At Source for Sports, our hockey professionals know the gear inside and out. Our Pro-Formance Advantage Custom Fitting System ensures that you receive the proper fit and understanding of why the product works for you, no matter what level you play. This custom hockey skate fitting system is designed to put you in the right skate for your game to increase your comfort, safety, and performance on the ice.

We won’t just put you in a pair of skates – we want to help you increase your speed and experience sharper turns and lighter feet in the third period.

Hockey skates are the most important piece of equipment in terms of your performance on the ice. Our Source for Sports hockey specialists pay special attention to 6 key factors when fitting skates:

• Level and Frequency of Play
• Foot Analysis and Evaluation
• Foot to Skate Compatibility
• Custom Heat Molding
• Gait Analysis
• Foot Support

Level and Frequency of Play

Determining your level of play and how often you play is critical in deciding which skate best suits your game. From beginner to pro, we have the Source Exclusive skate that is right for you, and we’ll put you in the right skate for your level of play.

 

Foot Analysis and Evaluation

The foot analysis is a basic evaluation of your feet to determine any problems or concerns you might have. The foot analysis concentrates on the dimensions of the foot; forefoot width, instep height, arch shape and heel contours. It also evaluates the foot for deficiencies or prior injuries and most importantly, detects either pronation or supination of the foot, which will dramatically affect the fit of your skate. All of these aspects will aid in the selection of the right
skate for you in step 3.

 

Foot to Skate Compatibility

All skates are not created equal. Using the information gathered in Step 2, we then select skates that best match your foot. Skate selection is the most important step of a proper fit. Every skate fits differently and not all skates are best suited for your foot size and shape. Here we will help you determine the skate that best suits your foot to ensure a proper fit and your complete satisfaction.

 

Custom Heat Molding

Skate ovens are the best way to deliver the most customized fit possible. By heating your skates, the inside padding and liner mold to the shape of your foot, delivering a truly custom fit. This is a critical step that helps address any fit issues such as tightness or pinching.

 

Gait Analysis

Once the ideal skate has been selected and molded, it’s time to evaluate the skate fit and your stability inside the skate. The question is, “Is your foot properly supported inside the skate?” We answer this through a stationary body evaluation and Gait Analysis. Proper balance on the ice can only be further improved with our Precision Balance Customized Sharpening and Contouring system.

 

Foot Support

The fit and performance of your skate can only be improved with the use of proper foot support such as the Superfeet Carbon Pro Hockey Footbed. Footbeds can help alleviate fit issues such as pronation, supination, heel lift, reduced circulation, pump bumps and other ailments skaters are susceptible to. Combined with a proper fitting skate sock you’ll feel the difference on the ice.

At Source for Sports, We Fit Your Game, and we can put you in the right skate for your game. However, knowing the key components of a skate as a hockey player will allow you to better communicate your needs when searching for the perfect fit. From your ankles to your toes, every touch point between your feet and your skates will affect your overall comfort while skating.

Here is a brief summary of the terms used for specific areas on a hockey skate and how they affect your fit:

 

The Toe Box

The toe box is the area at the front of the boot where your toes and the ball of your foot will rest. Issues arise if this area is too tight, causing blisters and pain, or too loose, which affects energy transfer to the blade. The very hard toe cap is at the front of the toe box area, and protects the front of the foot from impacts.

 

The Midfoot

The midfoot area holds the foot secure in the skate. If the skate feels tight along the side of the foot, or if there is a specific pressure point, this can often be bumped out in the skate lab.

 

The Heel

The heel holds the back of the foot in place. It is important that the heel is locked into this area, with no slippage. For players with very narrow or wide heels, going to a different model of skate will ensure an optimal fit.

The Runner

The runner is also called the skate blade, and can be sharpened or contoured. There are different skate sharpenings available; learn more about skate sharpening here.

 

The Holder

The holder houses the blade, and attaches to the outsole of the skate boot, creating one unit that houses the foot and holds the boot above the blade on the ice.

 

Quarter Package

The quarter package runs from behind the toe box, along the midfoot and up to the ankle. This area, although rigid, is made of thermo-moldable material which allows the skate to be baked. When this composite material is heated, then put on the foot and allowed to cool, it then assumes the specific shape of the foot. Custom fitting means spaces within the skate are eliminated for maximum comfort and energy transfer.

 

The Eyelet Stay

The eyelet stay runs on either side of the quarter package, and houses the laces. There are different ways to tie your laces to avoid lace bite and to lock your heel in place.

 

The Tongue

The tongue provides comfort over the top of the foot, as well as protection. The inside of the tongue is usually made of dense felt, and is available in different thicknesses depending on the skate model. The exterior layer is made of a more rigid composite material that provides durability, protection and allows the laces to slide for tightening.

 

The Liner

The liner covers the interior of the boot. It can be made of microfiber, Clarino leather or other materials, and can come as a grip or non-grip as well. The liner works with your sock to manage moisture, and stabilizes the foot to keep it snug in the boot.

 

The Footbed

The footbed rests on the bottom interior of the skate and will protect your foot from the rivet heads that attach the outsole to the boot. A Pro-Formance Advantage footbed will put the foot into a neutral position within the boot, eliminating any negative space, to maximize power, performance and comfort. Learn more about the Pro-Formance Advantage footbed here.

 

The Tendon Guard

The tendon guard rises from the heel up the back of the ankle and protects the Achilles tendon from skate cuts and slashes. It is designed to be extremely stiff for this reason.

Knowing the areas of a skate will help you achieve the perfect fit. Elevate your game with the Pro-Formance Advantage Custom Skate Fitting System. Available only at Source for Sports.

 

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For expert advice on hockey gear and equipment that is right for your game, level of play, and budget, come see us at your local Source for Sports hockey store near you. We Fit Your Game.