How to properly fit skates?

[nate 0]

Hi,

I just started working at a new lhs by my house. As a long time reader of this forum, I understand the importance of proper fitting skates. Any tips I should focus on when when fitting skates? Thanks

[Chadd 916]

always try on a size smaller than they think is correct and always check to see where the pressure points are on a skate that is too small. As often as not, a smaller, wider skate will fit better.

[aal 3]

always try on a size smaller than they think is correct and always check to see where the pressure points are on a skate that is too small. As often as not, a smaller, wider skate will fit better.

Great advice. I've now come to realize I was wearing a 1/2 size too big of a skate for years.

[JonnyCanuck 0]

I agree with the aforementioned advice. Remember to always measure the persons feet (both). If you are fitting a person who may be getting their first pair of skates or have not purchased a pair in a while it's always good to tell them what they should be expecting the skate to feel when they put it on.

I basically tell my customer that when they put their foot into the skate their toes should hit the end of the boot. Once the skate is fully laced and they stand up and put exert forward flexion on the boot (in a more skating position) their toes should pull back a bit. The less extra space in the skate will allow more control of the skate and reduce the customers chance on winding up in Blister-town!

Another two points of advice: try on the different brands after hours or whenever so you can get the feel of what makes one brand different than another. There you have first hand experience and you do not have to BS the customer. :P Finally, keep things simple! The die-hard skate lovers will enjoy conversing with you about all the different technologies and whatnot but most of your customers will not need to hear it.

Keep it to 2-3 key pointers, sharpen them up and then send them on their way! Hope something here helps :)

[DarkStar50 680]

Think of everything you look for and felt when you bought your skates and that is the basis for how you will sell skates. If this shop is new, who is training who on fitting skates and equipment?

[duff14oct 9]

always try on a size smaller than they think is correct and always check to see where the pressure points are on a skate that is too small. As often as not, a smaller, wider skate will fit better.

Great advice. I've now come to realize I was wearing a 1/2 size too big of a skate for years.

I got properly fit for my ONE95's recently. I went from wearing 8 D's to 6.5EE. Big difference! Can't believe I was wearing 1.5 sizes too big!

always try on a size smaller than they think is correct and always check to see where the pressure points are on a skate that is too small. As often as not, a smaller, wider skate will fit better.

Great advice. I've now come to realize I was wearing a 1/2 size too big of a skate for years.

I got properly fit for my ONE95's recently. I went from wearing 8 D's to 6.5EE. Big difference! Can't believe I was wearing 1.5 sizes too big!

[chk hrd 164]

I think alot of people make the mistake of going larger in size if the boot is tight instead of trying a wider boot.

Doesn't the pro shop have anyone that can correctly train you for fitting skates? That way you can learn alot more than we can tell you and you don't look like a fool if they start asking questions you can't answer.

[Jordan 13]

As a customer who has been poorly fitted (prior to learning more about it), I would have greatly appreciated information about what the different lasts and the foot shapes that they suit. Also being told exactly what constitutes a proper fit (width, depth, length) would have been great!

[Chadd 916]

I agree with the aforementioned advice. Remember to always measure the persons feet (both). If you are fitting a person who may be getting their first pair of skates or have not purchased a pair in a while it's always good to tell them what they should be expecting the skate to feel when they put it on.

Measuring will give you a starting point but putting them in a couple sizes/widths gives the customer the opportunity to decide exactly what feels best to them.

[Ahriman 1]

While not immediately and directly helpful, build data based on customer experience. While fitting someone make note of the shape of their feet, what they liked in what sizes, and just as importantly what they didnt fit into, and ask what kind of skates they are in at the moment and what they think of them.

You will look (and be) far more knowledgeable and useful to the customer if you can demonstrate product knowledge beyond what you have on the shelf right now.

[AHF 1]

One little thing that makes a big difference:

-Don't be scared to touch feet. It's the nature of the business, and if you hate touching customer's feet, you shouldn't be selling skates. Get on your knees, touch the skate, point out things in/on the skate. There is nothing worse than a store employee trying to sell skates while standing up-right, far away from the customer. It's just not right.

Do you play hockey? I ask because it seems to put customers at ease to know that the person selling the skate plays as well. He/she can trust you that you know what you are talking about. Related to that, tell the customer about your experiences with new skates; how was your break-in period?

Ask questions:

-"What kind of skate do you have at the moment?"

-"How often do you skate?"

-"What level are you in/heading in to?"

The answers to these questions should point you in the right direction in order to begin trying on skates.

[Chadd 916]

Ask questions:

-"What kind of skate do you have at the moment?"

-"How often do you skate?"

-"What level are you in/heading in to?"

The answers to these questions should point you in the right direction in order to begin trying on skates.

You left out

"What's your budget?"

Don't always try and push people into the most expensive skate. They probably don't need it and they probably don't want it, unless it is someone playing at a competitive level. Find out how much someone wants to spend and put them in the best boot for them at that price point. Make suggestions but don't force your choice on them.

[Officer Dangle 0]

Ask questions:

-"What kind of skate do you have at the moment?"

-"How often do you skate?"

-"What level are you in/heading in to?"

The answers to these questions should point you in the right direction in order to begin trying on skates.

You left out

"What's your budget?"

Don't always try and push people into the most expensive skate. They probably don't need it and they probably don't want it, unless it is someone playing at a competitive level. Find out how much someone wants to spend and put them in the best boot for them at that price point. Make suggestions but don't force your choice on them.

Word. I sell running shoes and price point is the first thing I ask. It's not worth showing them the latest and greatest if they're only looking for middle of the road.

Besides that, AHF summed it up.

[AHF 1]

You left out

"What's your budget?"

Don't always try and push people into the most expensive skate. They probably don't need it and they probably don't want it, unless it is someone playing at a competitive level. Find out how much someone wants to spend and put them in the best boot for them at that price point. Make suggestions but don't force your choice on them.

Hehe. I actually left that one out on purpose. I was told a lil' while ago by a rep of ours that the budget question should be avoided at all costs. Technically speaking, one should be looking for fit/function first and foremost, and forget about the price tag.

I agree to a certain extent. Since I was given that advice, I have been able to avoid the budget question on most occasions. Having said that though, there is some situations where the budget question is a must. For example, a mother and a young boy buying their first pair of skates. Whether we like it or not, mom will have a limit she wants to spend. I can make all the suggestions I want, but if she doesn't like the price, she won't buy. So yeah, in such situations, I won't hesitate to toss out the budget question, but generally speaking, I can avoid it.

[Chadd 916]

You left out

"What's your budget?"

Don't always try and push people into the most expensive skate. They probably don't need it and they probably don't want it, unless it is someone playing at a competitive level. Find out how much someone wants to spend and put them in the best boot for them at that price point. Make suggestions but don't force your choice on them.

Hehe. I actually left that one out on purpose. I was told a lil' while ago by a rep of ours that the budget question should be avoided at all costs. Technically speaking, one should be looking for fit/function first and foremost, and forget about the price tag.

I agree to a certain extent. Since I was given that advice, I have been able to avoid the budget question on most occasions. Having said that though, there is some situations where the budget question is a must. For example, a mother and a young boy buying their first pair of skates. Whether we like it or not, mom will have a limit she wants to spend. I can make all the suggestions I want, but if she doesn't like the price, she won't buy. So yeah, in such situations, I won't hesitate to toss out the budget question, but generally speaking, I can avoid it.

Your rep is only concerned with moving more expensive product, not in putting people in the right product for them. You shouldn't be attempting to evade the question. Parents that feel like they've been guilted into a more expensive model than they want are going to buy online or somewhere else next time. If a more expensive model is going to work better for that person, you should mention the benefits of the more expensive product. Just don't tell little Jimmy that the only skate that's going to work for him is the vapor 60 when he's 12 years old and playing in a house league.

[AHF 1]

Just don't tell little Jimmy that the only skate that's going to work for him is the vapor 60 when he's 12 years old and playing in a house league.

...and that's where the other questions mentioned earlier come into play. Knowing what level he's in, and how often he skates should give you a good indication of the skate needed. Pushing the most expensive skate is something I've never done, and will never do. You've got to treat every customer differently, and I will only suggest the high-end skates given the right circumstances.

[Hockeydog 8]

Also being told exactly what constitutes a proper fit (width, depth, length) would have been great!

I think one can get pretty good at fitting a skate for length and depth, but width is the most subjective part of skate fit. Knowing how snug a skate should feel in order to be most effective is helpful because an LHS can ask me where my toes are and can use a pencil for depth but only I can tell him/her how tight it is, and if I don't have a realistic idea of how tight a skate should fit to work well I might say it' too tight. My best skating is in skates that are on the brink of too tight. Not painful but definitely not comfortable. Just the musings of a chronic skate buyer !!

[schrempsky 0]

i too usually try to use the information from other questions to try and figure out the best price point skate for a person to be at. my shop prides itself on fitting the right skate for the right person, and not selling a boot that is over stiff or too large.

i agree with a previous post, best thing to do is to try on every new skate that comes in or that your shop has, so you know what to look for and so that you can provide different options for the customer with similar fits. try to fit the heel first, and worry about the forefoot later, as the heel is the most important part of every skate fit

[JR Boucicaut 3815]

Re: the budget question -

It is important to ask and will save you a trip to the storage room - since you already have the previous model, compare it to what you have on the wall and say "Are you looking at staying at this level or are you looking to upgrade?"

Honesty is always best.

As for the OP - try on EVERY SKATE in your store yourself. Familiarize yourself with the different lasts that way - then practice by fitting co-workers. Chances are you'll see every foot type that way.