Hi All, I am an adult figure skater (25f, 55kg) looking for figure skating boots advice. I currently skate in Graf 500 (they came with blades attached), they are two years old and are visibly worn out with creases etc. I have been fitted by a pro shop for these and the toe box shape is what suits me - not pointy, more anatomical shape, but my foot was moving around a lot so I had to start skating barefoot. I’m also hypermobile which could contribute to the foot moving around in the boot. Nevertheless I never had any pain in these skates.
I am happy to invest in a new pair of boots and blades, however, I have no luck finding the right pair.
My feet are D/E with, with narrow to standard heel, low instep, low volume, low to standard arches, narrow ankles. Roman foot shape with gentle slope.
I have been fitted at a pro shop to Edea Overtures in standard C width but with stretches to accommodate my wider foot. Even after numerous stretches, I still have pain after 5-10min of wearing Edeas that is not going away after skating for longer. The pain is mostly at the base of the big toe, so I suspected the issue is the very pointy toe shape. I also struggle with the heel height as it pushes my weight forward when I already have a habit of having all my weight on my toes/balls of my feet. They are also very loose laterally as my ankles are narrow and they don’t feel supported (I understand there should be space in front for the tongue to bend but I feel like there shouldn’t be as much space laterally). The only upside was that the blades on Overtures are much more curved than Grafs so my spins were better and it was easier to stay on the rocker.
I tried on Jackson Freestyles in W and I have the same pain at the base of the big toe. I was not able to try other Jackson boots as this was the only pair that the fitter had.
I also tried Risport Electra and they felt similarly narrow/cramped to Edeas in the toe box, with perhaps more space in the heel.
The pro shop that I went to has excellent service, but only sell two brands - Edeas and Risports (and beginner Grafs, but no intermediate/advanced boots).
I am confused which brand would fit me in this case as Jackson is supposed to be the widest and it still was painful the base of the big toe in my case and felt like I will develop a bunion.
I am based in London and can only travel to shops accessible via public transport. I can consider travelling abroad to Europe to get fitted. Also happy to consider custom/semi custom options if these are offered around London or in Europe.
I am UK level 8 in basic skills.
I would really appreciate your advice on which boots (and perhaps blades) I should try.
Grafs are very difficult to find in the U.K., I am worried they are seen as a special order that I would not be able to return in case they don’t fit.
I am happy to invest in a new pair of boots and blades, however, I have no luck finding the right pair.
My feet are D/E with, with narrow to standard heel, low instep, low volume, low to standard arches, narrow ankles. Roman foot shape with gentle slope.
I have been fitted at a pro shop to Edea Overtures in standard C width but with stretches to accommodate my wider foot. Even after numerous stretches, I still have pain after 5-10min of wearing Edeas that is not going away after skating for longer. The pain is mostly at the base of the big toe, so I suspected the issue is the very pointy toe shape. I also struggle with the heel height as it pushes my weight forward when I already have a habit of having all my weight on my toes/balls of my feet. They are also very loose laterally as my ankles are narrow and they don’t feel supported (I understand there should be space in front for the tongue to bend but I feel like there shouldn’t be as much space laterally). The only upside was that the blades on Overtures are much more curved than Grafs so my spins were better and it was easier to stay on the rocker.
I tried on Jackson Freestyles in W and I have the same pain at the base of the big toe. I was not able to try other Jackson boots as this was the only pair that the fitter had.
I also tried Risport Electra and they felt similarly narrow/cramped to Edeas in the toe box, with perhaps more space in the heel.
The pro shop that I went to has excellent service, but only sell two brands - Edeas and Risports (and beginner Grafs, but no intermediate/advanced boots).
I am confused which brand would fit me in this case as Jackson is supposed to be the widest and it still was painful the base of the big toe in my case and felt like I will develop a bunion.
I am based in London and can only travel to shops accessible via public transport. I can consider travelling abroad to Europe to get fitted. Also happy to consider custom/semi custom options if these are offered around London or in Europe.
I am UK level 8 in basic skills.
I would really appreciate your advice on which boots (and perhaps blades) I should try.
Grafs are very difficult to find in the U.K., I am worried they are seen as a special order that I would not be able to return in case they don’t fit.
