Fitting and Sizing Girls'
Ice Skates
Girls Ice Skates must look good, but even more important, they must fit
well.
How to Fit and Size Girls' Ice Skates
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Ice skate boots must fit correctly or they may harm a
skater's feet and make learning correct skating technique much more
difficult, if not impossible.
The first thing to remember is that ice skate boots do not necessarily
run to traditional shoe sizes. While some girl's ice skate manufacturers
are now beginning to size their boots according to traditional shoe
sizes, some still do not. Each ice skate boot manufacturer may use a
slightly different boot last. Therefore, it is all the more important to
try on new ice skate boots before you buy.
It is also critically important to have a properly fitted skate boot to
produce the best possible skating performance. A too tight or too loose
boot will either impede the movement of the foot or it will permit the
foot to slide within the boot.
If you are unsure what size boot you wear, have an experienced fitter
measure BOTH feet. Often the left foot and the right foot are different
sizes.
Do not stand while having the width of the foot measured.
When having your feet measured, wear the same socks you will wear while
skating. Figure skaters wear very thin socks.
With the boots on your feet, and while you remain seated, you should
feel your heel well back against the heel of the shoe. The ball of your
foot and your arch should feel snug. Your toes should be able to wiggle,
but you should not feel the toe area slide or move around.
After a properly fitting ice skate boot is properly laced it will feel
tighter. When you stand, your heel should have little or movement. Your
toes should just touch the front of the boot without feeling cramped or
uncomfortable.
If you are purchasing an ice skate for a young girl who is a beginning
basic skater with feet that are still growing rapidly it is usually
necessary to control costs. For a young skater you can purchase a boot
that is 1/2 to one size larger. Adding a "growth insole" may be helpful.
Remember that a longer skating boot will also be larger at the ankle.
Lacing a boot tighter than recommended at the ankle can cause the boot
to break down and lose its important support qualities more quickly.
A too-large boot will also be more likely to cause blisters and throw
off a young skater's balance.
Try on new skating boots and make your purchase decision before having
the blades sharpened. Most ice skates cannot be returned after the
blades have been sharpened. |
