Roller Skate Sizing 101
Sizing leads to many common questions from skaters of all levels such as "How does roller skate sizing work?", "What size roller skates should I get?", and "How to know and determine your roller skate size?" as it’s not as straightforward as one might expect.Skatesizing not only differs from brand to brand, but from skate toskate. Most skates are made in Men’s sizing, even if they look likeLadies’ skates. For example, Moxi’s skates are always made inMen’s sizing. This is why on all our skate listings wherethe boot is made in Men’s sizing, the Ladies’equivalent is in parentheses. For example, because Men’s sizingtypically runs 1 size large for women, a Men’s 8 would be equivalent to aLadies’ 9. The size listed on Roller Skate Nation would be Men’s 8 (Ladies 9)and the label on the boot would be size 8. Because we list both theMen’s and Ladies’ size for you on every skate, all you need to do isorder based on your everyday shoe size.
Half Sizes
When choosing a skate make sure to check the Sizing Help tab or roller skate size chart for more details on that skate. Most skates are made in whole sizes and do not have half-size options. When it comes to roller skate sizes vs. shoe sizes, if your everyday shoe is a half-size, we typically recommend sizing UP as opposed to DOWN (unless recommended otherwise on the listing). For example, if your shoe size is a Ladies’ 6.5, we recommend ordering a Men's 6 (Ladies 7).The reason for this isif your skate is slightly big, you can simply add a contour insole orwear thicker socks to fill in any extra space. However, if your skate isslightly small, it will be uncomfortable, and the only solution is toreturn it. There are exceptions to this rule, such as with Sure-Gripboots that tend to run a little wide. Therefore, it is important toread all the product details before placing your order.
Sizing By Brand
Riedell
Most high-topskates from Riedell come in a black boot option and a whiteboot option. The black boot is always Men’s sizing, and the white boot isalways Ladies’ sizing. If you wear Men’s shoes and would like toorder the White boot, simply order the skates in 1 size larger thanyou wear. For example, if your shoe size is a Men’s 9, order white boot ina size 10. If you wear Ladies’ shoes and would like to orderthe black boot option, simply order the skates in 1 size smaller thanyou normally wear. For example, if your shoe size is a Ladies 7,order the size 6.
Riedell boots come inthe following widths: Standard, D-width (Medium), andE-width (Wide). Models 220 and 297 are stocked in Medium width. E-Width isavailable on a special-order basis and can take up to 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Sure-Grip
All Sure-Grip skatesare made in Men’s sizing. Even if a skate comes in both black and whiteboot options (such as the Malibu or Fame), both colors are Men’s sizing. Therefore, welist the Ladies’ sizing equivalent in parentheses.
Sure-Grip skates tendto run slightly big, so for skaters who are a half-size in shoes, werecommend they size DOWN half a size as opposed to UP.
Vnla
Most VNLA skates aremade in Men’s sizing, except for the Parfait roller skate whichis in Ladies’ sizing. Their low-top boots, such as the VNLA Junioror Freestyle boots run true to size for men. Their high-top boots(Godfather and V-Line) run slightly large.
VNLA Luna and A La Mode Size Chart
Moxi
All Moxi skates aremade in Men’s sizing, however there are differences between models because theyare made in different materials and from different factories(domestic vs. imported). Their imported vinyl and suede boots (Beach Bunny,Jungle and Panther) run snug compared to their domesticallyproduced suede boots (Lolly, Jack). Because of this, we offerdifferent advice for half-sizes. If you are a half-size, size DOWN inBeach Bunny, Jungle and Panther skates, and UP in Lolly and Jack skates. Ingeneral, vinyl takes longer to break in, so if they are snug atfirst it is okay if they are not uncomfortably tight.
Rio Roller
Rio Rollerskates are made in UK sizing. We convert each skate to US sizingand list both the Men’s size and the Ladies’ equivalent to make orderingeasy. Do not be confused if you order a Rio Roller skate and the sizeon the boot does not match your US size. The label will be the UK size.
Inshort, be sure to always read over the product details! The generalrule of thumb is order in your normal shoe size (unless otherwisespecified), and absolutely contact us if you ever have any questions. We aremore than happy to help!
I'm an enthusiast deeply familiar with the nuances of roller skate sizing, and I'll demonstrate my expertise by providing a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article "Roller Skate Sizing 101."
Understanding Roller Skate Sizing:
1. Men's Sizing vs. Ladies' Sizing:
- Roller skates are often manufactured in Men's sizing, even if they appear to be designed for women.
- Brands like Moxi consistently produce skates in Men's sizing, with the Ladies' equivalent indicated in parentheses.
- For instance, a Men's 8 might be equivalent to a Ladies' 9.
2. Half Sizes:
- Most skates are available in whole sizes without half-size options.
- When choosing between sizes, it is generally recommended to size up if your everyday shoe is a half-size. For example, if your shoe size is Ladies' 6.5, it's suggested to order a Men's 6 (Ladies' 7).
3. Sizing by Brand:
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Riedell:
- High-top Riedell skates in black are in Men's sizing, while white options are in Ladies' sizing.
- Width options include Standard, D-width (Medium), and E-width (Wide).
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Sure-Grip:
- All Sure-Grip skates are made in Men's sizing, and Ladies' equivalents are provided.
- Sure-Grip skates may run slightly big, so skaters who are a half-size are advised to size down.
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VNLA:
- Most VNLA skates are made in Men's sizing, with exceptions like the Parfait roller skate in Ladies' sizing.
- Different models (Junior, Freestyle, Godfather, V-Line) may have varying size considerations.
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Moxi:
- Moxi skates are made in Men's sizing, but differences exist between models due to materials and production origin.
- Specific advice for half-sizes is given, such as sizing down for some models and sizing up for others.
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Rio Roller:
- Rio Roller skates use UK sizing, but the conversion to US sizing is provided.
- The label on the boot may show the UK size, but the equivalent US size is also listed.
4. Importance of Reading Product Details:
- Emphasizes the need to carefully read product details.
- General rule: Order based on your normal shoe size unless otherwise specified in the product details.
5. Customer Support:
- Encourages customers to reach out with any questions, highlighting a commitment to assisting skaters with sizing concerns.
In conclusion, navigating roller skate sizing involves considerations of brand-specific practices, half sizes, and understanding the relationship between Men's and Ladies' sizing. Always being attentive to product details is key to ensuring the right fit for a comfortable and enjoyable skating experience.
