Instructions
Use this guide to help get the perfect fit for skates before trying them on!
Like a Glove
Fitting skates isn’t like fitting shoes.
Get the very best skating experience by taking a few extra steps during research - every skate can fit different and that’s part of why we keep SO MANY types of skates.
Can’t try them on?
It can be tricky to know what is best for your feet.
Whether you want to smash your Personal Best on speed skates, or lace that Top Acid in the skate park, getting the perfect fit and the best equipment can be the step that helps you reach those goals effortlessly.
The Bayside Difference
It’s easy to tell people just to use their US shoe size. We like to go that extra step - download these foot tracing instructions and email us a copy of your completed version.
Every team member at Bayside has been skating for years, and our combined passion and experience means we’ll always recommend the skate that is best for your needs. We also have no qualms arranging a swap if required.
My toes are touching the end!
Almost all skaters worry about their toes touching the end when they first put on skates.
This is perfectly normal.
The first three things you do when you go skating all help to make a skate feel better:
- Tap your heel into the back of the skate - be firm!
- Crank those laces tight, starting from the bottom. Don’t be lazy, really tighten them up!
- Roll around in a bent-knee position.
Skates are made for skating, not standing around. The forward lean is built into almost every skate, so that it cups your heel and/or supports your calves in a skating position.
It’s only in a skating position that your heel will truly slide back into the rear of the skate perfectly.
The Research
We’ve tried on every type of skate to know everything about it:
- How they fit up (large, tight, narrow, wide)
- How firm they feel (a product of liners, uppers, cuffs and bases)
- Their skate specific properties, like flex vs rigidity, ankle freedom vs support
Once you've sent us your foot tracings, we'll use this 2D version of your feet to help ascertain which model and size will be the best for your needs.
To help us build the best picture of (how you personally might want the skates to fit) your skate goals, we love the following background, too:
- How long have you been skating?
- What other skates have you used?
- What do you look for in skates?
Ordered the Wrong Size?
Don’t stress. The mission statement for Bayside Blades is about helping people achieve their full potential on skates.
We will absolutely offer to help you get the skate that is right for you.
In most cases, this can be a free swap with no restocking fee, just the shipping to and from your location.
Ultimately we want you skating happily. We’ll help you achieve that.
Call or email us.
We’re your experts in fitting. We’ve helped tens of thousands of skaters find their happy place on skates. We’d love to add you to that list - just pick up the phone or drop us an email to access the network of Bayside staff who’ll perfect all your skate needs.