Advice on next boots?

[turtledove]

Context: I am an adult skater, 30F, 115lbs. Working on doubles, passed adult gold SS. Currently in Edea Ice Flys.

Hello! This is my first post and I'm looking to get some advice on my next boots, as someone with significant heel slipping issues.

I started out in Jackson's that were way too big overall (poorly fit by my pro shop) and eventually moved to B width Jackson 5300s fit by a reputable tech (A&G in San francisco). I had major heel slipping in these even after extensive modifications, and they always caused me a lot of pain and resulted in multiple bone spurs so I kind of got put off from Jackson's entirely. From there I went to another tech that seemed to have more options (ProSwizzles) and they fit me in Edea Ice Flys. These have been the best by far but I still have heel slipping, and I have to wear bunga pads around my heels and tie my skates tighter than I think I should in order to prevent it.

At one point I went to avanta to see if they could adjust them (I know they have a bad reputation here, but ProSwizzles was out of town and A&G doesn't work with Edeas) and they didn't try to sell me anything but they did take a look at the fit and made a comment that they thought I was mis-fit and my boot is too long, causing my foot to move forward and my heel to slip up. This actually feels consistent with my experience in the boots, because when I do toe jumps I can tell my foot is being pushed to the front and the heel slipping gets much worse until I re-tie my skates. They did some adjusting (I'm honestly not sure what) and it definitely improved the issue by quite a bit, but it didn't go away and is continuing to get worse again as the boots break down.

Now I'm thinking about whether I should try again with smaller ice flys for my next boot, or completely take a chance on another brand. If anyone on here has had trouble getting their heel to lock and found success with a particular boot I'd love to hear it!

I also provided the info about the skate techs I've been to on the off chance that anyone in this area has a recommendation for where to get fit. I feel like I've been badly fit by two places that come highly recommended, and I am very hesitant to go to Avanta because of their reputation, but they have made modifications to my existing boots that were a big improvement, which makes me want to consider them despite the reviews. I am not actually considering Avanta custom boots, but I know they fit other brands as well.

If you have recommendations either for a boot or a good bay area fitter I will take them!

 

[kyraannk]

Hi! Wondering how this worked out for you? I actually have the exact story as your with the same boot models fit by the same fitters! I am picking up the ice flys soon but was lent Pianos and am very nervous about the heel slippage/ looser ankles.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Context: I am an adult skater, 30F, 115lbs. Working on doubles, passed adult gold SS. Currently in Edea Ice Flys.

Hello! This is my first post and I'm looking to get some advice on my next boots, as someone with significant heel slipping issues.

I started out in Jackson's that were way too big overall (poorly fit by my pro shop) and eventually moved to B width Jackson 5300s fit by a reputable tech (A&G in San francisco). I had major heel slipping in these even after extensive modifications, and they always caused me a lot of pain and resulted in multiple bone spurs so I kind of got put off from Jackson's entirely. From there I went to another tech that seemed to have more options (ProSwizzles) and they fit me in Edea Ice Flys. These have been the best by far but I still have heel slipping, and I have to wear bunga pads around my heels and tie my skates tighter than I think I should in order to prevent it.

At one point I went to avanta to see if they could adjust them (I know they have a bad reputation here, but ProSwizzles was out of town and A&G doesn't work with Edeas) and they didn't try to sell me anything but they did take a look at the fit and made a comment that they thought I was mis-fit and my boot is too long, causing my foot to move forward and my heel to slip up. This actually feels consistent with my experience in the boots, because when I do toe jumps I can tell my foot is being pushed to the front and the heel slipping gets much worse until I re-tie my skates. They did some adjusting (I'm honestly not sure what) and it definitely improved the issue by quite a bit, but it didn't go away and is continuing to get worse again as the boots break down.

Now I'm thinking about whether I should try again with smaller ice flys for my next boot, or completely take a chance on another brand. If anyone on here has had trouble getting their heel to lock and found success with a particular boot I'd love to hear it!

I also provided the info about the skate techs I've been to on the off chance that anyone in this area has a recommendation for where to get fit. I feel like I've been badly fit by two places that come highly recommended, and I am very hesitant to go to Avanta because of their reputation, but they have made modifications to my existing boots that were a big improvement, which makes me want to consider them despite the reviews. I am not actually considering Avanta custom boots, but I know they fit other brands as well.

If you have recommendations either for a boot or a good bay area fitter I will take them!

Hi and welcome. Sorry no one has helped you yet. Couple of questions for you: What is your foot type? And are your arches very high/high/normal/low/flat?
Those answers will help alot.

Also, you are more than likely going to need a split width boot.

Once I get the above answers, I'll be back with suggestions and a fitter for you. TIA!

 

[turtledove]

Hi and welcome. Sorry no one has helped you yet. Couple of questions for you: What is your foot type? And are your arches very high/high/normal/low/flat?
Those answers will help alot.

Also, you are more than likely going to need a split width boot.

Once I get the above answers, I'll be back with suggestions and a fitter for you. TIA!

Thank you for the reply - would love to hear your recommendations!! Based on the diagram you linked I would say I have a Greek foot, although the difference in length from one toe to the next is not as dramatic as it is in the diagram (my second toe is only the tiniest bit longer than my big toe). I think I have normal arches that aren't particularly high or low. Good point about the split-width boot, I hadn't thought of that.

 

[turtledove]

Hi! Wondering how this worked out for you? I actually have the exact story as your with the same boot models fit by the same fitters! I am picking up the ice flys soon but was lent Pianos and am very nervous about the heel slippage/ looser ankles.

I haven't made any moves to replace my boots yet because they still have some life in them. FWIW when I originally went from Jacksons to Edeas I had no problem with the looser ankle, and even though the heel slippage is a problem it is an improvement from the Jacksons as well

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Thank you for the reply - would love to hear your recommendations!! Based on the diagram you linked I would say I have a Greek foot, although the difference in length from one toe to the next is not as dramatic as it is in the diagram (my second toe is only the tiniest bit longer than my big toe). I think I have normal arches that aren't particularly high or low. Good point about the split-width boot, I hadn't thought of that.

My suggestion after having that info now would be to look at the Risport RF1 Elite boot. You could also look at Graf Edmonton Special.

 

[turtledove]

My suggestion after having that info now would be to look at the Risport RF1 Elite boot. You could also look at Graf Edmonton Special.

Thank you! Out of curiosity, any reason in particular why you'd recommend the RF1s over other Risports?

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Thank you! Out of curiosity, any reason in particular why you'd recommend the RF1s over other Risports?

B/c with your stats they are stiff enough for the jumps you're doing. Also, the RF's fit your foot type. Royals will not.