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Getting your very first pair of skates is a special rite of passage, especially when you happen to be a young child.
But how do you know your child’s size and what they would like?
Here’s our beginners guide to finding the right skates and the best size for your child.
This is a must read for all the parents and grandparents wanting to get their kid’s their first pair of skates this year.
Roller Skates or Roller Blades
Which one would you like to buy?
The one with 4 wheels is what everyone likes to say but did you know they both have 4 wheels?
With roller skates there are 2 side by side in front and 2 in back.
With roller blades (or inlines) it’s 4 wheels in a line down the middle of the foot.
Many kids find inline skates (blades) a lot easier than roller skates but it is totally up to you.
If you have experience (or own) one type of skate then you might want to go with what you’ve had in the past so that you can help them learn this new skill.
Or, if they have a favourite character or colour then you might already know which type to get.
Most kids are pretty flexible and resilient when learning a new skill.
They wont be amazing at skating at first but with some time and patience they’ll be zooming around the rink having the absolute best time.
How Do I Find My Kids Skate Size?
One of the most frustrating things about kids skates is the variety in sizing between the brands and between shoes.
Shoe size is often not the same as skate size because shoes can be in junior, youth, mens and womens sizing so we advise you to measure their feet and check the size chart for the model of skate you’re after.
Yes, even the brands have different sizing to each other so we strongly recommend measuring their feet.
The best way to do this is wearing socks, standing up on a piece of paper and then trace each foot – left and right.
Then get a ruler and measure the longest length of the foot – once is usually slightly bigger and we would recommend fitting to the larger foot.
Once you have the length you can compare it to the size chart and go up for growth if you want to.
Top Tip: Dont measure them while they’re asleep and/or have their foot in the air. You need them to be standing for the most accurate measurement.
What Skate Size Should I Choose?
Some skates are adjustable (they expand to get bigger) so if you’re going for adjustable ones then you can choose their size now.
If you’re choosing a skate with a fixed size and your child is still growing you can go up for growing room. 1-2 sizes is the maximum we would recommend, depending on how fast they are growing and if they are in between sizing.
However, this is totally up to you. You can’t go too big or they won’t be able to control the skate and if you go too small you might only have them for a few months.
If you get stuck don’t forget you can also contact the store where you’re purchasing from the get their advice.
The most common problem we find is people underestimating their child’s foot and buying them way too small.
If you absolutely can’t do a foot tracing and you want to take a guess at it you can try going by their EU shoe size as this is more consistent (not foolproof of course, but usually more accurate than US and UK sizing).
Or you can remove an insole from their shoe and measure it.
Check How They Fit
Once you’ve chosen the skates and they’re trying them on, how will you know if they fit?
Feet should feel snug but not cramped with toes flat and not crunched up.
Laces should allow for a secure, snug feel without being overly loose or tight.
With adjustable skates you can tell by asking questions about the fit, and comparing your measurement to the size chart.
With skates with fixed sizing you can usually just remove the inner sole that their foot sits on and place it on the ground for them to stand up on and you can then visually see how much room they have.
Once you are sure the fit is good, you’re good to go.
Shop Kids Adjustable Inline Skates here.
Shop Kids Roller Skates here.
