Boot recommendations for old bag with arthritis and swollen feet | Golden Skate

Boot recommendations for old bag with arthritis and swollen feet

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
I'm in a bit of a pickle at the moment. Earlier in the year, before all the CV complications took over, I realised that my beloved Graf Dance were worn out (at least for me) and I needed new boots. I decided to go with a traditional freestyle boot this time, as I was about to embark on getting my coaching license back and need to pass a whole load of Field Moves tests that didn't exist when I did it before. My backward three turns disappeared when I switched to dance boots, so...

I have some Edmonton Specials in the wide fitting on my Off-Ice skates but I have rather tender and swollen feet courtesy of arthritis and medication complications, so I'm looking for something more a bit more comfortable. I have wide feet anyway and I always liked a very stiff boot (which I would break down in about a year, despite being a dancer and never having even attempted a triple jump in my life) but now I'm thinking I'd be more comfortable in something a little less unforgiving, at least until the current tenderness is sorted out. Thinking Jacksons might be a good idea, as I definitely need a wide fit and I'm intending to go up country to one of the few specialist skate shops/fitters in the country to try some, but I'd like to be able to give them an idea of the sort of thing I'm after as I suspect they will have to order some in specially. (Edeas are not an option as I've tried and loathed them.)

Can anybody shed any light at least on which model(s) of Jackson boot might be suitable for this grumpy old dancer with strong kneebend and edges but very wide and sore feet? I like the look of the Elite Pro 5320 but would appreciate all and any experience and advice!
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
I'm in a bit of a pickle at the moment. Earlier in the year, before all the CV complications took over, I realised that my beloved Graf Dance were worn out (at least for me) and I needed new boots. I decided to go with a traditional freestyle boot this time, as I was about to embark on getting my coaching license back and need to pass a whole load of Field Moves tests that didn't exist when I did it before. My backward three turns disappeared when I switched to dance boots, so...

I have some Edmonton Specials in the wide fitting on my Off-Ice skates but I have rather tender and swollen feet courtesy of arthritis and medication complications, so I'm looking for something more a bit more comfortable. I have wide feet anyway and I always liked a very stiff boot (which I would break down in about a year, despite being a dancer and never having even attempted a triple jump in my life) but now I'm thinking I'd be more comfortable in something a little less unforgiving, at least until the current tenderness is sorted out. Thinking Jacksons might be a good idea, as I definitely need a wide fit and I'm intending to go up country to one of the few specialist skate shops/fitters in the country to try some, but I'd like to be able to give them an idea of the sort of thing I'm after as I suspect they will have to order some in specially. (Edeas are not an option as I've tried and loathed them.)

Can anybody shed any light at least on which model(s) of Jackson boot might be suitable for this grumpy old dancer with strong kneebend and edges but very wide and sore feet? I like the look of the Elite Pro 5320 but would appreciate all and any experience and advice!

Risport would probably be better for you. If you want PM me and we can discuss as I wear both brands. ;)
 

MCsAngel2

On the Ice
Joined
Apr 10, 2019
I was super confused until I went and saw this is a new boot. Sounds like a good choice to me.....

The only thing is I see it's made on the elite last. I have extremely wide/flat feet, and even in my semi custom EE width I have discomfort in my boot also made on the elite last. Are your feet flat as well as being wide? I had a long conversation with a Jackson tech who told me that going forward, I could order my boots to be made on the old last which are wider. Something to consider with your arthritis pain.
 

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
I was super confused until I went and saw this is a new boot. Sounds like a good choice to me.....

The only thing is I see it's made on the elite last. I have extremely wide/flat feet, and even in my semi custom EE width I have discomfort in my boot also made on the elite last. Are your feet flat as well as being wide? I had a long conversation with a Jackson tech who told me that going forward, I could order my boots to be made on the old last which are wider. Something to consider with your arthritis pain.

Hm. My insteps have always been ridiculously high, although the arches have now fallen and I usually wear arch supports in my boots for skating. A couple of weeks ago I couldn't fit them in and was more comfortable without them but I'm back to needing them now. I shall bear your advice in mind - thank you very much!
 

MCsAngel2

On the Ice
Joined
Apr 10, 2019
Hm. My insteps have always been ridiculously high, although the arches have now fallen and I usually wear arch supports in my boots for skating. A couple of weeks ago I couldn't fit them in and was more comfortable without them but I'm back to needing them now. I shall bear your advice in mind - thank you very much!

I have really high insteps as well (I think I've read that's another thing Jackson is good for, high volume feet, although if you get customs I don't know it matters?) but I haven't had anyone tell me I ever had high arches that are now fallen - to the best of my recollection I always had low arches/flat feet. I have to wear black superfeet to help with the pain.

ETA: you know, in retrospect, I'll bet that your Graf boots were made similarly to Jackson on the old last. And possibly the narrower midsection on the elite last they use now is actually better suited to your high arches.
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
Hm. My insteps have always been ridiculously high, although the arches have now fallen and I usually wear arch supports in my boots for skating. A couple of weeks ago I couldn't fit them in and was more comfortable without them but I'm back to needing them now. I shall bear your advice in mind - thank you very much!

I have high arches and wear Jackson and Risport. ;)
 

Flying Feijoa

On the Ice
Joined
Sep 22, 2019
Country
New-Zealand
I have high arches and wear Jackson and Risport. ;)

Hope you don't mind me asking why you wear two different brands (Jackson for free and Risport for dance IIRC), when both fit your feet? Is there something you didn't like about e.g. Jackson dance or Risport free?
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
Hope you don't mind me asking why you wear two different brands (Jackson for free and Risport for dance IIRC), when both fit your feet? Is there something you didn't like about e.g. Jackson dance or Risport free?

You can feel free to go through all the threads where I've discussed this with people. Also, I've worn every boot brand there is at some point or another and as my feet changed over time, so did my boots and needs moving up the ranks. There was a time I wore custom Jackson for both dance and freestyle, there was also a time when I wore Risport for both. And now as a pro, I do what I want and this is what has worked for me for years now.

The end.
 

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
There was a time I wore custom Jackson for both dance and freestyle, there was also a time when I wore Risport for both. And now as a pro, I do what I want and this is what has worked for me for years now.

The end.

I'm struggling to visualize a time when you didn't do what you wanted... ;)

I think we're lucky to have a such a fount of knowledge amongst us. You've tried pretty much everything and always give spot on advice. Thank you.
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
I'm struggling to visualize a time when you didn't do what you wanted... ;)

I think we're lucky to have a such a fount of knowledge amongst us. You've tried pretty much everything and always give spot on advice. Thank you.

You and others are always welcome, I love helping. And :thank: for your compliments.
 

Snorlax

Rinkside
Joined
Jan 19, 2020
Country
United-Kingdom
Hi Wednesday,

I have no recommendations or clue, but I just wanted to chip in that you're not an old bag but instead pretty cool for flying around on the ice despite all life throws at you :) :hap10:
 

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
Hi Wednesday,

I have no recommendations or clue, but I just wanted to chip in that you're not an old bag but instead pretty cool for flying around on the ice despite all life throws at you :) :hap10:

Oh, you absolute sweetheart! :thank:

I totally am a dreadful old bag, though. Trust me on this. :biggrin:
 

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
Tried on a pair of Risport Royal Elites belonging to a friend. Oh my. They're a bit of a game changer! Way more comfortable than my current boots. I'm not sure whether they count as wide fitting if your feet are flat, but they certainly accommodate the volume of high insteps and swelling! I don't need Royal Elite as I'm a dancer really, and certainly won't be doing triples/quads, but I'm now going to investigate the Royal Pro and possibly the Dance Elite, too... Anyone know if the dance ones are very low cut at the back?
 

jcskates

Rinkside
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Country
Canada
Not sure about the low backs on the Dance elite but I can give you my initial insight on the royal pro. I was trying out RF3 pro and Royal Pro at the shop. And when I put my feet on the royal pro, they were like clouds with great support. One of the most comfortable boots I've ever tried on. I haven't skated on them but a friend of mine who has the royal pro told me that the break in period was almost non-existent. She just had to get used to a new fit (in a matter of 2 sessions) but it did not hurt her. Her transition was so smooth from jackson's to risports.

in the end I chose Rf3 pros over the Royal because it may not be as comfortable like the Royal pro (but still comfy enough), my feet fitted better on the RF3 pro and I was feeling the support that I wanted in the sides of my ankles.
 

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
Not sure about the low backs on the Dance elite but I can give you my initial insight on the royal pro. I was trying out RF3 pro and Royal Pro at the shop. And when I put my feet on the royal pro, they were like clouds with great support. One of the most comfortable boots I've ever tried on. I haven't skated on them but a friend of mine who has the royal pro told me that the break in period was almost non-existent. She just had to get used to a new fit (in a matter of 2 sessions) but it did not hurt her. Her transition was so smooth from jackson's to risports.

in the end I chose Rf3 pros over the Royal because it may not be as comfortable like the Royal pro (but still comfy enough), my feet fitted better on the RF3 pro and I was feeling the support that I wanted in the sides of my ankles.

Oh, that's great to hear! I am liking "clouds with great support"! Thank you!
 

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
My Royal Pros arrived today. "Clouds with great support" is the perfect description. I can't wait to skate in them! Bliss. Thanks for all the excellent advice!
 

WednesdayMarch

Nicer When Fed
Medalist
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Country
United-Kingdom
Final update on the Risport Royal Pros as I've now skated in them, albeit on wheels...

I've ordered another pair for my blades. I'm finally back to being "me" on skates. Sure, I'm still deeply suspicious and not overly happy on wheels but the boots are just fabulous. 'Clouds with great support' and the perfect height for me, too. A lot lower than the Edmonton Specials but not as low as the Graf Dance, so I don't feel any wobbliness at the back. I'm a happy skater now and so are my poor feet.:cheer:

A big thank you to everybody who gave advice and insights, especially Ic3Rabbit who was totally right, as per usual. Obviously I won't be telling her that, because she'll get a swollen head but, yeah... :wink:
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
Final update on the Risport Royal Pros as I've now skated in them, albeit on wheels...

I've ordered another pair for my blades. I'm finally back to being "me" on skates. Sure, I'm still deeply suspicious and not overly happy on wheels but the boots are just fabulous. 'Clouds with great support' and the perfect height for me, too. A lot lower than the Edmonton Specials but not as low as the Graf Dance, so I don't feel any wobbliness at the back. I'm a happy skater now and so are my poor feet.:cheer:

A big thank you to everybody who gave advice and insights, especially Ic3Rabbit who was totally right, as per usual. Obviously I won't be telling her that, because she'll get a swollen head but, yeah... :wink:
:bsplit::ghug:
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
I also switched to the Royal Pro with Ic3Rabbit's advice, and they are the best flipping boots ever. I will never wear anything else.

I will not shut up about them lol. I had such a struggle to find a good pair of boots.
:rock::bsplit::hap10::yahoo:
 
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