Boot Question

[dwiggin3]

I'm looking into purchasing a new pair of boots. I currently have an old pair of Klingbeils that were purchased over 15 years ago. I used them for maybe 2 years. I can still wear them but they are really stiff – I think too stiff. I’ve been off the ice for over a decade and feel like I need to start at the very beginning. Boot/blade technology has changed so much since my last boot purchase. I’m not affiliated with a club and don’t have a coach to ask, so before I go into a pro shop, I’d like some advise. I can’t afford customs and can’t believe that a pair of stocks won’t fit. Eventually, I’d like to start competing in adult events. I think my current level would be Silver. A couple of things:

1. I have wide feet. Back when I purchased my Klingbeils, they were the only solution for wide feet. I also lived in a remote area with little in the way of supply. Now I'm in the DC area with plenty of options. I think I need a boot that is known to either runs true or wide. No narrow boots.

2. I’m a heavy gal. I’m working on loosing the weight but frankly, If I wait until I’m slim again, I may be too old to start skating again. So, the boot has to hold up to a solid ladies frame.

3. When I walk, I wear the outside of the heel out faster than the inside. I also find that when I’m standing in my current boots, my ankle wants to roll outward. I’m not sure how much of this is will correct itself as I continue to strengthen my ankles or how much of this is a boot problem. The leather between the lace-holes of my current boots bulges outward when stand straight and bend my knees – which leads me to think I need more support.

4. My current boots are very stiff and heavy. I’ve never skated in anything else so I have no idea if this is what they are supposed to feel like. Odd how after so many years of skating and so many pairs of boots, I’m so unknowledgeable about them.

5. When I stand in my current boots and more around, I feel like they are pinching the back of my leg. I don’t recall this problem when I was skating before. Does the roll-top technology help with this? What about the technology with the wide-set hooks where the boot creases when you bend – does this help provide support without stiffness/bulkiness?

6. I have a pair of Wilson blades (not sure what kind – I’m sure something popular) that I think are in good shape. I only used them for 2 years and I was only skating about 5 hours a week then. They appear to have plenty of blade left on them and I’d like to try and use them again. How does this work?

I’ve looked at Reidell gold or silver star series. On their site, they recommend it for Bronze or Silver adult skaters – but then it also talks about them being for advanced skaters. What gives? The Gold Star 375 and Silver Starr 355 are nice skates and the notch in the ankle is nice but I’m not sure if would provide support. The Bronze Star 355 says it’s for entry level and while I’m starting again, I hope to get back into the swing of things and worry they will be to week.

I’ve not heard good things about SP-Teri and found there website a bit uninformative.

Harlick had the Competitor and Competitor Plus. Not very informative and again, when they say “adult beginner” or “firs serious competitor boot” I worry that the combo of my weight and ankles might be too much for them.

Suggestions?

 

[mskater93]

I was 80 pounds heavier when I came back to the ice several years ago (and I'm still not "small" @ 5'10" and still "not skinny") and skated initially in Harlick Competitors. Kept these boots for 2 1/2 years while working up to and regaining Axels with a V notch at the ankle (that helps for bending while still providing bilateral support). I moved on to Finalists after the 2 1/2 years, gained an inconsistent double jump in them and then onto custom Harlicks which I have been wearing for several years now in which I have gained consistency on two doubles and am close on a third and fourth. Since you suponate (roll out), you will need to talk to a reputable boot fitter to resolve the issue in your next pair of boots.

 

[silver.blades]

First, I wouldn't use the internet to buy skates. Find a place that sells them in your area and ask the people who work there for advice. A figure skating specific one is best and they should know what they're talking about and be able to advise you on the type of boot to get.
Having wide feet isn't a problem, the boots come in different widths and you can get one that fits your foot.
The ankle rolling outwards isn't a problem with the skates, it's propbably with the bone structure of your foot. I have the opposite problem and my ankles roll in. Orthotics in your shoes could fix this by working the right muscles, but it's probably not that big a problem.
new skates always feel a bit stiff, but if after 2 years of skating with them they havn't broken in you probably need a boot with a little less support. A comforable boot shouldn't feel really heavy.
If they're pinching at the back of the heel, there is something wrong with the way they fit. When you bend your knees there should be some space between the boot and your heel. Skates with the notch at the top of the foot make it easier to break them in. If the boots crease when you bend, that meands they're not providing enough support.
For the blades again, you should really check with someone who knows what they're doing. If they're still good, it's probably possible to remove them from your old skates and attach them to the new ones.
But really the best advice is go to a place that sells good quality figure skates and ask the people who work there. Tell them what level you are and what you're working on and they'll be able to advise you.
Hope that helps.

 

[julietvalcouer]

This is cross-posted from FSU, yes? I say again: Jacksons for wide feet. They have heat molding, they're supportive (well, mine are softer, but they're dance boots), reasonably priced as skates go. Suppination: I have orthotics to support my arch, but honestly I've found my tendency to roll out is a slight advantage in skating (compared to those whose ankles buck in). Killer problem in ballroom, though.

Absolutely get a good fitter. That is the easiest way to find what skates are best for you.