Hockey Skates

Hockey skate fit is important – while baking can reduce break-in time and eliminate pressure points, it's no substitute for purchasing a pair in the right size and width.

Use this chart to match shoe size to hockey skate size. For Americans, a good rule of thumb is to subtract 1.5 from your shoe size. (If you wear a size 9.5 shoe, your best bet is a size 8 skate.)

This chart will allow you to "decode" hockey skate sizes, but be aware of make and model tendencies: certain lines run wider (ex. Bauer Nexus and CCM Super Tacks), and certain lines run narrower (ex. Bauer Vapor and CCM JetSpeed).

The two most popular hockey skates are Bauer and CCM. This information guides player's looking for the correct skate fit to maximize performance and comfort. 

Bauer skates now use the Bauer Performance Fit System with three distinctive profile options which includes narrow (Fit 1), medium (Fit 2), and wide (Fit 3) widths along with varying boot volumes.

As shown here:

CCM also uses a three category fit system for their skates which includes tapered, regular, and wide fits along with different heel and forefoot dimensions.

As shown here:

Pro stock skates are built for the rigors of pro-level play. They offer better performance and durability, and can last three to five times longer than retail skates. Pro stock skates are higher quality and built with better materials than regular retail skates, resulting in a more functional skate that can be relied upon to perform in the toughest of game situations.

Runner size refers to the length of the blade and is typically marked in millimeters (mm) on the skate holder or steel blade itself.

To find the runner size, check the markings on the skate holder or blade, usually near the base of the boot where the holder connects to the skate.

This information is important when replacing steel blades in modern skates as it helps determine the correct size of steel needed for replacement.