Basic skate fitting information.
Purchasing figure skate boots and blades can be a substantial financial investment. Having a skate boot that fits properly, is not only vital to the skaters performance, but also insures your investment in your skaters coach, and ice time is well spent.
SKATE BOOT FITTING BASICS ... In determining what boot is appropriate for your skater, you must take into consideration the skaters size, weight, and skating level. The combination of these will determine what boot (and blade) is appropriate for your skater, and how long they will last. For the best boot support, the skater should feel that the heel is snug, as well as the arch and ball as well. The skater's toes should wiggle freely, with very little or no sliding from side to side.
Once the boot in on the skaters foot, and laced up snugly, have the skater stand. The skate boot should feel a little tighter when standing. The skaters should not be able to lift her/his heel out of the back of the boot. The toes should be barely touching the end of the boot-never curled under, cramped or bent. The skater should never have severe pain in the toes or feet.
Properly fitting skate boots is vital to the performance ability of the skater. The boot must fit snugly for optimal performance. If the boot is loose, it will break down earlier, the foot will slide and this will prevent the skater from progressing.
We understand it can be very difficult to afford skate boot and skate blades as the child grows-especially when the child goes through a growing spurt. Purchasing a boot slightly larger than the recommended length is acceptable for skaters at the beginning instructional levels (USFSA Learn to Skate, Basic Skills, Pre-Alpha, Delta, or beginner freestlye). We recommend only going up 1/2 size larger than the recommended measurement (made by a professional). Insoles can be used to help take up some of the additional space while the skater is growing, and removed later.
To check the fit of skates for a growing child: Have the child sit on a chair. Unlace the skates all the way down the front of the boot, and loosen. Pull the tongue out so the boot is very open. Have the skater put their foot into the boot. Place the skate flat on the floor, with the skater's knee/leg straight. While holding the front of the skate with your hand, have the skater push their foot to the front of the skate so their toes are touching the end of the toe box of the boot. Bring their knee slightly forward and with your index finger or a pen, slide your finger between the heel and the heel cup of the boot. You should only be able to get your finger or a pen's width behind the heel, and no more for growing space.
Skate sizes are different between manufacturers, skate boot style, and in general do NOT go by a person's dress shoe size. So take care to check the proper sizing before you order your new skates.
Improperly fitting skate boot will result in early skate boot breakdown, blisters and other foot problems. We do not recommend purchasing a boot that is larger than necessary. With boots that are to long, the skater must work harder to tighten the laces so the boot fits snugly around the ankle, but this will cause premature breakdown of the boot. This will cause the boot to loose it's support.
When fitting an adult, and foot should fit snugly from the heel cup to the tip of the toes (with the tip of the toes barely touching the end of the boot when standing).
Improperly fitted boots can also cause the skater to develop foot problems over time. Wearing a boot that is too large can cause blisters (this is from the boot rubbing on the skin), tendonitis, bone spurs and bunions are just some of the foot ailments caused by skating boots that are to large. Not only pain and discomfort, but the skater's progress will be hindered as well. The skater's center of balance will not be in the right place over the boot/blade, thus causing the skater unnecessary problems.
Ultimately, what may be thought of as a way to save a little money, in the long run, may cost more in medical bills, coaching and ice time fees, and new skates more frequently. Remember - for a growing skater, you want your skater to outgrow the skates before they break them down. Most skaters are in their boots for one year, then they need new ones (just like their dress shoes).
If you have any questions regarding the proper fitting of figure skates, contact our boot and blade expert at Debby's.
SKATE BOOT FITTING BASICS ... In determining what boot is appropriate for your skater, you must take into consideration the skaters size, weight, and skating level. The combination of these will determine what boot (and blade) is appropriate for your skater, and how long they will last. For the best boot support, the skater should feel that the heel is snug, as well as the arch and ball as well. The skater's toes should wiggle freely, with very little or no sliding from side to side.
Once the boot in on the skaters foot, and laced up snugly, have the skater stand. The skate boot should feel a little tighter when standing. The skaters should not be able to lift her/his heel out of the back of the boot. The toes should be barely touching the end of the boot-never curled under, cramped or bent. The skater should never have severe pain in the toes or feet.
Properly fitting skate boots is vital to the performance ability of the skater. The boot must fit snugly for optimal performance. If the boot is loose, it will break down earlier, the foot will slide and this will prevent the skater from progressing.
We understand it can be very difficult to afford skate boot and skate blades as the child grows-especially when the child goes through a growing spurt. Purchasing a boot slightly larger than the recommended length is acceptable for skaters at the beginning instructional levels (USFSA Learn to Skate, Basic Skills, Pre-Alpha, Delta, or beginner freestlye). We recommend only going up 1/2 size larger than the recommended measurement (made by a professional). Insoles can be used to help take up some of the additional space while the skater is growing, and removed later.
To check the fit of skates for a growing child: Have the child sit on a chair. Unlace the skates all the way down the front of the boot, and loosen. Pull the tongue out so the boot is very open. Have the skater put their foot into the boot. Place the skate flat on the floor, with the skater's knee/leg straight. While holding the front of the skate with your hand, have the skater push their foot to the front of the skate so their toes are touching the end of the toe box of the boot. Bring their knee slightly forward and with your index finger or a pen, slide your finger between the heel and the heel cup of the boot. You should only be able to get your finger or a pen's width behind the heel, and no more for growing space.
Skate sizes are different between manufacturers, skate boot style, and in general do NOT go by a person's dress shoe size. So take care to check the proper sizing before you order your new skates.
Improperly fitting skate boot will result in early skate boot breakdown, blisters and other foot problems. We do not recommend purchasing a boot that is larger than necessary. With boots that are to long, the skater must work harder to tighten the laces so the boot fits snugly around the ankle, but this will cause premature breakdown of the boot. This will cause the boot to loose it's support.
When fitting an adult, and foot should fit snugly from the heel cup to the tip of the toes (with the tip of the toes barely touching the end of the boot when standing).
Improperly fitted boots can also cause the skater to develop foot problems over time. Wearing a boot that is too large can cause blisters (this is from the boot rubbing on the skin), tendonitis, bone spurs and bunions are just some of the foot ailments caused by skating boots that are to large. Not only pain and discomfort, but the skater's progress will be hindered as well. The skater's center of balance will not be in the right place over the boot/blade, thus causing the skater unnecessary problems.
Ultimately, what may be thought of as a way to save a little money, in the long run, may cost more in medical bills, coaching and ice time fees, and new skates more frequently. Remember - for a growing skater, you want your skater to outgrow the skates before they break them down. Most skaters are in their boots for one year, then they need new ones (just like their dress shoes).
If you have any questions regarding the proper fitting of figure skates, contact our boot and blade expert at Debby's.
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