TRUE Catalyst 9 Junior Hockey Skates

Editor's Full Product Review

"TRUE has spent years studying skates through their previous TF series and custom skates—and now, they are in a position to provide one of the best and most highly anticipated stock skate lines for 2022. The Catalyst 9 offers TRUE’s best custom tech at an elite-level stock price and availability."

TRUE Catalyst 9: Read the Review!

TRUE rolls out a brand new skate line for the 2022 season, which is tailored toward those whose playstyles focus on agility and quick acceleration. The Catalyst 9 is their top-of-the-line skate this year and features a TRUEShell one-piece carbon fibre shell, Hydrofoam liner, FiberShield side panel, and ShiftMax runner and holder.

Skate Fit Profile

The skates at the Junior level come in sizes 1-3.5 in Regular width. When deciding on a skate size, a good rule of thumb is to take the player’s shoe size and drop it by 1 or 1.5 sizes. If you need a larger size, the skates are also available in Senior and Intermediate sizes.

Boot Construction & Stiffness Profile

Neurofit+ is a thermoformable shell technology with a more anatomical shape for a superior fit. The design is meant to further increase your connection to the skate with a more neuromuscular unification. This tech combines the previous tech, TrueShell and Axenic. TRUE also integrated a FiberShield high-grade synthetic side panel for extra protection in that area. The shell on the Catalyst skate has been softened, in response to feedback for the previous TF skates.

Liner & Internal Padding

The skates use a HydroFoam liner, as previously seen in the TF series, which has amazing moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. This means the skates can stay cool and fresh for longer. The internal padding is made from elite orthotic-grade performance foam for a better feel inside the skate.

Toe Cap

The toe cap was crafted with TRUE’s new low-profile design, Carv. This cap promotes a more aggressive and aerodynamic playing style ideal for agility-based players with its sharper cutting edge and lighter weight. This cap is sleeker and lighter than what’s been seen previously on TRUE skates.

Tongue

The Catalyst 9 uses a similar tongue to the TF9, complete with TRUE’s T-Guard insert for enhanced protection from pucks, sticks, and lace bite. The TRUE Pro Tongue uses multi-density foam and is very lightweight, allowing you to make quick skating maneuvers with ease.

Insoles

TRUE integrated a Personalized Fit System (PFS) uses insole placement in the skates to accommodate low, mid, and high arch feet. This system came from the TF series and allows players to customize their skate fit without having to order custom. The placement of the fit inserts is marked clearly on the insole to make them easier to position in the skate.

Steel/Runner/Profile

The Shift holder debuted with the TF series, and now the Shift Max holder has improved durability with a thicker wall formation. Shift Max still features BenchChange technology for a faster blade replacement without the need for extra tools, like a magnetized blade change tool. The runner that the Catalyst 9 skates use is Shift Max high-grade 9CR stainless steel, which is strong and built to last.

Tendon Guard

On the back, the Catalyst 9 skates feature an elite-level dynamic flex tendon guard. It is attached with a single rivet for easy replaceability, and its toughness also comes with some recoil for that extra push while you skate.

Graphics

The skates take on the Catalyst black and gold colouration, with the addition of sleek silver accents. Its nickname “Cat9” can be found on the sides and toe, and credit to the designer Scott Van Horne is on the inside of the tendon guard on the liner. TRUE’s text logo and more references to Catalyst are scattered along the boot and on the toe.