Children's hockey gear is sized by age group and body measurements — not by shoe size. "Youth" gear fits young children (roughly under 8) and "Junior" gear fits roughly 7 to 13, though every brand's chart differs a little. Leave only about 1–1.5 cm (around half an inch) of growth room in skates, choose a short, low-flex stick, and size the helmet by head circumference. For fast-growing feet, adjustable skates save money because they extend as your child grows.
What do Youth, Junior and Intermediate mean?
Hockey brands group gear into four size bands. Exact ranges vary by brand and product, so always check the chart on the product page or ask us.
- Youth — young children, roughly under 8. Small, light and very flexible gear.
- Junior — roughly 7 to 13. The most common size for school players.
- Intermediate — roughly 11 to 14, for players between junior and adult sizes.
- Senior — teenagers and adults.
How do I size skates for my child?
- Measure both feet in centimetres, standing on paper, wearing the thin sports socks they will skate in. Use the larger foot. Our skate size guide has step-by-step pictures.
- Compare with the brand chart. Hockey skates usually run half to one full size smaller than shoes.
- Leave a little room to grow — about 1–1.5 cm (around half an inch), not more. With the skate laced, you should just fit a finger behind the heel.
- Check heel lift. If the heel lifts more than slightly when your child bends the knees, the skate is too big.
⚠️ Warn: Skates bought two sizes too big "to last longer" are the most common mistake. Loose skates cause blisters, weak ankles and make learning to stop much harder — kids lose confidence fast.
Are adjustable skates worth it for kids?
Yes, for young children whose feet grow quickly. Adjustable skates extend across several sizes with a button or slider, so one pair can last much longer than fixed-size skates.
- Bauer XLP adjustable inline skates (Junior)
- Bauer X-LP adjustable junior roller hockey skates
- Bauer Lil' Rookie adjustable skates for the youngest beginners
- Alkali Cele adjustable roller hockey skates
How do I choose the right stick length and flex for a child?
- Length: with skates on, the top of the stick should reach roughly between the chin and nose. In shoes, it usually sits closer to the nose. Too long a stick makes puck control hard — when in doubt, go shorter.
- Flex: kids need a low flex so they can actually bend the stick when shooting. A common rule is around half the body weight in pounds; youth and junior sticks are made with lower flex for this reason.
- Youth sticks are shorter and lighter — for example the Fischer RC One IS1 Youth 46". Read our stick flex guide for more.
💡 Tip: Sticks can be cut down to size, but a cut stick becomes stiffer. For small children, start with a youth-length stick rather than cutting a long one.
How do I size a hockey helmet for a child?
Measure around the head with a soft tape, just above the eyebrows and around the widest part at the back, in centimetres. Match that number to the helmet's size chart.
- The helmet should sit level, about one finger above the eyebrows, and not move when your child shakes their head.
- Always use a cage or full face shield for children.
- Options include the Bauer Prodigy youth helmet combo and the T3 Sports hockey helmet combo.
How do I size gloves, elbow pads and shin guards?
- Gloves: measured from fingertips to the end of the cuff. The cuff should meet the elbow pad with only a small gap. Junior options include the Bauer Supreme M3 junior gloves and CCM Tacks XF 80 junior gloves.
- Elbow pads: the elbow sits in the centre of the cup; the pad should reach the glove cuff.
- Shin guards: measured from the middle of the kneecap to the top of the skate boot. The knee should sit centred in the knee cup — see the Sherwood T60X junior shin guards.
Browse all protective gear. Goalies have their own sizing — see goalie equipment, including youth sets like the Bauer Prodigy youth goalie pads.
How often will my child need new gear?
Growing children often need new skates every season or two, and new protective gear when pads no longer cover the joints. Check fit at the start of every season: heel lift in skates, gaps between gloves and elbow pads, and whether the helmet still sits level.
Are kids' hockey sizes the same outside India?
Yes. Youth, Junior, Intermediate and Senior sizes — and each brand's size charts — are the same worldwide, so the method above works in any country. Measure in centimetres or inches, compare with the brand chart, and leave only a little growth room. In India's heat, air out pads and gloves after every session, and choose harder outdoor wheels for inline skating on concrete.
How do I order kids' hockey gear from T3 Sports?
Send us on WhatsApp (+91 91112 22274):
- your child's age, height and weight
- foot length in cm (and shoe size)
- head circumference in cm for a helmet
- the sport — ice, inline, roller hockey or rollball
New to the sport? Start with our beginner gear checklist.