Ice skate size vs shoe size

Do you sometimes wish that you could buy a new ice skate without fitting them all? Yes, you can. In this article, we will look at how to compare your ice skate size vs shoe size. However, this method sometimes fails for people with unequal feet or relatively larger feet. Therefore, we will also discuss a more accurate method of foot tracing.

Note that tracing can be tedious, whereas the ice skate size vs shoe size method is simple and more straightforward.

Before we get started, please note that the leading skate manufacturers, CCM and Bauer, all base their skates on 3 fit families. That means a particular fit of the same skate size will fit you better than the others. These are mainly based on the length-width ratio. We will discuss more of that later.

Also, remember there are four key areas of fit: The heel, the instep, the ankle, and the forefoot.

Ice Skate Size vs Shoe Size Method

As a rule:

For adults, your ice skate is 1.5 sizes lower than your normal dress shoe size.

For example, if you wear a size 8 dress shoe, you can fit in a size 6.5 ice skate.

For teens and juniors, the ice skate shoe is only 1 size lower than their normal dress shoe size.

So for a youth dress shoe size 15, they will wear a size 14 skate.

And for juniors that outgrow their shoes quickly, get a skate only half a size down.

That’s easy, right?

Now let’s look at the more precise skate sizing method.

Foot Tracing Method

You will need a blank piece of paper, a tracing pen, a measuring tape, and your normal skate socks.

Wear your skate socks and step on the blank piece of paper.

Trace your feet’s outline using the tracing pen or pencil. The pen has to maintain a constant angle perpendicular to the paper throughout the tracing process to avoid making mistakes.

Once you finish, step out from the paper and using your tape measure, note the longest distance. That should be from your thumb to the heel. This is your foot length measurement.

Now measure the widest part of your foot to get the foot width measurement.

Repeat this process with the other foot and compare the measurements.

With these measurements noted, use a skate-sizing chart to know the exact skate you should wear. Always use the biggest measurements when ordering a new ice skate.

The advantage of the second method is that you can determine your length to width ratio. This makes it possible to shop by fit online. Some skates are designed for narrow feet while others are for wide feet.

Your width ratio = length/width

C = Narrow

D = Standard

R = Wider than D

E = Wide

EE = widest

The Latest Feet Scanning Technology

3D foot scans accurately determine the size and width ratio of your legs. This is especially important for people with uneven legs and minor leg deformities. Most popular skate manufacturers (like CCM stores in Montreal) have 3D foot scanning equipment.

The companies then manufacture custom skates based on the imaging results. Consequently, the customer gets the perfect skate fit.

How to Fit Your Ice Skate Properly

A new pair of skates can be a little difficult to fit. The first step is to soften it up. You can do this for a few minutes in the oven. Then lace it up especially towards the heel tightly. And you’re good to go.

Is Your Skate Underperforming? Common Diagnosis Tips

The blade has to be sharp at all times. While skating, you will step on rocks, bend your skates, and slide through rough terrain towards the dressing rooms, and so on. A sharp blade maintains the position as you skate.

Similarly, skate blades eventually rust and pit when exposed to humid environments. So always, keep your skates dry.

Make sure the rivets holding the blade holder onto your skates are still solid. Otherwise, the blade will wobble as you skate. And eventually, you will ruin the skates.

If you experience discomfort in your arch or heel while playing, use additional support from skate insoles. Different insoles are designed to offer particular areas of support. Make sure you size the insole properly. And if possible, buy good quality materials like foam insoles.

Finally, use the compression type of skate socks. They not only prevent your feet from friction against the skate, but they also promote blood circulation as you play.

In Conclusion

A properly fitting skate is the most important gear to have because it affects your moves, control, and balance. Ice skate size vs shoe size ratios works well for most people. However, go an extra mile with foot tracing just to be sure. Because if your skate is too big, you will end up with blisters and you won’t get maximum performance. And if it’s too small, your toes will be in anguish. For the latest ice skates review, have a look at this article.

People Also Ask:

1. What is the difference between ice skates and hockey skates?
   Hockey skates have a shorter, more curved blade for agility, while figure skates have a longer blade with a toe pick for jumps and spins.

2. Are hockey skates faster than figure skates?
   Yes, hockey skates are designed for speed and quick turns, making them generally faster than figure skates.

3. Can you use figure skates for hockey?
   No, figure skates aren’t suited for hockey. Their toe pick and blade shape hinder the speed and agility needed for hockey movements.