I have now skated in my new boots three times: on an almost empty freestyle session, a stroking class, and my group class/holiday show rehearsal.
Putting Them On
I put them on for the first time and was absolutely both delighted and befuddled. My feet didn't hurt. All I'd done was slide them in and lace them. I dreaded putting on my old boots due to the pain. I felt like I was wearing clouds with these. They seemed to fit perfectly the instant I put them on. The width of the ball was perfect. I'm using a tip I found on Agnes' blog about hair ties over the top hooks until the skates are broken in.
Skating
I skated for 45 minutes the first time on temporary mountings. Did a lot of edgework and basic skills to get accustomed to the feel. I skated very tentatively because not only did I have on the new boots, I'd forgotten to put on my kneepads, which I realized after I stepped onto the ice and my knees felt colder than normal. My coach did a fantastic job on the placement of the blade; I didn't need anything adjusted. They felt much better than on my old boots.
Second time out was a less tentative and more along the process of breaking them in. I didn't do my usual Saturday morning freestyle. Instead I spent half an hour lacing and unlacing them to see what lacing pattern I liked and what I needed. (My old boots needed a Very Specific pattern.) Even so, I ended up having to re-tie the left one five minutes into stroking class because my heel was popping out on the back crossovers. I was much slower than normal and struggling to find my balance point (posture issues), but good.
For class and show rehearsal, I did decently. I have all my jumps. I felt entirely supported, which was an amazing feeling. Finding my rocker was actually slightly easier for spins. I'm having a problem getting into sit spins because my boot is so stiff.
Issues
Heels: My biggest issue. I keep coming out slightly, which honestly wasn't a surprise. 3As are still slightly too big for me. I had to pad out my old skates and I'm wearing the pads in these. I'm thinking about baking them to see if I can form them a bit closer around my heel to help. If not, more padding.
Ankle coverage: I need to get a gel sleeve for around the leg where the boots rub, as they're higher and hit differently. Need a bit of coverage there so my shins won't bruise. I'm already wearing Bunga Pads Boot Bumper, but they don't come high enough.
Lacing Pattern: Still figuring this one out. I like the lacing style my coach did, just have to play with it a bit until I'm happy.
Initial Impressions
Overall, after about two and a half hours on the ice, I feel like I made the right choice in my boots. My feet do not hurt while wearing them aside from the normal breaking-in process. They do not hurt after I've taken them off. I am supported in my movements and in my jumps. I'm happy.
Does anyone have any other advice or suggestions?