Do your skates feel small when you first try them on? First-fit and heel-placement guide
In 90% of cases, the size is completely correct. Technical figure skating boots (Risport, Edea, Jackson, Riedell, etc.) feature an elevated heel and a rigid structure which, if not put on with the proper technique, push the foot forward, causing the toes to press against the toe box.
Why does a competitive boot feel small right out of the box?
Reason 1: The toboggan effect of the technical heel
Unlike a flat athletic sneaker, a skating boot has an elevated heel designed to project your center of gravity over the ball of the foot.
When you slip your foot into the unlaced boot, gravity slides your entire foot forward, leaving an empty space behind the heel and causing your toes to press against the rigid toe box.
Reason 2: Equivalences, sizing, and growth allowance
A common mistake is comparing skating boots directly to street shoes. For example, if your foot measures 24 cm—equivalent to a 37.5/38 EU or 250/255 Mondopoint—you should choose one and a half to two sizes larger to ensure optimal technical fit.
Since these are skaters in the beginner and growth stage, this extra allowance ensures boot durability and prevents harmful compression without losing blade control.
For adults, maximum one size up.
5-Step First-Fit Protocol
Perform this test sitting in a chair, on a clean carpet or surface (without removing protectors or marking the sole).
Thin technical sock and fully open laces
Use only a thin skating sock or nylon tights. Loosen the laces all the way from the top hooks down to the bottom eyelets and pull the tongue wide open.
Push the foot back (with laces untied and help from another person)
With the laces completely untied and, preferably, with the help of another person, slide your foot in with the toe elevated at a 45° angle. Place your fingers inside the front area (between the toe box and your toes) and gently push the foot as far back as possible until it firmly locks into the heel's rear pocket.
3-Zone Differentiated Lacing
With your heel set back, tie the laces applying three different levels of tension:
Snug, NOT tight. Free mobility without lateral compression.
VERY TIGHT to lock the foot in place and prevent sliding forward.
Gentle (one finger should fit) to allow proper knee flexion.
Stand up and deeply bend your knees
Stand up with the boots fully laced and bend your knees forward (basic skating stance). When bending, your ankle moves back a few millimeters and completely frees up the toe box.
Verify real sizing sensations
In the flexed position: your toes should lightly brush or sit 3–8 mm from the back without curling, the midfoot should feel secure, the heel completely fixed, and you should have the sensation of your foot resting flat.
Universal Size Equivalency Chart (Cm, EU, Mondopoint, and USA)
Official size correspondence for figure skating brands:
| Foot Measurement (cm) | European Size (EU) | Mondopoint (MP - Risport / Edea) | Approx. USA Equiv. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19.0 cm | 30.0 | 200 | -- |
| 19.5 cm | 31.0 | 205 | -- |
| 20.0 cm | 31.5 | 210 | 2.5 Girls / 2 Boys |
| 20.5 cm | 32.0 | 215 | 3 Girls / 3 Boys |
| 21.0 cm | 33.0 | 220 | 3.5 Girls / 3.5 Boys |
| 21.5 cm | 34.0 | 225 | 4 Girls / 4 Boys |
| 22.0 cm | 34.5 | 230 | -- |
| 22.5 cm | 35.0 | 235 | 4.5 Girls / 4.5 Boys |
| 23.0 cm | 36.0 | 240 | 5 Women / 5 Boys |
| 23.5 cm | 37.0 | 245 | 6 Women / 6 Men |
| 24.0 cm | 37.5 / 38 (EU) | 250 / 255 | -- |
| 24.5 cm | 38.0 | 255 | 7 Women / 6.5 Men |
| 25.0 cm | 39.0 | 260 | 7.5 Women / 7 Men |
| 25.5 cm | 40.0 | 265 | 8 Women / 7.5 Men |
| 26.0 cm | 40,5 | 270 | -- |
| 26.5 cm | 41.0 | 275 | 9 Women / 8 Men |
| 27.0 cm | 42.0 | 280 | 10 Women / 9 Men |
| 27.5 cm | 42.5 | 285 | -- |
| 28.0 cm | 43.0 | 290 | 10.5 Women / 9.5 Men |
Frequently Asked Questions About Fit
Yes, completely normal. A competitive skating boot must hold the foot like a firm glove. The internal padding molds and yields between 5% and 8% with body heat after the first few hours. If a boot feels as comfortable as a street sneaker from minute one, it is too big.
If, when placing your heel back and flexing, your toes have room in front but you notice pressure on the sides or bunions, the length is correct and you only need to punch out or stretch that specific area. Never go up a size in length to gain width, or your heel will slip.
Take out the interior insole from Risport or Edea, place it flat on the floor, and stand barefoot on top matching the back of your heel to the back of the insole. If there is between 5 and 10 mm of space in front of your longest toe, the boot size is exactly right for you.