SIZING GUIDE

Choosing the correct roller skate size and plate size is essential for a comfortable, well-balanced setup. Our roller skate sizing guide includes UK and EU shoe size conversions, Bauer ice skate sizing and detailed quad roller skate plate size charts.

You'll find sizing information for Playmaker, Rio Roller, Sure-Grip Rock, Sure-Grip Avanti, Sure-Grip Avenger, Riedell PowerDyne Thrust and Atom Pilot Falcon F16 plates, including overall plate lengths and axle-to-axle distances.

Plate sizing should always be treated as a guide rather than an absolute rule. The correct plate can vary depending on the boot, sole length, skating discipline and whether a standard, short or forward mount is required.

BAUER ICE SKATE CONVERTS

Applies to models - X, NS, NSX, X-LS, X-LP, X-LS 2.0, X-LP 2.0

No need to size up as you would with older Bauer Turbo 33 skates. Modern Bauer boots are very true to size.

Bauer only manufactures these boots in half sizes, but each half size is designed to fit the whole size below it. For example, a Bauer size 10.5 boot is intended to fit a UK size 10 foot.

Simply order your normal UK shoe size. If you wear a UK size 10, order a Bauer box size 10. The skate supplied will be marked as a 10.5, which is the correct fit for a UK size 10.

SHOE SIZE CONVERSION CHART

Use the chart below to compare UK shoe size, EU shoe size and approximate foot length in millimetres. Foot length is a useful reference when choosing skate boots, but fit can still vary between brands and models.

PLATE SIZING CHARTS (Standard Mount)

Choosing the correct roller skate plate size isn't simply a case of matching a plate number to your shoe size. Different manufacturers use different sizing systems, plate lengths and axle distances, so a size 6 plate from one manufacturer may be very different from a size 6 made by another.

The charts below provide our recommended plate sizes for a standard roller skate plate mount, together with overall plate length, axle-to-axle distance (wheelbase) and approximate UK and EU boot sizes.

These charts should be used as a guide rather than an absolute rule. The correct plate size can vary depending on the boot's sole length and shape, plate geometry, desired axle position and intended skating style. For custom quad skate conversions, we consider all of these factors rather than selecting a plate purely by shoe size.

When comparing different roller skate plates, pay particular attention to the axle-to-axle distance (wheelbase). Overall plate length alone can be misleading because different plate and truck designs position the axles differently.

Playmaker plates are a popular nylon roller skate plate used on many of our custom quad skate conversions. The chart below shows the approximate Playmaker plate size for different UK and EU shoe sizes, together with the overall plate length and axle-to-axle distance.

These recommendations are intended for a standard plate mount. Plate size may vary depending on the boot, sole length and preferred mounting position, so shoe size should be used as a guide rather than the only factor when choosing a roller skate plate.

Rio Roller Chassis nylon plates are sized primarily by overall plate length and axle distance. The chart below gives an approximate UK and EU shoe size match for each Rio plate size.

As with all roller skate plates, these figures are intended as a standard-mount guide. The correct plate can vary depending on the boot's sole length, shape and the preferred axle position.

Sure-Grip Rock nylon plates are a popular choice for custom quad roller skate builds, offering a lightweight plate with a traditional 10-degree truck setup and adjustable toe stops. The chart below shows the approximate Sure-Grip Rock plate size for UK and EU shoe sizes, together with overall plate length and axle-to-axle distance.

These sizes are intended as a standard-mount guide. The correct Rock plate size can vary depending on the boot's sole length, shape and preferred axle position.

Sure-Grip Avanti Aluminium and Avanti Magnesium roller skate plates use the same sizing and geometry, so the chart below applies to both versions. It shows the approximate plate size for UK and EU shoe sizes, together with the overall plate length and axle-to-axle distance.

These recommendations are intended for a standard mount. Boot sole length, shape, axle position and the intended skating setup should also be considered when choosing the correct Avanti plate size.

Sure-Grip Avenger Aluminium and Avenger Magnesium plates use a 45-degree truck design, so they should not be sized by overall plate length in the same way as a conventional 10-degree roller skate plate.

When selecting a Sure-Grip Avenger plate, the axle-to-axle distance (wheelbase) is the important measurement. Avenger plates can appear considerably shorter overall than other plates while still providing the appropriate wheelbase for the boot.

The chart below provides approximate UK and EU shoe sizes for a standard setup. Final plate selection should also consider the boot's sole length, desired axle position and intended skating style.

The Riedell PowerDyne Thrust is a lightweight nylon roller skate plate commonly fitted to recreational, artistic and general-purpose quad roller skates. Its nylon construction keeps weight down while providing a practical and affordable platform for a wide variety of skate builds.

The Thrust is available in a broad range of sizes, making it suitable for both junior and adult boots. When choosing a plate size, axle distance (wheelbase) is often more useful than simply matching the manufacturer's suggested boot size. The correct plate can vary depending on the shape and length of the boot, the desired axle position and whether you are using a standard, short or forward-style mount.

For hockey skate conversions in particular, we recommend comparing the overall plate length and axle distance against the actual boot rather than relying solely on shoe-size conversions. Ideally, the front axle should sit in an appropriate position beneath the ball of the foot while leaving sufficient clearance at the heel and toe.

Please note: The boot sizes shown in this chart should be treated as a sizing guide. Different skate and footwear manufacturers use different lasts and sizing systems, so the physical plate dimensions should always be checked before ordering or mounting.

The Riedell PowerDyne Reactor Fuse is a lightweight composite roller skate plate designed to offer a stiffer and more responsive feel than a basic nylon plate while keeping overall weight relatively low.

It is a good option for skaters who want a more performance-focused plate without moving to a heavier aluminium chassis. The Reactor Fuse is suitable for recreational skating, rink skating and general-purpose quad builds, and its broad size range makes it usable across a wide variety of boots.

When selecting a Reactor Fuse plate, axle distance is one of the most important measurements to consider. Boot-size charts are useful as a starting point, but the correct plate size can vary depending on the actual sole length, boot shape, desired axle position and mounting style.

For hockey skate conversions, it is particularly important to compare the overall plate length and axle distance against the physical boot. The front axle should ideally sit in the correct area beneath the ball of the foot, while the rear axle position should provide the balance and stability required for the intended skating style.

The weight figures above show both the individual plate weight and the weight of a pair, along with the approximate fully assembled weight.

Please note: Boot-size recommendations should be treated as a guide rather than an absolute rule. Different manufacturers and boot models vary considerably in external sole length, even where the labelled shoe size is the same.

The Riedell PowerDyne Reactor Neo is a performance aluminium roller skate plate designed to provide greater rigidity, precision and responsiveness than composite or nylon plates. It sits within PowerDyne's Reactor range and is a popular choice for skaters looking for a strong, responsive metal plate without moving to the top-end Reactor Pro.

Its aluminium construction provides a solid platform with reduced flex under load, giving the skater more direct response through the trucks. This makes the Reactor Neo suitable for a wide range of skating disciplines and for premium custom quad skate builds where plate stiffness and accurate handling are important.

When selecting a Reactor Neo, axle distance (wheelbase) should be considered alongside the overall plate length and suggested boot size. The manufacturer's boot-size recommendations provide a useful starting point, but they should not be treated as an absolute sizing rule.

This is particularly important when fitting Reactor Neo plates to converted ice hockey boots. Hockey boots can have very different external sole dimensions to conventional roller skate boots carrying the same nominal shoe size. Plate selection should therefore take into account the physical dimensions of the boot and the desired position of the front and rear axles.

The table also includes both the bare plate weight and approximate assembled plate weight, shown for an individual plate and a complete pair.

Please note: The US, EU and UK boot sizes above are a sizing guide. For custom builds and hockey skate conversions, we recommend selecting the plate using its physical dimensions and axle distance rather than relying solely on the labelled boot size.

The Riedell PowerDyne Reactor Pro is a premium lightweight aluminium roller skate plate designed for skaters looking for high levels of precision, responsiveness and adjustability. It sits at the top of PowerDyne's Reactor plate range and is intended for performance-focused quad skate builds.

Compared with heavier aluminium plates, the Reactor Pro combines a rigid metal chassis with relatively low weight. The reduced flex of the plate allows the skater's movements to be transferred more directly through the trucks, providing a precise and responsive feel.

The Reactor Pro is available across a wide range of sizes. When selecting the correct plate, axle distance (wheelbase) is particularly important. Manufacturer boot-size recommendations are useful as a starting point, but the correct size can vary depending on the physical dimensions of the boot, desired axle position and mounting style.

For hockey skate to quad conversions, we recommend using the actual plate dimensions rather than choosing solely from the labelled boot size. Hockey boots can vary considerably in external sole length between models and manufacturers. The position of the front axle relative to the ball of the foot should also be considered when choosing between plate sizes.

The table above includes the bare Reactor Pro plate weight and approximate fully assembled weight, with figures shown for both an individual plate and a complete pair. This makes it easier to compare the Reactor Pro with other plates where overall skate weight is an important consideration.

Please note: The US, EU and UK boot sizes shown are a guide only. For custom skate builds and hockey skate conversions, always consider the plate's physical dimensions and axle distance alongside the boot size.

The Riedell PowerDyne Arius Platinum is a high-performance aluminium roller skate plate with a very different design to a conventional kingpin-based plate. Instead of traditional kingpins and cushions, the Arius uses PowerDyne's Axis Pin and Split Butterfly Cushion system, giving the plate a low-profile design and a distinctive responsive feel.

The Arius Platinum is designed for skaters looking for a lightweight, highly responsive and adjustable performance plate. Its unusual truck geometry allows the trucks to move laterally through the butterfly cushion system, with different cushion options allowing the action to be tuned to suit the skater's preference.

One of the Arius Platinum's major advantages is its low assembled weight. As shown in the table below, even the larger sizes remain comparatively lightweight for a complete metal plate assembly, making the Arius an attractive option for premium builds where reducing overall skate weight is important.

When choosing an Arius Platinum size, axle distance (wheelbase) should be considered alongside overall plate length and boot size. The suggested US, EU and UK sizes provide a useful reference, but plate selection should ultimately take into account the dimensions of the individual boot and the desired axle positioning.

This is particularly important for hockey skate to quad conversions, where the external sole dimensions can differ considerably from conventional roller skate boots. Two boots carrying the same labelled shoe size may require different plate sizes depending on their physical length and shape.

Please note: The boot sizes shown in the table are a sizing guide rather than an absolute rule. For custom skate builds and hockey skate conversions, we recommend using the physical plate dimensions and axle distance alongside the boot size when selecting the most appropriate Arius Platinum plate.

The Atom Pilot Falcon F16 is a precision aluminium roller skate plate available in a wide range of sizes. The chart below shows the approximate Atom Pilot Falcon F16 plate size for UK and EU shoe sizes, together with the overall plate length and axle-to-axle distance.

These recommendations are intended as a standard-mount guide. The correct Falcon F16 plate size can vary depending on the boot's sole length, shape, desired wheelbase and preferred axle position.

SIZING FAQ

Roller Skate Sizing & Plate Sizing FAQs

What size roller skates should I buy?

Your normal UK shoe size is a useful starting point, but roller skate sizing varies between manufacturers and boot models. Where possible, compare your foot length with the manufacturer's sizing information rather than relying on shoe size alone. A correctly fitted skate should feel secure without excessive movement inside the boot.

Should roller skates be the same size as my normal shoes?

Often, but not always. Some roller skate and ice hockey skate boots correspond closely with normal UK shoe sizing, while others use their own sizing system. Always check the sizing information for the particular boot or skate you are buying.

Should roller skates fit tight or loose?

Roller skates should fit securely rather than loosely. Your foot should not slide around inside the boot when skating. However, they should not be painfully tight or cause excessive pressure on your toes. The ideal fit depends partly on the construction and intended use of the boot.

How do I measure my feet for roller skates?

Stand with your heel against a wall and measure from the wall to the end of your longest toe. Measure both feet in millimetres and use the larger measurement. You can then compare your foot length with the appropriate skate sizing chart.

Should I measure both feet when choosing roller skates?

Yes. It is completely normal for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement when comparing your foot length with a skate size chart.

What does foot length mean on a skate size chart?

Foot length is the measurement from the back of your heel to the end of your longest toe, normally given in millimetres or centimetres. It can provide a more reliable reference than converting between UK, EU and US shoe sizes.

Are UK and EU skate sizes the same as shoe sizes?

Not necessarily. UK and EU conversions can vary slightly between manufacturers, particularly with specialist footwear such as ice hockey and roller skate boots. Use conversion charts as a guide and check manufacturer-specific sizing information where available.

Bauer Skate Sizing FAQs

What size Bauer skates should I buy for a quad conversion?

For the modern Bauer boots we commonly convert at Pabloskates, we generally recommend starting with your normal UK shoe size. Individual models can fit differently, so any model-specific sizing information provided on the product listing should take priority.

Do I need to size up in Bauer skates?

Not normally with the modern Bauer boots we use for quad skate conversions. The advice to size up is often associated with older Bauer skates such as the classic Bauer Turbo 33 and should not automatically be applied to modern Bauer boots.

Why is the size printed inside my Bauer skate different from my UK shoe size?

Bauer uses its own skate sizing system, so the manufacturer's size printed inside the boot may not correspond directly with your normal UK shoe size. This is why we provide UK, EU and foot-length information alongside Bauer sizing wherever possible.

Are all Bauer skate models the same size?

No. Fit can vary between Bauer ranges, generations and boot designs. Two Bauer boots carrying similar size markings can also feel different because of differences in width, padding and internal construction.

Can Bauer ice hockey skates be converted into quad roller skates?

Yes. Many Bauer ice hockey boots can be converted into quad roller skates by removing the original blade holder and correctly mounting a suitable quad roller skate plate. The suitability of a particular boot depends on its construction and condition.

Roller Skate Plate Sizing FAQs

How do I choose the correct roller skate plate size?

Start with the recommended plate size for your shoe or boot size, but don't rely on shoe size alone. The boot's actual sole length, plate wheelbase, axle position and intended mounting style should also be considered.

Does roller skate plate size have to match shoe size?

No. Roller skate plate sizes are manufacturer-specific and don't directly correspond to shoe sizes. A size 6 plate from one manufacturer can have very different dimensions from a size 6 made by another.

What is axle distance on a roller skate plate?

Axle distance is the distance between the centre of the front axle and the centre of the rear axle. It is also commonly referred to as the wheelbase. This measurement is particularly useful when comparing roller skate plates from different manufacturers.

Is roller skate wheelbase the same as plate length?

No. Wheelbase measures the distance between the front and rear axles, while overall plate length measures the complete physical length of the plate. Two plates can have similar overall lengths but significantly different wheelbases.

Is wheelbase more important than overall plate length?

It can be. Wheelbase determines the distance between the front and rear wheels and has a significant effect on axle positioning and how the skate behaves. Overall plate length alone doesn't tell you where the axles will sit beneath the boot.

Can two roller skate plates of the same size be different lengths?

Yes. Plate size numbers are not standardised between manufacturers. A size 5 Sure-Grip plate, for example, should not automatically be assumed to have the same dimensions as a size 5 plate from another manufacturer.

What is a standard roller skate plate mount?

A standard mount aims to provide a balanced combination of stability and manoeuvrability, with the plate and axles positioned appropriately beneath the boot. The exact position depends on the boot, plate geometry and intended use.

What is a short roller skate plate mount?

A short mount uses a shorter wheelbase than would typically be chosen for a standard setup. This can make the skate more responsive and manoeuvrable but generally provides less longitudinal stability.

What is a forward mount?

A forward mount positions the plate or wheelbase further towards the front of the boot. This can change the skate's handling and responsiveness and is sometimes deliberately chosen for particular skating disciplines or personal preferences.

Does a longer roller skate plate make skates more stable?

Generally, a longer wheelbase provides greater longitudinal stability, while a shorter wheelbase tends to increase manoeuvrability. Plate geometry, truck angle, cushions, wheels and the skater's technique also influence how the skate behaves.

Does a shorter roller skate plate make skates more manoeuvrable?

Generally, yes. A shorter wheelbase can make a skate more responsive and easier to turn, although it can also reduce stability. This is why the longest plate that physically fits the boot isn't automatically the best choice.

Where should the front axle sit on a roller skate?

For a conventional balanced mount, the front axle is generally positioned around the ball of the foot. Exact positioning can vary depending on the plate, boot, skating discipline and the characteristics the skater wants from the setup.

Can I fit any roller skate plate to any boot?

Not necessarily. Plate suitability depends on the boot's sole dimensions and construction, the mounting area available, plate dimensions and intended use. Some conversions can also require additional structural reinforcement before a roller skate plate is fitted.

Specific Plate Sizing FAQs

What size Sure-Grip Rock plate do I need?

Use our Sure-Grip Rock plate sizing chart as a starting point and compare your UK or EU shoe size with the recommended plate. For a custom conversion, boot sole length and desired axle position should also be considered before selecting the final plate size.

What size Sure-Grip Avanti plate do I need?

Our Sure-Grip Avanti sizing chart provides recommended sizes for both the Avanti Aluminium and Avanti Magnesium, as both versions use the same sizing. Final selection should also consider boot dimensions, wheelbase and mounting position.

Are Sure-Grip Avanti Aluminium and Magnesium plates the same size?

Yes, the Sure-Grip Avanti Aluminium and Avanti Magnesium versions use the same plate sizing and geometry. The main differences are their construction material, weight and price rather than their sizing system.

What size Sure-Grip Avenger plate do I need?

When choosing a Sure-Grip Avenger, pay particular attention to the axle-to-axle distance or wheelbase rather than overall plate length alone. The Avenger's 45-degree truck geometry means it can appear considerably shorter than a conventional plate while still providing the required wheelbase.

Why do Sure-Grip Avenger plates look too short for the boot?

The Sure-Grip Avenger uses 45-degree trucks and has different geometry from conventional 10-degree plates. This makes its overall physical length misleading when judging size visually. Axle position and wheelbase are much more useful measurements.

Are Sure-Grip Avenger Aluminium and Magnesium plates the same size?

The corresponding Sure-Grip Avenger Aluminium and Magnesium plate sizes use the same basic sizing system. When comparing them for a build, wheelbase and axle positioning remain the important measurements.

What size Playmaker roller skate plate do I need?

Use the Playmaker plate sizing chart above to find the recommended plate for your UK or EU shoe size. The listed overall length and axle distance can then be used to compare the plate with the dimensions of your particular boot.

What size PowerDyne Thrust plate do I need?

Use our Riedell PowerDyne Thrust sizing chart to find the approximate plate size for your UK or EU shoe size. Boot sole dimensions and intended axle position should also be checked when choosing a plate for a custom build.

What size Atom Pilot Falcon F16 plate do I need?

The Atom Pilot Falcon F16 is available in closely spaced size increments, allowing the wheelbase to be matched more precisely to the boot. Use the Falcon F16 sizing chart above as a starting point and consider both axle distance and boot dimensions when making the final selection.

What size Rio Roller Chassis plate do I need?

Use our Rio Roller Chassis sizing chart to compare your UK or EU shoe size with the recommended chassis length and axle distance. As with other plates, these recommendations are intended as a standard-mount starting point.

Custom Quad Skate Conversion FAQs

Can I use these plate size charts for hockey skate conversions?

Yes. The charts provide a useful starting point when choosing plates for ice hockey boot to quad roller skate conversions. Hockey boots can have different sole lengths and shapes despite sharing the same nominal shoe size, so the final plate choice should also take the actual boot into account.

Why doesn't Pabloskates choose plates purely by shoe size?

Because shoe size doesn't tell us everything we need to know. We consider the actual boot, sole dimensions, plate geometry, wheelbase, axle position and intended use when selecting and mounting a roller skate plate.

Do all size 8 skate boots need the same size plate?

No. Two size 8 boots can have different external sole lengths and shapes, and two different plate models can have very different dimensions. Shoe size provides a starting point, not an absolute plate specification.

Can I use these charts to mount my own roller skate plates?

Yes, the charts can help with initial plate selection, but they should not be treated as exact mounting instructions. Correct plate mounting also requires determining the boot centre, lateral alignment, front/rear axle position and appropriate mounting position for the intended setup.

What if my boot size falls between two roller skate plate sizes?

Don't automatically choose the larger plate. Compare the wheelbases and overall dimensions of both options against the boot and consider the axle positions you want. Depending on the setup, the shorter plate may actually be the more appropriate choice.

Is there one correct roller skate plate position?

No. There isn't a single mounting position that is perfect for every skater and every discipline. Plate position can be adjusted to favour characteristics such as stability or manoeuvrability, which is why plate sizing charts should be treated as a starting point rather than an absolute mounting rule.

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