How should hockey skates fit?
A skate that fits holds your heel down, lets your toes just brush the cap when you stand, and leaves no pressure points after the boot is heat-molded and broken in. The checks below come from Hockey Canada's equipment guide and the fitting guides brands and retailers publish.
Fit checks
- Standing with the skates laced, your toes should just brush the toe cap, then pull back slightly when you bend your knees.1,2,3
- Unlaced, slide your foot forward until your toes touch the front. About one finger should fit behind your heel. More means the skate is too big.4
- Kick your heel back into the heel pocket before lacing.4,3
- Bend your knees: your heel should stay locked in the pocket with almost no lift.1,3
- Lean forward and try to slide a pencil down behind your heel. If it's hard to get in, the heel fit is good.1
- Walk around for 10 to 15 minutes, then check your feet for red areas or pressure points.4
- Too small feels like pressure; too big lets your foot, especially the heel, move.3
- Don't buy skates big to grow into.4
Skate size chart · Skates for wide feet