Adult beginner: boot/blade advice

[kat_c03]

I’m getting my first skates- Risport Electra boots (currently on rentals) and trying to decide whether to:

• keep the stock Edea Rotation blade (£183 boot + blade set) OR

Buy the risport Electra boot separately (£150) and then:

• Get a moderately priced blade like the MK Galaxy, Jackson Ultima aspire XP, Ultima mirage (~£100)
• or just spend more now on Coronation Ace / MK Pro. (£180)

My main concern is whether Coronation Ace or MK Pro would be “overblading” for my level and potentially hinder my progress/learning.

Budget does matter to me, but I’m also thinking long term. If spending more on Coronation Ace or MK Pro means:

• It’s appropriate for my level now and the foreseeable future
• the blade will last longer and can later be transferred onto future boots (how long can I expect blades to last?)

then I’m willing to spend the extra money- as long as it won’t negatively affect my skating development at this stage. (Someone I know in freeskate 1 who recently went from Jackson mystique and mark ii blades, to edea chorus+ coronation aces, said it felt like they were skating on bananas/ rocking chairs when they transitioned which kind of worried me)

So, Would love opinions

• Is MK Galaxy enough for my trajectory? Or edea rotation?
• Are Coronation Ace/MK Pro worth it this early?
• And between Coronation Ace vs MK Pro, which would you lean toward?

I’m still very much a beginner.

• Adult female, 162cm / 57kg
• Currently in 30 min weekly LTS + ~2 hours independent practice weekly
• Starting Aussie skate 3+4 in July this year
• Expected to finish Aussie skate 5–6 by the end of this year
• Planning to start private coaching ~march 2027 once I begin full-time work

(I’ll try attach the Aussie Skate curriculum/skills for reference.)

 

[Diana Delafield]

I’m getting my first skates- Risport Electra boots (currently on rentals) and trying to decide whether to:

• keep the stock Edea Rotation blade (£183 boot + blade set) OR

Buy the risport Electra boot separately (£150) and then:

• Get a moderately priced blade like the MK Galaxy, Jackson Ultima aspire XP, Ultima mirage (~£100)
• or just spend more now on Coronation Ace / MK Pro. (£180)

My main concern is whether Coronation Ace or MK Pro would be “overblading” for my level and potentially hinder my progress/learning.

Budget does matter to me, but I’m also thinking long term. If spending more on Coronation Ace or MK Pro means:

• It’s appropriate for my level now and the foreseeable future
• the blade will last longer and can later be transferred onto future boots (how long can I expect blades to last?)

then I’m willing to spend the extra money- as long as it won’t negatively affect my skating development at this stage. (Someone I know in freeskate 1 who recently went from Jackson mystique and mark ii blades, to edea chorus+ coronation aces, said it felt like they were skating on bananas/ rocking chairs when they transitioned which kind of worried me)

So, Would love opinions

• Is MK Galaxy enough for my trajectory? Or edea rotation?
• Are Coronation Ace/MK Pro worth it this early?
• And between Coronation Ace vs MK Pro, which would you lean toward?

I’m still very much a beginner.

• Adult female, 162cm / 57kg
• Currently in 30 min weekly LTS + ~2 hours independent practice weekly
• Starting Aussie skate 3+4 in July this year
• Expected to finish Aussie skate 5–6 by the end of this year
• Planning to start private coaching ~march 2027 once I begin full-time work

(I’ll try attach the Aussie Skate curriculum/skills for reference.)

Both the CA and MK Pro blades would be good choices. They're blades that will take you from beginner to as far as you want to go in skating, and you won't have to adjust to new styles as you progress. Just be sure you get the regular blades; you don't need the "lite" or Revolution models.

I used MK Pros up to senior competition and now use MK Phantoms, but it's personal preference. I find MKs easier to spin on because I tend to skate with my weight further forward on the blade and their shape suits that style. However, just as many skaters swear by the CA blades. If you start out on either of those, it just means you'll learn everything with the feel of that brand. One isn't more difficult to learn on than the other. Good luck!

 

[kat_c03]

Both the CA and MK Pro blades would be good choices. They're blades that will take you from beginner to as far as you want to go in skating, and you won't have to adjust to new styles as you progress. Just be sure you get the regular blades; you don't need the "lite" or Revolution models.

I used MK Pros up to senior competition and now use MK Phantoms, but it's personal preference. I find MKs easier to spin on because I tend to skate with my weight further forward on the blade and their shape suits that style. However, just as many skaters swear by the CA blades. If you start out on either of those, it just means you'll learn everything with the feel of that brand. One isn't more difficult to learn on than the other. Good luck!

Thank you! This really helps and gives me some reassurance that my learning and progression won’t be significantly affected if I choose the MKs or Coronation aces, and that I can’t go wrong with either

would it be correct to assume that the coronation aces/ MK pros have a longer lifespan before they need to be replaced, compared to those beginner blades I mentioned? Also, how long do blades typically last before they need to get replaced? Thank you for your input! I really appreciate it!

 

[lileychristie]

Hello from fellow Aussie adult skater here~

May I ask where you are located in Australia? If you happen to be in Brisbane I can direct you to a competent fitter & tech which has helped me a lot

Risport is a good brand however it might not fit your foot shape - each brand fits differently. Let us know your foot type based on this chart and one of us can suggest brand(s) that will fit your feet best.

Another thing I would emphasize is to ensure you get the correct boots size - many adult skaters here tend to get fitted in boots too large (especially by the rink shop). A competent fitter will measure your foot properly and give you boots in a size that's maximum 5mm longer than your feet. Don't measure your foot yourself as it will be prone to error.

If you're not in Brisbane, mention your location anyway and someone else here can direct you to a good fitter in your area.

I'm also going through the Aussie LTS at the moment (I'm on 7-8) and I'm pretty sure the curriculum should be the same across the country. In level 3-4 you should be learning forward & backward slaloms, forward and backward 1-foot glide, forward stroking, and 2-foot spin. In 5-6 it will be forward crossovers, basic forward inside & outside edges, backward stroking, and forward & backward 2-foot turns.

I also recently just got my first pair of boots out of rental (Risport RF3 Pro + MK Pro) based on advices I received here and I love them

 

[kat_c03]

Hello from fellow Aussie adult skater here~

May I ask where you are located in Australia? If you happen to be in Brisbane I can direct you to a competent fitter & tech which has helped me a lot

Risport is a good brand however it might not fit your foot shape - each brand fits differently. Let us know your foot type based on this chart and one of us can suggest brand(s) that will fit your feet best.

Another thing I would emphasize is to ensure you get the correct boots size - many adult skaters here tend to get fitted in boots too large (especially by the rink shop). A competent fitter will measure your foot properly and give you boots in a size that's maximum 5mm longer than your feet. Don't measure your foot yourself as it will be prone to error.

If you're not in Brisbane, mention your location anyway and someone else here can direct you to a good fitter in your area.

I'm also going through the Aussie LTS at the moment (I'm on 7-8) and I'm pretty sure the curriculum should be the same across the country. In level 3-4 you should be learning forward & backward slaloms, forward and backward 1-foot glide, forward stroking, and 2-foot spin. In 5-6 it will be forward crossovers, basic forward inside & outside edges, backward stroking, and forward & backward 2-foot turns.

I also recently just got my first pair of boots out of rental (Risport RF3 Pro + MK Pro) based on advices I received here and I love them

Hi and Thanks for your reply! Yes, I believe Aussie skate curriculum is the same in every state! I’m based in Melbourne.

My feet are the Greek shaped foot. If it matters I also have curled pinky toes that kind of lay on their side.

I got my feet measured at skaters network (obrien ice house) last week. They recommended the freestyle or Electra so I tried both. Electra in 245 and Jackson freestyle wide in a size 6.5. The freestyles felt too wide (they only order the wide fit). The Electras felt good width wise, but felt long. So they’ve ordered the Electra in a size down, 24, for me to try this week. I’m not too sure what I’m actually supposed to feel when trying them on. The person at the shop said they should feel snug, but my toes shouldnt be scrunched, so that’s kind of what I’m going off of.

 

[tstop4me]

I’m not too sure what I’m actually supposed to feel when trying them on. The person at the shop said they should feel snug, but my toes shouldnt be scrunched, so that’s kind of what I’m going off of.

Maybe these previous posts will help. I can't emphasize enough the importance of heel fit as a top priority. Good Luck! Getting proper fitting skates unfortunately isn't easy.

* For figure skating, you definitely want to wear thin socks, rather than thick socks: thick socks yield less sensitivity and control. I've never worn tights, so I can't comment on thin socks vs tights.

* A snug fitting heel cup is essential for figure skates. At the same time, the heel cup is the portion of the boot least amenable to adjustment. You should aim to have a proper heel fit with the boots straight out of the box.

* Here's a way to test for proper heel fit at the shop. First a caveat. Many skaters and techs recommend that (while you are sitting) you seat the heel of your foot into the heel pocket of the boot by first inserting your foot into the boot and then banging the heel of the boot sharply several times against the floor to force the heel of your foot into the heel pocket of your boot. I would recommend that you do not do this.

* Instead, I recommend a kindler, gentler method. While you are sitting, after you insert your foot into the boot, grasp the outsole of the boot near the toe with one hand and grasp the heel of the boot with the other hand. Hold the boot against the floor. Now wiggle the heel of your foot side-to-side and up-and-down as you seat the heel of your foot back into the heel pocket of your boot. If the heel cup of your boot is much too small, you won't be able to seat the heel of your foot into the heel cup (whereas if you bang the heel of your boot hard enough, you might force it in).

* Now lace up. Remain sitting.

* The tech, crouching down low, should hold the front of the boot around the outsole with one hand, and the back of the boot around the heel with the other hand. They should not squeeze down on your foot. They should hold the boot firmly against the floor.

* Now stand up. Try to wiggle the heel of your foot up-and-down and side-to-side. Remember, the heel pocket fit is three dimensional. Exert moderate force, but be sure not to kick the tech in the face.

* Ideally the heel of your foot should not move within the heel pocket of the boot. Only a very small amount due to compression of the padding. But no significant slipping up-and-down and side-to-side. This is hard to describe, but you shouldn't feel the heel of your foot sliding against the interior surface of the heel pocket, as opposed to compressing padding. Remember, as the boot wears in, the lining and the padding will compress permanently, yielding a looser fit. So out of the box, you shouldn't have any degree of sliding.

* If there is noticeable sliding, the heel pocket is too big. If the heel of your foot is painfully pinched, the heel pocket is too small. If the heel of your foot is gripped snugly, there is no noticeable sliding, and there is no painful pinching, the heel pocket is ... juuuust right (in the words of Goldilocks ).

(Cont'd)

Further fit checks; while in a standing position.

* Ideally (which is rarely the case), your toes should lightly brush the lining of the boot. The lining will compress with break-in, and you will get more clearance; so you don't want too much clearance at this point.

* You should be able to wiggle your toes slightly up-and-down and side-to-side.

* If you feel slight pressure against any one (or couple) of your toes, that can probably be fixed via heat molding/punching. But if your toes are all tightly cramped, either the width or the length is too small.

* Assuming the length and width are OK, you have excessive height (volume) in the toe/ball region if you can curl your toes up without touching the lining of the top of the toebox. Similarly, you have excessive height, if you can form your toes into a claw and push your ball up.

* As long as the height is not overly excessive, it's useful to have a high toebox. If you're lucky, you can skate with the included stock removable footbed (removable insole). But many skaters need to replace the stock removable footbed with a corrective footbed or orthotic. These usually take up more height than the stock unit. If the height of the toebox is too low, sometimes there's not enough room to accommodate the requisite corrective footbed or orthotic; so keep that in mind. If the fit is otherwise fine, but you find the toebox a bit too high, there is a fix (as long as you skate with socks on): Place a foam pad over your bare toes, and then roll the sock on over the pad. Obviously, if there's a boot that fits without doing this, that would be preferable.

(More to follow)

 

[Diana Delafield]

Thank you! This really helps and gives me some reassurance that my learning and progression won’t be significantly affected if I choose the MKs or Coronation aces, and that I can’t go wrong with either

would it be correct to assume that the coronation aces/ MK pros have a longer lifespan before they need to be replaced, compared to those beginner blades I mentioned? Also, how long do blades typically last before they need to get replaced? Thank you for your input! I really appreciate it!

I'd have to defer to the blade experts like @tstop4me here, because I started skating at 5, which was a very long time ago, and I don't think I ever had beginner blades. There wasn't the variety of blades then that there are now, so as far as I know I started out with MK Pros from the beginning. I would assume they're made of a stronger steel and would last longer than beginner blades, but I really don't know.

Their lifespan depends on how often and hard you use them, and how proficient the technician is who sharpens them for you. One bad sharpening can kill even a new pair of blades. I have mine done at least once a month, usually more like every three weeks. It was more often than that when I was still doing all triple jumps, but age has reduced me to doubles as individual jumps (I'm a pairs skater), although I can still pull off a triple toe as a throw, and on a very good day as a singles jump. I skate on deep knees, which puts more intense pressure on the edges than a more upright beginner, although I'm typical pairs-size (currently about 158 cm and 48 kg, I think, according to my costume maker). And I like the feel of a newly-sharpened blade biting the ice, whereas many like that sharp edge worn off a bit.

Then there's how you treat your blades, which should be thoroughly wiped off after each use and protected by soakers, little socks that cover your blades and protect them in your bag until you can get home and "undress them" for a thorough air-drying. Needless to say, you never walk around on blades without guards off the ice on rubber mats or rink floors! All it takes is stepping on a bit of grit on the mat that chips a teeny piece off one edge and it's back to your sharpener again. (You'll find out why the hard way when you try to skate an edge and slip on that barely visible nicked spot.)

With good care and a good sharpener, as an adult whose feet aren't going to grow and thus need longer blades from time to time, the blades should last for several years, depending on how many hours per week you skate. Each sharpening shaves a bit off the crucial part. If you look at your blade, there's a "high water line" where the metal changes from bright to a somewhat duller sheen. Once they've been sharpened down to that line, your blades have to be replaced.

Or you can have a quirk like mine, where every time I replace my boots, about twice a year, I buy new blades to go with them. But that's sort of a superstition, like always putting my left skate on first .

 

[tstop4me]

would it be correct to assume that the coronation aces/ MK pros have a longer lifespan before they need to be replaced, compared to those beginner blades I mentioned?

I'd have to defer to the blade experts like @tstop4me here, because I started skating at 5, which was a very long time ago, and I don't think I ever had beginner blades. There wasn't the variety of blades then that there are now, so as far as I know I started out with MK Pros from the beginning. I would assume they're made of a stronger steel and would last longer than beginner blades, but I really don't know.

Sorry, I can't help here. This has always been an intriguing question, but even more so post-pandemic, since the prices of figure-skating gear and figure-skating services (such as sharpening) have skyrocketed. But I'm not aware of any studies that have compared the wear rate of different blades under nominally the same actual skating conditions. Paramount did some limited wear-rate studies of a few different steels under test-lab conditions. Anecdotal reports aren't very helpful since there are far too many uncontrolled variables. And as Diana mentioned, there's now a greater variety of blades fabricated from a greater variety of steels than in the olden days in which MK and Wilson (which are now owned by the same parent) were by far the two overwhelmingly dominant blade suppliers (excluding the low-end stuff sold at department stores and sporting-goods stores). If anyone else is aware of field-test data, I'd be interested.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Sorry, I can't help here. This has always been an intriguing question, but even more so post-pandemic, since the prices of figure-skating gear and figure-skating services (such as sharpening) have skyrocketed. But I'm not aware of any studies that have compared the wear rate of different blades under nominally the same actual skating conditions. Paramount did some limited wear-rate studies of a few different steels under test-lab conditions. Anecdotal reports aren't very helpful since there are far too many uncontrolled variables. And as Diana mentioned, there's now a greater variety of blades fabricated from a greater variety of steels than in the olden days in which MK and Wilson (which are now owned by the same parent) were by far the two overwhelmingly dominant blade suppliers (excluding the low-end stuff sold at department stores and sporting-goods stores). If anyone else is aware of field-test data, I'd be interested.

 

[lileychristie]

Hi and Thanks for your reply! Yes, I believe Aussie skate curriculum is the same in every state! I’m based in Melbourne.

My feet are the Greek shaped foot. If it matters I also have curled pinky toes that kind of lay on their side.

I got my feet measured at skaters network (obrien ice house) last week. They recommended the freestyle or Electra so I tried both. Electra in 245 and Jackson freestyle wide in a size 6.5. The freestyles felt too wide (they only order the wide fit). The Electras felt good width wise, but felt long. So they’ve ordered the Electra in a size down, 24, for me to try this week. I’m not too sure what I’m actually supposed to feel when trying them on. The person at the shop said they should feel snug, but my toes shouldnt be scrunched, so that’s kind of what I’m going off of.

With greek foot I believe Risport should work for you. Definitely try the size down - you don't want boots too big as it'll cause all sorts of issues. If the smaller size feels a bit narrow around your toes, your fitter / tech should be able to punch it sideways to make a bit more room.

In addition to everything that's been mentioned above, here's a checklist given by my fitter as to what to feel for when trying boots:

By "minimal heel lift" he clarified that 1-2mm of movement is the maximum acceptable.

Feel free to read through my own question thread below - @tstop4me has beat me to it and linked you the most useful stuff above, but there's some other info there which might be handy too

Thread 'Skates & fitter advice for adult beginner'

Mar 29, 2026

Finally after lurking in this (lutz) corner for ages, it's my turn to ask for advice

I'm an adult beginner, I just passed Aussie LTS level 5-6 and I'm thinking it's a good time to finally get my own skates. Not sure how the LTS levels correlate with other countries, but I've learnt basic forward crossover, forward & backward two foot turns, forward & backward glide, and very basic inside & outside edges.

Here are my stats:
33F, 164cm 64kg
Orient foot type - narrow heel, wide forefoot with bunions & tailor bunions. The bunions don't bother me at all unless I'm wearing shoes that are too...

• lileychristie
• Replies: 31
• Forum: Boots and Blades

 

[kat_c03]

Maybe these previous posts will help. I can't emphasize enough the importance of heel fit as a top priority. Good Luck! Getting proper fitting skates unfortunately isn't easy.

This is all very useful thank you so much! How long should i be staying in the skate while Im fitting it to make sure I dont have any issues, before I take it off? Also how much side to side foot movement is acceptable? Just because I’ve heard different things (I.e., no movement vs some movement).

Also would risport Electra be appropriate for my level progression/ weight? I’d ideally like it to last me more than a couple years

I’ll be trying the risport Electra 240 today. Are the boot sizes the same across different models (I.e., if I fit the 240 Electra, would it be correct to assume that the 240 rf3 pro would fit me?)

I also did an online fitting with another shop (skaters edge) and they also told me I should fit the 240 risport, im such an anxious shopper so fingers crossed it feels ‘right’.

 

[kat_c03]

Both the CA and MK Pro blades would be good choices. They're blades that will take you from beginner to as far as you want to go in skating, and you won't have to adjust to new styles as you progress. Just be sure you get the regular blades; you don't need the "lite" or Revolution models.

I used MK Pros up to senior competition and now use MK Phantoms, but it's personal preference. I find MKs easier to spin on because I tend to skate with my weight further forward on the blade and their shape suits that style. However, just as many skaters swear by the CA blades. If you start out on either of those, it just means you'll learn everything with the feel of that brand. One isn't more difficult to learn on than the other. Good luck!

Hi! I have an update! I tried the Risport Electra in 240 today and they fit really well and felt right! The only issue was a could feel something hard poking my medial ankle bone (I think it was maybe the tongue of the skate) but I’m assuming this is an easier fix with some gel pads?

My heel didn’t lift when I went on my tippy toes in the skates, I couldn’t move my foot side to side, I could only scrunch my toes a very tiny bit and my toes don’t feel jammed at the end, they just slightly touch the end… I tried to bend my knee/ ankles the skate does feel very firm.

Now my question is would the risport electra be a suitable skate that will last me at least >3 years? Given my frequency of skating and weight/ height. Or, would I be better off ordering in something stiffer like the risport rf3 pro? I really appreciate all the replies so far, it’s helped give me a better idea of what to look for when trying on the skate.

 

[tstop4me]

How long should i be staying in the skate while Im fitting it to make sure I dont have any issues, before I take it off?

If it's a really bad fit, you'll know pretty quickly you've got the wrong boots. If the fit appears reasonable at first and you are considering buying them, you should keep both boots on for at least 5 min or so and play around with them.

Also how much side to side foot movement is acceptable? Just because I’ve heard different things (I.e., no movement vs some movement).

Which part of the foot are you talking about: toes, instep, heel, ....?

The only issue was a could feel something hard poking my medial ankle bone (I think it was maybe the tongue of the skate) but I’m assuming this is an easier fix with some gel pads?

Depends on how severe this is. Definitely bring it to the attention of your fitter and ask their opinion. Gel pads/sleeves may help. Heat molding and punching out the ankle pocket may help. But if the tongue is digging into your ankle bone, be cautious. A friend of mine had a similar problem years ago. The tech ended up cutting away a small section of the tongue so it wouldn't dig into her ankle bone. But this was readily doable because it was a simple tongue, and there was no stitching in that region. I don't know the Risport Electra. But many tongues these days have multi-layer construction and are stitched together. Then you can't simply cut away a section. You need to re-stitch it afterwards, and your shop might not be able to do that.

My heel didn’t lift when I went on my tippy toes in the skates, I

Did you do the heel fit test I suggested, and not merely go tippy toes?

 

[Diana Delafield]

This is all very useful thank you so much! How long should i be staying in the skate while Im fitting it to make sure I dont have any issues, before I take it off? Also how much side to side foot movement is acceptable? Just because I’ve heard different things (I.e., no movement vs some movement).

At the very least keep them on long enough to squat down in them as if you're doing a sit spin, and try a few jumps if the shop has enough room, landing them on a deeply bent knee. If there's not enough room for that, try hopping back and forth on the spot, from one foot to the other, to test heel grip. Hold a wall or chair and lean from side to side as if you're doing edges. Five to ten minutes should do it, if your appointment length allows for that, and if you're only deciding between perhaps two boots.

If you mean your whole forefoot has room to shift from side to side, then the boot is too wide for you. Ask to try it in a narrower width if you like the rest of it. Boots can be moulded or punched in places that are too snug, but they can't be taken in if they're too roomy, and compensating with thick socks isn't a good idea.

If the forefoot part is too deep and you have a gap over your toes and the top of your foot, then that model isn't right for your foot (although orthotics might help if it's just the arch part where you feel a gap).

 

[kat_c03]

If it's a really bad fit, you'll know pretty quickly you've got the wrong boots. If the fit appears reasonable at first and you are considering buying them, you should keep both boots on for at least 5 min or so and play around with them.



Which part of the foot are you talking about: toes, instep, heel, ....?



Depends on how severe this is. Definitely bring it to the attention of your fitter and ask their opinion. Gel pads/sleeves may help. Heat molding and punching out the ankle pocket may help. But if the tongue is digging into your ankle bone, be cautious. A friend of mine had a similar problem years ago. The tech ended up cutting away a small section of the tongue so it wouldn't dig into her ankle bone. But this was readily doable because it was a simple tongue, and there was no stitching in that region. I don't know the Risport Electra. But many tongues these days have multi-layer construction and are stitched together. Then you can't simply cut away a section. You need to re-stitch it afterwards, and your shop might not be able to do that.



Did you do the heel fit test I suggested, and not merely go tippy toes?

Hi thanks for your reply!
Yes I did the heel fit test as suggested as for the medial ankle bone, the person from the shop who tied my skates when I tried the 240 on was a different person to the one who tied them from me when I tried the Electra in 245.

I should’ve mentioned but When I tried the Electra in 245 during my first visit, the person tied it tight towards the eyelets near the ankle and mid foot, and then not as tight on the hooks/ tongue part if that makes sense

Whereas the person who was in the shop when I tried the 240, tied it very tight all the way up the boot. So to be honest im not sure if it was a skate tying issue since I didn’t feel it in the 245, or if its actually the tongue itself

 

[tstop4me]

Hi thanks for your reply!
Yes I did the heel fit test as suggested as for the medial ankle bone, the person from the shop who tied my skates when I tried the 240 on was a different person to the one who tied them from me when I tried the Electra in 245.

I should’ve mentioned but When I tried the Electra in 245 during my first visit, the person tied it tight towards the eyelets near the ankle and mid foot, and then not as tight on the hooks/ tongue part if that makes sense

Whereas the person who was in the shop when I tried the 240, tied it very tight all the way up the boot. So to be honest im not sure if it was a skate tying issue since I didn’t feel it in the 245, or if its actually the tongue itself

Thanks for the clarifications. I personally prefer to tie the laces tight along the eyelets and looser along the hooks. But I do know skaters who prefer to tie them tight all the way up. Here's a portion of a previous post on how to maintain differential tension (tight in one section of lace and looser in another section). You might need longer laces than what's supplied (check the full previous post for further details).

* When you’ve laced the top row of eyelets, don’t continue directly to the hooks, as shown in the Risport video. If you follow the video and tie the laces tight along the eyelets, but looser along the hooks, the laces along the eyelets will naturally loosen during the course of skating: there’s no mechanism to maintain different tension along the eyelets and along the hooks.

* Instead, when you’ve laced the top row of eyelets, wrap the laces around each other 3 or 4 times, and then pull tight. By this, I mean the following. When you normally finish lacing, you typically wrap the laces around each other once before tying the bow. Here, I want you to wrap the laces 3 or 4 times. First try 3 times. When you pull tight and then let go, the laces along the eyelets should stay snug. If the laces slip, then use 4 wraps. Now check snugness of the lacing along the eyelets. If there are any loose rows, snug them up, and pull on the laces at the top row of eyelets to take up additional slack. These 3 or 4 wraps at the top row of eyelets will maintain the different tension along the eyelets and along the hooks.

* If you should end up buying Risports and have problems with lacing, refer to the entire previous thread from which the excerpt is copied.

* When you first break in any new boot (any manufacturer/model), I'd recommend that you don't use the top row of hooks for the initial several sessions. During initial break-in, it's also better to tie the laces looser along the hooks. Later you can always play around with the tightness to see what your personal preference is.

 

[kat_c03]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I’d share an update to wrap up this thread. Also thank you for everyone who replied- it has really made the purchasing process feel less confusing.

I ended up trying the risport electra 240 again and I did still feel the tongue poking my medial ankle bone. it felt great everywhere else (width, length, volume wise). They noticed that my medial ankle bone does protrude out and forward a bit.

I tried edea chorus and they felt too roomy (and out of my price range)…. I also tried the Jackson Freestyle R width which felt too tight width wise. At this point I felt like I was having foot dysmorphia lol.

In the end I went with the Electra and JW CA blade. The person in the shop said if that’s the boot that feels the best in every aspect except for the tongue, then there are things we can do to alleviate it like heat moulding/ punching the tongue, or wearing sponges/ Bunga pads. They also said that the tongue and boot overall should soften with breaking in as well… feels a bit nerve wracking to just ‘trust the process’ but I’m also really excited for my first pair of skates

 

[tstop4me]

Thanks for getting back to us. Hope all works out well in the end. Have a Great Skate!