Recommendations for boots with lower heels?

[bostonskaterguy86]

Best of luck!! Just to throw my two cents in as a skater with narrow heels and wide forefeet - I switched from Jackson to Risport and it's been working out quite well for me. I went with the Royal Pro as the overall fit felt better to me, but I do recall feeling like the RF3 could absolutely have worked for me too - it would probably just have needed more punching-out/spot molding.

I tried on the Graf Edmonton Special at that fitting as well, and I remember it felt like it had a lower heel and more gradual heel pitch than the other boots I tried on that day. It would've been way too stiff for me - my tech just wanted to see if it was worth looking into ordering a Richmond Special for me - but I did like the fit for the most part! I ended up not going with it because I preferred the lower cut of the Royal Pro - but I think if you don't have any luck with the Risport RF, Graf would be worth a look for sure.

 

[tstop4me]

I think I’ve just taken Jackson off my list for replacement boots.

Hey, thanks for the detailed feedback. Surprised you actually reached a knowledgeable rep and got such definitive answers ... too bad they weren't the ones you were hoping for. Given the responses, you're making the right choice here. Good luck on your quest!

 

[rinkratpat76]

Best of luck!! Just to throw my two cents in as a skater with narrow heels and wide forefeet - I switched from Jackson to Risport and it's been working out quite well for me. I went with the Royal Pro as the overall fit felt better to me, but I do recall feeling like the RF3 could absolutely have worked for me too - it would probably just have needed more punching-out/spot molding.

I tried on the Graf Edmonton Special at that fitting as well, and I remember it felt like it had a lower heel and more gradual heel pitch than the other boots I tried on that day. It would've been way too stiff for me - my tech just wanted to see if it was worth looking into ordering a Richmond Special for me - but I did like the fit for the most part! I ended up not going with it because I preferred the lower cut of the Royal Pro - but I think if you don't have any luck with the Risport RF, Graf would be worth a look for sure.

Good info, and I appreciate the encouragement--thanks! From all I've heard about Graf, it sounds like a boot that would be a strong contender. Just not sure many pro shops carry the brand. My husband jokes that we've always wanted to go to Switzerland, anyway... (and we could maybe even explore our Graf ancestry while we're over there!) But honestly, I just want to make this as quick as reasonably possible. The old Jacksons are becoming not so safe to skate in. And the RF3 is looking good right now.

 

[rinkratpat76]

Hey, thanks for the detailed feedback. Surprised you actually reached a knowledgeable rep and got such definitive answers ... too bad they weren't the ones you were hoping for. Given the responses, you're making the right choice here. Good luck on your quest!

Thank you for all your input, it's been invaluable! And GS forum supplied the contact, as a Google search brought up a post with it. There's a goldmine of info in here; really appreciate this forum!

 

[Query]

Oh! I'm sorry my data on heel height customization was out of date. It was only a few months old. But I guess that is a long time...

Be forewarned that fully customized boots are very expensive.

I really, really wish Klingbeil was still in business.

 

[2sk8]

Good info, and I appreciate the encouragement--thanks! From all I've heard about Graf, it sounds like a boot that would be a strong contender. Just not sure many pro shops carry the brand. My husband jokes that we've always wanted to go to Switzerland, anyway... (and we could maybe even explore our Graf ancestry while we're over there!) But honestly, I just want to make this as quick as reasonably possible. The old Jacksons are becoming not so safe to skate in. And the RF3 is looking good right now.

If you had reached out to the Jackson rep in the US, why not reach out to the GRAF rep for the US & see what shops or coach reps might be able to assist? A trip to Switzerland would be great but likely not necessary

 

[rinkratpat76]

Update! After meeting with the boot fitter Tuesday (both podiatry and skating background), she suggested the Risport RF3s after mutually nixing both Jacksons and custom Riedells (time issue, uncertain outcome). The brand new Phantoms on my unused Debuts fit the new RF3s perfectly, which was a huge plus. (And a visual comparison with my current Phantoms revealed they're more flattened than I'd realized...so, coupled with 20yo boots, it's no wonder I was falling.)

Tried the skates out at an area rink Tuesday afternoon, and was incredibly relieved to discover I could actually skate in them! We made a couple modifications for a bit of heel slippage in the rt boot (slightly smaller foot) and that's the only snag it seems I'll be dealing with as the heel pads don't much do the job when I pick up speed. (Any suggestions welcome.)

Anyway, just wanted to update you. Many thanks again for your expertise and encouragement! And I see there have been a couple more comments posted while we were gone, so will check those out now.

(PS. She had a slightly older model of Jacksons which I tried on for comparison--left foot RF3 boot, rt foot Jackson boot. And when I stood up, wow. The difference in pitch between the two was immediately obvious. We could even see it in my stance.)

 

[rinkratpat76]

Oh! I'm sorry my data on heel height customization was out of date. It was only a few months old. But I guess that is a long time...

Be forewarned that fully customized boots are very expensive.

I really, really wish Klingbeil was still in business.

No worries, Query! I'd heard that same 'custom heel' info elsewhere as well, so I was equally surprised to hear this.

And yes, fully customized boots are $$$$. Though I'd have paid that to anyone who could've designed a replica of my Jackson Professionals. (Tech said she thought those were about an 80 stiffness factor, so no wonder they lasted as long as they did.)

 

[rinkratpat76]

If you had reached out to the Jackson rep in the US, why not reach out to the GRAF rep for the US & see what shops or coach reps might be able to assist? A trip to Switzerland would be great but likely not necessary

Sssshhh, don't tell my husband we don't have to go to Switzerland after all.

Seriously, bc I didn't have that Graf info before my trip to Houston, and I'd been skating on treacherous skates for 3 weeks already now. And the hit to my noggin is still healing and daily reminding me of the risk I'm taking. This was an 'urgent' buy, admittedly. But I will certainly explore Graf as well (big thanks for the link!) as these boots will likely wear out faster than the last pair. So I'll be exploring my options again--but hopefully under less pressure!

 

[Diana Delafield]

Sssshhh, don't tell my husband we don't have to go to Switzerland after all.

Seriously, bc I didn't have that Graf info before my trip to Houston, and I'd been skating on treacherous skates for 3 weeks already now. And the hit to my noggin is still healing and daily reminding me of the risk I'm taking. This was an 'urgent' buy, admittedly. But I will certainly explore Graf as well (big thanks for the link!) as these boots will likely wear out faster than the last pair. So I'll be exploring my options again--but hopefully under less pressure!

I've been wearing Risport RF1 Elites for a while, and decided to give the Graf Edmonton Special a try for my next boots, just because I'd never worn Graf before and knew they'd fit my foot shape. With Ic3Rabbit's encouragement, I tried on a pair yesterday at my fitters in Vancouver and ordered them on the spot. They had the R and W widths in stock, but I needed size 3 1/2 SS (extra narrow) so those had to be ordered. They felt virtually identical to my Risports, with the same heel height, so you'd probably like them when you get around to boot-shopping again. I particularly like their simplicity and clean lines. I'm not a fan of boots all tricked out with swirly bits and sparkles and extra hooks stuck in odd places. The Grafs are nice and plain.

 

[rinkratpat76]

I've been wearing Risport RF1 Elites for a while, and decided to give the Graf Edmonton Special a try for my next boots, just because I'd never worn Graf before and knew they'd fit my foot shape. With Ic3Rabbit's encouragement, I tried on a pair yesterday at my fitters in Vancouver and ordered them on the spot. They had the R and W widths in stock, but I needed size 3 1/2 SS (extra narrow) so those had to be ordered. They felt virtually identical to my Risports, with the same heel height, so you'd probably like them when you get around to boot-shopping again. I particularly like their simplicity and clean lines. I'm not a fan of boots all tricked out with swirly bits and sparkles and extra hooks stuck in odd places. The Grafs are nice and plain.

Oh, this is SO good to know--thank you! Wondering how the Graf heel grip compares to Risports? This was the first boot ever ordered in a C width and I'm wondering if that affected the heel grip. We had to size down from a 7 to 6.5 for length, but then needed a C width (plus gentle punch out for a pinched toe on rt foot).

Ic3Rabbit had recommended Grafs as well to me (along with the Risport and Riedells). I will definitely be checking them out, starting with that link 2sk8 supplied above. Appears I missed an opportunity to try some on with an Aerodrome retailer while in Houston. But they've also listed a retailer in Tulsa, and we're up there yearly, so will try to chk out the Grafs next time we go. I'm thinking the Richmond Specials would probably be best for my level of skating.

I also prefer the plain leather skates--not a huge fan of the gold script on my nice white boots, and metal (?) logos affixed to the heels. In any case, the RF3s are slightly less fussy than the Royal line, so I'm content.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Oh, this is SO good to know--thank you! Wondering how the Graf heel grip compares to Risports? This was the first boot ever ordered in a C width and I'm wondering if that affected the heel grip. We had to size down from a 7 to 6.5 for length, but then needed a C width (plus gentle punch out for a pinched toe on rt foot).

Ic3Rabbit had recommended Grafs as well to me (along with the Risport and Riedells). I will definitely be checking them out, starting with that link 2sk8 supplied above. Appears I missed an opportunity to try some on with an Aerodrome retailer while in Houston. But they've also listed a retailer in Tulsa, and we're up there yearly, so will try to chk out the Grafs next time we go. I'm thinking the Richmond Specials would probably be best for my level of skating.

I also prefer the plain leather skates--not a huge fan of the gold script on my nice white boots, and metal (?) logos affixed to the heels. In any case, the RF3s are slightly less fussy than the Royal line, so I'm content.

The ones I tried on were size 4S that they happened to have in, and just a smidge loose, which is why we chose to go down to the 3.5SS. Not sliding-up-and-down loose, but I think I'd have needed thicker tights in a 4S, and since my partner and I do exhibitions at our club several times a year (and contemplate adult competitions but haven't got around to that so far), my costumes often have thinner tights in slippery Lycra. So, a bit smaller and thinner for the boots. That would be the equivalent of the smallest adult size in Risports; Graf just puts the cut-off line between youth and adult sizes at a different level, so mine are at the large end for children's boots. Small feet go with the territory for pairs girls of any age.

I agree the Richmond Specials would probably be the ones you want, although you could try on the Edmontons and compare. They have a new boot out, the Windsor, but I didn't try them on. They have a low-cut back designed for show skating and easy toe pointing, but I've been accidentally kicked in the back of the leg more than once by a pairs partner and wanted more protection for my Achilles tendons, thank you very much!

I also have a pair of Riedells that fit nicely, but I repurposed them when I took up artistic roller skating for fun last year and just had quad wheels put on them instead of blades. Hard to get Riedells in Canada now, though, because they're made in the USA and the tariff problems make them too difficult now to import here. Everyone I know who wore Riedells is switching to Risport and Graf. Much simpler and less expensive nowadays to import anything from Europe. Or from Asia.

 

[bostonskaterguy86]

They have a new boot out, the Windsor, but I didn't try them on. They have a low-cut back designed for show skating and easy toe pointing, but I've been accidentally kicked in the back of the leg more than once by a pairs partner and wanted more protection for my Achilles tendons, thank you very much!

It has never occurred to me that the backstay could function as armor, but it makes perfect sense now that you say it!

 

[Diana Delafield]

It has never occurred to me that the backstay could function as armor, but it makes perfect sense now that you say it!

Like being kicked by a horse that just had its shoes sharpened .

 

[rinkratpat76]

The ones I tried on were size 4S that they happened to have in, and just a smidge loose, which is why we chose to go down to the 3.5SS. Not sliding-up-and-down loose, but I think I'd have needed thicker tights in a 4S, and since my partner and I do exhibitions at our club several times a year (and contemplate adult competitions but haven't got around to that so far), my costumes often have thinner tights in slippery Lycra. So, a bit smaller and thinner for the boots. That would be the equivalent of the smallest adult size in Risports; Graf just puts the cut-off line between youth and adult sizes at a different level, so mine are at the large end for children's boots. Small feet go with the territory for pairs girls of any age.

I agree the Richmond Specials would probably be the ones you want, although you could try on the Edmontons and compare. They have a new boot out, the Windsor, but I didn't try them on. They have a low-cut back designed for show skating and easy toe pointing, but I've been accidentally kicked in the back of the leg more than once by a pairs partner and wanted more protection for my Achilles tendons, thank you very much!

I also have a pair of Riedells that fit nicely, but I repurposed them when I took up artistic roller skating for fun last year and just had quad wheels put on them instead of blades. Hard to get Riedells in Canada now, though, because they're made in the USA and the tariff problems make them too difficult now to import here. Everyone I know who wore Riedells is switching to Risport and Graf. Much simpler and less expensive nowadays to import anything from Europe. Or from Asia.

Well, I hope you love the Grafs when they come in. You’ll have to let us know. My fitter was trying to interest me in wearing thin sox with the new skates (to correct for the rt heel slippage). But I also really prefer wearing the thin hose—just more control somehow (as long as the boot is snug enough). When I try on Grafs I will be sure to try various models for comparison…good idea.

Went to the rink earlier today, and still had too much upward slip in the right boot. But I’ve been using “Space Lion” heel grips with the old Jacksons this past year, and decided to tape one temporarily to the inside of my right boot, going horizontally across the 2 vertical heel pads my fitter had put in. Such a simple thing, but it worked like a charm, and by the end of a short 30-min session I was relaxing into my edges and even doing some simple spins and footwork patterns. So I came home, and my old tan Jacksons with their taped-up tongues and linings are now officially retired to the closet ‘museum of old equipment’ (joining my scribe, old skate dresses, beginner jacket with badges, my instructor jacket and nametag, a couple pair of warped 1970s-90s Riedell Royals, the unwearable Klingbeils and Debut Fusions, and multiple blades of varying size, condition, and brand.) Only about 3-4 items are in like-new, sellable condition. I keep the rest of it for the wonderful memories, I guess.

Your artistic quad-wheels skating sounds so fun. For my 16th birthday I got a pair of quad wheel roller skates (I loved roller skating before discovering ice skating). Can’t remember how we finagled it, but a girlfriend and I actually got permission from high school staff to roller skate in the gym during free periods in our school day, and that was as glorious to me then as empty ice skating sessions are today.

I’m sure your exhibitions must be beautiful to watch. I love watching pair skaters probably even more than singles—the communication going on, the artistic story being told by two. I’ve never been the tiny gymnastic type, and appreciate the skills it must take to not only do individual elements well, but in perfect synchronization with someone else in close proximity. (Preferably without getting toe-picked, sliced, or dropped on your head.) I don’t blame you at all for wanting to keep your Achilles tendons.

 

[Diana Delafield]

my old tan Jacksons with their taped-up tongues and linings are now officially retired to the closet ‘museum of old equipment’ (joining my scribe, old skate dresses, beginner jacket with badges, my instructor jacket and nametag, a couple pair of warped 1970s-90s Riedell Royals, the unwearable Klingbeils and Debut Fusions, and multiple blades of varying size, condition, and brand.) Only about 3-4 items are in like-new, sellable condition. I keep the rest of it for the wonderful memories, I guess.

You still have your scribe?! I left mine behind when I got married and moved across the country. I think my father used it for some mysterious purpose in the garden until it fell apart .

If any of your old things are still usable, even if not like new, charity thrift shops love to get them. I go through boots quite quickly and don't have the space in an apartment to keep them around, so they go into the charity bag I keep in my laundry room until it's full. Same with old skating clothes and warm-up stuff. The charities particularly like crash pads, padded gloves, and other protective gear. They can sell those to people nervous about walking on ice or packed snow. (I'm in Canada. Maybe not such a necessity where you live .)

 

[2sk8]

which is why we chose to go down to the 3.5SS.

I'm curious what the timing was on ordering the SS width. That is usually a special order.

 

[Diana Delafield]

I'm curious what the timing was on ordering the SS width. That is usually a special order.

I guess it is. I was told probably early January, which was fine with me. My current Risport RF1 boots have some life in them yet, but I give them a couple of months more and then they're on the way to the boot graveyard. I wanted to get my order for new ones in with time to spare.

 

[rinkratpat76]

You still have your scribe?! I left mine behind when I got married and moved across the country. I think my father used it for some mysterious purpose in the garden until it fell apart .

If any of your old things are still usable, even if not like new, charity thrift shops love to get them. I go through boots quite quickly and don't have the space in an apartment to keep them around, so they go into the charity bag I keep in my laundry room until it's full. Same with old skating clothes and warm-up stuff. The charities particularly like crash pads, padded gloves, and other protective gear. They can sell those to people nervous about walking on ice or packed snow. (I'm in Canada. Maybe not such a necessity where you live .)

My parents moved across the country when I was in a college program overseas, and had I learned skating as a child, I’m sure that scribe would’ve gone the way of many of my childhood things (garage sale, trash). But, learning as an adult living on my own, I just hung onto it with all the other skating stuff I gradually acquired, even as I got married and my own family grew and moved. I started skating in January 1977. It’d be hard to adequately convey how much skating has meant to me over the years; I’m either a diehard procrastinator or more sentimental than I want to admit for hanging onto it.

But the charity/thrift shop suggestion is a good one. Some of it (20th century skate boots) is objectively junk that no one would actually be able to wear, at least not safely. But I’ve frequented our local thrift store often over the years, have donated skating and other clothing along with household items. Some of those stored skates will undoubtedly end up there, if not the trash. (The first pair of Riedells I ever owned actually did end up in the trash.)

Where I live it’s not usually snowing but there is still a strong market for used protective gear bc of all the Dallas area Starcenters and strong hockey interest. I have some protective equipment from Play It Again Sports, but have none to discard quite yet. Any protective equipment I have is a fairly recent acquisition and I’m wearing it. As I’m apparently old now and starting to break things.

I would love to know what your father used that scribe for in the garden…very creative mind. I can imagine marking out a circular or curved flower bed with it.

 

[khi]

Went to the rink earlier today, and still had too much upward slip in the right boot. But I’ve been using “Space Lion” heel grips with the old Jacksons this past year, and decided to tape one temporarily to the inside of my right boot, going horizontally across the 2 vertical heel pads my fitter had put in. Such a simple thing, but it worked like a charm, and by the end of a short 30-min session I was relaxing into my edges and even doing some simple spins and footwork patterns.

I also recently got the Risport RF3 pro! Like you, I prefer a lower heel (in fact in the shop the fitter commented she much preferred my knee bending and movement in the risport vs the Jackson that I also tried), like you, I have a smaller right foot and narrower heels, though I have the boots in a B width. I’ve been dealing with upward movement in the right boot too! This seems like such a simple solution!! Thanks for sharing this, I must order some and give it a go too. Do you think you will leave it in there permanently with tape?

Other than the heel slip the boots are very nice, I had no trouble adjusting to them. Last time I bought brand new boots I hated every second of it and sold them off quickly haha. These ones suit me well, if I can just lock my heel down