[Boblobla]

I posted this in a hockey skate sizing thread a while back. Just some advice on sizing when you go to buy your skates.

Originally Posted by Boblobla

I sold skates for 5 years. It really depends on your foot your skate size will be smaller than your shoe size. They are not measured the same way. Noone, from Bauer, Easton or CCM was ever able to explain why to me other than they fit different than shoes.

I am a size 9.5-10 shoe and anywhere from a 7.5-8 skate size. From what I recall CCM is about 2 sizes smaller than your shoe size and Bauer/Easton/Graf are 1.5 sizes. This is just a general rule. Wherever you buy skates from should have a SKATE sizer, not a shoe sizer. I know Bauer makes one and that was what I used.

There is also widths to consider, if you have a narrow foot you will want a D width, if you have a wider foot you will want an E or EE (depending on brand, it is called different things).

Being in a skate that is too big will actually squish the sides of your foot. The reason for this is when you tighten the skate your heel slides to the back of the boot, this causes all of your foot to slide back as well. The result of this is the widest part of your foot slides into a narrower part of the skate, resulting in pressure points on the outside of your foot.

From brand to brand at the same pricepoint you will get a similar quality of skate. Fit is what is important. The best thing to do is try them on, throw on some skate guards and walk around the store for a bit. Pressure points will begin to surface after about 5-10mins of standing if the skates are going to be problematic.

As far as the fit of brand new skates that will feel too small when you first try them on. Skates now have a lot of ankle padding and require some breakin. The fit you are looking for is when you put the skate on, laced up but not tightened, you should be able to feather the front of the skate with your toes. When you tighten the laces your toes should just suck back so they are no longer touching. That is a good fit.

One suggestion, make sure to cut your toenails before you go skate shopping. I have had some people take ages trying on skates complaining it was killing their toes only to discover they had a long toenail creating all the problems.