I skated for five years back when I was a teen. I wore Harlick High Testers for my main skates and Reidell Gold Stars as my backup pair.
I have had four back surgeries and want to get back on the ice as it's good mental therapy for me. I've been bedridden for fifteen months but I'm finally walking and out of my wheelchair. I've gained a LOT of weight and currently around 250 @ 5'8"
I have a high arch and wide foot (size 10 shoe, with a 10" ball circumference.) I sold my old skates JUST last year since my feet are now exponentially wider than they were when I was a teenager. I used to fit a 9B but now I'm almost off the stock boot charts.
There are so many new brands I've been checking out. I have had three pair of Reidells but I simply don't like their build quality compared to my Harlicks. Which manufacturer has the roomiest ball and toe area, and arch support? I will still want a stiff boot since that's what feels best, combined with my high weight. I'm open to a high tester even though I won't be jumping but I do want a little more flexibility than I used to have without compromising support.
I'm between Klingbeil and Harlick but also like some of the newer technology, such as Edea and Jackson. The problem is, there are unbelievably no shops in Atlanta. Any suggestions?