Hello! I am planning to start adult learn to skate classes next month, but I have been going to open skate regularly since August and will be pretty solid with the Adult 1 and 2 skills by the time I start. However, the rental skates are killing my feet, so I would like to get my own as soon as possible (although due to time constraints, it will probably be a couple more months). I'm 17, male, ~115 lbs, and would prefer to get a pair of skates that could last me for a while. I am willing to invest in something more expensive, I just don't want to instantly level out of whatever I buy first.
I do have some foot problems, mostly pertaining to overpronation and general ankle stability. I have injured both of my ankles in the past (thank you gymnastics), and my autoimmune disorder ate away at the ligaments for a few years before it was diagnosed, so they are very floppy and my arches collapse as soon as I put weight on them. Two of the small bones in my left foot are fused as well, which makes the pronation in that foot a little harder to correct. I currently wear prescription orthotics in my shoes, and they work very well for me. I've been taping my ankles for skating in an attempt to reinforce them, but I think I will definitely need something stronger if I end up skating for more than an hour or two a week.
I would greatly appreciate any advice as to what brand/style of boot to get, and if anyone has any good over-the-counter orthotic suggestions for fallen arches. I live in NWI and was thinking of going to Geppetto's Skate Shop in Downer's Grove, IL to get fitted, are they any good? If not I would also appreciate suggestions for good places in the area to get fitted!
I do have some foot problems, mostly pertaining to overpronation and general ankle stability. I have injured both of my ankles in the past (thank you gymnastics), and my autoimmune disorder ate away at the ligaments for a few years before it was diagnosed, so they are very floppy and my arches collapse as soon as I put weight on them. Two of the small bones in my left foot are fused as well, which makes the pronation in that foot a little harder to correct. I currently wear prescription orthotics in my shoes, and they work very well for me. I've been taping my ankles for skating in an attempt to reinforce them, but I think I will definitely need something stronger if I end up skating for more than an hour or two a week.
I would greatly appreciate any advice as to what brand/style of boot to get, and if anyone has any good over-the-counter orthotic suggestions for fallen arches. I live in NWI and was thinking of going to Geppetto's Skate Shop in Downer's Grove, IL to get fitted, are they any good? If not I would also appreciate suggestions for good places in the area to get fitted!
I have a nephew in his 20s with ankle problems, he having inherited loose joints from the same Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome I have and then wrecking his feet and ankles in high school track & field as a high jumper. He started skating in university when he started dating an ice dancer, and asked me (and his coach) for advice re boots and blades. He chose the Jackson Debut boots from a Toronto fitter, and, while waiting for his large size to arrive, also bought a barely-used pair of Gams the fitter had in, which were temporarily adequate (I don't remember the particular style). He much preferred his Jacksons, though, and has since replaced them at least once, along with a custom arch and ankle support from his orthopedist. He bought MK Pro blades just because they've been my favourites over a long career on the ice, but Coronation Ace would also work well for you. Welcome to the skating world! 
