Author Topic: New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?  (Read 1220 times)

Kateskater123

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New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?
« on: February 17, 2019, 01:24:53 pm »
Hi.  I am an oldie who has returned to skating after a 20 year break.  I used to do single jumps, crossovers, mohawk etc and managed to stay upright.

My old Risport boots are lost in the loft so I am using my daughters Edea Chorus boots and blades.  She now has the Edea Piano boots and loves them.  I am however finding the Chorus boots crippling to my feet.  My daughter wore them 2 years but they are not remotely worn in.
The are the right size as my toes just reach the tip, but they are so stiff my ankles and the edge where the boots ends are painful despite gel padding. 

I have broad feet, size 3.5 and am short but normal weight.  My ankles turn in because I have flat arches.  I don't normally get foot pain though with trainers but normal shoes are problematic.  The Chorus feel heavy and awkward and I feel as though I have no flexibility at all.  However I don't get cramp as I used to.  I've tried leaving the top lace undone but they feel insecure. Basically after 4 weeks I've had enough of them.  I've always had trouble with cramp and painful ankle bones, but never this bad.

So my question is what boot do you think would work for someone skating weekly wanting to do basic work, no competitions etc, but to enjoy the ice skating experience.

I've researched and think maybe Jacksons would be best because of the width fittings and larger toe area.  The boot I like is the Fusion Freestyle but the stiffness rating is 40/45 (Chorus around 60).  I'm worried about ordering as these still may be too stiff for me.

I like the Jackson Elle, stiffness 30/35 but not sure if I can get them in this country (can't find a supplier).  I feel this is the right stiffness for me, but not sure?

I did wonder about the low cut boot used in ice dance because it would give me flexibility, but not sure it its enough support? 

I know its ideal to try boots on in the shop but so few near me and probably not the ones I've researched as fitting my needs, so I think I'm stuck with online.  Any thoughts on boot choice with my lovely feet?   

     

WednesdayMarch

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Re: New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2019, 04:07:44 pm »
Ah, the age-old question...   ::)

Well, I don't have much experience with "modern" boots (like you, I've come back to skating after the best part of two decades off) but I wanted something comfortable for my short, wide feet and after confusing myself more than once, I alighted on Graf, as they seem to have a wide toe box and come in two different width fittings.  They also do a dance boot, which appealed I was a dancer and will never jump again as my right (landing leg) is held together with metal and not up to it. 

My experience with the Graf Dance boots that I bought on eBay for a bargain price is that they are absolutely fabulous.  A freeskating friend who bought Edmonton Specials is also enamoured of her choice.  I have the wider fitting and suspect they might be a bit on the wide side, but there wasn't a choice (eBay bargain) and I have no problems with them so far.

They are absolutely rock hard, but also beautifully cushioned inside, which is exactly what I like - I consider things broken down when other people think they aren't even broken in yet but I also get very, very sore ankle bones without decent padding - and I can get great knee bend, because they are so much lower cut than normal boots.  The slight downside to the low cut is that they are absolutely TERRIFYING when you first get on the ice in them.  And I can't stress that enough.  At first I really thought I'd made a huge mistake but I experimented with arch supports (excellent) and a pair of cotton socks as well as my skating tights and discovered that, actually, they are The Best Boots Ever.  I'd asked Mark Hanretty if he had any tips on getting used to them (he'd posted a video of himself doing his first axel after switching to dance boots) and he said that they are terrifying to start with but just persist "and you'll get there".  He was right.  Personally, I wouldn't want to be doing axels in them, but I do occasionally feel the urge to jump and don't feel that it would be too difficult, despite the lower cut.  Unfortunately, because of my dodgy leg, I'd be stupid to try so I can't back that feeling up with any useful experience.  I can certainly spin in them, though.  And point my foot beautifully.

I have no experience of Edeas whatsoever, but they don't look comfortable to me!

Good luck in your quest.  :)
Returned to the ice in Sept 2017 after a major leg injury in 1999. Skating in Jackson Elite Pro & MK Vision Syncro. Still scary after all these years.

Kateskater123

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Re: New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2019, 07:17:56 pm »
Thanks for the reply.  I think I'm now a bit scared of dance boots after all, but I will try a pair just to see how they feel.  I think I need the support because of my weak ankles, but by the same token, that where the pain is.  I also can't find any dance boots which are a reasonable price.  I will probably go for the Jacksons.  I have a heat gun which I can try to soften and let the sides out a little.  I don't think I've got the courage to put them in an oven!

WednesdayMarch

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Re: New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2019, 08:51:24 am »
Thanks for the reply.  I think I'm now a bit scared of dance boots after all, but I will try a pair just to see how they feel.

Mine felt absolutely amazing, right up until I got the blades on them and stepped out onto the ice.  At that precise moment, they became weird and terrifying.  But never, ever uncomfortable, (other than having to harden the skin of my ankles at a lower level).  Always amazing in that I could get the deep knee bend I want (and need) without having to leave the top hooks unlaced and enabling the pointed toe and line that satisfies the dancer in me, but just very, very wobbly.  That passed and I now absolutely love them.  I kind of wonder how I'd like them if I put a pair of Phantoms on them instead of the MK Dance, as I suspect the combination of low backs on the boot and truncated heel on the blade are making back three turns, etc, unnecessarily scary but I also know that I'd probably step on the back of the Phantoms like I used to...  ::)  I'm also not overly happy about spending another £300 odd quid on another pair of new blades!

I think the problem with dance boots and pricing is that they are specialised and it tends to be people at a higher level of skill who want - or need - them, so they're more expensive to produce in the smaller quantities.  If they're right, though, they're fabulous.  And I've completely revised my childhood opinion of Graf!  (Back in the 1980s, I tried a pair at the shop at the old Richmond rink but refused to lace them up as they were so uncomfortable.)
Returned to the ice in Sept 2017 after a major leg injury in 1999. Skating in Jackson Elite Pro & MK Vision Syncro. Still scary after all these years.

Kateskater123

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Re: New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2019, 10:33:29 am »
Well, I completely discounted dance boots, I don’t need to feel any more wobbly than I already do!   I did see some Edea dance boots second hand but worn twice for a good price and right size but now have a bit of an issue with Edea.  So I went to the ice skate shop to look at the Jackson Elle and Freestyle and walked out with some Graf Bolero!  The fitter was very knowledgeable and the Graf skates were so comfortable immediately.  Nice and wide in the fit, no scrunched toes, and a really snug heel fit with no movement.  Also plenty of support at the ankle and any rubbing there should ease once worn a few times or with a gel pad.  First skates I’ve ever put on and not felt instant discomfort, and only £70 so even if they just get me skating with confidence again, that is a bonus". It really helps to talk to someone with knowledge

WednesdayMarch

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Re: New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2019, 10:49:57 am »
Good call!  I think you've probably done about the most sensible thing you could.  Graf Bolero are loved for a reason - they provide a good, strong and comfortable basis for starting or returning to figure skating at a more than reasonable price.  My niece bought a pair of Graf 500s when she needed a pair of "skate occasionally in comfort" boots and loves them.  Enjoy your return to skating in comfort.   8)
Returned to the ice in Sept 2017 after a major leg injury in 1999. Skating in Jackson Elite Pro & MK Vision Syncro. Still scary after all these years.

Kateskater123

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Re: New boots, need comfortable ones, any recommendations?
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2019, 12:41:31 pm »
Thanks.  I’m really keen to get back next week  :)



 

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