modifications): A REFUSAL TO ACCEPT ‘SORE FEET’ AND LESS THAN OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE SYNONYMOUS WITH SKATING, LED SCOTT VAN HORNETO PERFECTING A UNIBODY SKATE DESIGN.

[@iconickeyboard7640]

This or the 2x

[@HockeyReviews]

Whichever fits you better

[@eerikkan13gas65]

Tfsssnine 0:04

[@t.onleee9029]

one major difference. customs are handmade, tf9's arent

[@HockeyReviews]

Hand made should mean the finish is better...

[@straighttimestirrups]

That’s questionable.

[@bfish9700]

Holy lord $600. I probably need new player skates because I didnt get the right size/brand when I bought them, but yikes!

[@HockeyReviews]

$600 is REALLY cheap for what they are.

[@anthonythomas7769]

Compare the price of the TF9 to the top of the line Bauer and CCM skates. They're a bargain for one piece high end speed skate inspired skates. If you're on more of a budget then the TF7's are a great option at $400 and I can't think of any current $400 skate that comes close to the value of the TF7. The Mako M7 is the only skate in that price range that would've compared, but those are long gone.

[@barackobama2050]

@@anthonythomas7769 yeah $400 with a one piece boot that’s insane

[@Arriss]

looks don’t make you play any better but god does true make some ugly skates

[@dolla3040]

Bro what’s the thats an unpopular opinion but trueskates look so fire

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

They could be orange with green spots, as long as they do the business.

[@marcfalardeau6058]

I have TF 7 skates and very satisfied. My question: How do they compare to Catalyst 7 skates? Is it worth switching my skates ? Marc Thanks! 😉🏒