Help Choosing New Skates - need to get it right the first time!

[rd350]

Hi, first post on this forum.

I just returned to skating after about a 12 year hiatus.  Before my first time back on the ice I had my Riedell Royal's (with Coronation Ace blades) overhauled at Westside Skate (NYC).  My feet had changed just a bit I think but these may not have ever really fit quite right and they were pretty expensive when I got them 20-something years ago I think and were in surprisingly great condition otherwise.  Westside did a great job punching them out where needed but I still have issues and am ready for new skates.  Also because my skill level is going up.

The Riedell Royals are too narrow in the toe box and too big in the heel.  My heel is moving around.  If I tie them too tight, or even just tight enough, I have a constant bad "ache" in the foot and if I tie them too loose, well it's just not enough support.  I shoot for going just short of the ache, or dealing with some level of ache, depending on what I'm working on.

At Westside they wanted to put me in Jacksons because they said the toe box is wider.  I tried on Premieres but liked the 4200's better, although Premieres felt better when they heat molded them.

I have a higher level coach now (who is great) and he (and another high level coach) both said that if I'm used to skating in Riedell's, the Jackson's would really throw off my skating because the heel is higher and both did not recommend any Jackson's for me.  Both said I should get Riedell Gold Stars and one of them told me I can get a "B" width toebox and an "A" width heel.

I'm not even doing doubles and really working more on my edges and turns first and foremost before doing a lot of tricks (though I am doing some).  I think the Gold Star's are a pretty high level boot for triples and quads but my guess is both coaches recommended them for fit more than level.

I am ready to spend a lot on skates, what I am not ready to do is get it wrong and have to get yet another pair so how does one really decide??  Especially if I need two different widths in a Reidell.

I'm trying to get an appointment with Jim at the Ice House for a fitting.  I will probably wait, but it's been a couple of weeks and I haven't heard back.  I know there is a wait for him and that's okay.

So any suggestions on how to make this decision?  Westside didn't even have Gold Stars to try on.  When I called today to see if they did, the guy advised me that if we don't get it right on the first pair, we definitely would on the second.  That kind of blew me away.  We're talking $600 just for the boot - twice to get it right, as a "plan"?  Maybe he just wasn't the guy to talk to....

Would love suggestions.  Thanks!

[amy1984]

I had the same problem with Riedell - my heel felt like it was slipping in every model.  I wouldn't say Jackson would be 'bad', but it would be different.  Then again, I'm not an expert!  But I have a good friend who switched without issues.  I've worn Jackson and find them to fit well.  Gam is similar but the heel feels lower to me.  One of the fitters at the Skating Boutique in TO put me in Risports.  They fit my narrow heel well.  However, they are quite stiff and the break in time was a little long.  I have RF3 Supers.  It is true though that you can get a split width Riedell.  I've switched brands almost every time I've bought skates.  Maybe I'm just an odd duck, but I've never had any major issues with switching.  Sure, there was an adjustment period, but nothing terrible.  Over time, companies change lasts, and maybe another brand will be a better fit.

[fsk8r]

In getting new boots and blades that will throw your skating. New boots won't bend the same way as the old and new blades won't have a flattened profile which happens with all blades over the years.
Therefore adding in a change of heel height isn't going to affect your skating any more or less than getting new boots. I've switched from Risport to Jackson to Grafs. Changed blades several times and the worst learning curve was putting new blades on old boots.
I now skate on Jacksons for dance and Grafs for free. The Grafs have a significantly lower heel height. The only bit of my skating which is affected are twizzles and spins and then I do my learning on one set of boots and once it's secure and I'm confident I move the skill over to the new boots. Edges and turns there's no affect. I'm a pretty average skater.
So while I appreciate the advice the coaches are giving you, I would also take it with a pinch of salt.

The best advice I was ever told was to find a pair of boots which feet your feet. Doesn't matter which brand it is, you want ones which fit. And appropriate strength level to your skating, but you want them to fit. As you say, it's a lot of money to be wasting, and you won't be rushing back for new ones quickly and a lot of people on this forum can tell you the pain and discomfort they've put up with from poorly fitting boots.

Take your time and find something that works for your feet.

[ChristyRN]

I just upgraded from a Jackson Competitor to the Premiere because the Competitors were the wrong size (for 12 years!) If you like the feel of the 4200, but don't feel like it's a perfect fit, spend a little extra and get a split width. I went from a 7 (had B and a C widths) to a split 7B heel and arch and a 6EEE forefoot lasted to 6.5 length. So far, worth every penny.  Adjusting to a new heel height might take a bit, just like re-learning everything I've done for the entire time I've been skating is taking a while. It's a totally different feel when the "sweet spot" is under the ball of the foot rather than the toes.

The good thing about being an adult is that if the skate fits, you won't outgrow it. I think it's worth the extra outlay to get the right equipment.  Also, my proshop told me they would "get it right". I don't know if that meant they would get a new pair at no cost to me or what, but so far, they've done me right. Didn't charge to mount blades, snow seal, or punch out a spot on my heel. The didn't measure or fit, but did the rest after I ordered through them. I think it's important to have someone to trust at your proshop.

[FigureSpins]

Welcome to skatingforums!

Jim at the Hack is excellent, but you do have to make appointments well in advance.  He's really busy and sometimes overlooks emails, so if you've waited more than a week and haven't heard back, just send a new message. 

The same is true of Mike at Skater's Paradise in Waldorf, MD.  Mike serves as a competition skate tech, so he travels a lot and is often unavailable at the last minute.  However, they always respond to emails promptly.

What level are you skating at now, in terms of skills?  The old Royals weren't as stiff as their current counterpart, so you could probably start off with a less-expensive skate that's more comparable in terms of support and fit.  When your skills return fully, you'll probably be due to replace the boots anyway.  In the short-term, you can save yourself some money and break-in/development time by using less-stiff boots.  Just a suggestion since you're an adult and the blades will likely be transferrable.

[rd350]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

@FigureSpins - thanks, I will e-mail Jim again.  I am going to wait until he can fit me but the sooner the better.  I know there is a control issue with the current boots.  However, that said - unleveling my coach this past week made a huge difference too.  For instance, getting control on my forward outside 3-turns - I was blaming it on my skates because I've been working on it for so long and couldn't get good control and a smooth, slow turn.  But after 1 lesson with the new coach, I did!

My level - passed ISI Delta's in our group class in June but I can do the ISI Freestyle I as well.  Working on skills now for Pre-bronze.
I want to say my skills now are better than they ever were because although I did all sorts of things, I never really had lessons and didn't do skills correctly.

Do you think it's bad to go with a higher level boot (i.e. likely much stiffer) if the boot fit feels better?  That is what I was worried about with Gold Stars.  I know they are way stiffer.  I was trying to find Silvers to try on too, but can't find anyone who carries them in town.

As for the split widths, I am guessing that's what I'll need and since they would have to be ordered I would guess I'm stuck with them if they aren't quite right?  That's one of my concerns.  Hopefully with Jim I'll get the right fit and it will all work out right.  I will e-mail him again right now.  Thanks for the heads up on re-contacting if I don't hear back by now.

@fsk8r absolutely - I must have boots that really fit my feet right.  I have decent feet.  No big issues.  BUT- I have always needed "good" shoes, even off the ice.  My feet are easily bothered by any poorly made or fit shoe and always have been.  I guess I'm sensitive.  :  )

[rd350]

@FigureSpins thanks again for the advice.  Jim e-mailed me back this morning and I have an appointment with him on 7/31!  Can't wait!