The skates are here, yes they are white and shinny. The interior padding on the sides of ankle is definitely drier and much thinner compared to my (close to end of life) current competitors of the same size. I am guessing the padding is thinner by design - from 15+ years ago.
With foot length of 9", I am size 5 in Jackson. Compared to my old skates of the exact same size and width (5B), they are visually the same length from outside, but look much narrower.
Assume Jackson sizing stayed consistent (big if), I am speculating
1) New skates are just narrower and expand over time
2) Padding is thinner hence skates look narrower on the outside
3) Some combination of the above
Ankle bone immediately hurts like crazy when I put my feet into the skates, BEFORE lacing up. I see some punching out in order if the skates are kept. Toe box seems narrower too. It also *feels* longer than my current skates, but if I put an index finger between the heel and my foot, it seems to be about the same in length.
I skated 2 very shaky laps in them between the shows today with mixed feelings. To be fair, I attribute the inability to stop to blades 1/3" longer than my current ones. Not sure how it will work, need a pro shop appointment soon!