No more stress about shoe sizes: here's how to choose the right skate boot

Choosing the perfect skate size for your foot can quickly become a headache. A size 42 is not always a 42, and often varies from brand to brand. Cádomotus helps you navigate through the maze of shoe sizes, lengths, widths and heights by offering some tips and solutions.

As soon as you want to acquire a new pair of skate boots, you are faced with the age-old problem of being confused by the choice of sizes, which can vary considerably, as they do not all meet the same criteria. And this puzzle has been around for centuries, ever since medieval Europe, where even back then, countless size systems coexisted, and sometimes even differed from one village to another.

Measuring is knowing: here is how to choose the right shoe size

Since then, some structuring has been established and two main systems have emerged: the French system and the British system. Unfortunately, these systems are not clearcut either and there are still an infinite number of variants and calculation methods. Since there has never been a firm guideline, each follows its own method. The French system, for example, is based on a formula, but again, it is not the same everywhere.

In our opinion, if measuring is knowing, choosing your size should be simple and straightforward. Measure your foot standing up, because with the weight of your body, your foot can expand by half a centimeter. Read here how to take accurate measurement and convert it into a Cadomotus boot size. Note: According to the different types of feet - Egyptian, Greek and Roman (see picture) - the toe that sticks out the most is not always the same! For a correct measurement, always start from the longest toe. In any case, Cadomotus shoes have a toe box that welcome all three variations and have the necessary room for all types of feet.

Wide feet require special attention

Note that measuring the length of a foot does not take into account its width. Fortunately, with our thermoforming option, you have some flexibility in the fit of your boots. You can go up an average of one size in width if necessary – but no wider. Our boots are made of a rigid carbon shell sole with raised edges that have little flexibility, making them responsive but not very malleable for adjustments. It is a matter of choice: if these edges were more flexible, you would lose a lot of stability during lateral pushes.

Those pushes are essential in both ice and inline skating, and athletes, whatever their levels, are not willing to compromise on this point. With well-supported feet, you will have a much better control over your skates. In any case, when choosing your boot, make sure it is wide enough. If it is too narrow for your foot, choose one size up. That little bit of extra length won't affect your lateral push and can literally save your foot.

Note that ice skates generally have a slightly tighter or snugger fit than inline skates. Since inline skating is a summer sport, your feet may swell more than in the winter because of the heat. You may also be skating on uneven ground, which again can cause your feet to swell due to vibrations. For these reasons (and many others), it is not recommended to inline skate with ice skating boots, which are generally narrower.

Ankle and heel support

Good news! Because your heel is a bone, it will not expand due to heat or vibration from uneven ground. Your heel plays a very important role in maintaining your balance and stability, and since it does not vary in size, it can be perfectly wedged in the heel pocket. You can achieve that by heating the shoe and vacuum molding it, as with ice boots, and by compressing the sole so that the heel is completely enclosed, as with skeelers. In fact, speed skating boots are much harder and less easily deformable, and a simple vacuum molding is usually not enough. Wear gloves when thermoforming your boots, as the material can get very hot.

When inline skating, it is also important to have as little play as possible at the ankle level. Like the heel, they need extra support and stability. This will allow you to push and move better, and avoid injuries. Indeed, you are more likely to twist your ankle in full effort if it is poorly supported. This is particularly true for less experienced inline skaters, especially if they find themselves high off the ground on oversized wheels. Good ankle support is very beneficial to your skating because your power is transferred to the skate more efficiently.

The Agility and Rookie Two are great ankle support skates, allowing you to instantly improve your skating technique with the stability they provide. Support is then crucial, but at the same time, you need to keep some freedom of movement to be able to move, sit low enough and ride comfortably. Cadomotus skate boots are flexible enough to allow you to bend your ankle and move freely without compromising on support.

Zippers and buckles on high or low feet

Now you have measured the length of your foot, and the width is a matter of fit and thermoforming the shoe. But you are not done yet! Your foot also has a certain volume or height. Depending on whether you have a high or low instep, closing the buckle or zipper on your boot may be a very different experience. If you have a strong foot, you may have a hard time closing the aero-cover and if you have a weak foot, the buckle may be too loose to support it properly.

If you have a high foot arch, a wider boot is preferable. Your foot being probably thicker than average, it should have enough room in a wider shoe. This will help you avoid pressure points, especially on the top of the shoe, in the instep and toe box areas. On the other hand, if your foot is thinner than average, we don't recommend a wider shoe. A loose boot with too much play can lead to blisters, chafing and ankle injuries. As for the width of the shoes, at Cadomotus we have chosen a middle ground: they are neither narrow nor wide.

Cádomotus makes it easy for you

Between the multitude of sizes and the variations in foot widths and heights, the quest for the perfect skate boot is often a big challenge, if not a real headache. But if you measure your feet correctly and don't let the size variations overwhelm you, you have an excellent starting point for finding the right shoe. What's more, Cadomotus makes it easy for you by providing thermoformable boots that take into account different foot types and shapes. So, whether on ice or on wheels, with a well-fitting, stable and still flexible boot, you can enjoy your sport with more efficiency and greater pleasure.

Read here how to measure your feet optimally.