CCM Tacks XF80 Ice Hockey Skates

Hockey skates are sized by foot length, not shoe size. Get the length right, then the width. This guide covers player and goalie skates, which use the same size numbers, and Jackson figure skates, which have their own chart further down.

Skate size and shoe size

Bauer and CCM put skates one to one and a half sizes below a US shoe size. In UK sizes, CCM's UK chart works out as:

• Adults: about one size below your UK shoe. A UK 9 shoe is usually a size 8 skate.
• Children (youth and junior): about half a size below their UK shoe.

Shoe sizes vary between brands, so treat this as a starting point and measure.

Measure your feet at home

• Put on the socks you skate in.
• Stand on paper with your heel against a wall.
• Mark the tip of your longest toe, keeping the pen upright.
• Measure from the wall to the mark in millimetres.
• Do both feet and go by the longer one.

Lengths are from Bauer's and CCM's charts, which agree. UK sizes are from CCM's UK chart. Half sizes sit about 4 mm apart. Check the chart on the product too.

Youth, Junior, Intermediate, Senior

These are size bands, not age rules.

• Youth: Y6 to Y13.5 (about 145 to 207 mm)
• Junior: 1 to 3.5 (about 210 to 231 mm)
• Intermediate: 4 to 6.5 (about 235 to 255 mm)
• Senior: 7 and up (from about 260 mm)

Widths and fits

Feet differ in width and volume, meaning how much room you need over the top of the foot.

• Bauer Fit 1, 2, 3: narrow and low volume, medium, and wide and high volume.
• CCM Tapered, Regular, Wide: narrowest, a medium fit that suits most feet, and the roomiest.
• Letters: D is the standard, narrower width and EE is wide. Some Bauer models add R (regular) in between.

Between sizes?

• Try both. The right one holds your heel and lets your toes just brush the front.
• Don't size up to be safe. If your heel moves, the skate is too big. Sometimes a different fit is the answer, not a longer skate.
• For growing children, allow about half a size at most. More than that and the boot won't support the ankle and can cause blisters.

Quick fit check at home

• In skate socks, kick your heel into the back of the boot and lace up firmly.
• Stand straight: your toes should just brush the toe cap.
• Bend your knees: your toes should ease back off the cap and your heel should stay locked.
• Knees still bent, slide a finger down behind your heel. If it goes in easily, the skate is too big.

Bauer and CCM fit differently

Their charts line up closely, but each brand shapes the heel, instep and toe box its own way. The same size can feel quite different, so don't assume your size carries straight over.

Jackson figure skates

Jackson uses its own size scale, with separate sizes for girls and women, and for boys and men. White Jackson skates are usually made in the girls' and women's sizes, and black ones in the boys' and men's sizes.

Our listings show the UK size, the EU size or Jackson's own size, and the tables below give all three. The easiest way to choose is by foot length: measure your feet in skate socks as above and pick the line that matches. If you fall between two lines, take the larger size: Jackson says never to choose a skate shorter than your longer foot. Figure skates fit snugly so the foot can't move, which makes shoe size a poor guide.

Girls' and women's sizes

Boys' and men's sizes

Sizes Y8 to Y10 are tots' sizes. For boys' and men's skates, go by foot length or the EU size. Foot lengths are from Jackson Ultima's size chart, converted from inches; EU sizes are those Jackson's UK distributor uses. Jackson gives its chart as a guide only and recommends a proper fitting, so please come in if you can.

Get fitted in Kirkcaldy

Trying skates on beats any chart. Come to the shop at 78/80 Rosslyn Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 3AB with the socks you skate in, and your old skates if you have them. We'll measure your feet and check the fit with you.

Not sure? Come in and we'll fit you. See opening hours or email sales@glovesoffclothing.com.