Riedell Ritz Size Chart For Length On Custom Boots (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Riedell Skates Sizing Information

Fitting Riedell Boots

Improper fit is the number one cause for skate failure and/or poor performance. To fulfill the basic needs of proper boot fitting, the following primary areas of concern

must be addressed in order to make proper fit recommendations for Riedell skating boots. Proper fitting of Riedell boots cannot be accomplished unless the boots have

been prepared for fit.

Boot Length

Riedell Shoes, Inc. has developed the Riedell fitting device to provide an accurate measuring device for Riedell boots. Although the fitting devices are accurate if used

properly, it is only an aid. Properly trained sales staff are needed for individual fit. The devices should never be used for the elimination of personalized fitting by trained

sales personnel. The proper procedure for the use of the Riedell fitting device for determining proper boot length is to place the skater’s foot firmly against the heel of

the device in the standing position. Both feet should be measured. The furthest point of the longest toe should be used to indicate recommended boot length. It is

recommended that whenever length is in question, always try on the smallest size first.

Boot Width

The proper boot width selection is critical. If a boot is too narrow, comfort will be affected and there is also a chance of potential foot injury. If the boot is too wide, poor

performance, foot slippage and premature boot breakdown may occur. Selecting the proper width is essential to performance, skater comfort and boot longevity. Both

feet should be measured. Using the tape, measure the circumference of the widest portion of the ball of the foot. Remember to pull the tape snugly. It should be noted

that extra care be used when measuring the circumference of the ball of the foot. In that each boot width changes approximately at 1/4" increments, accurate

measurement is needed. Before any particular width is finally selected, actual boot fit is needed for final determination. As with length, remember that if you have any

questions on boot width, start your fitting with the narrowest boot first. Once again, such recommendations should be made by the professional fit specialist after all

options have been tried.

How to Prepare Boots for Fit

Unlike many skate manufacturers, most mid range and upper level models of Riedell skating boots need to be prepared by the fitting individual prior to placing the boot

on the foot. The use of form fitting counter, extensive comfort padding and the structure of Riedell boots will not provide the skater immediate comfort unless the boot

is properly prepared prior to fitting. In addition, and even more important, Riedell’s lasting construction will not allow for the skater to get their heel all the way back

into the boot without proper boot preparation, resulting in potential boot oversizing. Boot preparation consists of opening up the heel counters of the boot and gently

softening and warming of the quarter padding within the boot. In order to accomplish this task two methods can be used. The first method usually used on the more

moderately structured boot models, is simply to spread the upper quarters of the boot apart and apply a vigorous fist and hand massage to the quarter padding and

counter areas of the boots. In the more structured models, additional effort may have to be applied. In addition to separating the quarters and applying vigorous fist

and hand massage to the padding and counter areas, a forward flexing of the back of the boot may be needed. It is absolutely essential that this action be conducted

properly with the boot firmly held flat on a surface to insure that the soles and arch support structure of the boot is not flexed or bent. This will dramatically open up the

counter and heel area of the boot as well as greatly increase initial boot comfort. Although this will take some effort to open up the counters, such boot preparations

should be done modestly and only to the point where the skater can get their foot all the way back in the boot to insure proper fit. In order to totally understand this

process, a demonstration and instruction of the procedure will be required by your sales agent.

Ball Placement

It is very important to identify the placement of the ball of the foot in the boot. If the ball of the foot is too far forward in the boot, pinching and/or toe room may be

sacrificed resulting in discomfort, injury, or poor balance. If the ball of the foot is too far back toward the arch of the boot, usually the boot is too long resulting in

discomfort, premature boot breakdown and excessive foot slippage. There are basically two ways to help determine proper placement of the ball of the foot in the boot.

A very simple way is to remove the footbed from the boot and by carefully placing the skater’s foot (using proper heel placement) on the footbed, you can visualize

reasonable ball placement. This procedure will also give you a general observation as to the entire foot placement within the boot and it can aid you in verifying your

boot length. In adult skaters, you may accomplish this task by feel and verbal description of the boot (after being prepared properly for fit) and the boot is laced firmly

on the skater’s foot. On most “normal” and “average” feet, if the ball of the foot is in the proper boot placement, toe room will be adequate and a snug fit in width will

result. In some extreme cases, individuals with extra long toes and/or very short arches, custom built boots may be required.