Hockey Skate Sizing Guide & Chart - How to Fit Hockey Skates

Published 27th February 2024

Elevate Your Game on the Ice

Hockey skates are the cornerstone of every player's performance. The proper size, style, and fit of your skates are paramount, directly impacting your speed, precision, and shooting ability. Mastering skating forms the bedrock of excellence on the ice, enabling you to dominate the game.

Unlock your potential as a standout skater and elite hockey player by choosing the right skates with a flawless fit. Our comprehensive guide is crafted to assist you in selecting the perfect pair that will enhance your skating skills and elevate your performance to new heights.

Explore our expert advice and recommendations to ensure you make informed decisions when investing in hockey skates. Elevate your game with the perfect pair of skates tailored to your needs and preferences.

Hockey Skate Sizing

Many hockey players face the frustrating dilemma of wearing improperly sized skates, which can dampen their experience on the ice. This issue is particularly common among new skaters, leading to discomfort and hindering skill development. Ill-fitting skates, especially oversized ones, often contribute to this problem, resulting in feelings of frustration and discouragement.

To ensure a rewarding and successful skating journey, it's crucial to prioritize finding the right skate size. Properly fitting skates not only enhance comfort but also facilitate skill improvement and overall enjoyment of the game.

Skate Sizing Charts

Understanding skate sizing is crucial for finding the perfect fit. Generally, skates should be 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size, following a standard sizing formula adopted by most manufacturers.

However, it's essential to note that sizing can vary between skate brands. For example, if you wear men's shoe size 11, consider trying skates in size 10 or 9.5 for optimal fit and comfort.

Hockey Skate Sizing Chart

For first-time skate buyers or those uncertain about sizing, consulting a sizing chart is essential. Especially when purchasing for children, opting for slightly larger skates to accommodate growth is common practice. However, it's crucial to avoid going too large, as this can lead to discomfort, blistering, and premature wear of the skate boot.

Hockey Skate Toe Space

Achieving the right toe space in your hockey skates is crucial for comfort and performance. When trying on skates, ensure that your toes barely touch the toe cap without lacing them up. This may initially feel like a tight fit, but once fully laced and standing upright, your heel will settle back in the heel pocket, providing the necessary space for your toes. The result? A perfectly fitted skate that enhances your skating experience.

Properly Fitted Skates: Enhancing Performance and Safety on the Ice

Choosing the right pair of skates goes beyond brand and style – it's all about the fit! Properly fitted skates are essential for maximizing your skating potential. But what exactly constitutes a well-fitted skate? Let's delve into two key aspects: size and boot construction.

Size

Many skaters struggle with ill-fitting skates because they often need to opt for a size smaller than their regular shoe size. While this might seem counterintuitive, the correct skate size ensures comfort and safety on the ice, ultimately boosting skating performance. Purchasing a smaller skate than your regular shoe size is beneficial for your overall skating experience.

TOO BIG

Oversized skates hinder speed and comfort, increasing the risk of blisters and injuries.

TOO SMALL

Tight skates lead to cramping, discomfort, and hampered skating precision.

Boot Construction

Skate manufacturers offer a variety of styles catering to different foot shapes. Whether you have wide or narrow feet, there's a skate model designed for you. Take the time to explore various brands and models to find the perfect fit for your foot shape.

Pro Tip

Opt for skate models tailored to your foot width, and don't feel compelled to emulate your favorite player's choice unless it aligns with your foot's needs.

Finding Your Perfect Skate Fit

Choosing the right skate entails more than just finding the correct size; it's about finding a skate that fits your foot perfectly in three crucial areas:

Forefoot Width

Ensure the skate provides ample room for the width of your forefoot, preventing discomfort and potential injuries during play.

Heel Depth

The depth of the heel pocket should snugly accommodate your heel, providing stability and preventing slippage while skating.

Overall Foot Volume

Consider the overall volume of your foot, which refers to the dimensions of the boot rather than its size. Manufacturers offer a plethora of styles, so identifying your foot profile is essential to finding skates that offer optimal comfort and performance.

By assessing these three factors, you can narrow down your options and find skates tailored to your specific foot shape and needs. Remember, a well-fitted skate is the foundation for an enjoyable and successful skating experience.

Understanding Hockey Skate Width for Optimal Fit

Determining the correct size for your hockey skates is just the beginning. Understanding your width ratio is equally vital. The width ratio reveals the width and depth of your foot, crucial for a comfortable fit. Calculate your width ratio by dividing the length of your foot by its width. Here's how width ratio correlates with skate size:

Traditional (Width Ratio < 2.5)

Forefoot

WIDE

HEEL

DEEP

Volume

HIGH

Contoured (Width Ratio 2.5 – 3.0)

Forefoot

STANDARD

Heel

STANDARD

Volume

MEDIUM

Tapered (Width Ratio > 3.0)

Forefoot

NARROW or SLIGHTLY NARROW

Heel

SHALLOW/NARROW

Volume

LOW

Forefoot Fit

Ensure your skate matches the width of your forefoot snugly for optimal comfort. A traditional skate with a wider forefoot is ideal for naturally wide feet. Consider your width ratio; a smaller ratio indicates a wider forefoot requirement.

Heel Fit

The depth of the skate boot's heel is critical for securing your foot. Opt for models designed for your specific heel type to achieve a snug fit and prevent slipping.

Volume

Skate volume refers to boot dimensions. Wider feet suit high-volume skates, while narrow feet require low-volume options. Understanding volume ensures comfort and performance.

For naturally wide feet, opt for a traditional fit to avoid discomfort. Choose wisely to enjoy a comfortable and well-fitted skate.

Exploring the Anatomy of Hockey Skates

After determining the right size and fit for your feet, selecting the perfect hockey skate involves considering stiffness, key features, and cost. With a vast range of options available, understanding the anatomy of hockey skates is essential for informed decision-making. Even the latest top-of-the-line skate may not be the best choice for everyone. Let's explore the components that make up a hockey skate.

Hockey Skate Components

A hockey skate comprises three main pieces:

Holder

The holder is a fundamental component riveted to the bottom of the skate boot, providing stability and maneuverability on the ice. Its style and construction vary by manufacturer but serve the same purpose.

Runner

The runner, often referred to as the "blade," is the steel strip that makes contact with the ice surface. It securely inserts into the molded plastic holder attached to the boot.

Boot

The skate boot, resembling a shoe, is technologically advanced and crafted with various materials, impacting quality and pricing. Understanding its composition is crucial for selecting a pair that suits your performance and budgetary needs.

Key Features of Skate Boots

When choosing skates, pay attention to the materials and features of the boot, including:

Quarter package

Ankle padding

Heel support

Tongue

Outsole

Footbed

Liner (inside the boot)

As you gain experience in hockey, you'll become more familiar with skate features that enhance your skating style, aiding you in selecting future pairs.

Discover Your Foot Arch Type Easily

Determining your foot arch type is a breeze with a simple test using everyday items. Follow these steps to understand your arch type:

Prepare the Setup

Place a piece of cardboard and a shallow pan filled with water on a flat surface.

Take the Test

Remove your shoes and socks, then place your foot into the pan, ensuring the bottom gets wet.

Make an Impression

Lift your foot out of the water and step onto the cardboard, exerting normal standing pressure.

Inspect the Imprint

Step off the cardboard and examine the wet imprint left by your foot.

Decipher the Results

Compare your footprint to the image guide provided to determine if you have a low, normal, or high arch.

Understanding your foot arch type is crucial for selecting the right footwear that offers adequate support and comfort tailored to your needs. Take the test today to embark on a journey towards better foot health and comfort.

Knowing your arch type means you can have better support inside your skates. Buying an after-market foot bed designed specifically for your arch type will enhance the overall feel and fit of your skate. It adds more points of contact between the bottom of your foot and the insole/outsole of the skate, which will give you superior, more efficient energy transfer. It will also feel more comfortable and should help prevent the arch of your foot from cramping up when skating.

Hockey Skate FAQs

How to Fit Kids for Youth Hockey Skates?

Fitting youth hockey skates is essential for comfort and performance. Ensure they are 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than the child's regular street shoes. The fit should be snug with toes lightly touching the toe cap and a quarter-inch space at the heel. A half size larger can be considered due to children's rapid foot growth.

Are Ice Skates the Same Size as Shoes?

No, ice skates typically run smaller than street shoes. Opt for skates 1 – 1.5 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size for a proper fit.

Do hockey skates run big?

Yes, hockey skates tend to run larger than street shoes. Look for skates about 1 – 1.5 sizes smaller than your usual shoe size for optimal fit and performance.

What is the Width of a Hockey Skate Blade?

The width of a regular hockey player’s skate blade is approximately ⅛" wide, while goalie blades are usually wider.

How Tight Should Hockey Skates Fit?

Hockey skates should fit snugly, with toes lightly touching the toe cap and the heel feeling snug in the heel pocket. There should be some space at the end of the toes for comfort and optimal performance.

What are the Different Fit Types in Hockey Skates?

Hockey skates come in tapered/narrow, contoured/anatomical, and classic/comfort fit types, each offering benefits related to foot instep, heel, toe, and volume.

What is the Difference Between Lace Styles?

Skate laces come in waxed and non-waxed styles. Waxed laces can help achieve a tighter fit for better performance on the ice.

How to Deal with Lace Bite?

Lace bite, often caused by tightly tied skates, can lead to discomfort and blisters. Adjusting how you tie your skates or using gel pads can alleviate lace bite.

Should I Use Soft or Hard Blade Covers?

Both hard and soft blade covers offer benefits. Hard covers provide protection while walking, while soft covers absorb moisture and prolong blade lifespan.