How do I know if My Ice Skates Are Too Big?

Question

So I know this may seem like a weird question, but I really wanted to know. I accidentally got the wrong size and went a size up. My ice skates feel fine, but my toe doesn't touch the tip, and sometimes the heel comes up. I skated in them before, and they felt okay. But my skating instructor told me that they're too big. So are there any tips that anyone can give me? Thanks!

Answer 1

It's not a weird question at all . . .that's exactly what happened to me with my first skates.  I bought them from a skateboard shop that happen to sell ice skates (I knew nothing about buying skates, so of course I put all my trust in him).  He fitted me with skates that were more than a size too big . . . and since I was a beginner, I really didn't know the difference (it felt "tight", or so I thought.  

I seemed to skate ok until I started learning toe jumps and spins . . . it was then that I discovered my skates were too big.  My toe didn't touch the tip, so my foot slipped forward . .  and when I jumped, I often had this "suction" sound at the heel (meaning the heel was definitely coming up).  I had BIG problems with spins.  I put a gel pad or non-medicated triangle callous pad from Dr. Scholls at the back of my heel to fill the room . . . but that didn't help for long.  

I'm an adult, so my feet were never going to "grow into" those skates, so my best option was to sell them (my coach sold them to another one of his students) . . . and get a little money to put towards the new, REAL fitting skates.  My skating improved by leaps and bounds with the better fitting skates.  

When skates are too big, the skates tend to break down faster . . . you'll get a gash bend in the ankle area fairly early.  Also, this happened to me and a couple other friends:  because our foot slipped forward, we got this bunion thing on the sides of our feet nearest the pinkie toe (in which we said were are 6th toes - hee hee).  

Anyway, so this is the reason why you need to find an expert skate fitter (ask a coach or other skaters where they got their skates fitted . . . usually it's only one or two people in town who do it RIGHT).  When your equipment does not fail you, you skate sooooo much better!!

Answer 2

try getting a rubber or jelly like pad to put at the bottom of your skate and see if that helps any with your foot staying in place.

Answer 3

ther 2 big return them an get a smaller size

Answer 4

seems??? like a strange question? it is weird!

Answer 5

They're to big if your heals are lifting up out of the boot and your toes are not near the front.  You will not be able to skate properly.

I Found this source for proper cowboy boot fitting but it's the same for your skates.



"Boots that fit properly feel great on the feet. When fitting a boot, remember that differences in the leather, toe or heel style, as well as changes in a person's weight can affect the way a boot fits on their foot. You will also want to keep in mind what type of socks you will wear with the boots, because that will also affect the fit. These four steps should help you get your feet in boots that fit well and feel great.

1.  Putting on the Boots

First of all, take a seat. Pulling on boots is best done from a seated position. You should hear a soft "plop" when the foot drops onto the insole. You should then stand to adjust your foot and heel.

2.  Positioning the Ball of the Foot

The ball of the foot should be at the widest part of the boot sole, and absolutely no farther forward. When standing, the boot shank and the arch of the foot should have matching curves.

3.  Ensuring Ample Toe Room

If the smaller toes push beyond the stitching line that attaches the sole, or if the big toe creates a bump, the boots are too short. Two quick tests to check for ample toe room are to run your finger over the area occupied by the smaller toes to see that the toes touch lightly against the leather. Stand up and stamp your foot forward, trying to force the toes into the front of the boot. If this causes toe crowding, try a larger size.

4.  Getting the Correct Instep Fit

An important factor in proper boot comfort is the instep fit. You can check for good instep fit by grasping the instep leather between your thumb and index finger and rubbing your thumb across the instep. A large wrinkle indicates the instep is too loose and may also cause excessive heel slippage. A slight wrinkle indicates a proper fit and will feel more comfortable.  Slight heel slippage is natural during initial wearing of boots. Heel slippage will disappear after the sole is flexed a few times, and the boots will conform to the shape of the foot. You can compare the feeling of the fore part of a boot like a nice handshake. There needs to be some light pressure on the instep to keep the foot from falling forward too far into the toe box."

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   The next time you skate, I would suggest you take the time and try on many pairs of skates and walk around the mats and make sure your heal is not lifting and your toes are laying flat and you can walk without your ankles turning out.



     Once you find the pair that you like, write down the boot number and ask for that particular skate when you skate next. Hint... Ask for the skates that are high on the rack. They usually aren't used as much and your blades might not be worn down as the others.

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Below is a link on how to tie your skates properly.

1. Loosen up the skates. By pulling the laces out a bit, the foot can be put inside easily.

2. Stuff the feet inside the boots.

Make sure the socks are straight and the foot is placed inside the boot all the way. Put the toe of the foot in first and then push the heel all the way down.

3. Tighten up the laces in the first half of the boot. Work up from the toe to the ankle. Don't pull the laces too tight in this area. Just make sure that each pull is somewhat secure.

4. Tighten the laces the most where the foot and the ankle bends. This is the most important part of lacing figure skates. Give the laces a good tug at this point and pull hard.



5. Next lace around the hooks.

Make a criss-cross pattern with the laces and pull with both hands around each hook. Some skaters like to put the laces over and under the hooks; others like to put the laces under and then over. Either option is correct.

Again, don't pull the laces too hard. Leave some room for the ankle to bend.

6. Finish with a secure bow.

It is recommended to double knot the bow. Some figure skaters leave the top hooks empty while breaking in new boots.



7. Tuck the bow's loops inside the tops of the boots. This will prevent the blade from catching the bow's loops.

Tips:

1.If the skates don't feel secure after being laced up, the laces are too loose, and lacing should be done over again.

2. Figure skates should not be too tight. If a skater can't bend his or her knees, the skates are too tight.

3. Make sure the tongue of the skate is straight and does not slip under the laces.

  

4.Skates must fit. If the boot is too big, lacing the skates tightly will not improve the ice skating experience.

Answer 6

a skate should fit a bit bigger than a "perfect fit", you should be able to wiggle your toes, and if possible, ask your instructor if he/she can come with you, they'll probably be the ones you should ask=D