The right fit for SkatesUpdated a year ago

It's crucial for hockey players of all ages to have well-fitting skates. If the skates are the wrong size or uncomfortable, the player could get blisters, damage the boots, or even start to dislike playing. To prevent these issues, it's important to learn how to properly fit ice hockey skates.

If you’ve never shopped for a pair before, you might start out wondering, "What size ice skates should I buy?" As a general rule, you want to get a skate that is 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. Some sizing specifics depend on the brand— sizing charts are provided in each of our product pages to help you determine the correct size for you.

Fitting for a player who is still growing, make sure you can fit one finger between the inside of the boot and the heel of the foot. This gives room for growth over time.  Adult skates mold to the foot, so extra space is not needed.

For professional fitting of hockey skates, our Player Skating team can also assist you in determining the correct size for you.

BAKING YOUR SKATES

Baking your skates is a process in which the skates are placed in a special skate oven to achieve a better fit. This process helps to mold the stiff sides and upper part of the boot to conform to the shape of the player's foot, ensuring a proper hockey skate fit. Not all skates can be heat-molded, especially beginner skates as they aren't made with materials that withstand the process well. For players in heat-moldable intermediate or elite skates, though, baking shortens the break-in time by about half.

A poorly fitting skate can create bad habits and break down prematurely, hindering skate performance. Blisters or heel spurs can also occur. To break in your new skates, spend some time wearing them at home. You could use a hair dryer to warm them up, but be careful not to overheat any one area. Let them completely cool before walking in them. 

The more time you spend wearing your new skates while laced up, the faster the break-in period will be. Your feet will feel better when you hit the ice for the first skate with them. Remember to wear rubber skate guards to avoid damaging floors. 

All skates purchased from thehockeyshop.com come with free sharpening. Be sure to specify what hollow you would like your skates sharpened at.