Rockerz / Riedell R-Fit footbed kit

[dlbritton]

I recently ordered Rockerz, a Riedell R-Fit footbed kit and both Riedell and Jackson laces ( see Oct 27 entry in Locker Room) but wanted to give my review in the Pro Shop.

Rockerz definitely easier and more stable to walk in than my old generic blade guards.

Used the pronation wedges included with the Riedell footbed and noticed an immediate difference in my right boot. Before I always felt off center on my right foot, most apparent on a long right foot flat/straight glide. Now it feels completely neutral. The left foot doesn't feel much different except for a small amount of pressure in the left heel I didn't feel before but I didn't notice any difference in glides. Outside edges both directions felt more stable.

My coach commented my forward crossovers were better in both directions, especially the push under which uses an outside edge.
3 turns and mohawks were a little awkward as I am still adjusting to the new footbeds.

I put in the new Jackson laces which are 2" longer than the Riedell and the extra inch on each side made tying them easier. The Jackson laces feel like they grip a little better than the original Riedell's in my boots. My old laces are 3 years old and getting frayed in a few spots. I didn't want to have them break some day and not have spares.

[FigureSpins]

I liked the Riedell footbed system, but the footbed material wore thin under the inside ball of my foot, leaving me off balance again.  I agree that it's a good concept.  I think I need custom orthotics for my skates, but they fit so snugly that I don't think I could get them to fit inside.

[dlbritton]

I think I need custom orthotics for my skates, but they fit so snugly that I don't think I could get them to fit inside.

Have you checked with the ski shop that is at the main Hillsboro exit from I85 (next exit west of the rink) ?
Up the hill behind Wendy's. He might have an orthotic that is thinner than what you get from a podiatrist/foot doctor.

[lutefisk]

I watched the following youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZBH3HHCC8  The various heel wedges and arch cookies are interesting.  I wonder if this kit would work in other brands of boots such as Jackson, or are the footbeds too narrow  for the Jackson wide toe box?

[FigureSpins]

The bits and pieces attach with a velcro-like material, so you'd have to tape the parts on.  Which reminds me: another problem I found is that, after skating a while, the velcro-ish stuff detached from the footbed itself.  I probably could have superglued it back on, but if it happens to you, reach out to Riedell.  The rep at the PSA Conference said to email them with problems and they'll replace within a year.  Save/scan your receipt!

I have wide feet/skates...I used these in a pair of SP-Teri C or D width boots.  IIRC, the vendor trimmed the footbed to match my then-current insole.  My guess is that they went up a size or two and then trimmed down to get the width, but I'll look at my package later and confirm.  (It's in my skate bag.)

[dlbritton]

I watched the following youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZBH3HHCC8  The various heel wedges and arch cookies are interesting.  I wonder if this kit would work in other brands of boots such as Jackson, or are the footbeds too narrow  for the Jackson wide toe box?

I have Riedell 8 1/2 mens wide boots, which are wider in the toe box than the corresponding size (8 1/2) in a Jackson mens wide.
I had to trim the foot bed some to fit, mostly length but a little width in the toe are. I ordered the Mens 8 - 9 1/2 kit. I think the other sizes are mens 6-7.5 and 10-11.5.

[Snip]...  Which reminds me: another problem I found is that, after skating a while, the velcro-ish stuff detached from the footbed itself.  I probably could have superglued it back on, but if it happens to you, reach out to Riedell.  The rep at the PSA Conference said to email them with problems and they'll replace within a year.  Save/scan your receipt!

I'll watch to see if anything starts coming loose. I wouldn't think there is much movement to torque on the velcro joining the pieces.