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Before You Buy
- The majority of skaters can wear a stock figure skate. However, some skaters need a custom figure skating boot right from the start. Ask a few questions to determine whether a stock figure skate will be fine for you, or whether it would be to your advantage to invest in a custom boot. Your skating performance can be greatly improved by a well fitting boot.
- Is the lace opening going to be too wide or too narrow for the ankle and calf area?
- Is one foot significantly larger than the other? In other words, do you have to wear a specific size on one foot and a half size or more larger on the other foot?
- Does the shape of the foot require too many modifications to the boot to make it fit?
- Do you have trouble controlling your edges and always fall to the inside or outside edge? You may need wedge corrections or orthotics due to flat feet or other foot issues.
Figure Skate Brand Information
- Risport Figure Skates used to be considered more of a narrow figure skating boot as they don't carry a true "wide" width. However, their C width will accommodate most normal width feet. The toe box is more accommodating to tapered toes.
- Riedell Figure Skates also is more accommodating to tapered toes. Riedell is the only brand to make entry level figure skates in a wide width. If you do have a really wide foot and are a beginner skater, this is the brand of choice.
- Jackson Figure Skates have a wider last than Riedell from side to side and also in heel width. The toe box is also more accommodating to people who have boxy toes, or toes that are similar in length (the 2nd or 3rd toe is longer or the same size as the big toe). If you have a medium to high arch you may want to consider this brand.
- Gam Figure Skates have a similar fit to the Jackson. The toe box isn't as tapered as Riedell or Risport, but isn't as rounded as Jackson. They are wider in the arch area than any of the other brands from top to bottom (not side to side), but have a little more narrow heel. These are good boots for combination feet that have a wide ball/ high arch but a narrow heel.
- Harlick makes some stock boots but is mainly a custom boot. Great for most foot problems that lead to skating difficulties.
Step #2 Measuring the Width of your Feet
To find your width, measure the circumference of the ball of the foot in inches. In other words, measure all the way around the widest part of the foot. If you only measure the bottom flat part of your foot, then you will not be able to determine your skate width. All of the manufacturer's figure skate sizing charts for width are based on the circumference measurements. Place the tape measure so that it crosses directly over the joint behind the large toe (often referred to as the bunion) and the joint just behind the small toe. This will usually cause the tape to be positioned at an angle. Once you have your measurement, locate that measurement on the manufacturer's figure skate sizing chart in relation to the length/boot size.
How to Measure Feet for Figure Skates
Figure Skate Sizing is one of the biggest hurdles to clear when purchasing a figure skate. Measuring feet for skates seems like a daunting task or can be intimidating for some. However, Kinzie's Closet would like for every skater to have the best possible fit for their Figure Skates or Figure Skate Boots. From information provided to us by the manufacturer's as well as customer fitting experience we have provided to you below the best instructions that we have found on how to measure your feet for the best fit for figure skates. Please read carefully. Once you have found your measurements, use each brand's figure skate size chart to find your size.
Step #1 Measuring the Length of Your Feet
It is best to measure the length of your feet while standing. Begin by standing on the tape measure with your heel against the wall or a flat object. This will make sure that your measurements are accurate. Measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe (the longest part of the foot). It is best to measure your feet in inches as most figure skating brands base their sizing charts on measurements in inches. It is important to measure both feet. One foot may be longer than the other. Use the length of the longest foot and make sure you take your measurements in socks, tights or whatever you wear while skating.
Once you have your length measurements, look at the figure skate sizing chart for the brand of your choice. Find your length on the figure skate sizing chart and it will give you the size boot/skate you need. Please note that not all brands have the same sizing. It is important to find your size using your length measurements for each brand of skate. Just because you are one size in one particular brand doesn't mean that you are going to be that size in every brand.Type your paragraph here.
Figure Skating Points to Remember
- The age, height and weight are very important, as well as the skill level of the skater. For the average skater, under 70 lbs, most entry level brands will provide required support according to skill level. However, if you are a beginner skater, 5' 9" and weigh about 150 lbs you may want to consider a figure skating boot one level above the entry level as your weight and height will require a stiffer boot to provide better ankle support.
- When measuring feet for skates, all measurements must be taken with the skater wearing the type of sock or tights that they will wear when they skate in their boots. Figure skate sizing is fairly accurate. Thick socks can add up to a half size when measuring.
- Try to get someone else to measure your feet. While leaning forward to reach down and measure, your weight is improperly balanced.
- All brands have their sizing charts calibrated for a competitive fit. This means toes will be slightly touching the inside of the boot. If you are growing or like wiggle room for your toes, please consider adding 1/4" to your measurements.
If you have questions about sizing please contact us at kinziescloset@kinziescloset.com. We will be happy to help you!