Help on Reidell skate question?

[MinnesotaJenn]

Hi.   I am an adult skating in size 7 Riedell emerald skates.  I love them but am a heavy skater.  Just finished all 6 adult levels and excited to learn more.  I'm also working hard to lose weight and skating is helping but after 40 that is so much more difficult! 

Trying to decide on riedell diamond or stride?   If the size 7 Emeralds fit well, should that size be okay in other Reidell styles?   I cannot easily get to a fitter and will most likely order online.

Skating just over 3 hours a week. 

Thank you so very much!   I really appreciate your help and time. 

I have been reading these board and really enjoying them.  Thank you all for sharing your knowledge. 
Thank you again!

[cittiecat]

I bought the Riedell stride as my first 'real' pair of skates I'm 220lbs and about 5'4". I've been loving them other than my one ankle is a little wider then the other which has resulted in some lace bite.
I picked stride over diamond because diamond I my size was back ordered significantly, so I moved up a level in skate which given my weight wasn't too big a deal.

So here is my advice: if you are lighter then consider staying where you are or looking maybe at the Jackson Elle, but give your skating level you should have a
sole that allows a non- manufacture blade (i.e. Leather) so I recommend the stride or Jackson artiste so you can pick your best boot blade combo. If you like Riedell fittings then stick with it. It's my understanding they are pretty standard last across all of their skates. I wear an 8W, which I am still playing with but like overall.  In Jackson I would be an 8.5D at least. There are other brands to consider and if you have more opportunities to try skates definitely take them. I'm in South Caroleina and fairly limited.

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[MinnesotaJenn]

Thank you Cittiecat for taking the time to help.   Much appreciated and very helpful!

[Ethereal Ice]

Was just having a related conversation on another thread I am a complete newbie and have started in discontinued Riedell Silver Star 355s. So apparently they are about equivalent to the Bronze Star in today's line up. I am also a plus sized skater, but I have long, rather narrow feet. I am in a 9A and they fit beautifully, just a little toe wiggle room and no movement anywhere else, they did require some break in, about ten skates before I stopped having an overall pressure sensation, now they just feel like an extension of my foot. No blisters, no punch outs were needed. So the reason I bring this up is that as a plus size person I know I need more support. The current bronze stars are rated about 80 in support, and I believe I am getting about that from the older Silver Stars, I do not feel over booted, they offer excellent support without feeling like casts. That is quite a bit more than the Emerald or even the Stride, and you are more advanced than me, so I thought you may want to consider the more supportive Bronze Star Riedell the next time around, they may last you longer. I still use the lower level blades, MK single star, definitely did not want to over blade myself.

[MinnesotaJenn]

Thank you Ethereal Ice, thank you so much!   I'm a little afraid of boots and blades.  So much to figure out.  And so much to trust in a fitter. 


This week in class we were walking on our toe picks and my right ankle gave a bit and now the right boot has a big crease.  I think this means they are breaking down?   But how do I know for sure?  I'm a bit afraid to put them back on but I can't miss class and that is okay right?



Your experience has really helped me think differently. I think I do need a significantly firmer boot.  Will need to figure that out soon!


Happy Skating to all!!

[TreSk8sAZ]

This week in class we were walking on our toe picks and my right ankle gave a bit and now the right boot has a big crease.  I think this means they are breaking down?   But how do I know for sure?  I'm a bit afraid to put them back on but I can't miss class and that is okay right?

No advice on which boot, as that's a personal decision. I will say that if Riedell skates work for your foot, then Jackson may not as they are shaped a bit differently.

However, I can address the above. A crease does not necessarily mean they are breaking down, but it can. It can also mean that it's broken in, which is very different. Do you feel like you have lateral (side-to-side) support when you skate? Do you feel like the boot is stable underneath you? Can you do a deep knee bend and still feel like the boot is providing some support?

Even if the boot is breaking down, you likely will be fine doing your classes. I break boots, and I have skated in boots that were so broken down I had to duct tape the ankles for any sort of support. I still got through programs, including all of my jumps and spins, even with that little support. And I am definitely not small.

[MinnesotaJenn]

Hi tresk8saz,
Thank you for the questions below to help us newbie skaters understand the things to think about with boots.    These are good questions that will help many!