Buying new hockey gear is exciting — but nothing kills the buzz faster than realizing your skates pinch, your pads slide around, or your stick feels off. The truth is, the right fit matters just as much as the price tag.
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.”
Why Fit Matters
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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
Youth Skates
For kids starting out (usually 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
For growing players (usually 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
For teens and 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 Tips for Parents and Players
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Size down: 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.
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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 okay for kids, but don’t size up too much — skates that are too big can cause blisters and slower development.
Final Word
At HockeyDeals.ca, we highlight the best prices across Canadian retailers. But for fit, always double-check the brand’s official sizing chart before you buy. Two minutes now can save you hours of frustration (and costly returns) later.