FAQ: How To Fit Ice Skates Properly?

How are ice skates supposed to fit?

How tight should hockey skates fit? Hockey skates should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight. When unlaced, your toes should just barely touch the toe cap. When standing in your skates with them fully laced, you want your heel snug in the heel pocket, so your toes have a bit of space at the end.

Are ice skates the same size as shoes?

A proper fit for hockey skates should fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes. Your toes should barely touch the toe cap, while having no more than 1/4 inch of space in the heel. Most skates use this formula (1 to 1.5 sizes down from shoe size), except Pre-2010 Mission skates which run true to shoe size.

Should ice skates be bigger or smaller?

Bauer, CCM, and True hockey skates normally fit 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. For children, it is acceptable to order a half size bigger than that to accommodate growing feet; however, wearing skates any larger will cause blisters and will break down the sides of the boot.

Should skates be tight or loose?

The fit itself should be very snug, allowing you to stay in control of movements. Very snug doesn’t mean uncomfortable: You should still be able to wiggle your toes, and there shouldn’t be any pressure points. Find the right fit.

Should my toes touch the end of my skates?

Almost all skaters worry about their toes touching the end when they first put on skates. This is perfectly normal.

Why are ice skates so uncomfortable?

One of the biggest causes for uncomfortable hockey skates comes from them not being broken in. When you first get a pair of hockey skates, they will be very stiff and tight. In a way, this is a good thing because it allows the skates to form to your foot as they break-in.

What size skates for a 7 year old?

Junior hockey skates are sized to fit kids in the range of approximately 7 to 13 years old with a US shoe size of 2 to 6.5. Youth hockey skates are sized to fit toddlers and young children in the age range of approximately 9 years old and younger with a US youth shoe size of 1.5 or smaller.

What size am I in ice skates?

METHOD #1. Generally speaking, senior hockey skates fit 1.5 sizes down from a men’s shoe size while junior and youth hockey skates fit 1.0 size down from a boy’s shoe size. For example, a player wearing a size 8.0 men’s shoe size would select a senior size 6.5 hockey skate.

How do I know if my ice skates are too small?

It’s normal to have your little toe and the fourth toe close to the edge of the insole or completely off the edge. Signs your skates are not the right fit include very little space at the toe, zero space at the toe and having your toes hang over the front edge, and the third toe hanging off the side of the insole.

How long does it take to break in ice skates?

Allow at least six hours to break in new skates. It takes time to break in a new pair of figure skates. It is best to break the skates in over several skating sessions. You will need to skate in the new boots for a total of at least six, but up to eight, hours.

How do I stop my ice skates from hurting?

* Wear thick socks similar to ones that you will be wearing while skating when you try on the skate. Press your foot as close to the front of the skate as possible. If the skate fits well, you should be able to insert one finger between your heel and the back of the skate.

What happens if skates are too big?

If your skates are too big, you will feel a world of hurt which will only end when you get the proper size skates. A skate that is too large will cause blisters, hammertoes, bunions or calluses which come from the constant irritation which in turn gives you constant foot pain.

Why do my feet hurt after skating?

Plantar fasciitis — Plantar fasciitis occurs due to repetitive stress on the bottom of the feet, stretching from the heel towards the toes. It causes pain in the heel and arch, and is common in skateboarders due to intense gripping motion of the toes while skating and poor calf strength or flexibility.