When it comes to inline hockey Skates, the fit can be what makes or breaks not just a game, but all of your developing skills.

Skates that do not fit well can create foot problems, bag habits, and can ruin your overall performance. Inline skates that do not fit properly will also wear down quicker and unevenly.

But how do you size your inline skates properly? Here’s how to do it.

Too Big

To begin with, let’s take a look at what problems can arise from having skates that are too large. It can be tempting for parents to buy their children inline skates that they might grow into, but skating with big skates becomes a big problem.

When skates are too big, they will create blisters that will be hard to heal. These skates will also make it harder to skate well or quickly and ​stop on roller Hockey Skates because there is not enough stability throughout the ankle.

Too Small

Now that we know too big of skates are problematic, let’s look at how small skates are problematic. When Inline Hockey Skates are too small, either from an original poor fit or having been outgrown, they will put pressure on the bones within your feet and ankles.

This will limit the movement of your feet and ankles, making skating a challenge. Having skates that are too tight will also cut off the circulation to your feet, making it hard to feel your feet, much less control them.

The Right Fit

Best inline hockey skates fit much in the same way that hockey skates do. You cannot base the sizing off of your street shoe size because it will not line up. Hockey skates normally fit 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your everyday shoes, but even this can vary from brand to brand, so you will need to confirm using a brand’s size chart or trying them on in person.

Inside of the boot, your toes should just barely touch the toecap, giving you a little wiggle room, but no room to slide your foot around. Additionally, you should never have more than a quarter of an inch of space in your heel or you are guaranteed to get blisters.

When the skates are laced up, they should feel nice and snug when your feet are resting flat. You can buy skates that are a half size too large for growing children, but going beyond that can cause a lot of trouble for them. We know that you would like to avoid buying skates more often than you need to, but causing injury or trouble for your child’s feet can also be costly.

Sizing

Inline skates are typically broken down into three major sizing categories, much like street shoes are. They are:

• Youth: These are for children ages 8 and younger.
• Junior: These are for children ages 8 to 12.
• Senior: These are for adults and children over the age of 13.

Measuring

Measuring your feet for the right size can ensure you get the right skates to begin with.

• Tracing: Foot tracing is a great way to get an idea of your foot size. If you wear skating socks, you need to have them on for this. Stand on a sheet of paper on flat surface and then trace around your foot. You will need to keep your pen perpendicular for a good tracing. Then you can use a ruler and measure the dimensions of your feet.
• Width Ratio: You can get your foot width ratio by taking the length of your foot and dividing it by the width of your foot. This ratio will tell you the amount of volume that you need in your boots for the best fit.
• High Volume: Deep heel, wide forefoot
• Medium Volume: Standard heel, standard forefoot
• Low Volume: Shall heel, narrow forefoot.

Skates come in various widths so having a good idea about what you need and are looking for can be the difference between comfortable inline skates and skates that hurt your feet.

Never settle for skates that do not fit well. Your skates are an extension of your legs and need that snug and comfortable fit for you to be the best skater possible.