Maybe I can get some discussion going? Both for my questions about a boot order and for fun in general too regarding colour and fancy options you might select.
First of all: I'd love any input on skate tongues you all can come up with, please! I'm curious about leather lined foam and full lambswool.
If anyone has or can find photos of these different types with some wear or has any experience I'd love more information. I'm torn between the options when ordering skates.
Right now I have unlined foam. I do not care for how it can tear a bit, but it has been perfectly comfortable so far.
This made me consider the lined version anticipating better durability, but I saw a brand new pair (online) with this option and did not think it looked as well finished or comfortable as I had imagined. Brand new skates all generally look less comfortable however, and I suppose I shouldn't be so picky about the stitching, (but I'm detail oriented and a seamstress so...)
Lambswool is intriguing, but I can't find many photos or reports. The lambswool section of a 50/50 tongue I have on spares seems nice though. I don't like the 50/50 since it doesn't solve the tearing foam edge situation.
I confirmed that my skates are the double duo bond (highest strength) 3 layer construction that I suspected! Oh my! When I tried less stiff boots recently I did not like it and plan to get the same, but other things I am thinking to opt for now are a double wedge scallop, thinsulate layer, a bit of glitter, and the other big question: leather type and colour.
I've mostly talked myself into pebble white after an initial idea of black or medium grey suede.
I welcome opinions and photos of white pebble if anyone has that or any other suggestion. (White suede sounds like a nightmare, because I picture myself doing a lunge or wiping out on someone's marker lines my first time out, lol.) I figure I better stick with the "traditional" white but thought it would be nice to do something other than the usual smooth finish at least if I'm going all out and getting customs. Has anyone heard of any other leather finish to look into?
Some coaches I see around here have blue, purple, or pink suede.
Coach Awesome had black suede SP Terries, and I liked the patina. Other than that I've seen the usual smooth black, white, and tan. Harlick has some pretty interesting leathers and designs, but I'm not going bold.