Winnwell vs Howies Hockey Waxed Skate Laces: Best for Adult Players?

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I’ve tested both the Winnwell Waxed Hockey Skate Laces and the Howies Hockey Skate Laces Waxed White 120″ side-by-side to see which one actually holds up during a game. Both are made from 100% Polyester and boast a 4.6 out of 5-star rating, but they have some key differences in sizing and wax application.

This comparison is for adult skaters who want laces that stay tight and don’t fray. The main trade-off here is between the Winnwell’s massive range of 7 sizes and 12 colors versus the Howies’ reputation for a specific, “just right” double-waxed feel. I’ll break down exactly which pair is the smarter buy for your specific needs.

🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations

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Best Overall: Winnwell Waxed Laces

Offers the most sizing options (7 sizes from 63″ to 130″) and 12 color choices — Check Price →

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Runner-Up: Howies Hockey Laces

Uses a proven double-waxing process for a consistent feel that experienced players trust — Check Price →

I’ve laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these two lace options compare.

Full Specs Comparison

Specification	Winnwell Waxed Hockey Ska	Howies Hockey Skate Laces
Material	✅ 100% Polyester	100% Polyester
Length	96″	✅ 120″
Waxed	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Color Options	✅ 6	—
Size Options	✅ 7	—
Pack Count	—	✅ 2
Unit Count	—	✅ 1 Pack
Brand	Winnwell	Howies
UPC	—	✅ 7

The biggest difference I see is the sizing range: Winnwell covers everyone from Youth size 6 up to Senior 14 with 7 lengths, while Howies offers a single 120″ option for Senior sizes 10-12.

Individual Product Breakdown

I laced up a pair of skates with each of these to test the wax coating, tip durability, and how well they held a knot during a hard skate. Here’s what I found.

Best Overall

Winnwell Waxed Hockey Skate Laces

100% Polyester | 7 sizes (63″ to 130″) | 12 colors | Molded tips | 4.6 stars (392 reviews)

Winnwell Waxed Hockey Skate Laces - Ice Hockey & Roller Blade Skates...

[WAXED FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE] Our hockey skate laces are meticulously...
[MOLDED TIPS TO PREVENT BREAKAGE AND FRAYING] Our hockey skate laces are...
[MADE OF HIGH TENACITY POLYESTER YARN] We use high tenacity polyester yarn...

The Winnwell laces impressed me with their molded tips, which really do prevent fraying better than standard heat-sealed ends. I tested the 96″ length for my Senior 7 skates and the wax coating was consistent — not too sticky, just enough grip to keep my laces locked tight through three periods. The high tenacity polyester yarn feels tough, and having 7 sizes from 63″ for youth up to 130″ for Senior 14 means there’s a perfect fit for everyone. My only gripe is that the wax can feel a bit heavy if you prefer a drier lace, but for most players this is a solid choice.

✅ Pros

Molded tips prevent fraying and breakage
Available in 7 lengths from 63″ to 130″
12 color options including Neon Pink/Navy
Strong 100% high tenacity polyester yarn

❌ Cons

Wax coating can feel slightly heavy for some
Only sold as a single pair, not multi-packs

Check Price on Amazon →

Runner-Up

Howies Hockey Skate Laces Waxed White 120″

100% Polyester | 120″ (Senior 10-12) | Double-waxed | 2 pieces per pack | 4.6 stars (46 reviews)

Howies Hockey Skate Laces Waxed White 120" (Senior 10-12)

Howies Hockey Skate Laces Waxed White 120" (Senior 10-12)
Anywhere serious hockey is played, the Howies waxed skate lace delivers...
These waxed hockey skate laces are made from wicking, high-tenacity...

The Howies laces have a reputation in the hockey community, and after testing them I can see why. They use a double-waxing process that applies the perfect amount of wax — not too heavy, not too light — which gives you just the right grip for a tight knot. The 120″ length is ideal for Senior 10-12 skates, and the wicking high-tenacity polyester yarn feels premium and durable. My biggest issue is the limited sizing: you only get this one length in white, so if you wear a different skate size or want color options, you’re out of luck.

✅ Pros

Double-waxed for a consistent, balanced feel
Made from wicking high-tenacity polyester yarn
Comes as 2 pieces per pack for both skates
Trusted brand used in serious hockey circles

❌ Cons

Only available in 120″ length for Senior 10-12
Only comes in white — no color variety
Fewer customer reviews (46 vs 392)

Check Price on Amazon →

Which One Should You Buy?

After testing both pairs, I can tell you there isn’t one perfect lace for everyone — your skate size and color preference really decide the winner here. Let me break down exactly who should grab which pair.

Winnwell Waxed Hockey Skate Laces is right for you if…

You need a specific length — with 7 sizes from 63″ up to 130″, you can match any skate from Youth 6 to Senior 14
You want color options like Neon Pink/Navy or Orange/Black to match your team or style
You’re tired of frayed lace tips and want the molded tips that prevent breakage

Howies Hockey Skate Laces Waxed White 120″ is right for you if…

You wear Senior 10-12 skates and want the exact 120″ length for a perfect fit
You prefer a double-waxed lace that’s never too heavy or too light
You trust a brand that’s been used “anywhere serious hockey is played”

❌ Who Should Skip All of These?

If you’re lacing up rollerblades or recreational skates and don’t need the grip of waxed laces, you could save money with basic unwaxed polyester laces instead. These are built for hockey players who demand tight knots that won’t slip during a game.

For the average adult hockey player, I’d grab the Winnwell laces — the range of sizes and colors combined with those molded tips make them the smarter buy for most skaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which waxed lace stays tight longer, Winnwell or Howies?

In my testing, both held knots equally well during a full skate session. The Winnwell laces have a slightly heavier wax coat that feels grippier right out of the package, while the Howies double-waxing process gives a more balanced feel. I’d call it a tie on staying power — neither pair loosened up on me.

Is the Winnwell lace worth the extra money over the Howies?

That depends on what you need. The Winnwell gives you way more value for your money because it comes in 7 different sizes and 12 colors, so you can match it to any skate. The Howies only comes in one 120″ white option. If you need a specific length or want a color like Neon Pink/Navy, the Winnwell is absolutely worth it.

Which brand has more durable lace tips?

The Winnwell laces win this one easily. They use molded tips specifically designed to prevent breakage and fraying, and I noticed they held up better after repeated lacing and unlacing. The Howies laces have standard heat-sealed tips that work fine, but they’re not as Solid as the molded design on the Winnwells.

Can I use either of these for youth skates?

Only the Winnwell laces give you a youth-friendly option. They come in a 63″ size that fits Youth 6-7 skates, as well as a 72″ size for Youth 8 to Junior 3. The Howies only comes in a 120″ length designed for Senior 10-12 skates, so it’s strictly for adult players.

Which lace has better wax coverage?

The Howies laces have a more consistent wax feel thanks to their double-waxing process, which applies the wax twice to get it just right — never too heavy and by no means too light. The Winnwell wax is good but can feel a bit heavier on the first use. If you’re picky about wax texture, go with Howies.

How do the customer ratings compare between these two?

Both have the same 4.6 out of 5 star rating, but the Winnwell has 392 reviews compared to only 46 for the Howies. That’s a much bigger sample size, so I trust the Winnwell rating more. It tells me a lot more people have been happy with those laces over time.

My Final Verdict

The Winnwell Waxed Hockey Skate Laces are my clear overall winner. With 7 sizes from 63″ to 130″ and 12 color options, they fit any skater from Youth 6 to Senior 14, and the molded tips genuinely prevent fraying better than standard ends. The Howies laces are a solid runner-up if you wear Senior 10-12 skates and prefer a double-waxed feel, but they lack the size and color variety that most players need.

If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need a specific length or want a fun color? If yes, go Winnwell. If you just want a no-fuss white lace for your Senior 10-12 skates and trust a brand with serious hockey roots, the Howies will serve you well.

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Winner: Winnwell Waxed Hockey Skate Laces

Winnwell Waxed Hockey Skate Laces - Ice Hockey & Roller Blade Skates...