Boot Recommendation for Heavier Adult Beginner

[violetponds]

I’m a beginner adult skater who’s been kind of in and out. I’m determined to actually go somewhere with this hobby during the summer and want to finally get my own skates (and hopefully a private coach).

I’m 21, 155cm (5’1), 75kg (165lbs), and I’m currently in Basic 2/Basic 3 (coach got us ahead). Once I get my skates, I’m hoping to skate 2-6 hours a week. I hope to eventually jump and spin and do all that but my main goal for now is to just be comfortable on the ice. I would say greek for foot shape and average to high arches. I have realized that I like a looser ankle than I think most beginners do and I feel comfiest when I've been on the ice for 30 minutes or so and the crappy rental boots have loosened up a bit and I hate when I crank my laces too tight.

I’m heavier than most adults clearly; and of course the pre-pubescent children that stiffness ratings are created for. But I also really want to do this right and build up the correct ankle strength and technique, so I don’t want to overboot. But I do want to end up jumping and don’t have the funds to spend $300-400 on one set and then spend another $600-800 on a set I could jump in. I was hoping for a boot that would last me for all of my singles.

I was looking into all of the major brands, Jackson Freestyles, Risport Electra (maybe Royal Pros but those scare me because they’re rated for doubles and triples), Edea Overture/Chorus, and even the Aura Sky 50’s. And then blades on top of that. I was looking into the MK Professional and Coronation Aces of course, but also the Jackson Legacy 7’s.

I know I should go to a fitter, and I actually am pretty soon, but I just wanted to get a lay of the land beforehand because it’s all very overwhelming. And I’m insane and can’t research anything properly without getting sucked into a wormhole which is how I got here in the first place.

 

[Diana Delafield]

I’m a beginner adult skater who’s been kind of in and out. I’m determined to actually go somewhere with this hobby during the summer and want to finally get my own skates (and hopefully a private coach).

I’m 21, 155cm (5’1), 75kg (165lbs), and I’m currently in Basic 2/Basic 3 (coach got us ahead). Once I get my skates, I’m hoping to skate 2-6 hours a week. I hope to eventually jump and spin and do all that but my main goal for now is to just be comfortable on the ice. I would say greek for foot shape and average to high arches. I have realized that I like a looser ankle than I think most beginners do and I feel comfiest when I've been on the ice for 30 minutes or so and the crappy rental boots have loosened up a bit and I hate when I crank my laces too tight.

I’m heavier than most adults clearly; and of course the pre-pubescent children that stiffness ratings are created for. But I also really want to do this right and build up the correct ankle strength and technique, so I don’t want to overboot. But I do want to end up jumping and don’t have the funds to spend $300-400 on one set and then spend another $600-800 on a set I could jump in. I was hoping for a boot that would last me for all of my singles.

I was looking into all of the major brands, Jackson Freestyles, Risport Electra (maybe Royal Pros but those scare me because they’re rated for doubles and triples), Edea Overture/Chorus, and even the Aura Sky 50’s. And then blades on top of that. I was looking into the MK Professional and Coronation Aces of course, but also the Jackson Legacy 7’s.

I know I should go to a fitter, and I actually am pretty soon, but I just wanted to get a lay of the land beforehand because it’s all very overwhelming. And I’m insane and can’t research anything properly without getting sucked into a wormhole which is how I got here in the first place.

An adult with your stats needs boots as strong as those of a child skating at a much higher technical level, for safety reasons. You won't be overbooted in at the very least the 60, or higher, stiffness range, but you will have to pay more than your budget seems to allow, and your boots will have to be replaced every few years depending on how often you skate and how quickly you advance. What part of what country are you in, so we can direct you to a good skate shop and fitter near you? (And so we know if you're quoting USD or Canadian or Australian dollars.)

Your choice of blades is good, and either the MK Pros or CAs will last you for your journey. Not the individual blades themselves, because you'll have to replace them from time to time, but those models will serve you well.

As for boots, different brands are designed to fit different foot shapes, so not all those brands you've looked at will fit you. I'm just on my way out the door or I'd take more time to recommend brands for Greek feet with high arches, but I'm sure someone else on GS will pick up on that, as well as recommending the best fitter near you. Good luck!

 

[violetponds]

An adult with your stats needs boots as strong as those of a child skating at a much higher technical level, for safety reasons. You won't be overbooted in at the very least the 60, or higher, stiffness range, but you will have to pay more than your budget seems to allow, and your boots will have to be replaced every few years depending on how often you skate and how quickly you advance. What part of what country are you in, so we can direct you to a good skate shop and fitter near you? (And so we know if you're quoting USD or Canadian or Australian dollars.)

Your choice of blades is good, and either the MK Pros or CAs will last you for your journey. Not the individual blades themselves, because you'll have to replace them from time to time, but those models will serve you well.

As for boots, different brands are designed to fit different foot shapes, so not all those brands you've looked at will fit you. I'm just on my way out the door or I'd take more time to recommend brands for Greek feet with high arches, but I'm sure someone else on GS will pick up on that, as well as recommending the best fitter near you. Good luck!

Thank you for the heads up about my budget! To be honest, I was just sprouting random numbers and budget isn't a huge issue for me. I've saved up quite a bit this past year and and can probably spend $1000 total for my entire fitting, sharpening, boot, blade, hard guards, and everything else I'd need.

I'm based in Richmond, VA, and was planning on going to Marlon at Fairfax Ice Arena whenever my schedule allows me but if there are other options I'd be open to them.

Also, I don't really know whether to classify my arches as high or average, I honestly would say more average, I just know they're prominent enough to where I get pretty noticeable pain in them when I'm in the rentals. I'm open to possibly buying insoles to help.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Thank you for the heads up about my budget! To be honest, I was just sprouting random numbers and budget isn't a huge issue for me. I've saved up quite a bit this past year and and can probably spend $1000 total for my entire fitting, sharpening, boot, blade, hard guards, and everything else I'd need.

I'm based in Richmond, VA, and was planning on going to Marlon at Fairfax Ice Arena whenever my schedule allows me but if there are other options I'd be open to them.

Also, I don't really know whether to classify my arches as high or average, I honestly would say more average, I just know they're prominent enough to where I get pretty noticeable pain in them when I'm in the rentals. I'm open to possibly buying insoles to help.

I've been away competing in ballroom on the weekend, and I see your thread has got bumped by another in the advice forum. I'm not familiar with boots for your foot shape (@Ic3Rabbit , can you suggest?), but I did a little calculation as to costs. I stopped in at my skate shop in Vancouver yesterday and put in an order for new boots and blades as one of my pairs is coming to the end of its lifespan. I ordered a new pair of Risport RF1s $1,065 (I also have Graf Edmonton Specials, but those for my small thin feet have to be semi-custom made in Europe and the wait is longer) with MK Phantom blades $925, and blade guards with Canadian flag symbol and colours that are $100 as opposed to the plain colour guards at $90. Mounting the blades is $66, fitting and heat moulding is $44. Two pairs of laces $36. Soakers for the blades until I get the skates home and lay them out to air dry thoroughly $26. A new pair of fingerless gloves with padded palms $50. Tights with padding in the hip and tailbone area $150 since we're working on getting a bigger throw Axel (I'm a pairs skater) and my old pair is getting loose around the waist so they slide down a bit. Plus sales tax, my total bill was just under $2,700. Pick up a few pieces of practice clothes and add more. Usually twice a year for this for me, but I'm hard on my boots and blades, so less often for you.

According to Google, the USD equivalent would have been about $1,900. However, Google also tells me that the tax in Virginia would be only 5.3% which is about a third of the sales tax here, so chop something off that.

I'm just using Risports as an example, not having ever bought some other popular brands like Edea or Aura, for instance. The RF1s would probably be overbooting for you, supposing that was the brand your fitter recommends. If he still recommended Risport (and he may not) and you went with their Royal Pro line, the boots + blades would be less, although the peripheral costs would be the same. And you have to add the cost of lessons, and transportation. I'm all for luring beginners into the sport . You just need to know ahead of time that it's a very expensive hobby, to cushion the sticker shock . You might want to revise your budget upward. Good luck!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Greek foot and high arches: Look at Risport. Try RF3 Pro

 

[violetponds]

Greek foot and high arches: Look at Risport. Try RF3 Pro

What's the difference between the Royal and RF line, I know its a question that's asked a lot, but from my research the Royal line is slightly looser at the ankle, a little more stiff, and synthetic (so lighter?) than the RF line. I don't really know what a flex notch is and how that affects how each boot feels.

I fully have the intention of trying them both if my fitter has them, but I always thought the Royal line lined up with my preferences better so I kind of ignored the RF line.

But what do I know.

 

[Diana Delafield]

What's the difference between the Royal and RF line, I know its a question that's asked a lot, but from my research the Royal line is slightly looser at the ankle, a little more stiff, and synthetic (so lighter?) than the RF line. I don't really know what a flex notch is and how that affects how each boot feels.

I fully have the intention of trying them both if my fitter has them, but I always thought the Royal line lined up with my preferences better so I kind of ignored the RF line.

But what do I know.

They're designed for different foot shapes and different needs. "Foot shape", to your fitter includes your whole foot up to above your ankle bones. The RF line is generally stiffer and more supportive around the ankle, with a notch cut out of the opening lines (where the lace holes are) to facilitate deeper knee bend. For skaters wanting to do freeskate, including jumps. The Royal Pro line is somewhat looser or softer at the top, for dancers and synchro skaters. Generally feels more comfortable at the start, but remember all boots soften up and break down no matter the price. A boot that feels comfortable when you try it on in the shop will probably, depending on how often you skate and what you do in it, break down and need replacement sooner and that somewhat negates the lower initial price.

But it's up to you when you try it on. Do listen to your fitter's advice. I agree with Ic3Rabbit that with your stats and what you want to be able to do on the ice, the stronger and more ankle-supportive RF line would be better for you. The RF3 model would be right for your technical level.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

What's the difference between the Royal and RF line, I know its a question that's asked a lot, but from my research the Royal line is slightly looser at the ankle, a little more stiff, and synthetic (so lighter?) than the RF line. I don't really know what a flex notch is and how that affects how each boot feels.

I fully have the intention of trying them both if my fitter has them, but I always thought the Royal line lined up with my preferences better so I kind of ignored the RF line.

But what do I know.

Royal line is similar to Edea which means it won't fit your foot type properly.

 

[violetponds]

They're designed for different foot shapes and different needs. "Foot shape", to your fitter includes your whole foot up to above your ankle bones. The RF line is generally stiffer and more supportive around the ankle, with a notch cut out of the opening lines (where the lace holes are) to facilitate deeper knee bend. For skaters wanting to do freeskate, including jumps. The Royal Pro line is somewhat looser or softer at the top, for dancers and synchro skaters. Generally feels more comfortable at the start, but remember all boots soften up and break down no matter the price. A boot that feels comfortable when you try it on in the shop will probably, depending on how often you skate and what you do in it, break down and need replacement sooner and that somewhat negates the lower initial price.

But it's up to you when you try it on. Do listen to your fitter's advice. I agree with Ic3Rabbit that with your stats and what you want to be able to do on the ice, the stronger and more ankle-supportive RF line would be better for you. The RF3 model would be right for your technical level.

Royal line is similar to Edea which means it won't fit your foot type properly.

Ohhhh that makes sense.

Oh and also good news, my friend and I finally found a day we're both free to head up to NOVA so my appointment is scheduled

Thanks for the explanations and the help!