How to Measure Hockey Skate Laces
Hockey, whether roller or ice, recreational or professional, requires well-fitting, securely fastened hockey skates. Your hockey laces ensure a snug fit, allowing you to make quick turns and fast stops on the slick playing surface. Whether you select waxed or regular skate laces, the proper length allows you to tie the skates all the way to the top eyelet, supporting and protecting your ankles from injuries. If you need to buy new laces, check your skates to find the correct lace length.
Measure and record the distance between the two bottom eyelets, nearest the toe, using a tape measure.
Count the number of eyelets up one side of the skate boot. The number of eyelets will vary depending on the skate's size, style and brand.
Multiply the measure by the number of eyelets, then multiply that number by two. This gives you the full measurement from eyelet to eyelet, from the bottom to the top of the skate's boot.
Add 18 inches to the measurement to account for the free ends needed to tie the laces. This number gives you the base length of the laces. Then round up to the nearest lace size.
Tips
Laces are available in a number of sizes. Generally, children's skates require 36-, 45- or 54-inch laces; junior size skates require 72- or 84-inch laces; and adult sizes require 84-, 96-, 108-, 120- or 130-inch laces. If the old laces are available, remove them from the skates and measure them with a tape measure. Lace length charts are usually available on the website when ordering laces online.
Warnings
Lace the skates tightly, using a lace-tightening tool. If the laces are too loose, you risk a sprained or broken ankle when making a fast turn or stop. If the laces are too long, wrap them once around the top of the skate before tying them tightly. This prevents the laces from becoming tangled under your skates and tripping you.
References
Resources
Tips
- Laces are available in a number of sizes. Generally, children's skates require 36-, 45- or 54-inch laces; junior size skates require 72- or 84-inch laces; and adult sizes require 84-, 96-, 108-, 120- or 130-inch laces.
- If the old laces are available, remove them from the skates and measure them with a tape measure.
- Lace length charts are usually available on the website when ordering laces online.
Warnings
- Lace the skates tightly, using a lace-tightening tool. If the laces are too loose, you risk a sprained or broken ankle when making a fast turn or stop.
- If the laces are too long, wrap them once around the top of the skate before tying them tightly. This prevents the laces from becoming tangled under your skates and tripping you.
Writer Bio
With degrees in fine and commercial art and Spanish, Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and published author. De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook. She enthusiastically pursues creative and community interests, including gardening, home improvement and social issues.