Blade Sizing Guide

Choosing the correct blade size is essential for proper balance, control, and safety on the ice. A blade that is too long or too short for your boot will shift your center of gravity and make skating harder than it needs to be. This guide explains how blade sizes relate to boot sizes and how to ensure you get the right match.

How Blade Sizes Work

Figure skating blade sizes are measured in inches and refer to the length of the blade's mounting plate โ€” the flat section that attaches to the sole of the boot. Blade sizes typically range from 7 inches for the smallest boots up to 11.5 inches for the largest. The blade size you need is determined by the sole length of your boot, not by your foot size or shoe size.

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: EDEA boots have a thinner sole design and a more compact footprint than traditional boots, so they often pair with a slightly shorter blade than you might expect. Always use the chart below rather than guessing.

How to Determine Your Blade Size

Step 1: Know your boot size.
If you haven't already, work it out with our boot sizing guide. Note that the two brands size differently โ€” EDEA in millimetres, Jackson in US sizes across separate runs.

Step 2: Find your blade size.
If you are in EDEA boots, use the chart below. If you are in Jackson boots, the sole length is what determines blade size and it does not map from the EDEA chart โ€” ask your fitter or contact us with your model and size.

Step 3: Confirm the blade model is available in your size.
Not all blade models are made in every size increment. Check the specific blade product page to confirm availability.

Step 4: Have blades professionally mounted.
Never attempt to mount blades yourself. See our mounting screws guide for details on the mounting process.

EDEA Boot Size to Blade Size Chart

The following chart shows the recommended blade size in inches for each EDEA boot size, and applies to MK, John Wilson, Jackson and most other blade brands mounted to an EDEA boot. It does not apply to Jackson boots โ€” their soles are dimensioned differently, and there is no conversion between the two sizing systems.

EDEA Boot Size Blade Size (inches)
205 7
210 7.25
215 7.5
220 7.75
225 8
230 8.25
235 8.5
240 8.5
245 8.75
250 9
255 9.25
260 9.5
265 9.5
270 9.75
275 10
280 10.25
285 10.5
290 10.5
295 10.75
300 11
305 11.25
310 11.5

Note that some boot sizes share a blade size (e.g., 235 and 240 both use 8.5"). This is normal โ€” blade manufacturers produce blades in set increments, and the boot-to-blade relationship is not always a perfect one-to-one match.

Blade Brands and Available Sizes

Brand Popular Models Size Range Increments
MK Galaxy, Professional, Phantom 7" - 11.5" Quarter-inch on pro models
John Wilson Coronation Ace, Gold Seal, Pattern 99 7.5" - 11.5" Quarter-inch on most models
Jackson
Matrix
Elite, Freestyle, Supreme, Legacy 7.5" - 11.0"
RXS: 8.0" - 11.0"
Quarter-inch
Jackson
Apex
Elite, Freestyle, Supreme 8.25" - 12.0"
Dance 8.75"-12.0", Synchro 8.75"-10.5"
Quarter-inch
Jackson
Ultima
Legacy 8, Aspire X, Mirage 7.0" - 12.0" Quarter-inch on most models
Paramount 420SS, 440SS and 1085 carbon steel series Varies by model Check the product page
๐Ÿ’ก Buying a complete skate? Then none of this applies โ€” the blade arrives already sized, mounted and sharpened to that boot. See Complete Skates vs. Boot and Blade Separately.

Mounting Considerations

โš ๏ธ Important: Blade mounting should always be performed by a qualified technician. Even small alignment errors can cause fatigue, reduce performance, and lead to injury.
  • Professional mounting is critical. As EDEA describes it, "mounting the blade is as much a science as it is an art." Blade alignment is measured in fractions of millimeters.
  • Use the correct screws. EDEA boots require EDEA's proprietary screws, which feature a Hi-Low double helix thread designed for their thinner soles. Using standard screws can damage the boot or fail to hold properly. EDEA Mounting Screw Sets are available if you need replacements.
  • Temporary vs. permanent mounting. Many technicians will perform a temporary mount first, using fewer screws, so the skater can test the blade position on the ice. Once the alignment is confirmed, the remaining screws are installed for a permanent mount.
  • Sole markings. EDEA boots include guide markings on the sole to assist technicians with proper blade placement.
  • Do not self-mount. Improper blade mounting forces constant over-correction while skating, increasing fatigue and the risk of ankle and knee injuries over time.

Need Help Choosing a Blade?

If you are unsure which blade model is right for your skating level and discipline, read our guide to choosing figure skating blades. You can also browse our full selection of figure skating blades to compare options.

Need Help?

Choosing the right equipment can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. We're real skaters helping real skaters โ€” no pressure, just honest guidance.

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