Hockey Skate Size Chart: How to Size Hockey Skates

Hockey skates usually run 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your US men’s shoe size. For example, a men’s 9 shoe is about a size 7.5 Bauer skate. Women typically go about 2.5 sizes down from their women’s shoe size. Measure your foot from heel to longest toe, match the length on the chart, and choose a snug fit.

Last updated: October 30, 2026 · By the Skates.com Editorial Team

How do you size hockey skates?

Size hockey skates by foot length, not shoe size, and aim for a snug fit. Follow these steps:

1. Measure. Stand with your heel against a wall on a sheet of paper, wearing the thin socks you’ll skate in. Mark the tip of your longest toe and measure from the wall to the mark. CCM says to measure from the big toe to the back of the heel. Measure both feet and use the longer one.
2. Find your size. Match your foot length to the chart below. If you’re between sizes, try both on.
3. Pick a width. Brands make several widths; CCM, for example, sells Tapered, Regular and Wide fits.
4. Check the fit with the tests in “How should hockey skates fit?” below.

Hockey skate size chart (senior)

Senior hockey skates (sizes 7 to 15) fit most adults and teens with a foot length of about 10.24 inches (26 cm) or more.

Intermediate hockey skate size chart

Intermediate skates (sizes 4 to 6.5) bridge junior and senior, for foot lengths of about 9.25 to 10.04 inches.

Youth and junior hockey skate size chart

Youth sizes run from Y6 to Y13.5, and junior sizes from 1 to 3.5. For kids, the skate size is usually about one size smaller than their shoe size.

Charts from Bauer’s player skate size guide, fetched October 2026. CCM’s size chart lists the same shoe sizes and foot lengths at most sizes. Sizing varies by brand and model, so always check the chart for the skate you’re buying.

What size hockey skate should I get compared with my shoe size?

Taken from the Bauer chart above. Women’s hockey skates use the same sizing as men’s; there’s no separate women’s scale. Hockey Canada’s equipment fitting guide says skates are usually 1–2 sizes smaller than street shoes.

Do hockey skates run big or small?

Compared with your shoes, hockey skates run large: you’ll usually wear a skate 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your men’s shoe size. That’s why ordering your shoe size is the most common sizing mistake. Fit also differs by brand and model, so compare foot length on each brand’s chart instead of assuming one brand’s size matches another’s.

How should hockey skates fit?

Hockey skates should fit snugly, like a firm handshake around your whole foot. Your toes should lightly brush the toe cap when you stand, and your heel should stay locked in the heel pocket when you bend your knees. Use these two tests from USA Hockey’s learn-to-skate guide:

1. Insole test: Take the insole out of the skate and stand on it with your heel lined up at the back. Your big toe should almost reach the front edge, with no more than 1/4 inch of insole showing.
2. Finger test: Loosen the laces, put your foot in and slide your toes forward until they touch the toe cap. No more than one finger should fit between your heel and the back of the boot.

If two fingers fit behind your heel, the skate is too big. If your toes are curled or jammed when you stand in a knee-bent stance, it’s too small (USA Hockey).

How tight should hockey skates be?

Lace hockey skates firmly through the middle of the boot, but not painfully tight at the top. Hockey Canada adds: don’t wrap laces around your ankles, and a little heel lift in brand-new skates is normal while the boot settles. Your toes should never go numb. If they do, the skate is too narrow or laced too tightly over the forefoot (Hockey Canada fitting guide).

Should you buy hockey skates a size up for kids to grow into?

No. Hockey Canada calls “room to grow” a myth and says, “A little growth room is okay — too big is not.” A snug skate gives a child better balance and control, while a big skate lets the foot slide, causing blisters and weak ankles. Buy the size that fits today.

Adjustable kids’ hockey skates can expand with a growing foot. The Roces MCK II ($109.99) adjusts within each of three size ranges (9J–12J, 13J–3 and 4–7). Browse kids’ hockey skates and the Skates.com sizing charts and fitting guides.

Shop hockey skates

Shop hockey skates and hockey skate blades and steel. New skates need sharpening before you skate. See the skate sharpening chart for which radius to ask for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hockey skates smaller than shoe size?

Yes. Hockey skates usually run 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your US men’s shoe size on the Bauer chart, and Hockey Canada says skates are usually 1 to 2 sizes smaller than street shoes. Women typically go about 2.5 sizes down from their women’s shoe size.

What size hockey skate is a men’s 10 shoe?

On the Bauer chart, a US men’s 10 shoe matches a size 8.5 hockey skate, for a foot length of about 10.71 inches or 27.2 cm. Confirm by measuring your foot.

How do I convert women’s shoe size to hockey skate size?

Women’s hockey skates use the same sizes as men’s. On the Bauer chart, a women’s shoe size is usually about 2.5 sizes bigger than the skate size, so a women’s 9 shoe is about a size 6.5 skate, and a women’s 9.5 shoe is a size 7.

How should hockey skates fit?

Snug. Your toes should lightly brush the toe cap and your heel should not lift. With the laces loose and toes pushed forward, no more than one finger should fit behind your heel. On the insole, no more than 1/4 inch should show past your big toe.

Should hockey skates be a size bigger for growing kids?

No. A little growth room is fine, but too big is not. A snug skate gives better balance and control. Buy the size that fits today, or choose an adjustable kids’ skate that expands as the foot grows.

What is the difference between youth, junior, intermediate and senior hockey skates?

They are size ranges. On the Bauer chart, youth sizes run Y6 to Y13.5, junior 1 to 3.5, intermediate 4 to 6.5, and senior 7 and up. Intermediate skates fit teens and adults with smaller feet.

How tight should hockey skates be laced?

Lace them firmly through the middle of the boot and snug but not painfully tight at the top. Don’t wrap the laces around your ankles, and loosen them if your toes go numb.