The wrong size skate costs you more than money. Too big and your heel lifts, your ankles roll and you lose your push. Too small and you're counting the minutes until you can take them off. Here's how our skate techs size skates, and how you can get close at home.
The 3-second fit check
- 1Go 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe size. Women in women's shoe sizes usually go 2 to 2.5 sizes smaller.
- 2Toes just brush the toe cap when you stand, then pull back slightly when you bend your knees.
- 3Heel stays locked. If it lifts when you bend your knees, the skate is too big or the wrong width.
Jump to your skate
Step 1: Measure your foot
Put a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall.
Stand on it in the socks you skate in, heel against the wall.
Mark the tip of your longest toe and measure from the wall to the mark.
Do both feet and size for the longer one.
Step 2: Pick your size range
| Range | Typical skate sizes | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | Y6 to Y13.5 | Young kids |
| Junior | 1 to 5.5 | Older kids |
| Intermediate | 4 to 6.5 | Teens between junior and adult |
| Senior | 6 and up | Adults |
Ranges overlap a little and vary by brand, which is why trying skates on beats any chart.
Step 3: Get the width and volume right
Two feet the same length can need very different skates. Bauer and CCM both make three fits:
| Bauer | CCM | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fit 1 | Tapered | Narrow, low-volume feet |
| Fit 2 | Regular | Medium feet. Most skaters start here |
| Fit 3 | Wide | Wide feet or high arches |
If your foot slides side to side, go narrower. If the sides pinch or the top of your foot presses on the tongue, go wider.
Step 4: Check the fit in the skate
Lace the skates all the way up, snug but not cranked, then check:
- Toes: they should just brush the toe cap when you stand tall.
- Knees bent: drop into your stride. Your toes should pull back slightly from the front.
- Heel: it should stay locked in place. If it lifts when you bend your knees, the skate is too big or the wrong fit.
- Pressure points: walk around for a few minutes. A spot that hurts in the store will hurt more on the ice.
Goalie skates
- Same sizing as player skates, usually 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe.
- Same fit check: toes brush the front when standing, and your heel stays locked when you drop into your stance.
- When to switch: player skates are fine for learn-to-play. Once you're pushing post to post, goalie skates are safer and much more stable.
Sizing kids' skates
It's tempting to buy a size up so they "grow into them." Don't go more than about half a size. A skate that's too big lets the heel lift, which makes learning to skate harder and causes blisters. A properly fitted skate that gets outgrown in a season is a better deal than one that holds them back for two.
New to hockey? Our beginner hockey equipment guide for parents covers the rest of the gear.
Break-in and heat-fitting
Heat-fitting is free when you buy your skates in store. The boot is warmed in a skate oven, then laced onto your foot so it moulds to your shape. It cuts break-in time and tightens the heel lock. Otherwise it's $20.
Even after heat-fitting, take a few shorter skates before a full game.
Don't skip the sharpen
New skates don't come game-ready. Get them sharpened before your first skate. Not sure which hollow to ask for? Our hollow guide explains the options, and a regular sharpen is $9.
Get fitted by our skate techs
Our skate techs fit skates every day at both stores. Bring the socks you skate in and your old skates if you have them. They tell us a lot about how you skate.