Figure Skates- Whats My Size

Figure Skates- Whats My Size

Paul Wilson |

WHAT’S MY SIZE?

Size matters

Size makes the difference in the control of the edges, in the execution of jumps and spins, in the speed of transitions. With only 4mm to balance on, accuracy is paramount. Size really matters.

THE FITTING PROCESS

Simply measuring the length is not enough. The fitting process is more than that. It is about width, understanding your needs and your feet as every foot is different. Yes, even your left and right!

There are 3 options for taking measurements:

Edea Measuring Device
Tracing around your feet
Foot mould

 

All the methods use millimeters for accuracy as Edea skates are sized at 5 millimeters intervals.
Don’t forget to do both feet as each is unique!

WHEN TO MEASURE

 

Simply measuring a static foot when sitting down in the morning will not give the correct size. When the foot is under load and in warm conditions, the size can increase by 5%. For this reason we recommend late afternoon to give a better approximation of your foot when skating.

EDEA MEASURING DEVICE

Used in stores to get the right size. Measuring in millimeters, this also shows Edea sizes in red. Wear skate socks for the perfect fit.

 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart on the measuring device
  • Flex your knees slightly
  • Center heel and press against the rear
  • Next red line indicates the size to try
  • If still growing, take maximum 2 sizes up. Edea do not recommend sizing beyond this as it could hamper performance and cause injury.

Foot tracing

If you can’t get to a dealer then tracing your foot is the next best solution.
Follow the instructions below to get accurate tracings.

How to trace

 

  1. Place the paper on a hard surface
  2. Stand on the paper barefoot
  3. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed
  4. Your weight should be on the foot to be traced
  5. Get a friend to trace that foot. The pen must be upright
  6. Both feet can be traced on the same page
  7. On the tracings, mark the middle of the heel
  8. Then mark the furthest point (it might not be your “big toe”)
  9. Measure and write the length in millimeters for both feet
  10. At the widest point measure and write the width

Other key information

 

Sizing isn’t just about length. As well as the tracing of both feet with the length and width in millimeters your dealer will need:

  • Age, height and weight
  • Technical level of the athlete
  • Current model and size
  • Any issues with current boots
  • Edea model you’re interested in
  • If you use orthotics or other inserts

When you scan tracings, ensure this is done parallel to the images as angles will distort lengths. Include measurements on the tracings and make sure all is clear.

Smile please!

 

You also need to send these 6 photos. They will help the dealer get your perfect fit.

 

They should be taken barefoot, feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly flexed.

  1. From behind, capturing the achilles of both feet in one shot
  2. From the outside of the right foot
  3. From the inside of the right foot
  4. From the outside of the left foot
  5. From the inside of the left foot
  6. From above, capturing the profiles of both feet in one shot

 

Now Email tracings, photos and information to your dealer, who will use all of this to assess your size.

Foot mould

We use this for skaters with unusual feet as it gives an accurate 3D map of each foot. Your dealer will let you know if this is necessary and will take moulds.

MEASURING THE WIDTH

Once you have the correct length, the dealer will use their expertise for the width.
When creating our boots, we use a dual last system. The difference between one last and another is not only across the ball of the foot but also in the heel and in the internal volume of the boot.
Experience shows just 4 widths cover over 90% of feet, with C being the most common. Most of our models are available in B – narrow, C – normal, D – wide, E – extra wide with Edea Instant Custom Fit.
Remember if you are swapping to Edea, widths will be different.

Heel first

The most important element in skate fit is the heel, so we start here. The heel pocket must be the right size. Only then do we check the width around the ball of the foot.
Fitting only at the widest part can lead to injuries such as rubbing, blisters, calcium deposits, heep bumps, calluses as well as a sub-par performance.

 

5 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING EDEA SIZES

We get lots of feedback and questions from skaters about getting the right size, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Can I just use my sneaker size?

No! Sneakers are designed for flex, they do a completely different job. A skate is designed to hold your foot in place. Sneakers are sized differently for each country and by each brand. Edea uses millimeters to give the accuracy needed for performance.

Can I just check my friend’s boots, we are the same size?

No! Everyone’s feet are actually slightly different. The memory foam will be shaped for them. By checking their boots you may think they’re too short when they are too narrow or vice versa. Sometimes, the pressure points don’t match and so the right size can feel wrong. Always size with new boots.

Can I just take one size up from my old Edea boots?

No! Growth is not uniform and can vary in a year. The changes are not always proportional. Sometimes skaters have been compensating for big boots by over tightening laces and deforming boots so it’s always best to get measured.

Can I just use my size from another brand?

No! Edea boots are designed differently for performance and so fit differently. To get the maximum performance we recommend getting measured.

Can I just use the size comparison on the box?

No! These sizes are for reference only. Use one of the three sizing methods. For the best fit, nothing beats the personal touch so pop down to your local Edea dealer.