How to Fit Hockey Skates

Hockey skates are an integral piece of any hockey uniform, because they affect a skater's speed, balance and ability to stop and turn on the ice. It's important to know how to fit hockey skates to a skater's foot and skating style. Here are a few tips on how to fit hockey skates.

Steps:

1.Wear hockey socks.

Bring along any ankle or foot braces or wraps that you wear when you play hockey. These will alter how hockey skates fit, so put them on when trying out different skates.

2. Start with a size smaller than your shoe size.

Your skate size will probably be smaller than the size shoe you normally wear. Try a half-size or full-size below your normal shoe size and go into a larger size if needed.

3. Adjust your heel in the skate.

Tap the heel of the skate blade gently against the floor a few times after putting your foot into the skate. This will position your heel properly in the heel of the skate boot and help you size hockey skates correctly.

4. Evaluate your toe position in the skate.

Your toes should barely touch the front toe of the hockey skate. The skate is too small if your toes are bunched up or pressed hard against the front of the skate. Try a smaller size if your toe doesn't touch the front of the boot.

5. Lace the skates tightly. 

A properly laced skate should not allow your foot or ankle to move. Try a smaller size if the ankle of the boot has gaps or bunches up when you lace the skate.

6. Try a skating position.

Bend at the knees and put your center of gravity over your feet like you would if you were skating. Evaluate how stable your foot feels in the boot and whether the hockey skate allows for any excess movement of your foot and ankle.

7. Walk around in the skates.

Take a few steps to see how your foot moves inside the skate. The skate could be too big if your foot moves up and down inside the skate while you walk. It's too small if your foot feels cramped.

Wear guards on the blades of the skates to avoid chipping or scratching them when you walk.

Article courtesy: http://www.wikihow.com/Fit-Hockey-Skates