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Glam Monitor

Should I buy ice skates one size bigger?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on June 28, 2026

As a general rule, you should buy ice skates as close to the accurate foot size as possible.

Do you buy ice skates a size bigger?

If you've never shopped for a pair before, you might start out wondering, "What size ice skates should I buy?" As a general rule, you want to get a skate that is 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size.

Should ice skates be 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.

Should you size up or down in figure skates?

METHOD #1. Generally speaking, youth and junior figure skates fit a half size down from your regular shoe size, while adult skates generally fit 1.0 size down from your regular shoe size. For example, a woman skater wearing a size 9.0 shoe would select a size 8.0 figure skate.

How big should your ice skates be?

A quick rule of thumb is, the right size ice skates should be a snug fit. There should be at least a quarter-inch space between your toes and the shoe walls. Also, your typical ice skates are smaller than your street shoes. So, they should be 1-1.5 size smaller.

41 related questions found

What size skates should I get?

It means that, generally speaking, your hockey skate size will be about 1 - 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe size (US) for men and 2.5 - 3 sizes smaller for women. This means that if you buy a pair of hockey skates that are the exact same as your shoe size, you're going to be swimming in those skates.

Should ice 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 I know if my figure skates are too big?

The lining, the creases and the insoles, all can indicate if you are skating in the correct size. Sometimes you can know by simply skating. If it is too big, even the simplest elements feel difficult. There is less control, your movements are less precise.

How do you know if your skates are too small?

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.

How do I choose ice skates?

7 Tips for Buying Your Own Ice Skates

  1. Consider the skates' primary use (ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, recreational, etc.). ...
  2. Consider your skill and experience level. ...
  3. Consider how often you'll use the skates. ...
  4. Think about your foot size. ...
  5. Do some research on different brands. ...
  6. Go for the Goldilocks fit.

Why does my feet hurt when I ice skate?

Players that experience foot pain, "hot spots," or other general discomfort may be suffering from lace bite, a common injury caused by hockey skates. Learn the best way to lace and tie your skates to avoid this problem.

How tight should my figure skates be?

Are figure skates supposed to be tight? Yes, your figure skates need to be tight enough that your foot is able to lay completely flat without being squished. It's important your figure skates have a snug fit, and leave zero additional space in the boot.

Do 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.

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.

Will ice skates stretch?

On the Ice

Shops usually only stretch a slight amount when customers don't specify. More intense stretching is harder on the materials, but unless the skates are really cheap, the boot won't come apart. The boots need to be heated before stretching, and some shops don't do it (akin to heat molding).

Are ice skates supposed to hurt?

Skating should not be painful. If it is, it's a sign you are doing things wrong. But this can be easily rectified by following these Free classes. Learning to stop properly will help your body feel more relaxed.

Does a half size make a difference in skates?

A half size in length is NOT a big difference. A half size is only about 1/6th of an inch, however width really is important in my book. If your foot is loose or your heel is sliding around, you'll likely always have an issue skating. If the width is ok, a full size might make a difference but I doubt a half size will.

Should skates fit tight or loose?

Generally speaking, the golden rule for proper skate fit no matter the brand or kind of skate is as snug as possible without being painful or uncomfortable, with the ability to still wiggle the toes up and down. Skates stretch A LOT, we promise!

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.

Should you size up when buying roller 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.

Do skates run true to size?

Rollerblade Skates generally fit true to US sizes. For example, if your shoe size is US size 9, you would wear a size 9. A snug fit is always preferred so be sure not to buy oversize footwear especially for skating. Children skates are expandable so do refer to the corresponding with the sizes below.

Do ice hockey skates run big or small?

Hockey skates, in fact, will be 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size. So don't match your hockey skate size with your shoe size. Your skates should fit tighter than a pair of shoes would, so your feet will be snugger in your skates. Without skates, there would be no ice hockey.