Youth versus JR skates. A question

[Jordan 13]

My little guy, who has become a very strong player/skater for a 7 year old, and is on the ice 4 or 5 times a week has feet that are just on the edge of the change from youth sized skates (he is about a youth 13) and the smallest sized of junior skates.

while I know that the junior skates are generally a better built product, my question is, , is there enough of an advantage that he could get away with a size 1 jr skate ? Or does the fit trump all and he would be better off with a youth sized skate. He skated this past year in a youth sized Bauer XXX, great boot crappy blade.

Any comments would appreciated.

[forbs02 20]

Its coming up on summertime. Is he still going to be skating as frequently? I would recommend trying to stay in the skates he has until the end of summer. That gives him 4 months to grow. Once the summer is over (or his skates absolutely don't fit anymore) start looking for new skates again. Fit is still the most important thing in skates at that age. With proper care the carbon steel blade is adequate for a youth player. Don't store it in a plastic skate guard and be sure to dry it after every skate.

[Jordan 13]

He is pretty much up against it as far as his current skates go...they have already been strectched and he has outgrown that too.

He won't be on the ice as frequently, but is playing spring hockey and some 3 on 3. So I have to get him a new pair in the next few weeks.

[Chadd 916]

Fit is the most important thing. If anything, the softer boot will help him build ankle strength and benefit him in the long run.

[jimmy 194]

If they've been stretched already, and they are tight then a size 1 should fit good. Why wait, just put him in the new skates now.