Hockey skates are a fundamental piece of equipment for any player, directly impacting performance, comfort, and injury prevention on the ice. Understanding how hockey skates should fit is crucial for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
The key is to find a balance between comfort and performance when shopping for new pair of hockey skates. The following article will discuss how should hockey skates fit, how sizing works and what type of skate would work best for each player’s needs!
This article outlines the key aspects of hockey skate fitting to ensure that every stride on the ice is as effective and comfortable as possible.
What to look for when trying on ice skates?
The right hockey skate fit can be achieved by ensuring comfortable in both the toe box and the heel. Hockey players with “tighter” feet should look for skates with less wiggle room in the toes to give them more control over their blades on the ice.
On the other hand, hockey players with “looser” feet should look for skates with extra space in the toe cap so they do not experience discomfort during gameplay!
You also need to make sure your ankles, knees, and hips feel comfortable inside of your new skates! With that in mind, here are some key points to be aware of when trying on skates.
1. Fit Type: Snug but Comfortable
Hockey skates should fit snugly around the foot, minimizing movement inside the boot to ensure precise control and stability. Unlike regular shoes, a proper hockey skate fit will feel tighter and more secure. However, it should not cause discomfort or restrict circulation. The fit should comfortably hug the foot, with enough room to wiggle the toes slightly.
2. Heel Lock
A key indicator of a good skate fit is the heel lock. The heel should fit securely into the back of the skate without slipping. This ensures stability and helps prevent blisters and other discomforts. When laced up, the skate should keep the heel firmly in place, allowing minimal upward movement.
3. Width and Depth
Hockey skates come in various widths and volumes to accommodate different foot shapes. Brands typically offer models in narrow, regular, and wide widths. Additionally, the depth of the skate should allow the top of your foot to fit comfortably under the laces without too much pressure. Ensuring the correct width and depth will help achieve a fit supporting natural foot alignment and mobility.
4. Ankle Support
The stiff construction of hockey skates is designed to protect and support the ankle during the dynamic and rapid movements typical in hockey. When trying on skates, pay attention to how the ankle feels. Proper skates should offer firm support without causing discomfort or digging into the ankle.
In summary, a proper skate fit means having enough stability to keep your ankle from rolling when you land on uneven terrain. You may want to practice standing up (without using your hands or other body parts for support) while you are trying on hockey skates to see if they provide good ankle support during gameplay!
The right fit for hockey skates will ensure that your feet feel comfortable and supported without feeling too tight or loose. You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe cap to see if it provides enough room for comfort, but you shouldn’t have any extra space in either direction. If you feel like there is too much toe room, try on another pair of ice skates!
How to Test if your Skates fit Properly?
Once the skates are on, and laced up, perform a few tests to check the fit:
- The finger test – Place your index and middle fingers behind the heel of the skate (while you are wearing them). If there is about an inch between your fingers and the back of the boot, then it’s a good fit! (If there isn’t much room, then you might need to go down a half size in skates).
- Pencil Test: Place a pencil across the third eyelet of the laced skate. If the pencil lies flat without significant gaps, the depth is likely a good fit.
- The lace test – Lace your skates, so they are as tight as possible without discomfort. If you have a good level of ankle flexion, then the skates fit properly! You should be able to push up or down on the tongue of the boot with your hands, but you shouldn’t be able to slide it back and forth easily.
- The knuckle test – When you’re wearing your skates, bend at the knees and check for any spare room in front of or behind your ankles. This can cause serious stability problems during gameplay! It would be best if you only had a couple of centimeters worth of space between the boot and your ankles when standing straight up from a bent-over position.
- Flex Test: Lean forward in the skates and bend your knees. The skates should flex slightly but remain supportive.
Look for the proper fit in all the movements that you do so you can be sure that your skates are providing the best possible support during gameplay!
Important – The Break-In Period
OK, so you’ve made your choice, you’re confident these are the most amazing hockey skates you could find and you can’t wait to hit the ice. But when you do, OUCH! Don’t get discouraged.
Something to remember, new hockey skates usually require a break-in period. They may feel stiff and slightly uncomfortable initially. If it is too much, you could consider having them professionally baked (a process where skates are heated to mold to one’s foot) to shorten the break-in time and improve fit.
Why is getting the right hockey skate fit important?
Hockey skates are designed to mold to the shape of your feet, so you do not need to worry about breaking in new pair of skates. Hockey players should feel comfortable in their skates and not experience any pain when they play. If your hockey skates fit properly, you will experience added comfort, which allows you to focus more on playing well!
A proper skate fit is important for both junior and pro hockey players. Junior hockey players can quickly grow out of poorly fitting or uncomfortable shoes, especially if they are beginning to play the game.
Having the right-sized skate means that your ankles, knees, and hips will be able to move freely during gameplay without discomfort or injury!
In the same sense, professional hockey players need a snug fit in their skates to perform well during games. It can be dangerous for professional players to have loose-fitting hockey skates because the chance of injury increases when they are not snug on their feet. The essential Hockey equipment is designed specifically for each player’s needs, so you need to find a good fit if you are serious about your game!
How do you know if your hockey skates are too big?
If your skates are too big, you might have to deal with the heel repeatedly slipping up and down as you skate, causing extra work for your ankles. You could also experience discomfort during gameplay if the tongue of the ice skates is not strong enough to counterbalance your foot!
You can know if your hockey skates are too big if you can wiggle your toes inside of the toe box even when the skates are laced up as tight as possible. Likewise, you should not be able to move your feet around too much inside your ice skates, especially if they are on the right size!
Also, make sure that your ankles feel secure and stable in your hockey skates! If you have excess space on either side of your ankles, then it might be time to go down a half size for more stability during gameplay.
You can also use methods like the finger test or lace test to ensure that you have properly-
Hockey Skate Size vs. Shoe Size
Many people assume that their hockey skate size will be the same as their shoe size. However, there is a difference between your actual shoe size and what you should purchase for skates! Not all skates are sized the same from different brands.
A hockey skate is typically 1-2 sizes lower than the shoe size you wear. However, there are differences among different manufacturers and brands of skates, so people need to know their correct sizing. It’s recommended to shop for hockey skates at a specialized sporting goods store where employees can assess your skate size.
People with narrow feet should opt for a tighter fit when buying their hockey skates since they will have more control over the blade and where it is going. Conversely, hockey players with wide feet should find a tight-fitting skate to support their ankles, knees, and hips properly!
Here’s a hockey skates size chart of Bauer that will be useful for you.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are skates supposed to be tight?
Skates should be snug on your feet when laced up properly. They shouldn’t be so tight that you have trouble, but they also shouldn’t feel uncomfortably loose either!
How much room should I have in my hockey skates?
It would be best if you only had a couple of centimeters worth of space between your ankles and the boot when standing straight up from a bent-over position.
Should I buy hockey skates a size bigger?
No! If you buy hockey skates too big for your feet, the boots will not provide proper support and could be painful during gameplay.
Are ice skates the same size as shoes?
Ice skates are sized differently than shoes, so it’s always best to try them on before you make your purchase!
How do I know if my ice skates are too small?
If you can’t tighten up your hockey skates as much as possible without them cutting off your circulation, then they are probably too small. Your ankles should also feel secure and stable in the boots when you lace them up properly!
How tight should ice skates be laced?
Ice skates should be tightened as much as possible, just not to the point where you can’t feel your toes or air starts getting cut off. Your ankles and feet should feel locked in and secure while wearing them.
Why does the bottom of my feet hurt when I skate?
If your skates are too big, then you will end up walking not properly on the blades. This will cause pain due to the excess pressure put on the bottom of your feet!
How do I stop my feet from hurting when skating?
Getting properly fitted equipment is the best way to ensure that your feet do not hurt during gameplay! Also, make sure your skates are laced up correctly and tight enough so that they do not slip off when you walk!
How long will it take for my skates to break in?
It can take a couple of games or even practice or two for your skates to break in. It all depends on how stiff the boots are when you first purchase them. If they are very stiff, then it may take longer for them to break in. If they are already broken in, then it won’t take nearly as long.
How Should Hockey Skates Fit? – Conclusion
Essentially, you should go to your local store to try and skates on before you purchase. Hockey skates should be snug on your feet when you lace them up properly. Likewise, your ankles should feel secure and stable in the boots, but they shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t feel your toes or breathe.
I hope you have found a few tips and ideas in this guide to help you when you are trying on skates. Would you like to share any of your experiences with choosing perfect-fit hockey skates? Then, do let us know in the comments below.
