I heard this about hockey skate length and width.....

[giogolf 9]

Hello All,

Awesome forum, this is my first post

Well, I am getting back into the great sport of Ice Hockey after 12 years since last playing in high school. So I am on the hunt for skates, and have been reading up like crazy on proper fit etc... My foot is a USA 9.5 Wide width, or 26.67cm (10.5 inches) long and 10.7cm (4.25 inches) Width. I have normal arches, and average to high instep. Every skate I have ever owned have given me horrible pain on the outside of my feet in-between my pinky toe and middle of the foot (probably due to not having proper fitting skates).

So I am looking for wide forefoot fitting skate. I was at my LHS and the sales guy was telling me that D, E, and EE width does not mean a wider forefoot area in skates but rather a wider ankle because each skate model has one toe cap size and the manufacture does not make more than one toe cap size. So I ask you guys does this sound right? It does not sound right to me.

Also, from reading around I gather Easton’s, and RBK's are the widest skates right? Which one is wider RBK or Easton, also are there any other manufacturer that make wide skates? I heard the closeout Salming F1 are really wide, anyone have those? Thanks, all

Please go easy on my first post...

[Chadd 916]

The salming F1s are very wide through the forefoot and heel. My demo pair was a little short for me but the width was very nice on my foot. One of the guys on my team is wearing a pair that he bought and loves them, they're holding up very well. You also might want to look into some 709 or G9 style graf skates.

[Hartford's Own 0]

If you have a reputable LHS with a full service Skate adjustment area, just about any skate will work, as the LHS will have the ability to Stretch, Punch, mold and do other things to do minor adjustments to the skate to make it fit. I have a foot that fits pretty good in a CCM/RBK style mold. I tend to have a problem right behind the pinky toe. The place I drove out of my way to was able to rebake the boot and using a leather shoe press they were able to push out that area and now I have the most comfortable skate i've ever owned. I have a normal heel and a tad wider fore foot, doing this process worked well. But like mentioned before I had to travel to a place that could do this other then my local place which only bakes skates, and doesn't do more intricate stuff.

As for wider in the front, I tried on the S15's and the 9k's, the fronts felt pretty good in both of them but in my case having a heel that was a tad small for a normal fit boot the pump system fit the heel better. I tried the V10's and the U+ Pros, but they felt a tad loose all around, Though I was told the baking and heat fit would have snugged them up some, but I didn't want to drop $500 on chance. Best bet is to try as many different boots on as you can.

[aal 3]

I don't know for sure, but I don't think it is right. One LHS guy told me that a graf narrow was narrower throughout the skate, and from personal experience, the graf narrow is narrower than the medium in the forefoot. I'm not sure about other brands.

[JrFlyers79 0]

Hello All,

Awesome forum, this is my first post

Well, I am getting back into the great sport of Ice Hockey after 12 years since last playing in high school. So I am on the hunt for skates, and have been reading up like crazy on proper fit etc... My foot is a USA 9.5 Wide width, or 26.67cm (10.5 inches) long and 10.7cm (4.25 inches) Width. I have normal arches, and average to high instep. Every skate I have ever owned have given me horrible pain on the outside of my feet in-between my pinky toe and middle of the foot (probably due to not having proper fitting skates).

So I am looking for wide forefoot fitting skate. I was at my LHS and the sales guy was telling me that D, E, and EE width does not mean a wider forefoot area in skates but rather a wider ankle because each skate model has one toe cap size and the manufacture does not make more than one toe cap size. So I ask you guys does this sound right? It does not sound right to me.

Also, from reading around I gather Easton’s, and RBK's are the widest skates right? Which one is wider RBK or Easton, also are there any other manufacturer that make wide skates? I heard the closeout Salming F1 are really wide, anyone have those? Thanks, all

Please go easy on my first post...

I just went to get fitted yesterday and tried on a number of different skates, so I'll share what I learned. A little background:

I wear a 9 or 9.5 sneaker in a wide width, and wore Ultra Tacks for close to 20 years before replacing them a few years ago with the Tacks 652 in an 8.5E. Standard heal width. Since getting the Tacks 652, I have discomfort across the top of the foot near the toes, and I get sores on the bones on the outside and inside of my foot just below the big and little toes. All in all, a very uncomfortable experience. I've had them baked twice, changed lacing pattern, changed laces, had them sharpened differently - nothing helped.

I play about once a week, about 40 weeks out of the year, in an Over 35 rec league. I played pretty seriously as a kid (Little Flyers, Junior Flyers, USHL) and in some full contact "A" leagues in my 20s, but now play at a much more leisurely pace in my mid-40s. About 5'8" and 185 pounds, so I'm a solidly built player, and not particularly hard on skates.

First of all, I went to an equipment shop where the guy who fit me has been doing it for 15-20 years, and at 12:30pm on a Friday, the place was packed with customers. Every other shop I've been to on a weekday has been empty, so the crowd probably indicates the confidence people have in that place. I think that's very important as I went to a couple other places yesterday where the people trying to fit me didn't have a clue what they were doing, and those places were empty. I had also looked online and called a few places, and was prepared to go into the Graf in a wide width. I had seen articles that suggested the Reebok Pump, Bauer Supreme One and Easton Stealth would also fit a wider foot. All of my calls to local shops let me know that no one in my area carried wide widths in stock, but that I should try the standard width and we would go from there.

After measuring my foot, the guy told me I'm closer to an 8.5 show than a 9 or 9.5, and suggested an 7.5 or 8 as a starting place for length. Told me not to worry about width until the proper length was determined. Fit me first into a Graf 709 size 8 standard width, which was too tight across the top of the foot. Then fit me into a Bauer Supreme One 55 in an 8, which was too tight in the same troublesome area, but was actually too long as my toes could not touch the end of the toe cap. The he had me try an Easton Stealth 15, but I couldn't even get my foot into the boot - way too stiff. He then fit me into a Reebok 5K 7.5, and wow, what a difference! Much more comfortable right off the bat. I wore them for about 15 minutes, laced tight, and had some tightness in the usual spot, but not the pain that I usually have. I was told that a new skate should feel about 90% comfortable out of the box, and that the baking process would mold that area and everywhere else on the skate around my foot and make it even more comfortable. The pump snugged up the back of the skate and it really improved the fit even a bit more.

I was told by the guy, and also read in an online article that if it's super comfortable right out of the box and fits like a slipper, it means it's too big as the skate will stretch with normal use.

The guy told me I likely have been getting pain because the Tacks 652 is too long for my foot, so the widest part of the skate boot is not against the widest part of my foot. Consequently, the narrower part of the skate is also not against the narrower part of my foot. So basically, I've been wearing a skate that doesn't fit right and my foot has been moving inside the boot instead of staying snugly in place while I skate.

As to the question of the toe box, I was told if the widest part of my foot was at the point that the plastic toe meets the skate boot side, then the wider width won't help at all. If the wide spot is just before you get to the plastic toe piece, then the wider width would make a small (1/5") difference. I was also told a narrower width can be stretched, but a width too wide cannot be made tighter.

It was a tremendous learning experience, and my only hesitation at this point is whether to buy the 5K, or spend a little more for the 6K or 7K. I definitely won't spend the $500+ for the 9K, but the Reebok Pump skate is the one for me.

Hope this was off some help.

[giogolf 9]

The salming F1s are very wide through the forefoot and heel. My demo pair was a little short for me but the width was very nice on my foot. One of the guys on my team is wearing a pair that he bought and loves them, they're holding up very well. You also might want to look into some 709 or G9 style graf skates.

What size is your foot and what size Salming did you get? Also, where did you buy them from? I have contacted Salming USA via email over a week ago with no answer. I have also contacted an eBay seller CDjay with no replies back yet. Also do Salmings come in widths, if so what did you get?

Hello All,

Awesome forum, this is my first post

Well, I am getting back into the great sport of Ice Hockey after 12 years since last playing in high school. So I am on the hunt for skates, and have been reading up like crazy on proper fit etc... My foot is a USA 9.5 Wide width, or 26.67cm (10.5 inches) long and 10.7cm (4.25 inches) Width. I have normal arches, and average to high instep. Every skate I have ever owned have given me horrible pain on the outside of my feet in-between my pinky toe and middle of the foot (probably due to not having proper fitting skates).

So I am looking for wide forefoot fitting skate. I was at my LHS and the sales guy was telling me that D, E, and EE width does not mean a wider forefoot area in skates but rather a wider ankle because each skate model has one toe cap size and the manufacture does not make more than one toe cap size. So I ask you guys does this sound right? It does not sound right to me.

Also, from reading around I gather Easton’s, and RBK's are the widest skates right? Which one is wider RBK or Easton, also are there any other manufacturer that make wide skates? I heard the closeout Salming F1 are really wide, anyone have those? Thanks, all

Please go easy on my first post...

Yes very helpful post thank you. Now the single toe cup size makes sense. My wide width starts after my pinky toe and extends across my big toe knuckle. I am going to search for a few LHS in NJ and try a bunch if skates on. I am really leaning towards the RBK's and Salmings, but the later will be impossible to try in stores since they are closing distribution in USA.

I just went to get fitted yesterday and tried on a number of different skates, so I'll share what I learned. A little background:

I wear a 9 or 9.5 sneaker in a wide width, and wore Ultra Tacks for close to 20 years before replacing them a few years ago with the Tacks 652 in an 8.5E. Standard heal width. Since getting the Tacks 652, I have discomfort across the top of the foot near the toes, and I get sores on the bones on the outside and inside of my foot just below the big and little toes. All in all, a very uncomfortable experience. I've had them baked twice, changed lacing pattern, changed laces, had them sharpened differently - nothing helped.

I play about once a week, about 40 weeks out of the year, in an Over 35 rec league. I played pretty seriously as a kid (Little Flyers, Junior Flyers, USHL) and in some full contact "A" leagues in my 20s, but now play at a much more leisurely pace in my mid-40s. About 5'8" and 185 pounds, so I'm a solidly built player, and not particularly hard on skates.

First of all, I went to an equipment shop where the guy who fit me has been doing it for 15-20 years, and at 12:30pm on a Friday, the place was packed with customers. Every other shop I've been to on a weekday has been empty, so the crowd probably indicates the confidence people have in that place. I think that's very important as I went to a couple other places yesterday where the people trying to fit me didn't have a clue what they were doing, and those places were empty. I had also looked online and called a few places, and was prepared to go into the Graf in a wide width. I had seen articles that suggested the Reebok Pump, Bauer Supreme One and Easton Stealth would also fit a wider foot. All of my calls to local shops let me know that no one in my area carried wide widths in stock, but that I should try the standard width and we would go from there.

After measuring my foot, the guy told me I'm closer to an 8.5 show than a 9 or 9.5, and suggested an 7.5 or 8 as a starting place for length. Told me not to worry about width until the proper length was determined. Fit me first into a Graf 709 size 8 standard width, which was too tight across the top of the foot. Then fit me into a Bauer Supreme One 55 in an 8, which was too tight in the same troublesome area, but was actually too long as my toes could not touch the end of the toe cap. The he had me try an Easton Stealth 15, but I couldn't even get my foot into the boot - way too stiff. He then fit me into a Reebok 5K 7.5, and wow, what a difference! Much more comfortable right off the bat. I wore them for about 15 minutes, laced tight, and had some tightness in the usual spot, but not the pain that I usually have. I was told that a new skate should feel about 90% comfortable out of the box, and that the baking process would mold that area and everywhere else on the skate around my foot and make it even more comfortable. The pump snugged up the back of the skate and it really improved the fit even a bit more.

I was told by the guy, and also read in an online article that if it's super comfortable right out of the box and fits like a slipper, it means it's too big as the skate will stretch with normal use.

The guy told me I likely have been getting pain because the Tacks 652 is too long for my foot, so the widest part of the skate boot is not against the widest part of my foot. Consequently, the narrower part of the skate is also not against the narrower part of my foot. So basically, I've been wearing a skate that doesn't fit right and my foot has been moving inside the boot instead of staying snugly in place while I skate.

As to the question of the toe box, I was told if the widest part of my foot was at the point that the plastic toe meets the skate boot side, then the wider width won't help at all. If the wide spot is just before you get to the plastic toe piece, then the wider width would make a small (1/5") difference. I was also told a narrower width can be stretched, but a width too wide cannot be made tighter.

It was a tremendous learning experience, and my only hesitation at this point is whether to buy the 5K, or spend a little more for the 6K or 7K. I definitely won't spend the $500+ for the 9K, but the Reebok Pump skate is the one for me.

Hope this was off some help.

[Chadd 916]

CDJAy/Salming USA is also known as Jason Harris around here, he's a member and a friend. I'll ask him to take a look at this topic and make sure he gets back to you. What part of Jersey are you in?

[Law Goalie 147]

Hello All,

Awesome forum, this is my first post

Well, I am getting back into the great sport of Ice Hockey after 12 years since last playing in high school. So I am on the hunt for skates, and have been reading up like crazy on proper fit etc... My foot is a USA 9.5 Wide width, or 26.67cm (10.5 inches) long and 10.7cm (4.25 inches) Width. I have normal arches, and average to high instep. Every skate I have ever owned have given me horrible pain on the outside of my feet in-between my pinky toe and middle of the foot (probably due to not having proper fitting skates).

So I am looking for wide forefoot fitting skate. I was at my LHS and the sales guy was telling me that D, E, and EE width does not mean a wider forefoot area in skates but rather a wider ankle because each skate model has one toe cap size and the manufacture does not make more than one toe cap size. So I ask you guys does this sound right? It does not sound right to me.

Also, from reading around I gather Easton’s, and RBK's are the widest skates right? Which one is wider RBK or Easton, also are there any other manufacturer that make wide skates? I heard the closeout Salming F1 are really wide, anyone have those? Thanks, all

Please go easy on my first post...

Bollocks (to that info, not your first post).

Wider widths *necessarily* mean wider forefoots AND heels (why that guy called them 'ankles' I can't imagine). Really good shoemakers (Alden, Grenson, etc.) use the same notation that appears on custom skates, showing both forefoot and heel as F/H or H/F (ie., for a typical D-width boot, the full expression would be B/D or D/B - nobody in the universe has a D heel and a B forefoot, so reversing them doesn't matter). If you get custom, you can go to as high a ratio as you want; at retail, the ratios scale regularly.

Your sales guy is *partially* correct when he says that some companies don't increase the size of the toe-cap consistently as they increase with width of a given retail skate model. Graf is a good example of this: they have a very narrow toe-cap on their regular R-width (even on the 709), and do *not* size up the toe-cap for a W-width. They do, however, increase the size of cap for a WW-width (think 4E). IIRC, Bauer does size up the toe-cap with widths, just as they go to the next size up in goalie cowlings in EE-width. CCM/RBK I'm not sure about. The sales guy is, however, completely and utterly out of his head if he thinks that each skate maker uses the same size of toe-cap (ie. only one mould) on every single size of skate they make.

Just FYI, RBK and Easton aren't even close to the widest skates. The Graf 709 (aka G9) is probably the deepest and widest last around; the Nike (now Bauer) Flexlite is a close second, followed by the Graf G70, Bauer 8090 (now dead) and the One95. I've never tried on a Salming F1, but they have a reputation for a very spacious last. If Jason can sort you out, that's probably a very good way to go.

[giogolf 9]

CDJAy/Salming USA is also known as Jason Harris around here, he's a member and a friend. I'll ask him to take a look at this topic and make sure he gets back to you. What part of Jersey are you in?

If you can get a hold of him that would be great. Thanks

Just FYI, RBK and Easton aren't even close to the widest skates. The Graf 709 (aka G9) is probably the deepest and widest last around; the Nike (now Bauer) Flexlite is a close second, followed by the Graf G70, Bauer 8090 (now dead) and the One95. I've never tried on a Salming F1, but they have a reputation for a very spacious last. If Jason can sort you out, that's probably a very good way to go.

Thanks, great info. I have heard may good things about Graf skates; they seem to be the Rolls Royce of skates. However, I think +$400 maybe a bit out of my range for a skate to get back into the game. But we will see, I like to splurge sometimes..

[Chadd 916]

Graf is highly overrated in many cases, but they do have a number of differently fitting skates. The 609 fits similarly but is less expensive.

[Chappie 0]

So then, this thread has brought up an interesting question for me. My new skates hurt the hell out of me, and my toes do not touch the front of my toe caps. This is the way my shoes are, so I assumed having some kind of room in between was appropriate, and they are a size and a half smaller then my current shoe.

Anyway, I currently wear a size 9/9.5 shoe, and I have size 7.5 vectors. Am I in fact also wearing too big of skates, or am I just obsessing at this point?

[Chadd 916]

So then, this thread has brought up an interesting question for me. My new skates hurt the hell out of me, and my toes do not touch the front of my toe caps. This is the way my shoes are, so I assumed having some kind of room in between was appropriate, and they are a size and a half smaller then my current shoe.

Anyway, I currently wear a size 9/9.5 shoe, and I have size 7.5 vectors. Am I in fact also wearing too big of skates, or am I just obsessing at this point?

You may very well be in a skate that is too large. Loosen the laces and slide your foot as far forward as possible without crushing your toes. Then, see how much room you have behind your heel.

[EdgeKid3 0]

Just FYI, RBK and Easton aren't even close to the widest skates. The Graf 709 (aka G9) is probably the deepest and widest last around; the Nike (now Bauer) Flexlite is a close second, followed by the Graf G70, Bauer 8090 (now dead) and the One95. I've never tried on a Salming F1, but they have a reputation for a very spacious last. If Jason can sort you out, that's probably a very good way to go.

As far as Bauer's go, I thought the Vapor series ran deeper and wider overall then the One_ series. I just remember when I was buying skates I was recommeneded into the XXXX in a EE over the One90 in EEfor this reason. May be a different characterstic of my foot however, correct me if I'm wrong.

[Chadd 916]

Just FYI, RBK and Easton aren't even close to the widest skates. The Graf 709 (aka G9) is probably the deepest and widest last around; the Nike (now Bauer) Flexlite is a close second, followed by the Graf G70, Bauer 8090 (now dead) and the One95. I've never tried on a Salming F1, but they have a reputation for a very spacious last. If Jason can sort you out, that's probably a very good way to go.

As far as Bauer's go, I thought the Vapor series ran deeper and wider overall then the One_ series. I just remember when I was buying skates I was recommeneded into the XXXX in a EE over the One90 in EEfor this reason. May be a different characterstic of my foot however, correct me if I'm wrong.

Older vapors are more narrow than the XXXX.

[Law Goalie 147]

Thanks, great info. I have heard may good things about Graf skates; they seem to be the Rolls Royce of skates. However, I think +$400 maybe a bit out of my range for a skate to get back into the game. But we will see, I like to splurge sometimes..

Graf is highly overrated in many cases, but they do have a number of differently fitting skates. The 609 fits similarly but is less expensive.

The 609 is a great recommendation - I've seen it around $100 new from time to time. You may still also find older versions of the 709 on clearance (chiefly the ones with the white TPU plastic outsole, rather than the carbon/clear plastic outsole) at very reasonable prices - far below $400.

I wouldn't say Graf is the Rolls-Royce of hockey - if we really push the analogy, that was probably Daoust back in the day. It's more that, as Chadd suggested, Graf has by far the widest variety of lasts (ie. 'fits') available at retail, offer some different price-points (600-series, 700-series, then the Ultra's) and are generally speaking well made and durable. They're rather like New Balance or Allen Edmonds: fitting everyone is the priority, rather than being necessarily the most stylish or technologically advanced. Yeah, you can go out and buy some Ferragamo Tramezza's for the office and some top-end Wilson tennis shoes, but you'll pay a premium at retail and the fit may not be there.

As far as Bauer's go, I thought the Vapor series ran deeper and wider overall then the One_ series. I just remember when I was buying skates I was recommeneded into the XXXX in a EE over the One90 in EEfor this reason. May be a different characterstic of my foot however, correct me if I'm wrong.

Not even close. The One95 is way, way deeper than a new Vapor, and I'm pretty damn sure the One90 (now 70) was also, though to a lesser degree.

You're correct that the Vapor last may just be a better characteristic match to your foot. All this width and depth stuff is pretty vague, in reality. One last may be generally wider than another, but the contour may be totally unsuitable for a person with what might commonly be called a wide foot. In the end, that's why one needs to do trying before buying. In theory, I should love an RBK EE - felt like an Iron Maiden in the flesh. A 709 9W should be too long and too wide for me, givee than an 8D Flexlite is a very good fit, but both work well in reality.

[chilimax21 0]

So then, this thread has brought up an interesting question for me. My new skates hurt the hell out of me, and my toes do not touch the front of my toe caps. This is the way my shoes are, so I assumed having some kind of room in between was appropriate, and they are a size and a half smaller then my current shoe.

Anyway, I currently wear a size 9/9.5 shoe, and I have size 7.5 vectors. Am I in fact also wearing too big of skates, or am I just obsessing at this point?

You may very well be in a skate that is too large. Loosen the laces and slide your foot as far forward as possible without crushing your toes. Then, see how much room you have behind your heel.

I just got me a pair of one95 skates in a size 8.5EE. It is 1-1.5 larger than my shoe size. With the skate loose, if I touch the toe cap, I have about 1/4" of room in the heel area. But I am crushing my pinky toe in the process. With the heel all the way back, I have no problems. Pencil test worked out good. My heel locks in with the skate tight. Is this OK to wear like this?

[Chadd 916]

I doubt you could do much better.

[Chappie 0]

forgive the dirtry floors, didn't get to vacuum today and that would be the dogs room.

I do get toe pinching when I do this.

[YouTuuk 0]

Hey Chappie, those look a little big especially the bottom skate, if you toes are touching the toecap you should only have 1cm or so in the back, for a growing boy that is 15 or so maybe you should be able to stick an index finger in the back.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

The salming F1s are very wide through the forefoot and heel. My demo pair was a little short for me but the width was very nice on my foot. One of the guys on my team is wearing a pair that he bought and loves them, they're holding up very well. You also might want to look into some 709 or G9 style graf skates.

Do the salming fit the same as bauer in terms of size. I'm a 10 in bauer or easton. Would a 10 in the salming be the same, there are 10 and 10.5 on e-bay at the minute

[Chadd 916]

The salming F1s are very wide through the forefoot and heel. My demo pair was a little short for me but the width was very nice on my foot. One of the guys on my team is wearing a pair that he bought and loves them, they're holding up very well. You also might want to look into some 709 or G9 style graf skates.

Do the salming fit the same as bauer in terms of size. I'm a 10 in bauer or easton. Would a 10 in the salming be the same, there are 10 and 10.5 on e-bay at the minute

Not sure on the current sizing. I was a 10EE in the old Vapor XXs and a 10 in the Salming.

[Chappie 0]

Hey Chappie, those look a little big especially the bottom skate, if you toes are touching the toecap you should only have 1cm or so in the back, for a growing boy that is 15 or so maybe you should be able to stick an index finger in the back.

lol, I'm 19 and I'd unfortunately think that I'm all fnished my growing. ;) :( so what should I do going forward now?

[giogolf 9]

The salming F1s are very wide through the forefoot and heel. My demo pair was a little short for me but the width was very nice on my foot. One of the guys on my team is wearing a pair that he bought and loves them, they're holding up very well. You also might want to look into some 709 or G9 style graf skates.

Do the salming fit the same as bauer in terms of size. I'm a 10 in bauer or easton. Would a 10 in the salming be the same, there are 10 and 10.5 on e-bay at the minute

I saw some on eBay and emailed the seller CDJay, but have not got a response yet. I have heard so many good things about the Salming F1's and really want to try a pair.

[YouTuuk 0]

Hey Chappie, those look a little big especially the bottom skate, if you toes are touching the toecap you should only have 1cm or so in the back, for a growing boy that is 15 or so maybe you should be able to stick an index finger in the back.

I guess those in the picture are Vectors which are narrow compared to your "old Tacks" - and by the looks of the pics too much lenght. So you are cursed with the double whammy too narrow and too long. So in lenght your feet will move around, but in width the skates will be trying to hold you in place - that double whammy is sure to cause some pain. I used to have Graf 727, which had the opposite problem for me, they were too short and too wide - I gave it a 'good college try' for about 5 months - but could not take it any longer, sold them on ebay for 1/2 the price - and bought some good Bauer 6500's and then I was truly happy. If you skate twice a week - try another couple months if the pain continues you will have to punt.

[Chappie 0]

gotcha. im almost wondering if its worth doing now, just to save time. my left foot and knee are really not doing well by them especially and its killing me at work since i do a lot of lifting. :(