The right size for your skates – how to find the perfect fit

Choosing the right skate type isn’t the only factor that determines how much fun you’ll have while skating – the correct size is just as crucial. It directly affects how well you stay in control, how comfortable skating feels, and how quickly you make progress.

A skate that’s too small can quickly

• cause pain,
• numbness,
• or even cramps.

If your skate is too big, you’ll lack the necessary support. This can lead to

• ankle twists,
• poor control over your movements,
• and less precision when performing tricks.
• Constant slipping inside the boot can also lead to friction and painful blisters.

If your feet go numb or cramp up while skating, it’s often due to:

• a skate that’s too narrow,
• being laced or closed too tightly,
• an unsuitable lacing method,
• or an insole that doesn’t suit your foot type.

If your skate is too big,

• it won’t wrap snugly around your foot.
• Pressure then concentrates on small areas (like the ankles or toe joints) instead of distributing evenly, which leads to painful pressure points.

Skates that are too short should also be avoided – they can cause your toes to chafe or even turn blue.

How can you find the right size before buying?

That’s where we come in:
On our website, you’ll find a model-specific size chart with instructions and illustrations showing how to correctly measure your feet for each skate.
Additionally, every product has a size finder tool with detailed guidance – located just below the size selection.

Important Note:
Please don’t rely on EU, US, or UK sizes when choosing your skate size. Instead, refer to the Mondopoint size – the exact foot length in millimeters (mm) or centimeters (cm).

How to measure your foot length correctly (barefoot):

1. Stand with your heels against a straight wall or doorframe (without a baseboard).
   Mark the tip of your longest toe and measure the distance to the wall.
2. Add a tolerance:
   Add 5–9 mm to the measured foot length, depending on your sock thickness and desired comfort level.
   – For recreational skaters, we recommend around 9 mm.
   – For sporty or performance-focused skaters, 4–5 mm is usually enough.
3. Compare with Mondopoint size:
   Your result (foot length + tolerance) must not exceed the Mondopoint size of the skate.
   
   Example:
   Measured foot length = 26.0 cm
   Tolerance (e.g., 5 mm) = 26.5 cm
   If EU size 41 corresponds to a Mondopoint of 26.4 cm, that size is too small – you should choose EU 42.

Width also matters
Fit in width is just as important. That’s why we categorize all skates into five width groups:

• Very narrow
• Narrow
• Medium
• Wide
• Very wide

Reference values for foot width (based on 26.0 cm foot length, barefoot):

• 9.5 cm = very narrow
• 10.0 cm = narrow
• 10.5 cm = medium
• 11.0 cm = wide
• 11.5 cm = very wide

Measure foot width at the widest point – from the ball of the big toe to the ball of the little toe.

Width information is provided in the product specifications of each skate in our shop.
You can also filter products by shoe size and width.

Only choose “very narrow” or “narrow” fits if you are sure you have slim feet – or if you prioritize optimal control and maximum support, even at the cost of some comfort.

Tip:
If you have a high arch, indicated by a strong crescent-shaped footprint (visible after walking barefoot with wet feet), you’ll likely fall into the medium category.
If you have flat feet and leave more solid footprints, you probably have wider feet.

Trying on skates and adjustment options

Most important: Take your time when trying on skates.
Why?

When slipping into a skate quickly, it often feels too short at first. But once you lace it up fully – all the way to the top eyelets and close every buckle – your foot shifts into the correct position, typically further back than during an unlaced try-on.

Most skates also feature padding or liners with stretchable toe zones, which become more flexible and compress slightly over time and with warmth, gradually molding to your foot shape.

That’s why you should wear a skate that feels tight at first for at least 15 minutes before making a judgment.

Some skates offer heat molding or thermoforming options. You’re paying for this feature – and the skates are intentionally built tight so they can be molded to your foot.
Take advantage of this if it’s available!

You’ll find more about these and other adjustment tips in the other sections of our fitting guide.

How do you know if your skate fits correctly?
It’s simple:

• With legs fully extended, it’s okay to lightly touch the front of the skate with your toes.
• In skating posture (knees directly over the toes), you should no longer feel your toes pressed against the shell.

Make sure to distinguish between two things:

• It's okay to feel the front of the liner.
• It’s not okay if your toes are pushing against the outer shell.
• Laterally, the skate should fit compactly and closely – snug, but not painfully tight.

The perfect fit of a skate also depends on the type of buckles, laces, and lacing method used.

If your foot goes numb or feels unstable, it's often due to incorrect or overly tight lacing. Especially across the instep, too much pressure can quickly lead to numbness or pain — while too little support in other areas can cause blisters or a lack of control due to poor foot hold in the skate.

Lacing Techniques for Better Support and Comfort

Luckily, there are many lacing techniques that can relieve pressure or provide more support in specific areas. From the classic criss-cross lacing to window and zone lacing—each method has its purpose.

Especially during longer skate sessions or intense tricks, individual adjustment makes a huge difference:

1. Criss-Cross Lacing (Standard Method)

This is the classic and most widely used method found on most skates and shoes. It provides even support and is easy to follow.

How to do it:

• Start threading from bottom to top: Begin at the lowest pair of eyelets and feed both ends from the outside in, so the lace lies flat on the inside.
• Lace diagonally: Take the right end and feed it diagonally up through the second hole on the left (outside in). Do the same with the left end, threading it diagonally up to the right.
• Repeat: Continue this criss-cross pattern all the way up.
• Adjust the pressure: Tighten more where you need hold (e.g., instep), looser where flexibility is needed (e.g., toe area).

2. Window Lacing (Pressure Relief Lacing)

Perfect for avoiding pressure points or numbness — especially on the instep — by intentionally leaving a “window” in the lacing.

How to do it:

• Lace normally up to the pressure point.
• Create the window: Instead of crossing, run both lace ends straight up through the next eyelet on the same side. This creates a free space in the middle.
• Continue crossing: Resume criss-cross lacing after the pressure zone.
• Finish: Tie the laces as usual or use a buckle.

This method is especially helpful for high insteps or sensitive feet.

3. Zone Lacing (Pressure Distribution by Area)

Divides the foot into zones — such as toes, midfoot, and ankle — allowing custom tightness in each area. Popular with skaters who want both control and comfort.

How to do it:

• Lower zone (toes): Start with criss-cross lacing up to the third or fourth eyelet. Keep it slightly loose for toe mobility.
• Middle zone (instep/midfoot): From the fourth to the second-to-last eyelet, lace more tightly. Consider adding a double knot or using waxed laces here for more stability.
• Upper zone (ankle/shaft): Lace the top eyelets tightly for maximum support. Use buckles or powerstraps to fine-tune this area.
• Secure the fit: Tie securely or use a lace-lock or Velcro strap.

4. Double Loop Lacing (Heel Lock / Lock Lacing)

Ideal for better heel lock, preventing the heel from lifting.
Benefits: Secures the heel and prevents friction and blisters.

How to do it:

• Lace up to the second-to-last eyelets.
• Feed both lace ends straight up into the top eyelets on the same side to form small loops.
• Cross the ends and thread them through the opposite loop.
• Pull tight and tie the knot.

This technique anchors the heel without overtightening the entire foot.

5. Ladder Lacing

Great for extra stability with high cuffs.
Benefits: Provides a very tight fit for high-impact skating or stunts.

How to do it:

• Start with a horizontal lace at the bottom.
• Feed each end vertically up into the next eyelet and loop under the horizontal section on the opposite side.
• Pull tight to form a “ladder-like” structure.

Commonly used on military boots and high-stress footwear — works well on skates with many eyelets.

6. Over-Under Lacing

Ideal for even pressure distribution — offering a balance of comfort and support.

How to do it:

• Start like a criss-cross lacing, but with a twist:
  Every second crossing goes under, the others go over.
• Creates a rhythmic pattern of “over and under” lacing.

Helps avoid pressure points while still keeping the skate snug.

Types of Laces

Besides different techniques, there are also different types of laces, such as unwaxed standard laces, waxed laces, anti-slip laces, or stretch laces.

1. Standard Laces (Unwaxed)

Pros:

• Soft and flexible, comfortable on the foot
• Easy to lace — great for beginners
• Affordable and available in many colors/lengths
• Ideal for recreational skating or as replacements

Cons:

• Can loosen over time, especially during long sessions
• Knots don’t hold as well
• Less precise fit
• Stretch when wet

2. Waxed Laces

Pros:

• Waxy coating adds grip — holds tight and stays in place
• Excellent foot fixation even without buckles
• Ideal for freestyle slalom, urban skating, or aggressive skating
• Stay firm even when wet

Cons:

• Stiffer and rougher to handle, may feel too tight — unusual for beginners
• Knots can be hard to untie when pulled tight
• Wax layer may wear off over time
• Slightly more expensive than standard laces

3. Anti-Slip Laces (Rubberized or with Grip Dots)

Pros:

• Integrated rubber threads, knots, or silicone coating prevent loosening
• Very secure fit without re-tightening
• Often ergonomically shaped and adaptable
• Ideal for speed skating, freestyle, and downhill

Cons:

• Harder to lace due to higher friction
• Less suitable for delicate eyelets or lightweight skates
• Often more expensive

4. Stretch Laces (Elastic Laces)

Pros:

• Flexible with foot movement — lace stretches under load
• Very comfortable — ideal for long sessions or everyday skating
• No pressure even for high insteps or sensitive feet
• Great for comfort-focused skaters

Cons:

• Less support — not suitable for aggressive
• skating, slalom, or tricks
• Loose fit can reduce control
• Lower durability under heavy use

Special Buckles for a Secure Fit

In addition to laces, buckles — such as micro-adjustable buckles, ratchet buckles, or powerstraps — play a key role. They securely hold the foot, provide additional stability, and can be fine-tuned to the millimeter. Buckles are especially popular in freestyle or aggressive skating for maintaining control and support.

1. Velcro Straps

Usually a wide Velcro or textile strap over the instep or ankle (45° strap), found on most fitness skates.

Pros:

• Fast and easy to tighten
• Distributes pressure over a larger area
• Lightweight
• Easy to adjust — even while skating

Cons:

• Wears out over time
• Less precise than ratchet or micro-buckles
• May lose grip under heavy stress

2. Disc or BOA Systems

These are dial systems with wires that tighten via a wheel and release with a click.

Pros:

• Extremely quick to tighten — even while skating
• Even pressure distribution
• Very comfortable on soft skates
• Can be adjusted one-handed

Cons:

• Difficult to repair when damaged
• More expensive than other systems
• Cannot be customized for individual lacing preferences — not suitable for all skate styles

3. Ratchet Buckles & Micro-Adjustable Buckles

Usually involve a plastic strap pulled through a ratchet and tightened precisely. Often used across the instep (45° closure), but not exclusively.

Pros:

• Extremely precise fit
• Very secure even under heavy load
• Quick on/off
• Durable and robust
• Great for high insteps or wide feet

Cons:

• Can create pressure points if overtightened
• Mechanism can wear out or break over time
• Bulkier and heavier than other closures
• Slightly more expensive to replace
• Not as quick to adjust as Velcro
• May restrict movement if poorly positioned

Summary: Laces and Buckles Combined

With the right combination of lacing and buckles, you can avoid pressure points, increase comfort, and improve your skating style. Your foot stays secure, well-circulated, and ready for any challenge.

It’s important to note: a skate that seems uncomfortable or doesn’t fit well at first may still be the right one — if you take the time to adjust the lacing and closure systems to your needs.

Skate Socks

If you want to skate longer and perform pain-free in general, we highly recommend high-quality skate socks and footies.

There are many different and sometimes very specialized skate socks available. These include thicker options as well as specifically thin, seamless, and breathable socks that effectively prevent uncomfortable friction on the skin and pressure points.

Some skate socks also come with strategically placed padding zones, offering extra protection in high-stress areas like the ball of the foot or heel – exactly where painful blisters often form during longer skate sessions.

Additionally, socks extend the lifespan of your skates and liners by absorbing sweat and thereby protecting the materials of your skates and liners.

Footies and Ankle Guards

Footies go one step further – these are foot protectors with an especially smooth surface that fit like a second skin. They protect particularly sensitive areas such as the ankles, Achilles tendon, or the instep, making skating – but also hiking or other foot-intensive sports – much more comfortable.

Especially during long skate sessions or intense trick sessions, they’re true gamechangers.

Footies like the MyFit Footies with a 3 mm thickness offer three key advantages, which is why we at SkaMiDan recommend them almost all the time:

• Worn directly on the skin and under the socks, they absorb the friction between socks and skin, thus preventing painful friction blisters.
• They often eliminate uncomfortable pressure points around the ankles, instep, and joints.
• They also widen the heel area, providing better support in the skates. For example, if your heel tends to lift while skating, footies can help prevent that.

For anyone whose skate is already tight in the heel area, there are thinner footies available, such as 2 mm or even 1 mm versions.

Other types of footies and ankle guards include so-called donut footies, which come with a protective ring that surrounds the ankle bones and relieves pressure from them.

Special ankle guards, on the other hand, feature specific padding that covers the ankle bones. These ankle guards offer extra-thick cushioning and protection but are not necessarily recommended for pressure points, as they can make the area even tighter and increase pressure.

They are more suitable for providing additional padding when there's still some space left inside your skate.

Shock Absorbers – They Can Also Eliminate Pressure Points

Many skates – especially aggressive skates, urban skates, freeride, and freestyle skates – are usually equipped with removable shock absorbers. These are always located underneath the heel, sometimes beneath the insole, but often also under the liner, which is the separate inner boot of a skate.

These cushioning elements play a crucial role in protecting your joints – they absorb hard impacts, reduce vibrations, and thereby relieve stress on ankles, joints, knees, and the back.

Especially during big jumps or drops, they make the difference between a painful and a smooth landing. But most importantly: they protect our bodies and allow us to keep skating well into old age.

Besides these benefits, they also offer some underrated but important functions that can determine whether your skate presses against your ankle bones or fits your foot length perfectly:

• Shock absorbers come in different thicknesses or heights. Swapping them for a flatter or taller version changes the position of your foot within the skate. They can allow your ankles to sit deeper in the skate or lift them higher.
  This can shift your ankle away from painful spots, transforming a previously uncomfortable or painful skate into a comfortable one – or even into your new favorite pair.
• A higher shock absorber raises your heel. The higher your heel, the more you are pushed into the typical skating posture, which makes it easier for beginners to avoid tipping backward.
  More importantly, raising the heel also shifts the foot slightly backward, giving you a few extra millimeters of room at the front. Especially if you're between two sizes, this can turn the smaller skate into the perfect fit for you.

Insoles – The Right One Can Make All the Difference

In addition to the built-in cushioning, high-quality insoles can help you optimize the fit of your skates. They not only help to avoid pressure points and improve support in the skate but can also assist with foot conditions like high arches or flat feet.

When choosing an insole, make sure it isn’t too thick. An overly bulky insole can unintentionally change your foot position in the boot and compromise your stability. Ideal are flat, anatomically shaped insoles with shock-absorbing properties.

A good insole distributes body weight evenly, supports the arch, and provides a more comfortable ride – even during long sessions.

Insoles are particularly helpful for the following problems or situations:

• The skate presses on the top of your foot
  → Use a thinner insole or a 3/4 insole to create more space at the front.
• Your feet fall asleep or cramp
  → Insoles can press upward, especially in the arch area, reducing blood flow and causing cramping. Try a different insole that better suits your foot shape.

If your skate is pressing, feels too tight inside, is too short, or your feet go numb –
then a different shock absorber or insole is often already the solution to the problem – not replacing the skate (which might bring the same issues).

You can test this in advance using various simple methods before buying new insoles or shock absorbers:

• Place a small dish sponge or a few folded socks under your heel to simulate different heel heights that a new shock absorber might create.
• Remove the insoles completely, try the skates without any insole, or use the insole from another pair of skates or everyday shoes.
  This will often help you find out whether changing the insole could solve your issue.

Our experience shows that quite a few people buy expensive skates that come equipped with various well-designed features – but ultimately never use them.

This often happens because the skate doesn't fit perfectly right from the start. However, premium skates are actually designed with the expectation that they will need to be adjusted before providing optimal fit and control.

Here are the typical features and functions of a high-quality skate:

• A Heat-Moldable Liner
  Many skates today come with heat-moldable hardboots or liners – a brilliant way to adapt the skate perfectly to your foot shape.
  
  Heat molding allows the skates to become wider and to bulge out where more space is needed. This only works if the skate is tight at first – which is often perceived as “too tight” (and will remain so if this feature isn’t used).
  Important: After heat molding, retailers can no longer accept returns, since the skate has been customized and the feature can’t be reused by a new buyer.
  
  So if you're unsure whether heat molding could work for you, feel free to reach out to us or your trusted skate shop.
• A Heat-Moldable Hard Shell (e.g., Carbon)
  The same applies here as with heat-moldable liners.
• A Trimmable Insole (for numb or cramping feet)
  Many insoles have markings for where they can be trimmed. Use this to prevent cramping or pain in your feet.
• A Trimmable Cuff for Optimal Flex and Tighter Closure
  Sometimes it seems like your skate can’t be tightened enough. But this is often a misconception. Many skates have perforations on the cuff and strap behind the buckle.
  
  These straps can be shortened at those points, allowing for a tighter fit and improved support and stability.
  Even without perforations, the wings or straps of a cuff can often be trimmed.
• A Rockerable Cuff to Adjust Height and Position
  If the cuff feels too restrictive or presses into your leg, take advantage of the cuff rocker feature to lower it or move it forward – if your skate has this option.
  
  If the cuff rubs your calves, that pressure and skin irritation typically disappear after a few sessions. But if the cuff presses uncomfortably into the front of your leg, the skate might be laced or closed too tightly.
• A Replaceable Shock Absorber for Different Benefits
  We’ve already covered the pros, cons, and functions of this feature in the previous section.
• An Adjustable Frame for Optimal Stance and Balance
  If your stance feels tilted, or your feet roll inward or outward, this often indicates the skates aren’t properly laced or are too big.
  
  However, your body’s anatomy – like knock-knees or bowlegs – can also play a role. Adjusting the frame position can help compensate.
  Most frames can be shifted forward or backward as well as left and right.
  
  If you're leaning inward, shift the frame inward.
  If you're leaning outward, shift the frame outward.
  
  There are also “Pitch & Stride Control” kits – usually small plastic wedges placed between the boot and frame – to fine-tune the setup.
• Lacing Systems and Eyelets for Different Support Levels
  Try out the lacing techniques explained in our fitting guide and tailor them to your needs.
  
  Proper lacing helps position your foot better and frees up space inside the skate.
  The right lacing method also provides many other benefits, which we’ve described in detail in our fitting guide on laces and buckles.

Fine-Tuning by Grinding, Trimming, or Punching Out

For persistent pressure points or complex foot shapes, careful grinding or trimming can help. Especially around the ankle or instep, targeted material removal can work wonders.
But caution: these methods require skill. If you’re unsure or inexperienced, let a qualified skate shop or boot fitter handle it.

Our Tip for Better Skate Comfort

Use the full potential of your skates! A proper fit is essential for optimal control, performance, and enjoyment. If in doubt, get professional advice from us or a trusted shop before modifying your skates.

There are often even more customization options – so make sure to learn about your skate model, ideally before buying.

A well-fitting liner is the heart of every hardboot inline skate – it provides not only essential comfort, but also precise power transfer, optimal control, and the necessary space for your feet.
With many aggressive, urban, or freestyle inline skates, you have the option to replace the standard liner with a higher-quality model or simply one that better suits your feet – and that can make a huge difference.

High-Quality Liners for Individual Needs

Brands like MYFIT, Reign, or Intuition specialize in highly adaptable and ergonomically shaped liners. Many of them are heat-moldable and can be custom-shaped to your foot for a perfect fit.
This means: fewer pressure points, better support, and a more direct skating feel – ideal for long sessions or technical tricks.

These premium liners often come with a variety of additional features, such as separate lacing systems, heel locks, Velcro cuffs, Velcro-compatible shock absorbers, and more.

Choosing the Right Fit and Stiffness

When buying a liner, you should pay attention not just to size, but also to fit (e.g. thin or thick), level of stiffness, and desired features:

• Soft liners provide more comfort and cushioning.
• Thin liners offer more room inside the skate.
• Thick liners offer greater padding.
• Stiffer liners give you more precision and control.

Depending on your foot shape, skate discipline, and riding style, it’s worth comparing different models.

An Upgrade That Pays Off

Replacing or adjusting your liner is a simple but effective step to tailor your skates to your individual needs. Whether you're hitting street spots, shredding the skatepark, or enjoying long-distance rides – the right liner can make all the difference, far beyond just enhancing fun.

Even once you’ve found your perfect liner, it’s often a good idea to replace or renew it after some time.

After considering all the aspects we’ve described in detail in our Fitting Guide, there are even more ways to fine-tune your skate to suit your individual needs:

• Special Heel Lock Cuffs
  These are often attached to the liner or inner boot to add volume at the top, preventing the liner from slipping upward and helping to keep your heel securely in place.
• Power Arch Cuffs
  Used to support your foot and arch, these prevent the foot from sliding forward or backward inside the skate.
  They’re usually worn outside the skate, wrapped around the shell, and provide extra stability and support.
• Size Adjusters
  A size adjuster allows you to modify the toe box of your skate – the front section where your toes sit.
  These can be placed in the toe area to close up excess space above or in front of the toes, improving both fit and comfort.
• Gel Pads
  These offer additional cushioning in the heel area, which can be especially helpful if you suffer from knee pain – for example, due to running or other impact-heavy sports.

All these accessories and gadgets give you even more options for precise fine-tuning!

Have a look at our shop category "Accessories", specifically in the collection “Fit, Performance & Comfort”, and discover what other tools and gadgets are available to enhance your skating experience even further.