Skate fitting is an important aspect of skating that requires careful attention to ensure a comfortable, safe, and high-performing experience on the ice. Unfortunately, there are some common practices that skaters, parents, or even technicians may use to check the fitting of skates that the boot suppliers do not recommend.
Do not fit your skates by trying on friend’s skates.
It can be tempting to try on your friend’s skates to see if they feel comfortable or to get an idea of what size you should wear. However, this is not a recommended practice as everyone’s feet are unique and what feels comfortable for one person may not feel comfortable for another.
Do not fit your skates by putting your foot on the insole.
Some people may try to fit their skates by putting their foot on the insole and judging whether the boot fits based on how it feels. However, this method is not reliable as the insole is always shorter than the boot itself, as your heel will stick out at the back of the boot.
Do not translate your shoe size into skate size.
Shoe size and skate size are not the same, and it is a common mistake to assume that they are. Skates are meant to fit snugly like socks, and different brands and models can vary in sizing. Therefore, it is important to measure your foot with our virtual fitting instructions so we can help ensure a proper fit.
Do not judge sizing by putting your finger down at the back of the shoes.
It is not recommended to judge the sizing of your skates by putting your finger down at the back of the boot. This is because if your feet are wide, your toes won’t go all the way to the front of the boot, even if it appears that there is only one finger space at the back.
Do not go up skate sizes because they feel too “tight” across your toe box.
If your skates feel too tight across the toe box, it may be tempting to go up a size to alleviate the discomfort. However, it is important to remember that skates are meant to fit snugly, and going up a size can lead to poor performance and instability on the ice. Instead, choose a boot that suits your foot shape best, and consider getting custom molding if you have specific foot issues or concerns.
In conclusion, these common practices for skate fitting should be avoided evenif your technician, coach or skating friends suggest so. It is important to get measured properly by a professional fitter, and choose skates that suit your foot shape.