Abstract: A protective cover fits over the top of a hockey skate boot. The cover has a vertically-split heel that is contiguous with an open bottom, and includes enough flexibility and tension that the cover can be flexed open diagonally from the split heel to fit over the top of the hockey skate boot, and then released to substantially conform to the instep, sides, ankles, and a portion of the heel in a tensioned fit. The preferred material for the cover is a high grade polycarbonate. The high grade polycarbonate is advantageous over other materials known in the art of covers based on the specific strength, impact resistance and elongation characteristics of high grade polycarbonates. The temperature ranges that the cover may be used in vary significantly and the high grade polycarbonate provides for optimal protection and performance in the wide temperature ranges.

Abstract: A removable protective cover for a hockey skate boot, the cover having a hard but flexible protective shell with an open bottom and heel, and heel-cupping sidewall portions that flex apart diagonally to apply the cover to the boot and to grip portions of the boot heel under tension when released. The shell floats above the surface of the boot on spaced pads secured to the underside of the shell, the pads protecting side-foot, ankle, and instep portions of the foot, while still allowing the boot-laces to be adjusted while the protective cover is installed on the boot. The shell is preferably slotted on the instep to improve flexibility. The initial tensioned fit of the cover on the boot frees the user's hands from having to stabilize the cover while adjusting supplemental fasteners such as straps.