Youth and league sports sizing · Ice hockey
Hockey skate size converter.
Shoe size to a starting skate size with the Bauer rule, or foot length to the size on the Bauer foot-length chart.
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How this works
There are two methods. The shoe method applies Bauer’s sizing guidance as published by HockeyMonkey: for youth and junior skates go down one full size from your shoe size, for senior (men’s) skates go down 1.5 sizes, and for women’s skates go down 3 sizes. The foot-length method reads the Bauer foot-length chart, which pairs each skate size from youth 6 to senior 15 with a foot length in inches. It returns the first listed size whose foot length is equal to or longer than the foot you measured; that rule is this tool’s reading of the chart, not text from Bauer.
The chart prints no foot length for youth 12.5 or senior 13.5, so those sizes are skipped. Fit 1 (narrow), Fit 2 (medium) and Fit 3 (wide) change the volume of the boot, and this tool does not pick a fit.
Worked example. A men’s size 10 shoe with the senior rule (down 1.5 sizes) starts at a size 8.5 skate, the example Bauer gives. A women’s size 8 shoe (down 3) starts at a size 5, also Bauer’s example. A foot that measures 10.5 in is shorter than the 10.55 in listed for a size 8 and longer than the 10.39 in for a 7.5, so the foot-length method returns size 8.
Frequently asked questions
What size hockey skates should I buy?
Bauer’s starting rule is to go down 1.5 sizes from your shoe size for senior skates, one full size for junior and youth, and three sizes for women’s. A size 10 shoe starts at an 8.5 skate.
Do hockey skates run smaller than shoes?
Yes, by the amounts above. The foot-length chart also shows it: a size 8 skate lists a 10.55 in foot length.
How do I measure foot length for skates?
Measure from the back of the heel to the end of the longest toe and use the tool’s foot-length method with that number.
What are Bauer Fit 1, 2 and 3?
Bauer’s fit lines describe foot width and volume: Fit 1 is narrow (about 4 to 4.5 in wide), Fit 2 medium (4.5 to 5 in) and Fit 3 wide (5 to 5.5 in).
Is a youth skate the same as a junior skate?
No. On the chart youth runs from size 6 to 13.5, junior from 1 to 3.5, intermediate from 4 to 6.5 and senior from 7 up.
Sources
Checked
The one, 1.5 and three size rules and the examples are from HockeyMonkey’s Bauer skate sizing guidance. The skate size to foot length pairs are the Bauer chart as printed by SCHEELS. Choosing the first size at least as long as your foot is this tool’s own reading. Always try skates on. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
A starting size from a published chart, not a professional fitting. Makers and leagues differ, so try equipment on, and check your league’s rules. Helmets and other protective gear are not covered.