If you were serious about making the most comfortable hockey skate on the planet, how would you go about it? Maybe you'd study the wear patterns on hundreds of different existing makes and models? Perhaps pioneer an internal drainage system to keep the insides dry and cool? Or throw away conventional designs and reinvent the boot to fit like a second layer of skin, even after hours of use? If you were an engineer for Easton sporting goods, that's exactly what you'd do, and the result would be Easton's new 2001 Z-Air hockey skate.

What's the Z-Air got that no one else has got? It's got the groundbreaking Ideal Fit comfort system for starters. It's a philosophy that involves filling all negative space in the boot, thereby removing all tactile barriers between foot and skate. This means no internal slippage or shifting, freeing you up to concentrate on the important issues, like high sticking and hip checks.

The Z-Air not only redefines skate comfort, but also increases power and stride with yet another revolutionary concept, the Padlock foot orientation system. The Padlock system locks the forefoot into the perfect position for optimal energy transfer between skater and skate. Now you can plant that loudmouth goalie flat on his icehole without wasting an ounce of valuable thrust.

Probably the coolest new feature of the Z-Air, though, is the Dry Flow drain. The first of its kind ever, the Dry Flow allows moisture and heat to escape the boot, keeping the feet cool and dry. This also keeps the skates light, tight and ready for flight.

All this is great, but how do they skate? Fast, according to our tester. There really is no motion in the boot, ergo no wasted energy. All your push-off goes where it should, to the ice. The real surprise comes the first time you turn, super response with no power loss. That's because of the blade. The Z-Airs come standard with Easton's Parabolic Razor Bladz. The blade actually arcs during turns and pivots; it's a sensation that takes a little getting use to, but cripes, the speed!

After a few hours of skating, the Z-Airs were still as comfortable as high-top sneakers, only dryer.

The Z-Air, comes in size 6 through 12 ½ (full and half sizes) and widths D and EE. You can pick up a pair for about three hundred bucks. Let your skates take care of your feet, while you handle your puckstick.

Buy them from one of the dealers listed at www.EastonSports.com.