Please read these instructions carefully. The better you measure, the better the fit
and the better the performance.
1. Foot tracing
should be done with the skater sitting. The lower leg should be vertical to the ground, the upper leg
(thigh) in a horizontal position so that the knee forms a 90° angle. The skater should wear the
stockings, or thin socks which are worn when skating. Since feet can differ in length, width and form,
tracings of both feet are required. Hold pencil upright and draw carefully round the feet on the WIFA
Fitting Sheet. Please see fig.1 for drawing round the back of heel (angle pencil so that it traces round
the bottom of the foot).
2. Measure the length, width and round the ball of the feet
The drawing shows you how to measure round the ball of the foot from the base of the big toe joint to
the base of the little toe joint – this will be a slightly diagonal measurement. As distortion can occur
when the Fitting Sheet is sent by fax or email, measure the length and width of the feet in the
drawings, and mark all measurements in cm on the drawings.
3. Assess the size using the Length and Width Table.
This page is divided into three main vertical sections. – Sizes, Length of foot and Width/Ball
measurement. The use of three different shoe lasts (Picco, Reggi and Ralf) and up to 12 widths
allow for individual orthopaedic fitting.
The first section shows the sizing applied by WIFA (first column-blue print) and the equivalent
French /English and CA/ US sizes.
The middle section shows foot length in the three different lasts (Picco, Reggi and Ralf) and the third
section the width or ball measurement
The Picco lasts at the top in red are for children only. They are available in 5 widths (SS, S, M, L,
LL) and full sizes (24-35). Please note that a growth space of 10 mm must be added (+10mm).
Example - Foot length of child: 16.7 cm - requires Size 26. This includes 8 mm for growth. The
inside length of the boot is 17.5 cm. Afterward assess the width.
The Reggi lasts are designed for adult skaters and are available in 4 widths, (SS, S, M, L), in full and
half sizes. They are narrower and have a more pointed cap (toes). A toe space of 7 mm must be
added (+7mm).
The Ralf lasts are also designed for adult skaters with three widths (LL, C NEW! CC) and are for
the wider foot; the soles are wider, the cap is round. The measurements are marked in green. A toe
space of 3 mm must be added (+3mm).
Sizes |
Length of Foot in cm (+ add toe space) |
Widths Ball measurement of Foot in cm
|
Wifa French size | English size | Children Picco 5 widths | SS | S | M | L | LL | C | CC |
24 | 6 3/4 | 15.2 (+10 mm) | 16.00 | 16.35 | 16.65 | 17.00 | 17.50 | ||
25 | 7 1/2 | 15.9 (+10 mm) | 16.30 | 16.65 | 16.95 | 17.50 | 18.00 | ||
26 | 8 1/4 | 16.5 (+10 mm) | 16.65 | 17.00 | 17.30 | 18.00 | 18.50 | ||
27 | 9 | 17.1 (+10 mm) | 17.00 | 17.35 | 17.70 | 18.50 | 19.00 | ||
28 | 9 3/4 | 17.8 (+10 mm) | 17.40 | 17.75 | 18.10 | 19.00 | 19.50 | ||
29 | 10 1/2 | 18.4 (+10 mm) | 17.80 | 18.15 | 18.55 | 19.50 | 20.00 | ||
30 | 11 1/4 | 19.1 (+10 mm) | 18.25 | 18.60 | 19.00 | 20.00 | 20.50 | ||
31 | 12 1/2 | 19.8 (+10 mm) | 18.75 | 19.10 | 19.50 | 20.50 | 21.00 | ||
32 | 13 1/4 | 20.4 (+10 mm) | 19.25 | 19.60 | 20.05 | 21.00 | 21.50 | ||
33 | 1 | 21.1 (+10 mm) | 19.80 | 20.15 | 20.60 | 21.50 | 22.00 | ||
34 | 1 3/4 | 21.8 (+10 mm) | 20.35 | 20.70 | 21.20 | 22.00 | 22.50 | ||
35 | 2 1/2 | 22.4 (+10 mm) | 20.95 | 21.30 | 21.80 | 22.50 | 23.00 | ||
Wifa Fransk storlek | Engelsk storlek |
Reggi läst smalare tå, 4 bredder |
Ralf läst rundad tå, 3 bredder
|
SS | S | M | L | LL | C | CC |
35,5 | 3 | 22.8 (+7 mm) | 32.2 (+3 mm) | 18.8 | 19.3 | 20.05 | 21 | 21 | 22.00 | |
36 | 3 1/2 | 23.3 (+7 mm) | 23.6 (+3 mm) | 19.05 | 19.55 | 20.30 | 21.25 | 21.25 | 22.25 | 23.25 |
37 | 4 | 23.7 (+7 mm) | 24.0 (+3 mm) | 19.30 | 19.80 | 20.55 | 21.50 | 21.50 | 22.50 | 23.50 |
37.5 | 4 1/2 | 24.1 (+7 mm) | 24.4 (+3 mm) | 19.55 | 20.05 | 20.80 | 21.75 | 21.75 | 22.75 | 23.75 |
38 | 5 | 24.6 (+7 mm) | 24.8 (+3 mm) | 19.80 | 20.30 | 21.05 | 22.00 | 22.00 | 23.00 | 24.00 |
39 | 5 1/2 | 25 (+7 mm) | 25.3 (+3 mm) | 20.05 | 20.55 | 21.30 | 22.25 | 22.25 | 23.25 | 24.25 |
39.5 | 6 | 25.4 (+7 mm) | 25.7 (+3 mm) | 20.30 | 20.80 | 20.55 | 22.50 | 22.50 | 23.50 | 24.50 |
40 | 6 1/2 | 25.8 (+7 mm) | 26.1(+3 mm) | 20.55 | 21.05 | 21.80 | 22.75 | 22.75 | 23.75 | 24.75 |
41 | 7 | 26.2 (+7 mm) | 26.5 (+3 mm) | 20.80 | 21.30 | 22.05 | 23.00 | 23.00 | 24.00 | 25.00 |
41.5 | 7 1/2 | 26.6 (+7 mm) | 26.9 (+3 mm) | 21.05 | 21.55 | 22.30 | 23.25 | 23.25 | 24.25 | 25.25 |
42 | 8 | 27.1 (+7 mm) | 27.4 (+3 mm) | 23.30 | 21.80 | 22.55 | 23.50 | 23.50 | 24.50 | 25.50 |
43 | 8 1/2 | 27.5 (+7 mm) | 27.8 (+3 mm) | 21.55 | 22.05 | 22.80 | 23.75 | 23.75 | 27.75 | 25.75 |
43.5 | 9 | 27.9 (+7 mm) | 28.2(+3 mm) | 21.80 | 22.30 | 23.05 | 24.00 | 24.00 | 25.00 | 26.00 |
44 | 9 1/2 | 28.3 (+7 mm) | 28.6 (+3 mm) | ----- | 22.25 | 23.30 | 24.25 | 24.25 | 25.25 | 26.25 |
Removing small pressure points with heat moulding
Heat moulding can be used on all models except for the Prima Hobby and we must emphasize
must only be carried out by a specialized dealer. Boots are warmed to an average temperature of
60-80C. After about five to eight minutes the boots become softer – an experienced dealer knows
how long each boot needs to become moldable. When the boots are warm enough the skater must
put them on immediately and lace them up very tightly. After 30 minutes, when the boots have
cooled down, the skater will find them to be a perfect fit.
Removing pressure points causing intense pain with a popping out device
Painful areas such as bunions, etc. can be relieved with a WIFA Contra or other popping
instrument by a shoemaker or a dealer specialized in Figure Skates.
9. Extra Support needed?
Nowadays most feet require some orthopaedic support extra support under the metatarsal and or
plantar arches. When measuring, check for dropped arches or flat feet and if this is the case, order
Wifasana insoles, which may only be worn with WIFA boots. Remove the existing inner sole and
replace with the correct size Wifasana. The use of these insoles will lift up the foot, making it slightly
narrower and shorter. The dealer may find other adjustments to be necessary.
10. How to Lace up correctly
Correct lacing is extremely important. Leave the toe area loosely laced, but lace tightly over the
instep up to the ankle, drawing the foot firmly into the heel of the boot. Keep the last two upper
hooks a bit looser so as not to impede circulation. Hooks should always be laced from top down to
keep them from working loose, When breaking in boots relace boots from time to time to enable the
boots to take on the shape of the foot.
11. Care of the Boots
Like all quality products, WIFA boots deserve the best possible care and even children can be taught
to look after their own boots.
All feet sweat during training - some more than others, and even though the boots are made of
breathable leather, they can get very damp inside. After training the boots should be carefully dried
inside and outside. They should not be left in a plastic bag longer than necessary, as this can cause
mould to form. Skating bags should only be used for carrying boots from the rink to home. Skating
boots should never be put on top of, or near to a radiator, but left in a well ventilated place. If they
are very damp, they can be stuffed with newspaper to absorb the damp. Does not use an abrasive
cleaner instead gently wipe off any dirt with a soft damp sponge. For certain types of leather a
product for example from Collonil may be used, and a special leather brush for Nubuk leather.
Its important to check that the screws on the blades are still tight, as otherwise moisture can
penetrate the leather and cause damage.
The soles have been waxed but in time rubbed places should be waxed again to prevent damp seeping
in. Does not use varnish - this could trap the damp inside and cause mildew.
12. Breaking in the boots
Allow your new boots time to break in and conform to your feet. Do not attempt to do all the jumps,
spins and deep knee bends until your boots are ready. Undue pressure on the leather can cause your
boots to break down prematurely. Unfortunately, there are times especially if there has been a boot
change before a Championship when there is no time to break the boot in. Forward planning is
recommended.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE MOUNTING OF BLADES
1. Assess middle line of skating boot
Look at boot from underneath and trace with your eye where the middle line could be. This has nothing to do
with the middle seam in the front, or the back leather inserts. Mark the middle, in the front of the sole and the
back of the heel. Look at the shoe from the top, holding with one finger on either side of the shaft. Try to
assess where the foot and where the heaviest weight could be. Check if original middle marks are still correct.
If not, adjust accordingly.
2. Place blade on the sole
Hold the shoe with the heel towards you and align the marks on the sole and heel with the middle stantion of
the blade. Then mark one of the back slots. Of the two it is preferable to do the inside one. Then mark one of
the slots on the front of the sole, diagonal to the one marked on the heel. Drill two holes. Use a long screw for
the heel, and a short one for the sole, screw in a little, just enough to fix the blade. Turn boot over and stand
upright on the blade on a flat surface. If it is not balanced, adjust gently until the boot stands upright, and it
looks right to the eye. Fasten the two screws just enough so the blade is stable enough to be tried out on the
ice.
3. Skater to have preliminary try-out on the ice.
The skater should be able to skate straight backwards and forwards, without any deviation of direction. If not,
adjust blade accordingly, more to one side or to the other, until it feels right, and the skater can skate forwards
or backwards in a straight line.
4. Insert rest of screws.
Insert two screws in the front of the sole plate. One screw at the back of the sole plate, on the opposite side to
the fixed slot, and one screw on the heel, diagonally opposite to the one in the slot.
I M P O R T A N T
The fixing of the screws must be done slowly and gradually, screwing alternately at the front
and then at the back. This alternate slow fixing allows a natural stretching of the boot sole.
Leather boots have a natural curve, and this becomes apparent when the blade is first held
against the sole. There is a gap between the front of the sole and blade. If the blade is fixed
firmly first to the heel, then force will be needed to bring the front of the boot and the blade
together. This could cause the blade to bend, and could cause damage to the boot. It must be
emphasised that this part of blade mounting must be done slowly and carefully, alternately at
front and the back several times.
5. Skater tries out boot and blades again.
If the blades and boots now feel right, tighten screws completely. Otherwise, make any small adjustments
which may be necessary, either by a) applying pressure at the front or the back of the blade, or b) on the whole
blade to the left or the right.
6. How to assess the correct length of blade.
The lowest pick should be on the same line as the big toe, and the centre of the rear stantion should be below
the centre of the heel.
It is better to spend time on the beginning and middle stages of blade mounting to get them correctly mounted
so that it feels right for the skater, than having to remove the screws at the end and start all over
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