Choosing the right pair of hockey skates is one of the most critical decisions a hockey player can make. Properly sized and well-fitted skates are essential for performance, comfort, and injury prevention. Ill-fitting skates can hinder your skating ability, cause discomfort, or lead to long-term foot issues. This guide will walk you through every aspect of sizing and fitting hockey skates to ensure you get the perfect fit, whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started.
1. Understanding Skate Size vs. Shoe Size
One of the most common questions when buying hockey skates is how they compare to regular shoe sizes. Unlike shoes, hockey skates are typically smaller than your shoe size, as they are designed for a snug, responsive fit.
As a general rule:
- Men's hockey skates are usually 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your US men's shoe size.
- Women's hockey skates are typically 2 to 2.5 sizes smaller than your US women's shoe size.
For example, if you wear a size 9 in men's shoes, you would likely need a size 7.5 or 8 in hockey skates. However, this is just a guideline, and trying skates on is the best way to find your ideal fit.
2. Foot Anatomy: Width, Volume, and Arch
Getting the right skate size involves more than just length. You must also consider the width, volume, and arch height of your foot. Skates are available in different fits, and selecting the wrong width or volume can lead to foot pain, blisters, or poor performance.
- Foot width: Measured across the forefoot, this determines how snug the skate will feel on the sides of your feet.
- Foot volume: Refers to the height and overall shape of your foot. Skates with higher volume are better for feet with high arches, while low-volume skates suit flatter feet.
- Arch support: Players with higher arches may need additional support through insoles or a different skate fit to prevent arch strain.
3. How to Measure Your Foot for Hockey Skates
To accurately determine your hockey skate size, you can measure your foot length, width, and volume at home using the following steps:
Foot Length Measurement:
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor, flush against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall.
- Mark the furthest point of your longest toe (usually the big toe).
- Measure the distance from the edge of the paper (wall) to your toe mark. This will give you your foot length.
Foot Width Measurement:
- Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your forefoot (usually the ball of your foot).
- Note the circumference in inches or centimeters.
Volume and Arch Measurement:
To determine foot volume and arch height, look at how high your foot lifts off the ground at its peak. Skates with high-volume footbeds are suitable for higher arches, while low-volume skates fit flatter feet.
4. The Fitting Process: How to Test Skates for Proper Fit
Once you've selected the correct size and fit based on your measurements, it's time to try on the skates. Here's how to ensure the best fit:
- Wear appropriate socks: Always wear the socks you plan to wear while skating, as they impact the fit.
- Lace up the skates fully: Make sure the skates are properly laced from the bottom eyelets to the top, creating even pressure across your foot.
- Check the toe space: Your toes should just brush the toe cap when standing, but not feel cramped. When you bend your knees, your toes should pull back slightly from the front of the skate.
- Check for heel lock: Your heel should stay firmly locked in place without lifting when you bend your knees or move around. A tight heel fit is essential for control and preventing blisters.
- Walk and skate around: Try walking or gliding in the skates to ensure they feel comfortable under real skating conditions. Pay attention to any pressure points or areas that feel too tight or loose.
5. CCM vs. Bauer Skate Fitting Guide
When it comes to finding the right skate fit, CCM and Bauer are the two most popular brands in hockey, and they each offer distinct sizing and fit systems.
CCM Skate Fit Guide
CCM provides three main fit profiles for their skates:
- Tapered Fit: Narrow forefoot, narrow heel, and low volume. This fit is ideal for players with slim feet who prefer a snug, close-to-the-foot feel.
- Regular Fit: Medium forefoot width, medium heel, and medium volume. This is a versatile fit that works well for most players.
- Wide Fit: Wide forefoot, wide heel, and high volume. This fit accommodates players with broader feet and higher arches.
CCM skates follow a streamlined sizing system that makes it easy to find a fit that matches your foot's natural shape.
Tacks VS Jetspeed VS Ribcor
CCM’s skate families—Tacks, Jetspeed, and Ribcor—offer distinct fits tailored to different foot shapes and performance needs. Jetspeed skates provide a tapered fit, featuring a narrower heel and forefoot with a close, anatomical wrap, making them ideal for players seeking a responsive, lightweight feel for quick movements and acceleration. Tacks skates are designed for a medium to high-volume fit, offering a more natural, all-around shape that provides excellent support and stability, making them great for powerful, straight-line skating. Ribcor skates have a flexible, lower-profile fit with a focus on comfort, featuring a more forgiving forefoot and softer materials, perfect for players who prefer agility and dynamic foot movement without sacrificing comfort. Each family is designed to cater to different foot types and playing styles.
Bauer Skate Fit Guide
Bauer also offers three main fit options in their sizing chart, but with slightly different terminology:
- Fit 1: This fit accommodates players with narrow feet, with an approximate foot width of 4 to 4.5 inches and a low volume (foot height of 2 to 2.5 inches).
- Fit 2: A medium width (4.5 to 5 inches) and medium volume (2.5 to 3 inches). This fit is the most popular and works for the majority of players.
- Fit 3: Best for players with wider feet (5 to 5.5 inches) and high volume (3 to 3.5 inches).
Bauer's fit system is designed to cover a wide range of foot shapes and sizes, ensuring that players can find the perfect balance of width and volume.
Nexus VS Vapor VS Supreme
Bauer’s three skate families—Nexus, Vapor, and Supreme—each cater to different foot shapes and playing styles. Supreme skates are designed for players with standard to slightly wider feet, offering a power-focused, anatomical fit that wraps the foot snugly, ideal for powerful strides and maximum energy transfer. Vapor skates are built for agility and quickness, featuring a tapered fit that is narrower in both the forefoot and heel, giving a more locked-in, responsive feel for tight turns and quick acceleration. Nexus skates, now mostly replaced by Bauer's Fit 3 profile, traditionally offered a high-volume, wider fit with a more relaxed feel, perfect for players with broader feet seeking maximum comfort. Each line has its own unique fit to meet the needs of various players.
Keep in mind that CCM and Bauer skates tend to fit differently from eachother as well, and these differences should definitely be considered when choosing the right skates. Bauer skates are often noted for their snug, anatomical fit, especially in the heel, offering a locked-in feel that many players prefer for agility and quick movements. CCM skates on the other hand, are known for a slightly roomier fit, particularly in the toe box, which some players find more comfortable, especially during long sessions on the ice. While Bauer is favored for its responsive and tight fit, CCM skates are often praised for their comfort and more forgiving feel. Ultimately, the best fit depends on personal preference and foot shape.
6. Skate Baking: A Custom Fit
One way to get a perfect, glove-like fit for your skates is through baking, a process in which the skates are heated and then molded to your foot shape. Most hockey stores offer this service, and it can make a world of difference in comfort.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- The skates are heated to a specific temperature in a specialized oven (typically around 175°F).
- You wear the skates while they’re warm and lace them tightly.
- The skate material softens and molds to your foot shape, giving you a custom fit once the skates cool down.
How Often Should You Bake Skates?
Skate baking should only be done when necessary, such as when breaking in new skates or if you experience discomfort. Over-baking can damage the skate material, so limit baking to once or twice in the skate’s lifespan.
7. Breaking in Your New Skates
Even with perfect sizing and baking, new skates will still require a break-in period. Typically, this process involves several practice sessions or games to allow the skate to fully conform to your foot’s natural shape.
Tips for Breaking in New Skates:
- Wear the skates for shorter sessions initially, and gradually increase your skating time.
- Use skate guards when walking on hard surfaces to prevent premature blade dulling.
- Monitor for any discomfort, and adjust lacing or insoles if needed.
8. Common Fitting Issues and Solutions
Here are some common fitting issues and quick fixes:
- Heel lift: Try tightening the top two or three eyelets, or consider heel-lock inserts.
- Toes cramped: Consider a wider or larger size, or use thinner socks.
- Blisters: Use anti-blister gel, moleskin, or padded inserts for problem areas.
- Arch pain: Look for skates with better arch support or add custom insoles.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Properly fitting hockey skates can significantly impact your performance and comfort on the ice. Whether you're going with CCM or Bauer, understanding foot anatomy, measuring correctly, and paying attention to width and volume are all key to a successful skate fit. Keep in mind that skate baking and break-in periods can further fine-tune your fit.
With the information in this guide, you're now equipped to confidently size, fit, and enjoy your new pair of skates—getting you one step closer to mastering your game on the ice.
