Could we consider making something like this a sticky post?. So many people on this forum complain of poor skate boot fit.
Problems with boot fitWith the exception of my claim that many people can modify boot fit themselves, everything here would be agreed upon by most experienced skaters who have had skate fit problems, and by most coaches:
1. If you can go to shops that have boots your size in stock, you may get lucky, and find stock boots that fit, or that can be modified to fit.
2. Minor changes (up to about 1/2 - 1 size) to the size and shape of a boot can be made by expert skate boot fitters. Perhaps even your current boots. (Much more controversially,
I believe, that many people can do as good a job of fixing skate boot fit after they are made as the experts. (There are exceptions. Plus you need patience and an analytic frame of mind.)
3. Your foot should be squeezed a bit, though probably not at the toes, because even very small motions inside a skate can lead to injuries or blisters. They should not fit like ordinary shoes or boots.
4. Even if your old skates haven't broken down, it may be worth getting new boots that fit better. With some very durable boots, if you wait for break down you will have years of pain, and possibly expensive and/or long-term medical problems.
5. If your boots are too small, or there a specific high pressure points, to some extant the boot can be molded and/or stretched by a good skate boot fitter. Extra space can be made by using thinner insoles, or possibly none at all if the boot bottom is smooth. Low pressure points (which create blisters, or fail to adequately support the foot) can be fixed using tape or adhesive foam. These things can be done on your current boots, and are also typically the final step in adjusting new boots, if your fitter is good.
6. AFAIK, all major skate boot makers offer a money back satisfaction guarantee on custom boots. So it costs you nothing but shipping costs and time to try. Be sure to call the boot maker to verify this before the order. In addition, if you have custom boots that don't fit, they will probably be willing to fix the problem for free.
7. It is a great idea to use the best skate boot fitter you are willing to travel to. Ask the boot maker for a referral. Don't use a fitter to order skates that the specific brand of boot you order doesn't recommend. Don't say they have to be in your city - it is quite normal for skaters to travel hundreds of miles or more for a good fitter. If that sounds extreme, ask a bunch of skaters what problems they have had with their boots, and you will see that those problems can be pretty extreme too.
8. Many think that the best fitter for a brand of custom boot is the master boot maker themselves. In addition, some boot makers send traveling highly qualified fitters, trained at the factory, around the world to fit people for their brand of boots. Call the factory for info.
9. If you don't go to the factory boot fitter, you probably want a fitter who deals with several brands of boot, because different brands of boot please people with different foot shapes, even in custom boots. The master boot makers will probably tell you if they don't think they can fit your foot. A non-factory fitter may not tell you that.)
10. If you choose to get an orthotic made, make sure the fitter and boot maker takes that into account, so there is space inside the boot to fit the orthotic. Removing the current insole may or may not provide enough space. But only a very small number of medical specialists have the necessary knowledge, equipment and practice dealing with figure skating boots to do so well. Ask the boot maker for referrals to specialists who have done a good job. And ask other experienced skaters and coaches. Once again, many skaters travel long distances for a good specialist.
Hope that helps.
Topic: Orthotics in skates? (Read 7169 times)