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Do I size up or down with inline skates?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 15, 2026

The general rule of thumb for sizing inline skates is to go down 1.5 sizes from your shoe size for Senior skates. For adults or bigger adolescents, if you wear a size 10 shoe, you'll start at an 8.5 inline hockey skate size. For Junior and Youth skates, go down one size from your shoe size.

Should I size up for inline skates?

Rollerblade Skates generally fit true to US sizes. For example, if your shoe size is US size 9, you would wear a size 9. A snug fit is always preferred so be sure not to buy oversize footwear especially for skating.

Should I size up or down with rollerblades?

Most roller skates are going to fit the same as your standard shoe size. So, if you wear a size 8 in your everyday shoes a size 8 in roller skates will fit. Most brands of roller skates will make their skates fit the same as popular shoe brands to make it easier to size.

How do you know what size inline skates to buy?

The sizing run for inline hockey skates is usually between a half size and two sizes smaller than a shoe size and all sizing is done in male. This means that a size 8 street shoe is actually between a 6 and 7.5 inline hockey skate.

Are inline skates supposed to be tight?

The fit itself should be very snug, allowing you to stay in control of movements. Very snug doesn't mean uncomfortable: You should still be able to wiggle your toes, and there shouldn't be any pressure points. Find the right fit.

45 related questions found

Should skates be a size bigger?

Bauer, CCM, and True hockey skates normally fit 1 to 1½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. For children, it is acceptable to order a half size bigger than that to accommodate growing feet; however, wearing skates any larger will cause blisters and will break down the sides of the boot.

Should you buy skates a size bigger?

Hockey skates do run big in comparison to street shoes. You want to find a pair that's about 1 – 1.5 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size.

What size skates should I get?

It means that, generally speaking, your hockey skate size will be about 1 - 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe size (US) for men and 2.5 - 3 sizes smaller for women. This means that if you buy a pair of hockey skates that are the exact same as your shoe size, you're going to be swimming in those skates.

What size should my skates be?

A proper fit for hockey skates should fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes. Your toes should barely touch the toe cap, while having no more than 1/4 inch of space in the heel. When you're finished lacing up your skates, they should feel snug with the foot resting flat on the footbed.

What size skates do I need women's?

When it comes to women's skate sizing, you will want to go down 3 sizes from your shoe size. For example, if you wear a size 8 women's shoe, you will want to go with a size 5 Bauer skate.

Are Rollerblade sizes and shoes the same?

Rollerblade brand skates are going to fit very similar to the size of your standard athletic shoes. If you wear a size 9 in your running shoes you will more than likely be happy with a size 9 in a Rollerblade skate.

Are skates true to size?

Yes, hockey skates are true to size. However, the thing to keep in mind is that skates fit you differently than a usual pair of shoes. Hockey skates, in fact, will be 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size.

How do you know if skates fit?

It's normal to have your little toe and the fourth toe close to the edge of the insole or completely off the edge. Signs your skates are not the right fit include very little space at the toe, zero space at the toe and having your toes hang over the front edge, and the third toe hanging off the side of the insole.

How do Roces skates fit?

People always come back to Roces skates when they want a functional, light, simplistic, and quality trick skate. Roces UFS Frames with Roces 58mm 88A Wheels and ABEC3 Bearings. No brake. Runs small and narrow - It is suggested to order one full size larger than your shoe size.

What size skates for size 6?

1) Bauer skates fit 1 - 1 ½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. (e.g. size 6 ½ shoe will require a 5 ½ Bauer skate.

How tight should inline skate wheels be?

Basically you want them tight enough that the wheel is secure but when you spin your wheels they move freely. If you over tighten the bolts you can create friction and they won't roll nicely.

Should inline skates be tight around the ankle?

This should to be tight enough for you to bend your knees and then feel supported by the strap. If they're too tight the straps will stop you bending your knees and cut off blood to your foot. Too loose, and your knees will never make contact with the strap when you bend them.

How should roller skates fit around ankle?

A good fitting skate should support your foot so that every push and shift gets translated to your wheels and you are focusing on your skating instead of on your feet! Skates don't fit like shoes; your feet need to bend through your stride in your shoes, while your feet should not slip around in your skates.

Should roller skates be tight around the ankle?

Generally speaking, the golden rule for proper skate fit no matter the brand or kind of skate is as snug as possible without being painful or uncomfortable, with the ability to still wiggle the toes up and down.

How tight should roller skate trucks be for beginners?

Loosen Your Trucks Bit by Bit

First make a quarter turn, because in roller skates, a tiny turn can make a big difference. If your trucks are super tight, do one or two full turns, but if your trucks are already loose and you want to loosen them more, do a quarter turn first.