Here's how to try on a hockey skate in the store, to ensure the best possible fit.
A proper fitting is one step in our guide on How to Buy Hockey Skates.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Wear the socks you intend to wear when playing hockey.
- Skates need to fit more snugly than shoes, so start with a skate one size smaller than your shoe size.
- When you slip your foot in, your toes should lightly touch the toe of the boot, and the heel should feel stable.
- Tap the heel on the floor several times to make sure your heel is firmly set in the back of the boot.
- Lace the skates firmly, for a snug fit.
- Stand with the feet shoulder-width apart and crouch slightly, so that the knee is over the toe. Your foot will shift ever so slightly. This is the skating stance. If your toes are scrunched up, the skate is too small. If your foot has any room to move inside the boot, the skate is too big.
- If the skate feels too narrow, ask the sales associate if the same size is available in a wider boot.
- Every foot is different, so try several pairs to get a feel for which skate provides the best combination of comfort and stability.
- If buying for a child, here's a visual guide to help check the fit:
Remove the insole from the skate and ask the child to stand in it.
Make sure the heel is properly aligned with the heel of the insole.
The big toe should almost reach the front edge of the insole, with no more than half an inch of space to allow growth during the hockey season.
