Based majorly on the highest-end ski boots, the KONEKT goalie skates look to take the goalie skate to a whole other level. These skates feature a thermoformable Grilamid shell, PushPlate interior, a Hingeflex cuff, and an Ultralon foam liner, all focused on making a skate with the same “connection” goals as elite ski boots.
Skate Fit Profile
The KONEKT is designed to form fit around your foot, so all parts are thermoformable from the boot to the liner. It is important to note that the skates are much stiffer than standard skates and include various buckles that can be difficult to fit and form when wearing the skate for the first time. The thermoforming process also involves multiple steps and requires very specific fitting on the buckles and punch-outs in the liner. For these reasons, sizing and thermoforming
is required
to be done in-store or with a professional.Boot Construction/Stiffness/Level of Play
These skates are tailored for the elite player, hence the use of high-tech material and technologies in the boot. Grilamid is very stiff but known for its thermoformability and performance-enhancing behaviour in cold weather, which means it can give you unrivalled protection while also providing impressive support and push on the ice. Bauer also added a PushPlate interior for more improved skate power.
Liner/Internal Padding
The KONEKT skates use an Ultralon EVA foam liner along the inside. This foam has amazing shock absorption capabilities, and it is also thermoformable. Ultralon foam does not hold odour well, which means it will help keep your feet feeling fresher for longer as you play. The liner is fully removable, so you can pull it out and run it through the wash or replace it entirely as needed. The Hockey Shop offers KONEKT replacement liners.
Holders & Steel
The KONEKT skates use a Vertexx Edge holder with an LS Pulse Stainless Steel 3mm runner. Vertexx Edge features a trigger in the back for easy installation of a new runner as needed. The LS Pulse runner is a bit taller for a better attack angle and has been coated with a high polish mirror finish. Make sure to research your honing stone (if using) to make sure it is compatible with mirror finishes before use.
Strapping
Unlike conventional skates, the Bauer KONEKT uses straps, cuffs, and buckles, similar to ski boots. Grilamid is well-known in the skiing world for its rigidity, which is where HingeFlex comes in. HingeFlex is the upper shell cuff of the boot that moves with your ankle when you move. HingeFlex ultimately makes the skate 22% more flexible in the ankle area. The two buckles at the ankles and toe of the foot are built to lock your foot in in a snap, making it quicker and easier than ever to get ready for the game.
Graphics
Bauer has been sticking with a black and green colouration for their goalie skates recently, and there is no exception with the Bauer KONEKT skates. The outside edge and heel adorn the Bauer text logo, with their new image logo appearing on the heel. The name KONEKT sits along the HingeFlex cuff with green accents, and the Ultralon liner is also in green.
