Do ice hockey skates run big or small?
Isabella Ramos
Updated on August 09, 2026
Hockey skates do run big in comparison to street shoes. You want to find a pair that's about 1 – 1.5 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size.
Do you size up or down for hockey skates?
Bauer, CCM, and True hockey skates normally fit 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. For children, it is acceptable to order a half size bigger than that to accommodate growing feet; however, wearing skates any larger will cause blisters and will break down the sides of the boot.
Should you size up when buying ice skates?
As a general rule, you should buy ice skates as close to the accurate foot size as possible. Make sure you buy strong leather or micro-fibre (never plastic) boots with a good instep and heel supports. Soft ice skating boots are dangerous and must be avoided.
Are ice skates the same size as shoes?
A proper fit for hockey skates should fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes. Your toes should barely touch the toe cap, while having no more than 1/4 inch of space in the heel. When you're finished lacing up your skates, they should feel snug with the foot resting flat on the footbed.
How do I know what size ice skates to get?
Measuring both feet. As a rule of thumb, smart fitting of ice skates size requires measuring two dimensions of the foot – 1) foot length and 2) joint circumference. This is the most advanced and accurate way to measure the ice skate, as it considers the foot length as well as its width and fit.
38 related questions foundDo you buy skates one size smaller?
Hockey skates do run big in comparison to street shoes. You want to find a pair that's about 1 – 1.5 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size.
Are my ice skates too small?
Evaluate the Fit!
Signs your skates are not the right fit include very little space at the toe, zero space at the toe and having your toes hang over the front edge, and the third toe hanging off the side of the insole.
Should you size up in skates?
What is important is that the skates have a firm fit around your feet without being too tight nor too loose. For some people, this means choosing the same size as their regular shoe size, while for others, going a size up gives the right fit. As a first time buyer, we recommend that you go one size up.
How do hockey skate sizes work?
Generally speaking, senior hockey skates fit 1.5 sizes down from a men's shoe size while junior and youth hockey skates fit 1.0 size down from a boy's shoe size. For example, a player wearing a size 8.0 men's shoe size would select a senior size 6.5 hockey skate.
Should hockey skates be tight?
I (usually) recommend that players lace their skates snugly through the middle part of the foot (the part of the foot that needs the most support), but that above the ankle (the top eyelet of the boot) they should keep them somewhat looser. More advanced skaters may choose not to lace the very top eyelet.
How do beginners buy ice skates?
7 Tips for Buying Your Own Ice Skates
- Consider the skates' primary use (ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, recreational, etc.). ...
- Consider your skill and experience level. ...
- Consider how often you'll use the skates. ...
- Think about your foot size. ...
- Do some research on different brands. ...
- Go for the Goldilocks fit.
What size skates do I need women's?
When it comes to women's skate sizing, you will want to go down 3 sizes from your shoe size. For example, if you wear a size 8 women's shoe, you will want to go with a size 5 Bauer skate.
What is the smallest hockey skate size?
Hockey skates are available in senior, junior and youth sizes. Senior skate sizes are 6 and up; juniors run from 1 to 5.5; and youth sizes start at youth 6 and run through 13.5.
What size hockey skates should I get womens?
The difference between men's shoes and women's shoes is 1.5 to 2 sizes. So, if you wear size 9 women's shoes, that translates to a men's size 7.5 or 7.0, which would put you in a size 6 senior hockey skate. More simply put, go 3 sizes down from your women's shoe size in order to find your hockey skate size.
What size skates to get?
General sizing information
Most roller skates are going to fit the same as your standard shoe size. So, if you wear a size 8 in your everyday shoes a size 8 in roller skates will fit.
Should you buy inline skates a size bigger?
The general rule of thumb for sizing inline skates is to go down 1.5 sizes from your shoe size for Senior skates. For adults or bigger adolescents, if you wear a size 10 shoe, you'll start at an 8.5 inline hockey skate size. For Junior and Youth skates, go down one size from your shoe size.
Are rookie skates true to size?
NB: Please note the Rookie V2 skates are true to size. We recommend purchasing your usual size for a perfect fit! NB: The Legacy skates run large compared to our other styles. We recommend sizing down from your usual size for a perfect fit!
How do I know if my hockey skates are too small?
You can often determine that your hockey skates are too small if your toes always touch the toe cap. There should be space when you are in a hockey stance, and if there is no space, then your hockey skates are too small for your foot's length.
Should hockey skates hurt my feet?
Is it Normal for my Feet to Hurt after Skating? When you first skate in your new skates, yes, it is normal for there to be a little discomfort. It is normal to get the odd blister, or a bit of a pain. This discomfort should only affect you the first few times you use your skates.
Should my toes touch the end of my skates?
The skate boot should fit snug, not loose not like your slippers you wear around your house, or your slip on shoes. Your toes should either barely touch the end of your boot or be almost touching.
What happens if skates are too big?
In addition to causing a width issue, as discussed above, skates that are too long can also result in these sort of problems: When too much growth room is given length-wise, in addition to sliding to the inside of the boot, the foot will also slip forward and back, making it difficult for the skater to balance.
What is the difference between ice skates and hockey skates?
Hockey skates have a shorter, more curved blade which allows for more power to be generated and quicker turns but can make it harder to balance. With no toe pick, there is no risk of tripping, but also nothing to stop you from falling forward.