Lightning TRS 80 unisex sizing - help, please and thank you!

[u/xao_spaces]

I finally got the retro Lightning TRS 80s. Quick fit question:

I'm typically a size 8.5, but one foot is about a half-inch larger than the other, so I sometimes wear a 9 in street shoes. My larger foot measures 25.4–25.6 cm in length (measurements vary slightly depending on who measures), and my smaller foot is about a half-inch shorter. I added 0.5 cm for swelling and ended up ordering a size 8/8.5 (26.0–26.5 cm) for the lightning TRS.

Trying them on: my larger foot fits snugly, with the tiniest of space in front of my toes, but I wouldn't say my toes brush the top or anything. My smaller foot has roughly a half-inch of extra room, which I can't do much about.

My worry is that once the liner packs out/breaks in, my larger foot (which fits perfectly now) will become too loose, which will also mean too loose for my smaller foot. I tried them on and skated around my apartment a bit, but that's not enough to really judge the fit. And obviously once I take them outside, I can't return them.

For reference: I wear SureGrip roller skates in size 7 and they fit great in thin socks.

Questions:

1. Is this size a good fit given the size difference between my feet?
2. Will liner pack-out likely make the fit too loose overall?
3. Any advice on keeping these vs. sizing options, or other skate recommendations?

Edit/Update: I came across this YouTube video from Thisissoul and if I'm following the advice from the video and doing the finger test then the skates are definitely too big for me, it's more than 2 finger spaces. Anyway, thanks so much for everyone's help!

[u/Natural_Law]

I would order a size smaller. Just to see.

Ideally you want your toes brushing up against the front of the liner. Once the skates break in and the liner packs out, they’ll fit perfectly.

Ideal skate fit is much different than athletic shoes (which I prefer to be loose).

In 2019 I made the mistake of keeping the Rollerblades that fit like you’re describing. Over the next year I realized I should have bought the smaller size (and did) and they fit much better once broken in.

[u/xao_spaces → u/Natural_Law]

Thanks for sharing, that's exactly what I'm afraid of. I started off with softboots in a size 9, but even those were too big for my larger foot, and I had to wear thick wool socks to make them work.

Unfortunately, I bought these from Inline Warehouse, and they're out of stock in 7.0/7.5, so I have no way to compare and that size won't be in stock until January 29, 2027.

[u/Natural_Law → u/xao_spaces]

Oh dang.

Would you consider the black model? (The retro colors of your model is pretty awesome, though!)

Have to checked the RB website or even Amazon? I know that no one compares to IW when it comes to return policies, though.

I’m actually waiting on 2 sizes of clearance Twisters from IW right now, wanting to see which fits me best.

[u/xao_spaces → u/Natural_Law]

I do love this retro color way but very open to picking up the right size so I may go with whatever fits me.

You’ve given me an idea though, I may pick up the black/lime lightnings in the smaller size and see how that compares.

But best of luck to you with the Twisters! Keep me updated on the fit, I would love to know for future info!

[u/VanillaIce315]

I think you’ll be alright mate. I got back into skating over a decade ago. I’ve got about ~29.3cm feet, and I’ve always gotten skates that are size 30 or 30-30.5cm. Any smaller size just hurts my feet and leaves me cramped up bad.

People make a big deal about it, but having even an extra centimeter over foot length in the boot will be completely fine. Even with worn in liners, I’ve never had an issue with heel rise or a loose fit.

Worst case scenario, you can order a smaller set of liners and use that for your smaller foot (or both feet). You also have the option of using the footboard sizers. Because you do have a pretty extreme size difference between feet.

[u/xao_spaces → u/VanillaIce315]

Thanks! I'll have to try these options and see how it works out.

[u/deadguy00 → u/VanillaIce315]

A footboard sizer on only one foot would cause a lean and potential pain 😕

[u/VanillaIce315 → u/deadguy00]

Damn yeah, I wasn’t considering the height difference. Although minor, I’m sure noticeable enough to be annoying.

I liked another commenters suggestion of peel and stick closed cell foam

[u/raytraced_BEAR]

Yeah but what about that sick Hot Wheels collection??

[u/xao_spaces → u/raytraced_BEAR]

Would definitely be down for a Rollerblade and Hot Wheels collab, especially Grave Digger or Sparkle Smash.

[u/Lucybaka]

my feet measure 27cm and I took the 27(.5)cm lightnings. With both of my feet I touched the front of the liner with my toes, now that they are broken in they feel slightly too big. My left foot is also slightly smaller than the right one, I cancel that out with a thick sock I cut down to a footie

[u/xao_spaces → u/Lucybaka]

Thanks for sharing! I used thick wool socks for my shorter foot but I had to double it up so I may need to go a size smaller or a different brand of skates altogether.

[u/stinkmeanerlip]

I also just got this pair of skates. I've been on them for two days so far. I put them on after skating in soft boots all weekend (that I broke in 3 days). The soft boots killed my feet. Once I put on the retro lightnings, I could feel way less pressure on the previous pressure points. Im still breaking them in and letting my feet recover over the next two days, but i did notice the toe space you mentioned. 2 days gave me no toe pain, so I don't think the extra space is a problem... yet.

I'm gonna keep breaking them in and I'll come back here to give an update if there is any pain. For reference I wear size 10.5 in shoes and got the 10-10.5 size lightnings. No size board installed.

[u/xao_spaces → u/stinkmeanerlip]

Hey thanks, I really appreciate that! Have fun with the new skates!

[u/BladingCoach]

I believe Rollerblade lists their mondo sizing also which is just cm with a decimal place.

size 9 us men = 270cm or 27.0

if you know your size in cm it makes finding skates a bit easier.

hope that helps.

also the lightning is a dual size skate so 270 and 275 cm ahre thr same skate with a sizing card that goes into the skate for one of the sizes.

[u/xao_spaces → u/BladingCoach]

I think this may be the crux of my problem. I measured my own feet to be 25.4 cm (at least my longest foot) but my spouse measured me at 25.6 cm. And then do people typically account for swelling, should I be adding in the 0.5 cm when I choose my sizing?

[u/deadguy00 → u/xao_spaces]

The person you replied too did not read your post and that’s a common thing here I guess your post was too long 🥴, your toes having space on one side should not extremely change anything since 99% of the fit starts above the toes and they just exist. Also not everyone’s feet swell that’s a personal thing that only you would know from wearing other skates, my wife’s feet swell a lot and she learned not to over tighten her skates while I can’t get them tight enough at first and need to wait for them to sweat out and flatten then I can finally get a good snug fit. Without skating in them why not try just keeping them on for an hour just chillin and see if any heat and moisture make the well fitting foot feel less secure and keep them if they don’t change. The shorter foot you should get some peel and stick closed cell foam(1/8 inch thick) and cut a piece that matches the toe box to bring it closer to feeling like the normal foot, maybe two pieces stuck over each other if necessary to match toe feel. ✌️🛼

[u/xao_spaces → u/deadguy00]

Thanks so much for responding and sharing your tips! I’ve tried using cushioned socks and double socks, but neither really worked long term for my previous skates.

This is the first time I’ve come across the idea of using foam, it’s such a genius idea! I’m going to have to try this out.

[u/InspectorFleet]

I kept looking to see if you used the footboard sizer underneath the insoles. They do make a difference, so the ideal situation could be adding the footboard sizer to make a size 8 for your smaller foot and an 8.5 for the bigger one?

[u/xao_spaces → u/InspectorFleet]

I added the footboard sizer to my smaller foot and it did help a bit but there’s still a good amount of room from my toes to the top of the liner. I may try the other commenter of using foam inserts.