Hockey Skate Fitting Guide

Finding the perfect fitting skate is crucial for your player's comfort, performance, and development.

How to Properly Fit Hockey Skates

A properly fitted skate should be 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size. The fit should be snug but not painful, with toes able to brush the toe cap when standing straight.

Step 1: Measuring

  • Use a Brannock device

    Measure both length and width of the foot using a proper measuring tool.

  • Check both feet

    Measure both feet as they can be different sizes; fit to the larger foot.

  • Wear proper socks

    Measure while wearing the same thin socks you'll wear for hockey.

Step 2: Initial Try-On

  • Fully unlace the skate

    Loosen all laces before inserting foot.

  • Heel positioning

    Push heel all the way back into the heel pocket before lacing.

  • Stand up straight

    Your toes should lightly brush the toe cap when standing upright.

Step 3: Lacing Technique

  • Snug at the ankle

    Lace tighter around the ankle area for support.

  • Looser at the toe

    Keep laces slightly looser at the toe area for blood circulation.

  • Wrap laces around hooks

    Wrap laces around each hook for maximum stability.

Step 4: Final Fitting Check

  • Flex your knees

    In a skating stance, your toes should pull away slightly from the toe cap.

  • Walk test

    Walk (with skate guards) to ensure comfort and no pressure points.

  • No heel lift

    Your heel should remain firmly in place with minimal to no lift when walking.

Skate Sizing Tips by Age Group

Age Group Sizing Considerations Growth Allowance
Youth (8 & Under) Comfort is paramount; skate should still be snug but not restricting Up to ½ size growth room acceptable
Junior (9-13) Balance between performance and growth potential ¼ size growth room maximum
Senior (14+) Performance fit; should be snug with no empty space No growth room; precise fit recommended

Never buy skates more than a ½ size larger thinking your child will "grow into them." Oversized skates can lead to blisters, poor skating development, and potential injuries.

Breaking In New Skates

  1. Bake them (if recommended by manufacturer)

    Many modern skates can be heat-molded at your local hockey shop for a custom fit.

  2. Wear them around the house

    With skate guards on, wear them for 20-minute sessions to help break them in.

  3. Start with short skating sessions

    Begin with 30-minute ice sessions and gradually increase time.

  4. Apply moleskin to pressure points

    If you notice hot spots developing, apply moleskin or athletic tape to prevent blisters.

Quick Troubleshooting

Skate is too large or not laced properly. Try thicker socks, tighter lacing around ankle, or heel pads. If persistent, consider a smaller size.

Skate is too small. Try loosening laces in toe area first. If pain persists, you'll need to size up.

Apply moleskin or gel pads to affected areas. Consider getting skates baked for better ankle fit. Make sure socks don't bunch up.

Laces too tight, especially in forefoot area. Try loosening middle laces while keeping ankle support snug. If width feels tight, consider a wider skate model.

Recommended Brands by Level

  • Beginner (First Pair)

    Bauer NSX, CCM Tacks 1092, True TF-Jr

  • Intermediate

    Bauer Vapor X3.7, CCM Jetspeed FT485, True TF7

  • Advanced

    Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic, CCM Ribcor 100K, True Custom