Buyers

Know the person’s measurements for which you are buying and make sure the advertised skate size details match those measurements before making an offer. If there is any question contact the seller for clarification, or better yet, schedule a fitting (if possible).

• Skates (boot and blade) are a figure skater’s primary and most important piece of equipment. They must fit properly for you to do your best.
• Improper fit is the number one cause for skate failure and/or poor performance.
• Do not buy skates that are too large. New skates should feel snug in the heel, arch and ball to provide the best support of the foot. Toes should be able to wiggle freely, but not slide side-to-side.
• Your skates must be properly fit (length and width), have the proper boot stiffness and correct blade for your jump level and type of skating.  A skater working on double and triple jumps will have a much stiffer boot than those working on single jumps. Those doing dance routines will need different skates than those doing freestyle programs. To find the proper type of skate for your level and type of skating you should talk to a professional (i.e. a figure skating coach) and/or review the manufacturer’s web sites for their recommendations. Riedell has their recommendations at the following site: http://www.riedellskates.com/fit/boots.html
• A good pair of high quality used skates will always be a better investment than a pair of poor quality new ones (of course, good quality new ones are best, but will cost much more).
• Here are some links to the better known skate companies. You will find that most of these companies cater to all levels of skaters.

·          Gam (Montreal , Q.B.):

·          Graf (Kreuzlingen , Switzerland):  http://www.grafskates.com/

·          Harlick (San Carlos, CA): http://www.harlick.com

·          Jackson (Toronto, ON): http://www.jacksonskates.com/

·          Klingbeil (Jamaica , NY): http://www.klingbeilskatingboots.com/

·          Riedell (Redwing, MN): http://www.riedellskates.com/

·          Risport (Italy ): http://www.risport.it/

·          SP Teri (San Francisco, CA): http://www.spteri.com/ 

·          Wifa (Austria ): http://www.wifa.at/

Here are the measurement guidelines to use for skates posted on Grace’s Skate Closet. Note that measurement techniques vary from one manufacturer to the next, so be careful with your measurements. For Grace’s Skate Closet use these guidelines.

In order to be a successful figure skater getting the proper skates is critical. The dimensions must be the correct length such that toes can layout flat, the heel locks into the skate and the foot does not slide around. The proper boot width selection is critical. The width must be such that the foot is not pinched around the ball circumference, but snug enough that the foot does not move around. If a boot is too narrow, comfort will be affected and there is also a chance of potential foot injury. If the boot is too wide, poor performance, foot slippage and premature boot breakdown may occur. When a boot with the desired dimensions is found, any minor adjustments in the size can be made by a competent professional at your local skate shop. Specific areas (like the ankle) can be punched out in the proper place to get a custom fit (this may not be possible with a low quality boot).

To ensure the best possible fit, follow the steps below.
First you must make a tracing of the foot. Take your measurements using these guidelines with a good tape measure.

Tracings: To be taken standing, with normal weight on both feet, wearing normal skating tights. Stand on a piece of paper. Hold pencil in upright position and trace close to the foot. Repeat this procedure for the other foot. 

Take your measurements using these guidelines.

1. Foot Length: This is measured on the tracings you made, described above. Draw and measure a line from the tip of the longest toe to the center of the heel (see diagram 1 above). If one foot is longer than the other, use the measurement of the longer foot. Use the Grace’s Skate Closet Standardized Skate Size Chart below to determine the size category to look for skates in your size.

2. Ball Circumference: This is measured for both feet, but this time in a sitting position. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the widest part of the ball of the foot (see diagrams 2 & 3 above). Pull the tape snugly around the foot, but not so tight that it starts to press into the foot. Be sure to keep the tape taut and not twisted. This measurement determines the foot width seen in the charts below.

Less important measurements: These are measured for both feet, in a sitting position. Pull the tape snugly around the foot, but not so tight that it starts to press into the foot. Be sure to keep the tape taut and not twisted. If one foot is larger than the other, use the measurement of the larger foot. These measurements are not in the sizing charts, but may help you with your size determination.

3. Heel Width:  This is measured on the tracings you made, described above. Draw and measure a line across the widest part of the heel (see diagram 4 above). If one foot is wider than the other, use the measurement of the wider foot. Some skates have narrower heels than others. You will want to find skates appropriate for your. This measurement should be part of your selection criteria.

4. Instep Circumference: Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the widest part of the instep of the foot (see diagram 2 above). This can help determine the type of arch your foot has. Higher arch feet may require a wider tongue on the boot.

5. Heel Circumference: Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the widest part of the heel of the foot (see diagram 2 above).

6. above Ankle Circumference: Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the leg just above the foot (see diagram 2 above).

7. Type of Arch: flat, normal, high – This measurement requires an imprint of the foot (see diagram 5 below). To make an imprint simply step on a paper towel with a bare wet foot (NOT TOO WET). Flat feet have a low arch and leave a nearly complete imprint.  This usually indicates an overpronated foot that strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inward (pronates) excessively.  Normal feet have a medium arch and leave a complete imprint that shows curvature through the arch area.  High-arched feet have high ridged arches and leave two distinct imprints of the heel and the forefoot with a separation between them.  This foot requires more cushioning and a neutral midsole with a flexible forefoot.  Neutral cushioned skates work best. The flexibility of the normal foot decides the degree of support and cushioning.  With increased flexibility, more support is necessary; with increased rigidity, more cushioning is necessary.

Size Charts for Common Skate Manufactures

Use these size charts as a guide for selecting the appropriate GSC size category to list your skates. If you don’t know the fitting dimensions for your skates you want to list but do know the manufacturer and tag size (e.g. Riedell 13.5). You can find the dimensions in the chart below to place in your advertisement (e.g. Foot Length: 7 11/16 inches). You should use this dimension in the GSC chart above to determine what size category to place your item on our site (e.g. 11-13.5).

Gam sizing chart