How to Measure for Ice Skates (Hockey, Figure, Recreational)
Ice skates fit smaller than shoes — hockey by 1.5 sizes, figure by 1, recreational by 0.5. Here's the measurement, the type-specific math, and the heel-lift test.
Skate Type Sizing Math
| Skate type | Size adjustment | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hockey (recreational) | Street − 1 | Power transfer + ankle support |
| Hockey (competitive) | Street − 1.5 | Tight fit for explosive moves |
| Figure | Street − 1 | Jump and spin precision |
| Figure (advanced) | Street − 1.5 | Maximum control |
| Speed | Street − 1.5 to 2 | Direct power, no slip |
| Recreational | Street − 0.5 | Comfort over performance |
| Kids' (growth allow) | Street + 0 to 0.5 | Less aggressive fit, growing |
Step-by-Step
- Wear a thin skating sock. Modern skates are lined and insulated.
- Stand on paper, heel against wall. Full body weight.
- Mark heel and longest toe. Measure in mm or cm.
- Find your street shoe size from the measurement. See our foot guide.
- Apply the skate-type adjustment (above table).
- Check width letter. Try wide if your foot is broad at the ball.
Hockey Skate Width Letters
| Letter | Width | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A or 1 | Narrow | Skinny foot, low arch |
| B or 2 | Slim | Average-narrow foot |
| D or 3 | Standard | Most adults |
| E or 4 | Wide | Broad ball-of-foot |
| EE or 5 | Extra wide | Very broad foot |
Different brands use different letter notations — Bauer uses D/EE, CCM uses 1-5, True uses W (wide). Always cross-reference with the brand's specific chart.
Common Mistakes
Buying skates in your shoe size
Causes loose fit, ankle wobble, lost edge control. Always size down.
Wearing thick socks for sizing
Causes circulation issues. Skates are insulated.
Buying a full size up for kids
Causes injury. Half-size up max; replace yearly.
Skipping the heel-lift test
Heel lift on stride = power loss + injury risk. Test before buying.
FAQs
What size ice skates should I buy?
Hockey: street − 1.5. Figure: − 1. Recreational: − 0.5.
Why are hockey skates smaller than shoes?
Power transfer + tight ankle support.
Hockey vs figure skate fit?
Hockey tightest. Figure moderate. Speed tightest of all.
How wide should my skate be?
Match ball-of-foot width to brand chart.
Should kids' skates have growing room?
Max 0.5 up. Replace yearly.
How do I know if my skate fits?
Toes brush front standing, pull back flexed, no heel lift.
Size Down, Right the First Time
Pair with our foot length guide and the paper-method shoe sizing.
Selling skates on Shopify? Show the size-down rule clearly.
Tailor Size Guide adds skate-specific size-down math to every listing.