Hockey Skate Size Calculator
Hockey skates fit 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than street shoes. Pick a shoe size to get the skate size, then use the fit test below to confirm it.
Always free · We may earn a commission when you buy, at no extra cost to you. How it works
Pick a shoe size to see the skate size.
Confirm it with the fit test
Lace the skates up snugly (not cutting off circulation) and check:
- The heel sits firmly in the heel pocket, with minimal lift when standing.
- The toes just barely brush the toe cap: not jammed, not floating.
- No side-to-side movement of the foot inside the boot.
- With knees bent like skating, heel lift should almost disappear. More than a few millimeters means the skate is too big.
Feet too wide for standard skates? Look for Bauer Fit 3 or CCM's Wide fit. Full details are in our kids' skate sizing guide and complete skate buying guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Is hockey skate size the same as shoe size?
No. Hockey skates fit 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than a street shoe. A kid in a size 4 shoe usually wears a 2.5 or 3 skate, and an adult in a size 10 shoe usually fits an 8.5 or 9.
Should I buy skates a size big so my child can grow into them?
No. Extra room means the ankle isn't supported, which makes learning to skate much harder and can cause blisters. Buy the size that fits snugly now.
What do Youth, Junior, Intermediate and Senior mean?
They're sizing ranges, not skill levels: Youth sizes are marked Y (up to Y13.5), Junior is about 1–5.5, Intermediate 6–7.5, and Senior 8 and up.
What if my child is between sizes?
Go with the smaller size. Hockey skates break in and loosen slightly over the first few skates.
Sizes are estimates based on typical Bauer and CCM sizing. Always check the brand's own chart and try skates on when you can. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.