How to Find Your Figure Skate Size at Home

There are two methods you can use to find your figure skate size at home. The first method is the quickest; all you need to know is your shoe size but preferably dress shoe size since they tend to be more accurate. The second method is a bit more advanced since it requires you to trace and measure your feet, however, it provides the most accurate measurement.

Generally speaking, youth and junior figure skates fit a half size down from your regular shoe size, while adult skates generally fit 1.0 size down from your regular shoe size. For example, a woman skater wearing a size 9.0 shoe would select a size 8.0 figure skate. For younger skaters who have quickly growing feet or anyone who has a wider foot, selecting a skate only a half size down is an option to allow extra room for growth and fit.

This is the most advanced and accurate way of finding out your skate size not just in terms of length, but width too. All you will need to get started is a hard surface to stand on, a blank piece of paper, a pen/pencil, and a measuring tape or a ruler.

Step 1. Place the paper on a hard surface so that the paper sits squarely against the wall.

Step 2. If you wear skate socks, put them on now and step onto the paper with your heel against the wall.

Step 3. Using a pen or pencil, mark a straight line at the end of your longest toe.

Step 4. Now measure, in inches, the distance from the end of the paper to the mark you made for your longest toe. This is your length measurement.

Step 5. Repeat Steps 1-4 for your other foot. This can be done on either the backside of the paper that was just used or you can use a new, blank piece.

Now that we have your length measurement, it is time to find your skate size. Use the longest length measurement of the two and compare it to the "Foot Length" column in the sizing chart below. There are sizing columns for women and men, so choose accordingly.

Step 1. Loosen your skate laces so you can comfortably slip your foot inside the skate. Wearing the same socks you will use to skate in, place your foot inside the skate.

Step 2. Start lacing up the skates from the toe box and working your way up to the ankle.

Step 3. Once you are finished lacing up your figure skates, stand up to see how your feet fit and feel inside the skate.

Note: Figure skates are supposed to fit very closely to the shape of your foot. There should be minimal space between your foot and the skate without having too much discomfort. This not only prevents the risk of blisters but gives you the best possible skate connection and energy transfer.

Your toes should just barely brush up against the toe box and the forefoot should be wrapped comfortably inside the skate without a lot of pressure. The heel should be locked in the heel pocket and not be able to move when giving the knees a bend.

If there is an uncomfortable amount of pressure, the skates are too small. If the foot has too much room and is able to move inside of the skate, especially the heel, the skates are too big.

Skate socks can help improve blood circulation, fit, and even reduce the risk of skate lacerations by using cut-resistant materials. Having skate socks can also help improve skate to foot connection and reduce the risk of unwanted blisters by wicking away sweat and moisture.

Footbeds are a great addition for those in need of arch support. They provide a customized fit and can help reduce negative space inside the skate. They can also help improve energy transfer and balance so you can optimize your skating stride.