Out With the New, In With the Old: Bauer Supreme Mach Skates

The NHL has always been a place where tradition meets innovation. Whether it’s through rule changes, new playing styles, or updated gear, the league constantly evolves. But when it comes to equipment, especially skates, NHL players tend to stick to what works. This season, one particular storyline has gained tradition among gearheads and fans alike: a notable number of NHL players have ditched their Bauer Supreme Shadow skates in favor of their old, trusted Bauer Supreme Machs.

Now, to understand the significance of this, it’s worth noting that the Bauer Supreme line is one of the most widely used across all levels of hockey. Known for its powerful stride and anatomical fit, it’s long been a go-to for players who value a locked-in, explosive feel. The Mach model, released in 2022, became an instant hit and remains incredibly popular. Its successor, the Supreme Shadow, debuted a little over a year ago with expectations of innovation and improvements.

Initially, many NHL players were hesitant to make the switch. Unlike casual or junior players who may eagerly jump to the newest gear, the pros can sometimes wait to see how a new product performs across the league before embracing it themselves. Even when the Shadows started gaining traction earlier this season, there was a hunch that many players were cautious. And now, that hunch seems justified.

A little more than a handful of players across the league have made the switch back to Machs after wearing the Shadows for a considerable amount of time. “Considerable amount of time” meaning at least one month, or enough time to reasonably assume the new skates were broken in. This list includes Rasmus Ristolainen, Lian Bichsel, James van Riemsdyk, Pavel Buchnevich, Lawson Crouse, and Travis Konecny. These aren’t players who wore the Shadows for just a game or two. These guys gave them weeks, maybe even over a month, to settle in. But something wasn’t clicking.

Whether it’s the feel, the stiffness, or simply the way the Shadows respond in certain situations, these players weren’t getting what they needed out of Bauer’s newest Supreme model. And in a league where the smallest edge can make the biggest difference, comfort and confidence in your skates matter.

What’s even more telling is that the Bauer Supreme Machs are still holding strong as the second most popular skate in the NHL, trailing only Bauer’s Vapor HyperLite 2. That stat alone reinforces that staying in Machs isn’t a nostalgic move, but rather it’s a performance-based decision supported by league-wide usage.

Of course, NHL players are notoriously particular about their equipment. Skates, gloves, sticks, you name it. Many are without a doubt creatures of habit. But what makes this trend so interesting is that the players in question didn’t outright reject the Shadows. They tried them. They gave them a shot for a long period of time which might suggest they were in the clear with them. Yet still, they returned to the familiar feel of the Machs.

Now, the questions begin to build: How long can players keep riding their Machs? How many pairs do they have stockpiled? Will Bauer continue to produce replacement boots for pros behind the scenes, or will there be a tipping point where players are forced to transition to Shadows or a future model?

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, it’ll be fascinating to see how this all shakes out. Will the number of Shadow users finally surpass Mach loyalists?

One thing’s for sure, this isn’t just a case of players being picky. It’s a real-time look at how the top athletes in the sport react when the latest and greatest doesn’t quite measure up to what came before. In the high-stakes world of NHL hockey, sometimes the best new thing… just isn’t better.

Photo Credit: Icon Sportswire