Bauer Skate Sizing Chart | HockeyMonkey

Bauer Hockey was founded in the early 1920s and quickly became a trusted name among hockey players of all ages. The brand’s growth accelerated through the mid-20th century, including high-profile endorsements from elite players such as Bobby Hull in the 1960s. In 1975, Bauer introduced the TUUK blade holder, a design that went on to become one of the most widely used holders in the sport. Bauer skates continue to be among the most popular choices for NHL players. With 67% in the NHL currently wearing Bauer skates (Vapor FlyLite, Vapor HyperLite, Supreme Shadow), they are by far the most popular skate brand in the league. A common starting point when sizing Bauer ice hockey skates is to go down 1.5 sizes from your regular shoe size. For example, a player who wears a size 10 shoe will typically start with an 8.5 hockey skate. For junior and youth skates, the general guideline is to size down one full size from shoe size. Bauer’s 3D Skate Lab can also help estimate the correct skate size by scanning foot length, width, and overall shape, providing a recommended starting size and fit profile. These scanners can be found at any one of our MonkeySports stores!

Bauer Fit 1, Fit 2, and Fit 3 Explained

Bauer’s modern Performance Fit System separates skate fit from skate model. Instead of assigning narrow or wide fits to specific skate lines, Bauer offers Fit 1, Fit 2, and Fit 3 across most Vapor and Supreme skates.

-Fit 1 is the narrowest and lowest-volume option, designed for players with slim feet or low insteps who prefer a close, locked-in feel.

-Fit 2 provides medium width and volume and fits the majority of players.

-Fit 3 offers the widest profile and highest volume, accommodating wide feet or higher insteps that need additional internal space without pressure.

This system allows players to choose the skate model that matches their skating style while still selecting the fit profile that best matches their foot shape.

How Skate Width and Volume Affect Performance and Comfort

Skate fit is about more than length. Width and internal volume play a major role in both comfort and skating performance.

Too narrow or low volume

-Causes forefoot or instep pressure

-Can lead to pain, numbness, or lace bite

-Restricts circulation and worsens comfort over time

Too wide or high volume

-Allows foot movement inside the boot

-Reduces edge control and power transfer

-Makes starts, stops, and turns feel unstable

Correct fit

-Even pressure with no sharp hot spots

-Better balance, response, and acceleration

-Comfortable for longer practices and games

When width and volume are properly matched to the foot, pressure is distributed evenly throughout the boot. This improves balance, edge control, and responsiveness while also increasing comfort during long practices and games. Most fit issues blamed on “break-in” problems are actually the result of incorrect width or volume selection rather than stiffness.

Bauer Skates Sizing by Age & Gender

Bauer Ice Hockey Skates are broken down into three sizing categories: Senior, Junior, and Youth.

Bauer Senior Skate Sizes

Senior Bauer ice hockey skates are sized to fit adults and full-grown teenagers (ages 13+) who wear a size 7, or greater, size shoe. The skate sizes range from 6.0 up to 15.0.

Bauer Intermediate Skate Sizes

Intermediate Bauer ice hockey skates are sized to bridge the gap between junior and senior skates. The skate sizes range from 3.5 up to 6.5.

Bauer Junior Skate Sizes

Junior Bauer ice hockey skates are meant to fit kids who are generally between the ages of 7 to 13 years old and between a 2 and 6.5 shoe size. The skate sizes here range from 1.0 up to 5.5.

Bauer Youth Skate Sizes

Regarding Youth Bauer ice hockey skates, they are meant to fit toddlers and young children (9 and under) and who have a shoe size of 1.5 or smaller. The skate sizes here range from Y6.0 to Y13.5.

Bauer Female Skate Sizes

When it comes to women’s skate sizing, you will want to go down 3 sizes from your shoe size. For example, if you wear a size 8 women’s shoe, you will want to go with a size 5 Bauer skate.

Most hockey skate brands fit 1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe sizes, although most have different lines within their brand that will better accommodate certain foot types, and this is the case with Bauer skates. Bauer has three lines of skates; Vapor, Supreme, and Nexus.

The Vapor line (shown in red) of Bauer skates will feature a wider toe box and a narrow V-fit at the heel and ankle providing players with a tapered fit. This fit will really lock the heel into place for a stable and mobile feel.

The Supreme skates (shown in yellow) will feature a natural, close to the foot feel around the entire foot for an anatomical feel. Thanks to this fit, it will reduce empty space with the boot, resulting in more efficient strides.

And the Nexus line (shown in blue) has a wide volume fit from toe to heel providing players with a classic, traditional fit. This fit will provide players with a wider, more comfortable feel.

Along with skate fit, all three lines have the option to get different boot widths as well, depending on your preference. Skates that are classified with a “C” or “N” fit will have a narrower boot. Skates with a “D” or “R” fit will have a regular width boot. And skates with an “EE” or “W” fit will have a wider fitting boot.

Questions About Bauer Skate Sizes

Do Bauer skates run smaller or bigger than most skate brands?

A common question that new hockey players have is “how should my hockey skates fit when I put them on?” Simply put, you want them to be as tight as possible without cutting off circulation or being uncomfortable. When getting new skates, you will want to put them on, and feel if your toe barely touches the toe cap. If so, that is what you want. You can also lean forward while in the skates and slide a pen down the inside of the boot, just behind your heel. If you struggle to get the pen between your heel and the boot, that is a good thing. You do not want your ankles and feet to have any wiggle room while in the skates.

How do I find out what size runners I need for my Bauer skates?

Almost all Bauer holders have a 3-digit number on the back corner of the holder. Simply flip one of your skates over and locate the 3-digit number. The indicated number will tell you the size of the runners that you will need. If your holders do not have a 3-digit number, use our sizing charts to find your corresponding holder model. From there, look to the right until you locate your skate size. The 3-digit number below the indicated skate size will be the size of the runners that will fit your skates.

How do I determine which Bauer skate model would be the best fit for me?

The easy answer would be to head over to your nearest MonkeySports store where you can try out the Bauer 3D Fit Scanner! Step on the scanner, stay perfectly still, and have someone use the provided iPad to start the process. The iPad will scan your foot shape, size, and dimensions, and seconds later provide you with a recommend skate model (Vapor, Supreme, or Nexus) and size, based on the information it gathered from the scan! Additionally, it will provide a “second choice” recommendation as well.

If you are not near a MonkeySports store, there is still a way to determine the general shape of your foot, helping you make an informed decision as to which skate model would fit you the best. To start, all you need is a glass of water, and a pan (one big enough that you can fit your foot inside of. From here, the steps go as followed:

1. Place the cardboard and pan on the ground next to you, on a flat surface
2. Pour the water inside of the pan, filling it up only about an inch, and place your foot inside of the pan; your foot should not touch the bottom, but rather rest on top of the water
3. Carefully lift your foot out of the water and let it drip off for a few seconds
4. Place your foot on the cardboard and stand normally for a few seconds
5. Step off the cardboard and check out your footprint
6. Repeat steps for other foot, if you choose to do so

Each Bauer skate model (Vapor, Supreme, or Nexus) will provide a different fit that caters best to certain foot types. The process above helps you determine your arch type, whether you have a low, normal, or high arch.

Looking for a new pair of Ice Hockey Skates? HockeyMonkey has a wide variety of styles and sizes. Check out our inventory here to find the right pair for you!

FAQs

What is the difference between width and volume in hockey skates?

Width refers to how wide the skate is across the forefoot. Volume refers to the overall internal space of the boot, including instep height and midfoot depth. A skate can feel tight because of width, volume, or both.

Does choosing Bauer Fit 3 mean sacrificing performance?

No. Fit 3 does not make a skate less responsive when it matches the skater’s foot shape. Performance suffers only when a boot is either too tight or allows the foot to move inside the skate.

Can I choose any Bauer skate model with any fit?

Yes. Bauer’s current system allows most Vapor and Supreme skates to be purchased in Fit 1, Fit 2, or Fit 3. Fit is no longer locked to a specific model family.

How tight should hockey skates feel when properly fitted?

Skates should feel snug everywhere with no sharp pressure points. You should not need to overtighten laces to feel secure, and the heel lift should be minimal when standing in a hockey stance.

Will skates stretch or break in if they feel tight?

Modern skates break in slightly but do not meaningfully widen or increase volume. Pain or numbness usually indicates the wrong fit profile, not a break-in issue.