Hockey Sizing Guide: Why Fit Matters
Buying new hockey gear is exciting — but nothing kills the buzz faster than realizing your skates pinch, your pads slide, or your stick feels off. The truth is, fit matters just as much as the price tag. That’s why having a reliable hockey sizing guide is essential.
The tricky part? Every brand — Bauer, CCM, Warrior, Vaughn — has its own sizing chart. A size 8 in Bauer skates doesn’t always feel the same as a size 8 in CCM. That’s why checking the charts is key before you hit “add to cart.”
Here’s why getting the right fit is so important:
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Comfort: If it hurts, you won’t play your best.
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Performance: The right fit makes you faster, steadier, and more confident.
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Protection: Gear that’s too big or too small won’t protect you the way it should.
Skate Sizing: Bauer vs. CCM
When it comes to skates, Bauer and CCM dominate the market. Both brands use different sizing systems, so it’s important to compare before you buy. Below is a hockey sizing guide for youth, junior, and senior skates.
Youth Skates (Ages 3–6)
| US Shoe Size | Bauer Skate Size | CCM Skate Size |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| 9.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 10.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| 11.0 | 9.5 | 10.0 |
| 12.0 | 10.5 | 11.0 |
| 13.0 | 11.5 | 12.0–13.0 |
👉 Example: If your child wears a size 11 shoe, they’ll likely fit a Bauer 9.5 skate or a CCM size 10 skate.
Junior Skates (Ages 7–12)
| US Shoe Size | Bauer Skate Size | CCM Skate Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 1.0 | 1.0–1.5 |
| 3.0 | 2.0 | 2.0–2.5 |
| 4.0 | 3.0 | 3.0–3.5 |
| 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0–4.5 |
| 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.0–5.5 |
👉 Example: A player wearing size 4 running shoes will likely need a Bauer size 3 skate or a CCM 3.0–3.5 skate.
Senior Skates (Teens & Adults)
| Men’s Shoe Size | Bauer Skate Size | CCM Skate Size |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | 6.0 | 6.0–6.5 |
| 8.5 | 7.0 | 7.0–7.5 |
| 9.0 | 7.5 | 7.5–8.0 |
| 10.0 | 8.5 | 8.5–9.0 |
| 11.0 | 9.5 | 9.5–10.0 |
| 12.0 | 10.5 | 10.5–11.0 |
👉 Example: If you’re a men’s shoe size 9, you’ll fit into a Bauer 7.5 skate or a CCM 7.5–8.0 skate.
Quick Sizing Tips for Parents and Players
Here are a few extra rules from our hockey sizing guide:
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Size down: Hockey skates usually run 1–1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size.
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Women’s rule of thumb: Go 3 sizes down from your running shoes. Example: Women’s 8 → Bauer 5 skate.
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Width matters: Bauer offers FIT 1 (narrow), FIT 2 (medium), FIT 3 (wide). CCM uses Tapered, Regular, Wide.
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Kids grow fast: A little extra toe room is fine, but don’t size up too much. Oversized skates can cause blisters and slow development.
Final Word: Hockey Sizing Made Simple
At HockeyDeals.ca, we highlight the best prices across Canadian retailers, helping you save money on hockey gear. But when it comes to fit, always double-check the official sizing charts before you buy.
For reference, here are the brand charts:
Taking two minutes to check the right hockey sizing guide now can save you hours of frustration—and costly returns—later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size hockey skates to buy?
Hockey skates typically run 1–1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe size. Always consult a hockey sizing guide before purchasing.
Are Bauer and CCM skate sizes the same?
No. Bauer and CCM use different sizing systems. Check both charts before buying—an 8 in Bauer doesn’t always match an 8 in CCM.
How should hockey skates fit?
They should feel snug but not painful. Your toes can lightly touch the front when standing, but your heel should stay locked in place while skating.
What about women’s hockey skate sizes?
Women should go down 3 sizes from their running shoes. Example: Women’s 8 → Bauer 5.
Do kids need room to grow in hockey skates?
Yes, but not too much. A half-size of growth room is fine. Oversized skates can cause poor skating habits and blisters.