Five Steps for the Best Fit

[johnallocca]

Five Steps for the Best Fit

from the Riedell Website: http://ice.riedellskates.com/learn/fitting/

Incorrectly sized and fit skate boots can cause foot discomfort, affect skater performance, cause premature skate breakdown and also lead to injury. Optimize your comfort and performance on and off the ice by following this list of Dos to make sure your Riedells are a perfect fit.

Do your research.

One of the most common mistakes skaters make is to assume your skate size will be the same as your street shoe size. Just like quality shoes, each brand of skates has different sizing unique to the manufacturer. Find Riedell's sizing chart on our website or visit your local Authorized Riedell Skate Dealer.

Do buy skates that fit now.

Skates that are sized too large with the hope of the skater being able to grow into them is a mistake. Skates that are too big will not fit or support the foot properly and can cause discomfort, breakdown and possibly lead to injury.

Do examine all parts of the foot for comfort and support.

• Length: is the foot resting comfortably in the skate and not putting excess pressure on the toes?

• Width: does the skate provide adequate comfort for the ball joint area of the foot and allow proper support of the arch?

• Heel: is the heel of the foot seated comfortably in the heel area of the skate to provide maximum foot control?

• Ankle: does the skate fit comfortably & properly around the ankle and shin area to allow the desired firmness and strength?

Do make sure your toes can wiggle slightly up & down in the boots.

The end of your toes should lightly brush the end of the boot. You do not want to be able to slide your toes side to side in the skate. If your toes slide sideways in the skate, this is a good indication that the boot is too wide and a narrower width may be needed. Another way to determine if the skate is the incorrect width: look at the boot when laced up with firm lace tension. If the lacing width is too close together, the boot is too wide for your foot. If the lacing width is too far apart, the width is too narrow.

Do ask questions.

Your Authorized Riedell Dealer has been specially trained and has a wealth of information to help you evaluate your skate needs and can properly measure and fit your feet. If you have any specific questions about sizing, ask your local Authorized Riedell Dealer, or share your questions on our Facebook page.

Lacing: The Final Step to the Perfect Fit.
Boots laced too tightly can cause numbness and pain in your feet. To be your best on the ice, your boots should be laced properly. How? Snugly tighten the laces starting in the laces from the first eyelets at the throat, maintaining even tension up to the instep. The throat area should be no closer together when the boot is laced on your foot than the width of the unlaced throat. Then, put a couple of cross twists and finish with medium tension. This keeps your foot firmly in place while allowing maximum flexibility at the ankle joint. The lacing pattern of the entire boot should be uniform.