This calculator will help you find the right size for fitness rollerblades, hockey and figure skates, as well as aggressive inline skates. Skate sizing often differs from regular shoe sizing, and the fit requirements depend heavily on your skating style.
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Sizing Recommendations
- Fitness Rollerblades. It is recommended to choose a size with a small margin (about 0.5 cm). Your feet may swell slightly during active skating, so it is important that your toes do not press against the toe cap.
- Figure Skates. Usually fitted strictly to size. They must hold the foot firmly for maximum control. For beginners, a margin of no more than 0.5 cm (half a size) is allowed.
- Hockey Skates. Often sized 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size (especially brands like Bauer, CCM). It is advisable to choose skates with minimal margin (about 0.5 cm) to ensure precise blade control.
- Aggressive Inline. Require the tightest possible fit. There is usually no margin here. The stiff boot securely holds the foot for performing tricks.
- Kids Adjustable. To save money, you can buy rollerblades or skates with a margin of up to 1.5–2 cm (to accommodate thick socks and foot growth). The sliding mechanism allows adjusting the size over several seasons.
How to Measure Your Foot Length
- Place a piece of paper on a flat floor, pressing it firmly against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall. If you are buying skates or rollerblades, be sure to wear the socks you plan to skate in (for hockey or figure skating, these might be special or thick socks).
- Have someone make a mark in front of your longest toe, or do it yourself, trying not to shift your weight.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the paper (where your heel was) to the mark in centimeters.
- Repeat the procedure for your other foot. Use the larger measurement for calculation.
How Do Skate Sizes Differ from Shoe Sizes?
The main difference is the fit. Shoes are chosen with a 10–15 mm margin for comfortable walking, while skates and rollerblades require a much snugger fit for precise control. That is why manufacturers often recommend choosing skates 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size — especially hockey models by brands like Bauer and CCM.
Sizing scales also differ: most skate manufacturers use the US or EU scale, but base it on the insole length, not on standard shoe templates. Therefore, the same EU 42 value in sneakers and EU 42 in skates can mean different insole lengths — depending on the brand and style of skating.
Stiffness and Width
In addition to the foot length, there are two other parameters to consider when choosing skates — stiffness and boot width.
Note that skates and rollerblades often have different levels of stiffness (from soft fitness models to rigid carbon boots). Some manufacturers (like Bauer for hockey) also offer a choice of boot width (D, EE, or FIT 1, 2, 3), which affects comfort just as much as length.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I skate in larger size skates if the right size is unavailable?
It is not recommended, especially for hockey and figure skating. A loose boot does not provide the necessary ankle support, which increases the risk of injury and reduces control over the blade. For recreational fitness skating, a margin of up to 1 cm is still acceptable, but anything larger is uncomfortable.
How to choose the correct size for kids' skates?
For kids' adjustable models, a margin of up to 1.5–2 cm is allowed — the adjustment mechanism will let them wear the skates for several seasons. For fixed kids' skates, aim for a margin of no more than 1 cm. Do not buy skates "to grow into" more than 2 sizes larger — it will be difficult for the child to control them.
What is heat molding and do I need it?
Heat molding is heating the boot in a special oven to 70–80°C and then molding it to the shape of your foot while you wear it. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes and is available at most specialty shops. It is recommended for mid-to-high-end skates — it eliminates pressure points and significantly reduces break-in time.
Does sock thickness affect size choice?
Yes, significantly. Measure your feet in the socks you plan to skate in. For hockey, this is usually thin specialized socks (they provide better control), for figure skating — thin or medium, for fitness — regular athletic socks. The difference between thin and thick socks can be up to half a size.
Other Sizes
Looking for regular shoe sizes? Use our shoe size calculator.