How Do I Size Hockey Goalie Skates?

Hockey goalies are tasked with the perhaps unenviable job of routinely standing in front of a puck that's being shot at them in speeds of 100 miles per hour or more. Luckily they wear enough padding to protect themselves, but changing position and tracking the oncoming puck carrier would be difficult if not for the goalie's skates. Heavily armored with a flatter profile than regular skates, properly fitted goalie skates allow the wearer to move effortlessly across the ice.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit on a bench or chair while in stocking feet. Select a few pairs of skates to try on in your price range; realize most skates are based on Canadian sizes, which differ from U.S. sizes, so select skates that are a full size to a size-and-a-half smaller than your shoe size.

    • 2

      Insert one of your feet into the skate boot and push your toes to the very tip (toe cap) of the skate. Bend your knee and look at the heel of the skate; if there appears to be room between your heel and the skate's heel, insert your index finger in the space. If you can wiggle your finger freely, the skate's too large.

    • 3

      Try on other pairs in the same manner until you find a pair that you can slip your finger into that's fairly tight. Lace both skates on, stand up and shift your feet inside the skate; there should be a slight bit of wiggle room for your feet and toes. Is so, the skates are a perfect fit.