How to Adjust Adjustable Skates: Step-by-Step for Parents
Adjustable skates are a smart buy because one pair fits through several shoe sizes. But they only fit well if you set them correctly. The good news is that it takes about five minutes.
This guide walks you through the steps that work for most kids adjustable skates. If your pair works a little differently, the same fit checks still apply.
What you need
- The skates.
- Your child, wearing the socks they will skate in.
- A flat floor.
- Five minutes.
Step 1: find the adjuster
Most kids adjustable skates have one of these:
| Type of adjuster | Where it usually is | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Push button | Near the toe, on the side or underneath | Press and hold, then slide the front of the boot |
| Lever or clip | On the side or top of the toe | Flip it open, slide, then close it |
| Dial or knob | On the side of the boot | Turn it to move the front in or out |
If you cannot find it, look for size numbers printed on the side of the boot. The adjuster is usually close to them.
Step 2: open the straps and buckles
Loosen every strap and buckle fully. This lets the boot move freely and makes it easier for your child to slide their foot in.
Step 3: set a starting length
Release the adjuster and slide the front of the boot until the size number matches your child's shoe size. Lock the adjuster again. Do this on both skates, and check that both show the same number.
Step 4: try it on standing up
Ask your child to put the skates on and stand up with the knees slightly bent. Standing matters, because the foot spreads and moves forward a little under the body's weight.
Step 5: check the toes and the heel
Press gently on the front of the boot, or ask your child where their toes are.
- Toes pressed or curled: extend the skate by one notch.
- More than one finger of space behind the heel: shorten it by one notch.
- Toes close to the front, not pressed, and the heel down: the length is right.
Step 6: close the straps and buckles
Close from the bottom up. The strap across the instep holds the heel back, and the top buckle holds the ankle.
They should feel snug but not painful. Ask your child to bend the knees: the heel should stay down.
Signs of a good fit
| Check | Good fit | Needs adjusting |
|---|---|---|
| Toes | Close to the front, flat | Curled or pressing hard |
| Heel | Stays down when bending | Lifts when bending |
| Ankle | Upright | Rolls inward |
| Comfort | No pinching after 5 minutes | Rubbing or numbness |
Common mistakes
- Setting the skates too long to "allow for growth". A loose skate makes balance much harder. Adjust as your child grows instead.
- Different lengths on each skate. Always check both show the same size.
- Forgetting the straps. Length alone is not enough. Straps and buckles hold the foot in place.
- Never re-checking. Children's feet can grow quickly. Check every month or two.
When to move up a range
Once the skate is at its longest setting and the toes still press, your child has outgrown that range. Measure their foot again with our kids skates size guide and choose the next range up. The old pair can pass to a younger child, set back to a shorter length.
Frequently asked questions
How do adjustable skates work?
Adjustable skates work by letting the front of the boot slide forward or back. You release the adjuster, move the front to the right size and lock it again.
How much room should there be in kids skates?
There should be very little room in kids skates. The toes should sit close to the front without pressing, and no more than about one finger of space behind the heel.
Do I need tools to adjust kids skates?
You usually do not need tools to adjust kids skates. Most use a push button, a lever or a dial. If your pair needs a tool, it is usually a small hex key.
How often should I adjust my child's skates?
You should check and adjust your child's skates every month or two, or whenever they say the toes feel tight.
Should both skates be set to the same size?
Both skates should usually be set to the same size. If one foot is clearly longer, set both to fit the longer foot.
Why do my child's heels lift in the skates?
Your child's heels lift in the skates because the skate is too long or the straps are loose. Shorten it by one notch and tighten the strap across the instep.
Can adjustable skates be too big at the smallest setting?
Adjustable skates can be too big at the smallest setting if the range is wrong for your child. In that case, choose a smaller range or wait until their feet grow.
What socks should my child wear with skates?
Your child should wear socks that cover the ankle and do not bunch up. Thin sports socks work well, and a slightly thicker pair can fill a small gap.
Need a new range? All our skates are adjustable, from EU 26 up to EU 42.
