The sizes of skates, whether figure skates, hockey skates, quad skates or in-lines, are comparable to those of regular shoes, generally ranging from 8J, the smallest of child size skates, up to adult sizes as large as 16. As with regular shoes, different skates within that size will fit differently, depending upon the style and brand. Some manufacturers even make wide or half-size skates. To allow room for your child's feet to grow, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing skates with expandable shells or interchangeable liners.
Step 1
Instruct your child to put on the socks she will normally wear when skating.
Step 2
Place a sheet of paper on the floor and have your child place a foot on the paper. With the pencil, mark the location of the back of the heel and front of the longest toe.
Step 3
Measure the distance between these two marks. Use a standard shoe size chart to determine what shoe size your child has, based on the length of the measurement. If the measurement is between two sizes, move up one size.
Step 4
Visit a sporting goods store with this information and have your child try on skates that are around that size. Place his foot securely in the skate and lace it up and buckle it well.
Step 5
Allow your child to walk around in the skates for a few minutes. If she is new to skating, support her while you walk. Determine if the skates are secure yet comfortable to wear.
Things You'll Need
- Socks
- Sheet of paper
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
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