Hockey Skate Sizing

[ken0042]

So, I figure I would put this out to the masses here on CP to see what everybody thinks.

Some background- I play on a very rec hockey team; basically pickup hockey. And the running joke on our team is that I really don't know how to skate. (This year my name on my jersey is "No Brakes!")

At work we now have a wellness plan that subsidizes new skates, so I figure if I can grab a $200 pair of skates for $100 then it would be an improvement over my $40 Canadian Tire special skates I'm using now.

However I have had a couple of guys at two different Sport Chek locations try to tell me that seeing as I have use size 11 boots/shoes, that I should wear a size 9 skate. To me that makes no sense; my foot size is what it is- and one of the things I don't like about my current skates is that sometimes I feel like my feet are being squished too much.

So- what do you guys do? Buy the size that your foot is, or buy a size or two smaller?

[STeeLy]

What I've found is that if you buy the size that your regular shoe size is... you tend to have quite a bit of wiggle room in the skate, and that's not good for skating... so go a size smaller since the skate should be a fairly snug fit.

[habernac]

My feet are small (8.5-9) and I most definitely wear at least a size smaller in skates (my Tacks are 7.5).

[North East Goon]

For higher end skates, the rule of thumb is a size and a half smaller than your shoe size.

[vanisleflamesfan]

One or two sizes smaller seems to be fairly common. I wear an 11 shoe but a 9 (EE) skate as well.

[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.

[Gozer]

^ Red square worthy!

[loob job]

I to sold skates, i worked in a sports store for eight years. The rule of thumb is one size lower than your shoe size but like boblobla said above everyone is different. Your toes should just be lightly brushing the end of the skate. Try one size below and see how it feels and work from there. Boblobla's advice is dead on, exact same advice i would give as a fellow old skate seller.

[3thirty]

every brand is different so try them on but it is usually 2 sizes smaller than a shoe for whatever reason

[missdpuck]

My shoe size is 7.5 and my CCMs are 6.5. They're really too big but jeez I got them nw for $35. Anyway the problem is compounded by it being a guys size, and vs. figure skates it's hard to tell where your toe is due to the hard shell. Yikes.

[Boblobla]

Technically speaking, you are wearing the 'same size' but you just want to wear your skates WAAAAAAYYYYYYY tighter than what you wear your shoes. The tighter the skate the less energy you waste moving your foot in the skate. From what I have read a lot of pros go barefoot in skates just be be able to shrink down another 1/2 size.

[Incinerator]

yup, like everyone above I have 10.5 shoes and a pair of size 9 Easton

[showtime]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Technically speaking, you are wearing the 'same size' but you just want to wear your skates WAAAAAAYYYYYYY tighter than what you wear your shoes. The tighter the skate the less energy you waste moving your foot in the skate. From what I have read a lot of pros go barefoot in skates just be be able to shrink down another 1/2 size.

Yeah its all about feel, i wear my skates about 3 sizes smaller then my shoe. I like the skate super super tight. Its all about what feels good for you

[ken0042]

Thanks to everybody who responded. I fell a lot better hearing this from you guys as opposed to a salesperson.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Thanks to everybody who responded. I fell a lot better hearing this from you guys as opposed to a salesperson.

well, I was a salesperson

[ken0042]

Sorry, I meant a salesperson who at that moment has a motive to sell me whatever he currently has in stock.

This just brought back memories of buying cowboy boots; where I was told to get them smaller as well. Which may be true if you are concerned about them not falling off as you ride a horse; but is less of a concern for when you are going to the bar during Stampede.

[nfotiu]

Anyone have any good answers to why I can't get a good golf shoe fit. They always feel great in the store, but by around the 12th hole, they are killing the outsides of the front of my feet (ie the outside of the pinky toe to the inside of the ball). reading Bobloba's reply, it sounds like maybe they are too big, and not too small, like I am thinking. I am on like my 5th straight pair that I have the same problem.

[Jayems]

10.5 shoe, 9.5 skates here

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by nfotiu

Anyone have any good answers to why I can't get a good golf shoe fit. They always feel great in the store, but by around the 12th hole, they are killing the outsides of the front of my feet (ie the outside of the pinky toe to the inside of the ball). reading Bobloba's reply, it sounds like maybe they are too big, and not too small, like I am thinking. I am on like my 5th straight pair that I have the same problem.

What is happening to you is called 'pronation', it is when the arch in your foot in not working properly and allowing the outside of your foot to press on the outside of your shoe. It become more noticeable the longer you are on your feet ie after a 4 hour round of golf.

There is a product called "Superfeet" that they make a cheaper version of custom inserts. They are great. The common misconception is that are an arch support. They are not. What they do is support the bone behind your arch not allowing your foot to move. I have them in all of my sporting gear and I am going to pick up some for my golf shoes at some point but I haven't gotten around to it.

Here is the website, there are some good visuals there.

http://www.superfeet.com/activity/golfing.aspx

[mykalberta]

1.5 - 2 sizes smaller than your shoe. You want your skate to fit snug, not loose IMO.