Figure skating boot issues: very wide forefoot

[amz]

* It's good that you brought this issue up. My feet are not as extreme as yours, but I do have flat feet due to fallen arches. So I'll share some tips that I hope will save you some (further) grief.

* If your podiatrist determines that you need prescription orthotics, make sure the podiatrist has experience prescribing orthotics for figure skates. I'm in the US, not many here do. Orthotics need to be designed to correct foot anomalies for specific activities. I have one pair for walking shoes; another for running shoes. Figure skating is radically different since (a) the foot doesn't flex much along the arches (which it does in walking and running), (b) figure skating is strongly controlled by biases towards inside/outside edges (not a factor in walking and running), and (c) advanced figure skating boots typically have well-defined heel cups (heel cups integrated with orthotics can interfere with the heel cups in the boots). Since I couldn't find a podiatrist experienced with figure skating boots, I ended up making my own corrective insoles (with some help, but that's a story in itself).

* Make sure your fitter is aware of your issues and ask them to take measurements and tracings under multiple conditions. E.g., sometimes measurements and tracings are done only while the skater is sitting (non-weight-bearing). Sometimes, a second set is taken when the skater is standing straight (weight-bearing). And, sometimes, a third set is taken when the skater is standing with bent knees (weight-bearing with flex).

Be extra careful if you are being measured with the Jackson scanner. It uses a glass platform tilted ~45 deg from the plane of the floor. Measurements are taken only with the skater in the sitting position. Prior to the introduction of the scanner, manual measurements and tracings were taken both with the skater sitting and standing straight. In my case, the scanner gave erroneous results (I believe because it didn't take into account foot width differences in non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing positions). It spit out an 8R size; whereas I had been wearing an 8W size (as determined from prior manual measurements and tracings). After a discussion with my fitter, I decided to stick with the 8W (since I'm a male skater, boots typically need to be special ordered, so it wasn't simply an issue of trying on both). With heat molding and supplemental punching to square off the toebox some (I have Orient-shaped feet), the fit was fine (with snug heel pockets). The 8R would have been too narrow.

* Whether you are fitted with prescription orthotics or OTC corrective insoles, your boots will need to have room to accommodate them. This becomes somewhat a tricky chicken-or-egg scenario. Ideally you would like to be fitted for orthotics and boots at the same time. As far as I know, only Harlicks (US) does that for their customs. But given their long delays and your location in the UK, that's not likely a viable option. So you typically need to purchase the boots first and then get orthotics/corrective insoles afterwards.

When looking for a boot, look for what boot manufacturers call high volume (referring to internal vertical height); particularly in the toebox, but along the instep as well. I have the Jackson Supreme 5362 (men's counterpart of the women's Supreme 5300). It does have high volume, along with the added advantage of what they call their wide cuff design. There was a previous thread in which many skaters complained that the tongue would slip sideways and one side would be exposed (not covered by the throat of the uppers). This appeared to be the norm for many models of boots from different manufacturers. Jackson has solved this problem (at least for some of their models) by designing the tongue and uppers such that on each side the throat of the uppers and the side of the tongue overlaps by nearly one inch.

This is important, because addition of an orthotic or corrective insole will cause your foot to sit higher inside the boot, pushing out against the tongue more. The wider cuff allows more accommodation (less likely that one or both sides of the tongue will be exposed) simply by adjusting the lacing. When you are checking out other models of Jacksons or boots from other manufacturers, look for this feature. It will save you a lot of grief. [I have an older model of Jackson that does not have this feature; it does make a substantial difference.]

ETA: When you get your boots heat molded, wear your orthotics/corrective insoles instead of the manufacturer's stock insoles. Orthotics/corrective insoles generally cannot be baked with the boots, but they can be inserted into the boots after the boots are baked, and before you insert your feet. Depending on how you schedule things, you may need an initial heat molding with the stock insoles, do some initial break-in, get orthotics/corrective insoles, and then do a follow-up heat molding with the orthotics/corrective insoles.

* Sorry for the long post. You have a lot to wade through. But you have a lot (foot health and money) at stake.

Don’t apologise at all. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me this information. I will definitely take all of this in consideration now. Wow there is so much to learn and know but I hope all of this will finally lead me to a solution and allow me to skate comfortably.

Also thank you for warning me about the Jackson scanner. That would have been an issue for me because if I measured correctly there was atleast 1cm difference between when I sit and stand. There’s definitely something going on with my feet especially the arches. Aside from the orthotics do you feel that any exercises have been beneficial for the fallen arches?

The high volume makes a lot of sense. I was even told that I couldn’t get custom insoles in my current debuts because there isn’t enough space. I am already struggling with volume without any insole to be honest.

I keep hearing great things about Harlicks, really wish it was possible over here.

Thanks again I will make sure to consider all these factors going forward!

 

[tstop4me]

Aside from the orthotics do you feel that any exercises have been beneficial for the fallen arches?

Not exercises per se. But based on a previous thread here many years ago, I do massage my arches before and after skating. I have found that doing so reduces incidences of arch pain. My rink is only ~20 min from my home by car, so I do the massages at home.

Sit on a chair. Make sure the floor is covered with a carpet, rug, or resilient mat. Place a ball (see below for discussion of different types of balls) on the covered floor. Place your foot with your arch (longitudinal or metatarsal) pressing on the ball. Then roll your foot around such that the ball massages the arch. Play around with different types of balls to see what works for you. Many suggested a tennis ball. I found it too large and too soft. Others suggested a golf ball. I found it too small and too hard. Then someone suggested a lacrosse ball. I found it just the right size and just the right degree of firmness (my Goldilocks choice!). My (adult) daughter was visiting one day and also loved the lacrosse ball; so I bought two for her too. With two balls, after a bit of practice, you can massage the arches of both feet at the same time.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Not exercises per se. But based on a previous thread here many years ago, I do massage my arches before and after skating. I have found that doing so reduces incidences of arch pain. My rink is only ~20 min from my home by car, so I do the massages at home.

Sit on a chair. Make sure the floor is covered with a carpet, rug, or resilient mat. Place a ball (see below for discussion of different types of balls) on the covered floor. Place your foot with your arch (longitudinal or metatarsal) pressing on the ball. Then roll your foot around such that the ball massages the arch. Play around with different types of balls to see what works for you. Many suggested a tennis ball. I found it too large and too soft. Others suggest a golf ball. I found it too small and too hard. Then someone suggested a lacrosse ball. I found it just the right size and just the right degree of firmness (my Goldilocks choice!). My (adult) daughter was visiting one day and also loved the lacrosse ball; so I bought two for her too. With two balls, after a bit of practice, you can massage the arches of both feet at the same time.

Lacrosse balls for massage! Now that takes me back. When I was in elementary school, back in another century, lacrosse balls were a popular playground toy for girls, bouncing them with variations while chanting rhymes, tossing them against the one windowless wall on the school building while spinning or doing a gymnastics trick before catching the ball again. We each kept ours in our desks, and often you'd look around the room during a long writing assignment -- everything written by hand in cursive in those days, kiddies -- and see girls who had a tendency to clutch their pens tightly with their lacrosse ball out, rolling it around on their desk to relieve cramped palms and fingers. Never thought of it for foot arch problems, but good idea!

 

[tstop4me]

Lacrosse balls for massage! Now that takes me back. When I was in elementary school, back in another century, lacrosse balls were a popular playground toy for girls, bouncing them with variations while chanting rhymes, tossing them against the one windowless wall on the school building while spinning or doing a gymnastics trick before catching the ball again. We each kept ours in our desks, and often you'd look around the room during a long writing assignment -- everything written by hand in cursive in those days, kiddies -- and see girls who had a tendency to clutch their pens tightly with their lacrosse ball out, rolling it around on their desk to relieve cramped palms and fingers. Never thought of it for foot arch problems, but good idea!

If this forum had an award for most colorful narratives, you would win hands down (or given the nature of this forum, maybe I should say "feet up" ).

 

[tstop4me]

The high volume makes a lot of sense. I was even told that I couldn’t get custom insoles in my current debuts because there isn’t enough space. I am already struggling with volume without any insole to be honest.

That's likely because the extreme stretching of a stock boot to accommodate your extra wide width caused a substantial reduction in height; i.e., it was squashed down (flattened) to make the sides bulge out wider.

 

[Diana Delafield]

If this forum had an award for most colorful narratives, you would win hands down (or given the nature of this forum, maybe I should say "feet up" ).

DNA again. Genetics. Google "John Kenneth Galbraith Quotes" (my mother's cousin) and "EC Bentley Clerihews" (my father's mother's cousin). Grow up in those families and you're surrounded by raconteurs. You absorb the art at the same time as you learn to talk.

 

[skaterviolet]

Oh wow, I literally have the exact same problems as you in the exact same boots! I’m also in the U.K., with similar level/age/height/foot measurement to you. My feet are 23.2cm long, 9.5cm wide, 22cm circumference. I have wide, but low volumes feet.

My first pair were the Risport Electra (240), I had severe arch pain in those, as the heels were too low. My second pair were the Jackson Premieres (5W), and I have pain in the big toes.

I personally don’t think the issue is the width, I have slightly narrower feet than yours, but still have this pain. I think it’s the shape of the Jackson toe box, they are more rounded which pushes your big toe in, if you look at the Risport toe box, the big toe is more aligned with the balls. The Jacksons are also too wide at the insteps for me, my feet slide around which makes the toe pain worse.

Surprisingly, I tried my friends Edea overtures (240C) and found them a better fit straightaway, they wrapped around my feet really well, toe pain was gone immediately (and back when I changed back into my Jacksons). I did feel like they are narrower at the balls, but not to the extent that they’re uncomfortable. I don’t think I can use a D width as the C heels were already a bit loose.

I’m very lost. My Jacksons are only 6 months old, the pain is tolerable so far, but I fear that they’d make my bunions worse. I only skated in the Edeas for 15 mins, was probably a bit soon to tell if they fit me.

If I could use @Ic3Rabbit ‘s expertise, would you think Edeas could work for me with stretching?

 

[amz]

Oh wow, I literally have the exact same problems as you in the exact same boots! I’m also in the U.K., with similar level/age/height/foot measurement to you. My feet are 23.2cm long, 9.5cm wide, 22cm circumference. I have wide, but low volumes feet.

My first pair were the Risport Electra (240), I had severe arch pain in those, as the heels were too low. My second pair were the Jackson Premieres (5W), and I have pain in the big toes.

I personally don’t think the issue is the width, I have slightly narrower feet than yours, but still have this pain. I think it’s the shape of the Jackson toe box, they are more rounded which pushes your big toe in, if you look at the Risport toe box, the big toe is more aligned with the balls. The Jacksons are also too wide at the insteps for me, my feet slide around which makes the toe pain worse.

Surprisingly, I tried my friends Edea overtures (240C) and found them a better fit straightaway, they wrapped around my feet really well, toe pain was gone immediately (and back when I changed back into my Jacksons). I did feel like they are narrower at the balls, but not to the extent that they’re uncomfortable. I don’t think I can use a D width as the C heels were already a bit loose.

I’m very lost. My Jacksons are only 6 months old, the pain is tolerable so far, but I fear that they’d make my bunions worse. I only skated in the Edeas for 15 mins, was probably a bit soon to tell if they fit me.

If I could use @Ic3Rabbit ‘s expertise, would you think Edeas could work for me with stretching

Oh wow! We are very similar! I was in Electra risport 235 and then Jackson debut 5W. My feet length is similar to you although my second toe makes it a tiny bit longer. I didn’t feel it much in the Electra but I knew something wasn’t right with the Jackson debut as I was literally on my toes. When I went to everglides for a punch out they said they are actually 0.5cm too small and by a miracle my sisters were 0.5cm too big so we swapped. Along with a high arch insole even though I wouldn’t say I have high arches I felt the most relief I have felt in my arch area since I’ve started skating. I think the slightly bigger size gave some extra width and the insole maybe helped make the pressure go more towards the outside of my foot although I do have pronation so keep that in mind. Aside from that I am still waiting for an appointment to get a boot that will relief the big toe pain.

I also worry about the bunions which are forming now. My debuts are 5/6 months old as well. I agree with you about the shape of the Jackson because my skates have been majorly punched out around the bunion but my toes still come out the boot after a long session in literally a triangle shape from how tapered the toebox is. It’s very upsetting and worrying that I’m now only skating once a week while waiting for my everglides appointment because of how painful it has gotten. My big toe gets pushed towards the other toes everytime. I also think the higher heel is putting all the pressure on forefoot/toes and this combination is just pure torture. It literally feels like I’m doing ballet on ice.

In terms of Edea, every fitter has told me they don’t work for my feet straight away just by looking at the shape of my foot but I’ve never skated in them before and have become more curious lately. It’s one of the only more available brands left in the uk for me to try. I understand the reluctancy from those fitters might have been because my heel is narrower and they think it wouldnt lock in but at the same time I never really felt that my heel was locked in any skate anyway. Also the fitters I went to clearly did not know what they were doing so I will wait to see what everglides tells me. I did think recently how weird it is that they seem to work for so many different people, surely they can’t all have the same feet? Anyway the long waiting time for the boots that come in the wider sizes and the fact they don’t have D/E width to try on in store hasn’t allowed the option for me to investigate it properly. I know of a friend who has the overtures and says she always wears a sleeve around her heel to fill up the space so maybe you could get a wider size to accommodate the forefoot but do something about the fit of the heel? I’ve also heard of being able to cinch in the heel but I’m not sure exactly how much it would help. I will keep this forum updated when I find a solution, hopefully soon!

 

[skaterviolet]

Oh wow! We are very similar! I was in Electra risport 235 and then Jackson debut 5W. My feet length is similar to you although my second toe makes it a tiny bit longer. I didn’t feel it much in the Electra but I knew something wasn’t right with the Jackson debut as I was literally on my toes. When I went to everglides for a punch out they said they are actually 0.5cm too small and by a miracle my sisters were 0.5cm too big so we swapped. Along with a high arch insole even though I wouldn’t say I have high arches I felt the most relief I have felt in my arch area since I’ve started skating. I think the slightly bigger size gave some extra width and the insole maybe helped make the pressure go more towards the outside of my foot although I do have pronation so keep that in mind. Aside from that I am still waiting for an appointment to get a boot that will relief the big toe pain.

I also worry about the bunions which are forming now. My debuts are 5/6 months old as well. I agree with you about the shape of the Jackson because my skates have been majorly punched out around the bunion but my toes still come out the boot after a long session in literally a triangle shape from how tapered the toebox is. It’s very upsetting and worrying that I’m now only skating once a week while waiting for my everglides appointment because of how painful it has gotten. My big toe gets pushed towards the other toes everytime. I also think the higher heel is putting all the pressure on forefoot/toes and this combination is just pure torture. It literally feels like I’m doing ballet on ice.

In terms of Edea, every fitter has told me they don’t work for my feet straight away just by looking at the shape of my foot but I’ve never skated in them before and have become more curious lately. It’s one of the only more available brands left in the uk for me to try. I understand the reluctancy from those fitters might have been because my heel is narrower and they think it wouldnt lock in but at the same time I never really felt that my heel was locked in any skate anyway. Also the fitters I went to clearly did not know what they were doing so I will wait to see what everglides tells me. I did think recently how weird it is that they seem to work for so many different people, surely they can’t all have the same feet? Anyway the long waiting time for the boots that come in the wider sizes and the fact they don’t have D/E width to try on in store hasn’t allowed the option for me to investigate it properly. I know of a friend who has the overtures and says she always wears a sleeve around her heel to fill up the space so maybe you could get a wider size to accommodate the forefoot but do something about the fit of the heel? I’ve also heard of being able to cinch in the heel but I’m not sure exactly how much it would help. I will keep this forum updated when I find a solution, hopefully soon!

I thought I was just being fussy about boots, glad to know I’m not I hope Everglides can find you a solution, I’ll head straight there if they do!

One thing I noticed is that, the Jacksons might not be that wide. When my friend and I swapped boots, she didn’t think my Jacksons were any wider, and I didn’t think her Edeas were much narrower. I measured the internal width of my Jacksons vs Risports, the Risports were wider.

If you can try the Edeas on ice I’d definitely recommend, I was really surprised by how comfortable they were. I never considered Edea before because I have wide feet, now I wish I tried them on before buying the current pair. I’m reluctant to buy tho, what if they don’t work again

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Oh wow, I literally have the exact same problems as you in the exact same boots! I’m also in the U.K., with similar level/age/height/foot measurement to you. My feet are 23.2cm long, 9.5cm wide, 22cm circumference. I have wide, but low volumes feet.

My first pair were the Risport Electra (240), I had severe arch pain in those, as the heels were too low. My second pair were the Jackson Premieres (5W), and I have pain in the big toes.

I personally don’t think the issue is the width, I have slightly narrower feet than yours, but still have this pain. I think it’s the shape of the Jackson toe box, they are more rounded which pushes your big toe in, if you look at the Risport toe box, the big toe is more aligned with the balls. The Jacksons are also too wide at the insteps for me, my feet slide around which makes the toe pain worse.

Surprisingly, I tried my friends Edea overtures (240C) and found them a better fit straightaway, they wrapped around my feet really well, toe pain was gone immediately (and back when I changed back into my Jacksons). I did feel like they are narrower at the balls, but not to the extent that they’re uncomfortable. I don’t think I can use a D width as the C heels were already a bit loose.

I’m very lost. My Jacksons are only 6 months old, the pain is tolerable so far, but I fear that they’d make my bunions worse. I only skated in the Edeas for 15 mins, was probably a bit soon to tell if they fit me.

If I could use @Ic3Rabbit ‘s expertise, would you think Edeas could work for me with stretching?

No. I presented my suggestions to you for what skate brands and boots would be best for your foot needs in your thread. Edea is not one of them and there is no way you would stretch an Edea boot to work with your feet. Edea doesn't even stretch the way other brands do.
So, sorry but the answer is no to Edea for you.

Good luck!

 

[tstop4me]

I know of a friend who has the overtures and says she always wears a sleeve around her heel to fill up the space so maybe you could get a wider size to accommodate the forefoot but do something about the fit of the heel? I’ve also heard of being able to cinch in the heel but I’m not sure exactly how much it would help.

Don't do that. As I posted above:

Make sure the heel pockets fit snugly without modification.

To elaborate: For figure skating boots, proper fit of the heel is critical. At the same time, even for boots that are heat moldable, the heel pocket is the portion of the boot that is least amenable to modification. Furthermore (as I explained in more detail in a previous thread), with thermoplastic materials, you get more compliant reshaping when expanding, rather than contracting, regions. If you heat and squeeze a heel pocket that is too large, you will effectively create a few local pinch points: not likely comfortable and not likely an effective solution in the long run.

So to repeat, get boots in which the heel pockets fit without modification. If other portions of a stock boot are too tight, but are within limits to be heat molded and expanded sufficiently, OK. If not (from your posts, this will likely be your case), semi-custom or full custom will be needed.

 

[amz]

I thought I was just being fussy about boots, glad to know I’m not I hope Everglides can find you a solution, I’ll head straight there if they do!

One thing I noticed is that, the Jacksons might not be that wide. When my friend and I swapped boots, she didn’t think my Jacksons were any wider, and I didn’t think her Edeas were much narrower. I measured the internal width of my Jacksons vs Risports, the Risports were wider.

If you can try the Edeas on ice I’d definitely recommend, I was really surprised by how comfortable they were. I never considered Edea before because I have wide feet, now I wish I tried them on before buying the current pair. I’m reluctant to buy tho, what if they don’t work again

Don't do that. As I posted above:



To elaborate: For figure skating boots, proper fit of the heel is critical. At the same time, even for boots that are heat moldable, the heel pocket is the portion of the boot that is least amenable to modification. Furthermore (as I explained in more detail in a previous thread), with thermoplastic materials, you get more compliant reshaping when expanding, rather than contracting, regions. If you heat and squeeze a heel pocket that is too large, you will effectively create a few local pinch points: not likely comfortable and not likely an effective solution in the long run.

So to repeat, get boots in which the heel pockets fit without modification. If other portions of a stock boot are too tight, but are within limits to be heat molded and expanded sufficiently, OK. If not (from your posts, this will likely be your case), semi-custom or full custom will be needed.

I have accepted that custom will probably be the way I have to go although I am still very annoyed that the skating brands mentioned do not offer a wider selection of stock widths. Before skating I have never thought or was made to believe that I have unreasonably wide feet. I’ve never had issues with any shoes before. Also, I was recently told that I could maybe fit into some black Jackson’s so the width I need might actually be available as stock but only for skates usually worn by boys/men..

By the way has anyone got information on some other perhaps less popular brands (maybe they are only less popular here in the UK) such as Riedell, Wifa and Belati? Wifa in particular seems to have an extensive stock width range from what I can see online. I think they go even wider than what I need but I’ve never seen this brand before in any UK shops so there’s no way I can even try them on in person here.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I have accepted that custom will probably be the way I have to go although I am still very annoyed that the skating brands mentioned do not offer a wider selection of stock widths. Before skating I have never thought or was made to believe that I have unreasonably wide feet. I’ve never had issues with any shoes before. Also, I was recently told that I could maybe fit into some black Jackson’s so the width I need might actually be available as stock but only for skates usually worn by boys/men..

By the way has anyone got information on some other perhaps less popular brands (maybe they are only less popular here in the UK) such as Riedell, Wifa and Belati? Wifa in particular seems to have an extensive stock width range from what I can see online. I think they go even wider than what I need but I’ve never seen this brand before in any UK shops so there’s no way I can even try them on in person here.

I am familiar with most brands. Most of these would have been suggested to you had they been the right shape for your feet. They are not, especially Riedell. Though, you may have some luck with Belati @amz

 

[Diana Delafield]

I have accepted that custom will probably be the way I have to go although I am still very annoyed that the skating brands mentioned do not offer a wider selection of stock widths. Before skating I have never thought or was made to believe that I have unreasonably wide feet. I’ve never had issues with any shoes before. Also, I was recently told that I could maybe fit into some black Jackson’s so the width I need might actually be available as stock but only for skates usually worn by boys/men..

By the way has anyone got information on some other perhaps less popular brands (maybe they are only less popular here in the UK) such as Riedell, Wifa and Belati? Wifa in particular seems to have an extensive stock width range from what I can see online. I think they go even wider than what I need but I’ve never seen this brand before in any UK shops so there’s no way I can even try them on in person here.

Wifa is quite an old brand. Dr Helmut May, who emigrated to Canada from Austria after WW2, either founded the company or built them up post-war, and designed their boots. He taught in the Vancouver area for a long time as a jump specialist, and was one of my coaches towards the end of his coaching career. He was the importer for the brand and Vancouver skaters all went to his shop to buy them, the only brand he sold. Wifa boots were the most popular brand in Canada until Don Jackson retired from skating and started his own company. I don't know what the quality of Wifas are now, or what variety of models they come in. I was just a little kid when I wore them and had no idea about models, just that I wore Wifas like the big kids did. However, they are an old established company that had a top reputation in the past.

Belati I don't know at all. Riedells are an American brand that were very popular until recently. I have a pair kicking around myself that I use for roller skating after swapping wheels for the blades.(I wear Risports on the ice.) Riedells are difficult to get in other countries outside the US this year, though, thanks to the tariff problem. Skaters from other countries who still want them can special order, but there's a long delay to get them, with, I'm told, a lot of red tape importing them.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

OP, @amz Add the Belati Ice Gardenia and Ice Violetta to the list of boots to try on.

 

[skaterviolet]

I have accepted that custom will probably be the way I have to go although I am still very annoyed that the skating brands mentioned do not offer a wider selection of stock widths. Before skating I have never thought or was made to believe that I have unreasonably wide feet. I’ve never had issues with any shoes before. Also, I was recently told that I could maybe fit into some black Jackson’s so the width I need might actually be available as stock but only for skates usually worn by boys/men..

By the way has anyone got information on some other perhaps less popular brands (maybe they are only less popular here in the UK) such as Riedell, Wifa and Belati? Wifa in particular seems to have an extensive stock width range from what I can see online. I think they go even wider than what I need but I’ve never seen this brand before in any UK shops so there’s no way I can even try them on in person here.

I’m really desperate to find out what caused the issues, I honestly think it’s pronation, causing both the arch pain and the toe pain.

My arch pain was better when I put orthodontics in the Risports. Luckily my arch pain went away when I switched to Jackson’s, but this toe pain starter. I now limp off the ice at the end of every session

I skated in my friend’s Edea boots for another 20 mins again. Hard to describe, it feels like the cushions pushed my feet into the right place, and there were lots of cushioning around the toes, probably why they felt comfortable.

Btw, London Skate Centre sells Belati boots, but I know a few people who were given the wrong size by them. Might be worth a shot if you know your size.

 

[amz]

I’m really desperate to find out what caused the issues, I honestly think it’s pronation, causing both the arch pain and the toe pain.

My arch pain was better when I put orthodontics in the Risports. Luckily my arch pain went away when I switched to Jackson’s, but this toe pain starter. I now limp off the ice at the end of every session

I skated in my friend’s Edea boots for another 20 mins again. Hard to describe, it feels like the cushions pushed my feet into the right place, and there were lots of cushioning around the toes, probably why they felt comfortable.

Btw, London Skate Centre sells Belati boots, but I know a few people who were given the wrong size by them. Might be worth a shot if you know your size.

I have a few theories. First of all if you have similar feet to mine where the second toe is the longest, I think the Jackson shape in general doesn’t really accommodate for this type of foot. I think my foot shape is a Celtic shape, it’s like a Greek but much wider. That’s why I’ve noticed pain in my big and second toe. I noticed if the boot isn’t wide enough it’s basically squeezing all my toes together which makes the foot especially the second toe even longer putting even more pressure on them. Maybe you felt the relief in the Edea because the shape has some consideration for that second toe. I think it’s better for people with a Greek foot shape but we will still have issues with the heel because it’s too wide for us there. And I am soo done having issues, I need this next boot to work for my own sanity. I don’t want to think about feet, pain and boots for atleast a year.

Recently, I went to my sisters podiatrist appointment ( she has wide forefoot as well but more of a Roman foot shape and big bunions). He was reluctant to comment on figure skating boots as it’s out of his field but what I gathered is some of the pain could be from way too much pressure being on the forefoot in general. He is making her an insole for shoes that somehow make the pressure more distributed to the heel and take the pressure of her bunion. Applying this information myself to figure skating boots, I think the Jackson heel might be too high and is causing me to be more on my tip toes/forefoot and lifting my heel. I don’t wear heels but I imagine it’s probably similar pain to wearing high heels with a pointy narrow shape.

When I tried my old risports Electra on the other day I literally had to take them off immediately because it felt like I was skating only on the back of my blades and I could easily just fall backwards. At the same time I realised that’s the only time I’ve felt some connection with my heel although it wasn’t a good feeling maybe because I’m not used to it after being used to the Jackson’s now. I don’t think the Jackson heel height is good for me, even with insoles there is space underneath my arch. Also, I noticed the risport Electra was way wider than the Jackson debut I even feel bad complaining about that now because the Jackson is so much worse. The rounded toebox of Risports feels much better for me.

I have read somewhere that the Risport RF line is wider or different in shape to the Electra? So maybe even if we had our issues in the Electra we shouldn’t discard the whole brand as they have different lines. From a size chart I was surprised to see that the C width for my size was a I believe a 22.9cm. So now I am really looking forward to trying the RF3 pro. I think maybe with a custom insole or the orthopedic you mention having could solve our arch pain problem and hopefully that will be the end of all pain.

From doing all my own research so far, I do believe @Ic3Rabbit has the best information and advice. So I am going to try as many of the recommended boots they mentioned on here.

Also, I have heard the same about the fitting in that store which is why I will save Belati as a last resort.

I am sorry about your pain I have reduced my skating to once a week and just do my lesson until my boot fitting and even that once a week session causes me toe pain that lasts long after I’ve gotten off the ice.

I know there’s a solution there for us, we just need to find it.

 

[skaterviolet]

I have a few theories. First of all if you have similar feet to mine where the second toe is the longest, I think the Jackson shape in general doesn’t really accommodate for this type of foot. I think my foot shape is a Celtic shape, it’s like a Greek but much wider. That’s why I’ve noticed pain in my big and second toe. I noticed if the boot isn’t wide enough it’s basically squeezing all my toes together which makes the foot especially the second toe even longer putting even more pressure on them. Maybe you felt the relief in the Edea because the shape has some consideration for that second toe. I think it’s better for people with a Greek foot shape but we will still have issues with the heel because it’s too wide for us there. And I am soo done having issues, I need this next boot to work for my own sanity. I don’t want to think about feet, pain and boots for atleast a year.

Recently, I went to my sisters podiatrist appointment ( she has wide forefoot as well but more of a Roman foot shape and big bunions). He was reluctant to comment on figure skating boots as it’s out of his field but what I gathered is some of the pain could be from way too much pressure being on the forefoot in general. He is making her an insole for shoes that somehow make the pressure more distributed to the heel and take the pressure of her bunion. Applying this information myself to figure skating boots, I think the Jackson heel might be too high and is causing me to be more on my tip toes/forefoot and lifting my heel. I don’t wear heels but I imagine it’s probably similar pain to wearing high heels with a pointy narrow shape.

When I tried my old risports Electra on the other day I literally had to take them off immediately because it felt like I was skating only on the back of my blades and I could easily just fall backwards. At the same time I realised that’s the only time I’ve felt some connection with my heel although it wasn’t a good feeling maybe because I’m not used to it after being used to the Jackson’s now. I don’t think the Jackson heel height is good for me, even with insoles there is space underneath my arch. Also, I noticed the risport Electra was way wider than the Jackson debut I even feel bad complaining about that now because the Jackson is so much worse. The rounded toebox of Risports feels much better for me.

I have read somewhere that the Risport RF line is wider or different in shape to the Electra? So maybe even if we had our issues in the Electra we shouldn’t discard the whole brand as they have different lines. From a size chart I was surprised to see that the C width for my size was a I believe a 22.9cm. So now I am really looking forward to trying the RF3 pro. I think maybe with a custom insole or the orthopedic you mention having could solve our arch pain problem and hopefully that will be the end of all pain.

From doing all my own research so far, I do believe @Ic3Rabbit has the best information and advice. So I am going to try as many of the recommended boots they mentioned on here.

Also, I have heard the same about the fitting in that store which is why I will save Belati as a last resort.

I am sorry about your pain I have reduced my skating to once a week and just do my lesson until my boot fitting and even that once a week session causes me toe pain that lasts long after I’ve gotten off the ice.

I know there’s a solution there for us, we just need to find it.

Yes the heel height definitely put more weight on my forefoot. However I think that’s what’s eased my arch pain, like my arches are forced to engage because the heel drop is bigger.

I can’t believe how unlucky we are with boots. I was fitted professionally each time and the boots felt comfortable at the shop, but once I’ve broken them in I realised the issues. Hence I’m reluctant to change boots, even when the Edeas felt good on me.

I’ll might try my luck in Sheffield, their shop stocks Edea/Risport/Jackson/Aura.

 

[amz]

Yes the heel height definitely put more weight on my forefoot. However I think that’s what’s eased my arch pain, like my arches are forced to engage because the heel drop is bigger.

I can’t believe how unlucky we are with boots. I was fitted professionally each time and the boots felt comfortable at the shop, but once I’ve broken them in I realised the issues. Hence I’m reluctant to change boots, even when the Edeas felt good on me.

I’ll might try my luck in Sheffield, their shop stocks Edea/Risport/Jackson/Aura.

Me too. It’s so annoying, at the store I got my Electras, they even did a 3D scan of my feet.

I feel the same way. Everytime I’m in the store they’ve felt good, it’s only when I skate that I feel the pain and by then it’s too late.

I hope Sheffield will be able to help if you go and I will of course let you know the outcome of my appointment in a few weeks time.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I have a few theories. First of all if you have similar feet to mine where the second toe is the longest, I think the Jackson shape in general doesn’t really accommodate for this type of foot. I think my foot shape is a Celtic shape, it’s like a Greek but much wider. That’s why I’ve noticed pain in my big and second toe. I noticed if the boot isn’t wide enough it’s basically squeezing all my toes together which makes the foot especially the second toe even longer putting even more pressure on them. Maybe you felt the relief in the Edea because the shape has some consideration for that second toe. I think it’s better for people with a Greek foot shape but we will still have issues with the heel because it’s too wide for us there. And I am soo done having issues, I need this next boot to work for my own sanity. I don’t want to think about feet, pain and boots for atleast a year.

Recently, I went to my sisters podiatrist appointment ( she has wide forefoot as well but more of a Roman foot shape and big bunions). He was reluctant to comment on figure skating boots as it’s out of his field but what I gathered is some of the pain could be from way too much pressure being on the forefoot in general. He is making her an insole for shoes that somehow make the pressure more distributed to the heel and take the pressure of her bunion. Applying this information myself to figure skating boots, I think the Jackson heel might be too high and is causing me to be more on my tip toes/forefoot and lifting my heel. I don’t wear heels but I imagine it’s probably similar pain to wearing high heels with a pointy narrow shape.

When I tried my old risports Electra on the other day I literally had to take them off immediately because it felt like I was skating only on the back of my blades and I could easily just fall backwards. At the same time I realised that’s the only time I’ve felt some connection with my heel although it wasn’t a good feeling maybe because I’m not used to it after being used to the Jackson’s now. I don’t think the Jackson heel height is good for me, even with insoles there is space underneath my arch. Also, I noticed the risport Electra was way wider than the Jackson debut I even feel bad complaining about that now because the Jackson is so much worse. The rounded toebox of Risports feels much better for me.

I have read somewhere that the Risport RF line is wider or different in shape to the Electra? So maybe even if we had our issues in the Electra we shouldn’t discard the whole brand as they have different lines. From a size chart I was surprised to see that the C width for my size was a I believe a 22.9cm. So now I am really looking forward to trying the RF3 pro. I think maybe with a custom insole or the orthopedic you mention having could solve our arch pain problem and hopefully that will be the end of all pain.

From doing all my own research so far, I do believe @Ic3Rabbit has the best information and advice. So I am going to try as many of the recommended boots they mentioned on here.

Also, I have heard the same about the fitting in that store which is why I will save Belati as a last resort.

I am sorry about your pain I have reduced my skating to once a week and just do my lesson until my boot fitting and even that once a week session causes me toe pain that lasts long after I’ve gotten off the ice.

I know there’s a solution there for us, we just need to find it.

Thank you for the compliment. I have been in this a very long time trialing and wearing brands as a high level skater.

But you do have a few things wrong. First of all, Jackson is great for Greek shaped feet, I know b/c I used to wear them competitively, same with Risport. It's all in make and model. Like I wear Risport but in their RF line, I cannot wear Royal line b/c it's for thinner/less volume feet than me aka Egyptian etc shaped feet. Edea also fits more narrow feet, not wider. Also, the brands and boots you have worn/experienced/are speaking of are of the lower level of skates for those brands and aren't made as well as the higher ones. Last but not least, the boot material will alter how it fits, especially in ankle. Leather fits way different than a synthetic material.