First measure the feet!
Going by the existing size shoe can work however as you have probably seen after buying shoes for a while sizes can vary a fair bit depending on the manufacturer.
Using the actual foot size is most likely to get you the best result.
How to measure foot size.
1. For the most accurate measurement, it's best to measure your feet at the end of the day. Feet tend to swell throughout the day and may have a slightly larger measurement in the evening than in the morning.
2. Before measuring, put on the same pair of socks you plan to wear with the shoes.
3. Tape a piece of paper to a hard floor, ensuring the paper doesn't slip.
4. Stand with one foot on the paper and a slight bend in your knees. You can also sit in a chair, but make sure your feet are firmly planted on the ground.
5. With a pen or pencil pointed straight down, trace the outline of your foot on the paper. If possible, ask another person to help you with this step. That way, you can keep your feet still and capture the most accurate measurement.
6. Repeat the process with the other foot. It's common for a person's feet to be two slightly different sizes.
7. Mark the tip of the big toe and the outermost part of the heel, and use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance between the two points in cm. This measurement represents the length of your feet.
Now that you have an accurate foot size you are ready to make a selection.
All our adjustable skates have a size range e.g. 17.5cm - 20cm is size small for certain brands.
This is the measurement from right in the back of the heel on the inside boot to the tip of the big toe.
So in the example above when set on its smallest size the inside of the boot will measure 17.5cm from the back of the heel on the inside boot to the tip of the big toe.
This particular boot can then be adjusted right up to 20cm.
Keep in mind that if the foot measures 20cm then it may feel very cramped to the user. Feet vary widely from one person to the next so what might be right for one may not be for someone else. Quite often if the user is on the cusp of the sizing then it is recommended to go up to the next size and maybe wear some thicker socks for a while.
Tips for if the skate appears too small despite your best efforts.
1. Wearing skates is very different from wearing shoes. A lot of children, especially younger ones may find them uncomfortable at first.
2. To wear them properly you need to tap your heels in to the back of the skate, you can be quite firm.
3. Starting at the bottom tighten the laces very firmly.
4. There is a forward lean to most skates. This can make the user feel their toe is cramped however this is so that the skate cups the heel and supports the calf in the skating position.
Roll around in a bent knee position so the the heel pushes back into the rear of the skate.
If in the end the size is wrong then no problem. In most cases, this can be a free swap with no restocking fee, just the shipping to and from your location.
Just contact us here and we can get the exchange underway.