Newb Skate fitting question.

[hockeymonkey81 0]

Hey everyone. I apologize for starting a new thread. I tried the search feature regarding skate fittings and there are just way too many threads to sift through and I need to buy some skates asap so need some help right away.

I was wondering if there was a difference in the way the boot fits b/w a NBH Supreme skate vs the Vapour line. Is the Vapour line pretty much the same or more narrow?

My shoe size is an 8 (2EE), as measured in that metal shoe size measuring device. I've been told that my skate size should be around a 7. But when I try on a 7, the tip of my toe hits the end of the toebox. It's not a sharp pain by any means, but just a snug pressure (should you even feel the tip of the toebox all the time?). I tried a 7.5 and it feels better, I rarely touch the end of the toebox but can feel it sometimes when I just stand up in the skate (if I extend my foot forwards a little).

I know skates should fit tight, but I was just wondering your guys' advice since you guys are the pros! Should I go with the 7.5's which feel comfortable right away or buy the 7s for more snug fit and allow them to break in?

I'm just wanting an intermediate skate, nothing too high end as I play recereationally.

I'm deciding between a NBH Supreme 30 or NBH Vapour XVI. Since my foot is wider, I'll probably go with the wider skate. My local hockey store didn't have all the skates and sizes for me to try on.

Thanks for the advice in advance!

[TheBert 0]

I'd definitely go with the size 7 unless it's actually painful when your "toes hit the toebox". You're saying the 7.5 allows you to reach the toebox when you "extend you foot forward" which isn't a good thing -- especially since you have to allow for the skate breaking in.

My impression is that the Vapors are narrower, but do try on both models in their different C, D, E widths.

[ean 0]

Never be satisfied with how a skate feels from the sitting down position. You need to be standing up as that more closely reflects actual skating conditions, when you do that, you'll find that your foot will spread forward a bit.

"Breaking in" skates may result in some slight stretching horizontally, but I don't believe they will make a skate any longer.

How the skates feel is pure preference. Paul Coffey skated with no socks and skates that were 2 sizes too small. They would cut the laces off the skates after every game. Me personally, I have never liked the feeling of my toes hitting the toe box and I think this is a bit more the "norm". Bottom line is, it's all up to you and what you feel comfy with. I would try an 8 just to see how it may feel, and I wouldn't get bogged down by any rules of thumb that say your skate size must be smaller than your shoe size, just get what feels comfortable.

[hockeymonkey81 0]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Actually to clarify, I was standing up when I was trying the skates.

I did try the 8 and it was too roomy, felt like swimming in the skate.

I've read alot of skate fitting threads on here and mostly everyone wears skates that are 1, 2 or even 3 sizes smaller than their shoe size.

Does anyone wear skates that are 1/2 less than their shoe size?

I know it's all personal prefernce but I just want to get the right advice lol. THanks.

[srv2miker 0]

"Breaking in" skates may result in some slight stretching horizontally, but I don't believe they will make a skate any longer.

I'd call that half true - while the skate itself won't get any longer, the ankle packs should compress in the break-in period and your toes will pull back from the toe cap (although this may not occur with the One90).

[VakarLajos 5]

"Breaking in" skates may result in some slight stretching horizontally, but I don't believe they will make a skate any longer.

I'd call that half true - while the skate itself won't get any longer, the ankle packs should compress in the break-in period and your toes will pull back from the toe cap (although this may not occur with the One90).

I agree. From personal experience my skates have always gotten a bit bigger lengthwise when the ankle pads break in.

Also, my shoe size is an 8.5 in most models and I wear a 5.5 EE in Bauer. I measure a 7 but I fit into a 5.5. At first it was snug, but once I broke them in and the padding adjusted it feels great. I think that's the closest to halving a shoe size that I've come across.

[tsanga 0]

hm81,

I believe the Supreme line also fits somewhat deeper than Vapors. Compare the shape of how the eyelets turn up at the ankle transition.

Personally, if I were in your shoes (or skates), I'd go for the size 7. For me, if I have to reach to feel the toe cap, the skate's too big. W/hen I skate, I like to "know" where the ends of my boots are so I can "feel" like I know where the ends of my blades are.

When you're standing, pay attention to how they feel when your weight is on your toes and your knees bent over them. This is the athletic position, and if you laces are snug, will tend to pull your toes away from the toe cap a bit.

[B-Nads 0]

I think there are actually some differences within the Supreme line as well. The One70's and One90'S have a different fit, and some of the older models, the 8090 for example, have different fits too. In general, I believe the Vapours do fit narrower with a higher arch - someone please correct me if I am off there.