Figure skating boot issues: very wide forefoot

[amz]

I've been skating for a year, started with graf 500 like many beginners and discovered they were 2 sizes too big. Since I switched to skates my size I have not had a single moment on the ice that's not been painful in some way!

I first was fitted into risport Electra light which started this agonizing arch pain. Switched to Jackson debut after I was told my forefoot was wide compared to heel and that this brand would be better for my foot shape. Still arch pain and also my toes were being squashed in every way you can think of so I went to a more reputable fitter who measured my feet and told me the width of one of my foot is a triple E and the other a quadruple E.... this is why I'm feeling pain. She punched it out and tried to widen/stretch it as well as she put high insoles which did relieve some of the pain. However my big toe on each foot still hurts after sessions and I can see that it's been pushed in an unnatural position (to the side towards my second toe)

My feet length are about 23.5 cm. The width going around the ball of my foot is 23cm on one and 22.8cm. I know that's quite wide and I don't know what to do!!!

I have another appointment with them for a new boot fitting but that's 6 weeks away! Im also worried that there is no hope for me other than a custom skate which will take months and I can't really justify the cost. Also I'm limited to what skates I can try as I'm the UK ( riedell, Harlick are not common here)

Despite having what looks like a duck foot shape my second toe is longer than my first. I've been warned to stay away from edea but it's the only one I've never tried? Any advice is appreciated !

 

[Diana Delafield]

I've been skating for a year, started with graf 500 like many beginners and discovered they were 2 sizes too big. Since I switched to skates my size I have not had a single moment on the ice that's not been painful in some way!

I first was fitted into risport Electra light which started this agonizing arch pain. Switched to Jackson debut after I was told my forefoot was wide compared to heel and that this brand would be better for my foot shape. Still arch pain and also my toes were being squashed in every way you can think of so I went to a more reputable fitter who measured my feet and told me the width of one of my foot is a triple E and the other a quadruple E.... this is why I'm feeling pain. She punched it out and tried to widen/stretch it as well as she put high insoles which did relieve some of the pain. However my big toe on each foot still hurts after sessions and I can see that it's been pushed in an unnatural position (to the side towards my second toe)

My feet length are about 23.5 cm. The width going around the ball of my foot is 23cm on one and 22.8cm. I know that's quite wide and I don't know what to do!!!

I have another appointment with them for a new boot fitting but that's 6 weeks away! Im also worried that there is no hope for me other than a custom skate which will take months and I can't really justify the cost. Also I'm limited to what skates I can try as I'm the UK ( riedell, Harlick are not common here)

Despite having what looks like a duck foot shape my second toe is longer than my first. I've been warned to stay away from edea but it's the only one I've never tried? Any advice is appreciated !

Did your fitter suggest rapid/partial custom for a Jackson boot? The price, I'm told by others with your foot shape who went that route, would be halfway between stock and full custom.

I used to wear Jacksons until they changed the last and widened the toe box. Risports, Riedells, and Grafs fit my very narrow, high-arched Egyptian feet with the toes sharply slanted down from the big toe. I can't comment on Edeas, having never worn them except for an experimental lap in a friend's skates out of curiosity and didn't like them, but my feet are quite different from yours. Can you give us your age, height and weight? What is your arch height? Adult beginners need stronger boots than children at the same technical level, so a more advanced model might work. But it does sound as if you need a partial custom boot in whatever brand feels otherwise more comfortable. Skating is an expensive sport, but spending less on your boots will cause you such pain you'll end up quitting the sport before you discover what levels you might attain with the right equipment.

Where did you go for fitting in the UK? We usually recommend Everglides or Al's there.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I've been skating for a year, started with graf 500 like many beginners and discovered they were 2 sizes too big. Since I switched to skates my size I have not had a single moment on the ice that's not been painful in some way!

I first was fitted into risport Electra light which started this agonizing arch pain. Switched to Jackson debut after I was told my forefoot was wide compared to heel and that this brand would be better for my foot shape. Still arch pain and also my toes were being squashed in every way you can think of so I went to a more reputable fitter who measured my feet and told me the width of one of my foot is a triple E and the other a quadruple E.... this is why I'm feeling pain. She punched it out and tried to widen/stretch it as well as she put high insoles which did relieve some of the pain. However my big toe on each foot still hurts after sessions and I can see that it's been pushed in an unnatural position (to the side towards my second toe)

My feet length are about 23.5 cm. The width going around the ball of my foot is 23cm on one and 22.8cm. I know that's quite wide and I don't know what to do!!!

I have another appointment with them for a new boot fitting but that's 6 weeks away! Im also worried that there is no hope for me other than a custom skate which will take months and I can't really justify the cost. Also I'm limited to what skates I can try as I'm the UK ( riedell, Harlick are not common here)

Despite having what looks like a duck foot shape my second toe is longer than my first. I've been warned to stay away from edea but it's the only one I've never tried? Any advice is appreciated !

Hi and welcome. I'd love to help you b/c it sounds like you have been definitely wearing the wrong boots. In order to help you I need a bit of info from you. What is your height/weight/arch type: very high/high/normal/low/flat?. From your description, it sounds like you have a Greek shaped/type foot. I would not suggest Edea from what you have told us thus far.

 

[amz]

Thank you for your replies!

I am 28 years old, 5 ft 3 and 56kg. I am currently at bronze level. It’s been hard to progress with all the pain and especially the fact my foot hasn’t been sitting properly in any skate this entire time.

I’ve got a boot fitting appointment with Everglides in 6 weeks. My previous appointments with them have been to try and punch out my current debuts I got from another place. I feel like they’ve been the most knowledgeable people I have met so far and they made me aware of the triple and quadruple sizing of my forefoot. The insoles I got from them also relieved my arch pain and they were the sidas high insoles although I’m not sure I have the highest of arches because my foot becomes wide when I press it down which i thought was a collapsed arch characteristic. They also told me I have pronation and the insoles completely changed my ability to get a good outside edge and made my one year left knee pain disappear within days? (Left foot had more pronation) I’ve also started buying shoes with arch support. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with other places so far so I was skeptical at first but I’m confident they will be able to help me with how much they’ve relieved pain for me without a boot fitting yet. I wish I went there from the beginning, it could have saved me some money. I like the idea of semi custom Jackson’s as they do not take as long to make as a custom however I’m not sure the shape is right for me as i think even when the width is achieved at the ball of my foot my toes are still very wide and splayed however the boot becomes very narrow at the top in the debuts atleast squeezing my toes together. I’ve never realised how different my feet look to others until I’ve started skating but I feel like I’ve got a mix of many different feet types.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Thank you for your replies!

I am 28 years old, 5 ft 3 and 56kg. I am currently at bronze level. It’s been hard to progress with all the pain and especially the fact my foot hasn’t been sitting properly in any skate this entire time.

I’ve got a boot fitting appointment with Everglides in 6 weeks. My previous appointments with them have been to try and punch out my current debuts I got from another place. I feel like they’ve been the most knowledgeable people I have met so far and they made me aware of the triple and quadruple sizing of my forefoot. The insoles I got from them also relieved my arch pain and they were the sidas high insoles although I’m not sure I have the highest of arches because my foot becomes wide when I press it down which i thought was a collapsed arch characteristic. They also told me I have pronation and the insoles completely changed my ability to get a good outside edge and made my one year left knee pain disappear within days? (Left foot had more pronation) I’ve also started buying shoes with arch support. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with other places so far so I was skeptical at first but I’m confident they will be able to help me with how much they’ve relieved pain for me without a boot fitting yet. I wish I went there from the beginning, it could have saved me some money. I like the idea of semi custom Jackson’s as they do not take as long to make as a custom however I’m not sure the shape is right for me as i think even when the width is achieved at the ball of my foot my toes are still very wide and splayed however the boot becomes very narrow at the top in the debuts atleast squeezing my toes together. I’ve never realised how different my feet look to others until I’ve started skating but I feel like I’ve got a mix of many different feet types.

You've made a good start, and are in excellent hands. @Ic3Rabbit may be able to suggest other brands to try on as well as Jacksons. Good luck!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Thank you for your replies!

I am 28 years old, 5 ft 3 and 56kg. I am currently at bronze level. It’s been hard to progress with all the pain and especially the fact my foot hasn’t been sitting properly in any skate this entire time.

I’ve got a boot fitting appointment with Everglides in 6 weeks. My previous appointments with them have been to try and punch out my current debuts I got from another place. I feel like they’ve been the most knowledgeable people I have met so far and they made me aware of the triple and quadruple sizing of my forefoot. The insoles I got from them also relieved my arch pain and they were the sidas high insoles although I’m not sure I have the highest of arches because my foot becomes wide when I press it down which i thought was a collapsed arch characteristic. They also told me I have pronation and the insoles completely changed my ability to get a good outside edge and made my one year left knee pain disappear within days? (Left foot had more pronation) I’ve also started buying shoes with arch support. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with other places so far so I was skeptical at first but I’m confident they will be able to help me with how much they’ve relieved pain for me without a boot fitting yet. I wish I went there from the beginning, it could have saved me some money. I like the idea of semi custom Jackson’s as they do not take as long to make as a custom however I’m not sure the shape is right for me as i think even when the width is achieved at the ball of my foot my toes are still very wide and splayed however the boot becomes very narrow at the top in the debuts atleast squeezing my toes together. I’ve never realised how different my feet look to others until I’ve started skating but I feel like I’ve got a mix of many different feet types.

Thank you for answering the questions. I'm starting to think with how wide you say your feet are in the toebox, that you more than likely actually have a Celtic type foot instead of Greek. The Celtic foot type is much wider in the toebox but still has the 2nd toe longer than the others (and most times the 3rd one as well).

My first suggestion for you would be to try a Risport RF3 Pro or a Jackson Synergy Spark. At least with the last one it's semi-custom and they can make it fit your foot better. With your foot width I'm concerned that no stock boot will fit you properly and you're going to have to look into a custom.

I do wish you the best.

 

[amz]

Thank you for answering the questions. I'm starting to think with how wide you say your feet are in the toebox, that you more than likely actually have a Celtic type foot instead of Greek. The Celtic foot type is much wider in the toebox but still has the 2nd toe longer than the others (and most times the 3rd one as well).

My first suggestion for you would be to try a Risport RF3 Pro or a Jackson Synergy Spark. At least with the last one it's semi-custom and they can make it fit your foot better. With your foot width I'm concerned that no stock boot will fit you properly and you're going to have to look into a custom.

I do wish you the best.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I’ve had a look at images of a Celtic foot type but I don’t think I have it as after the second toe my other toes taper off like an Egyptian foot shape.

I hope I can do semi custom but not sure if they will make it that wide for me without going full custom. I’ve also heard that the Jackson supreme 5300 is wider although can’t find much about that online. Do the higher level Jackson’s differ in widths sizing? Also I don’t know if they’d be too stiff for my current level but at this point I’d take anything over constant feet pain.

Anyway I’ll let you guys know what happens in my appointment. Thanks again.

 

[tstop4me]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I’ve had a look at images of a Celtic foot type but I don’t think I have it as after the second toe my other toes taper off like an Egyptian foot shape.

I hope I can do semi custom but not sure if they will make it that wide for me without going full custom. I’ve also heard that the Jackson supreme 5300 is wider although can’t find much about that online. Do the higher level Jackson’s differ in widths sizing? Also I don’t know if they’d be too stiff for my current level but at this point I’d take anything over constant feet pain.

Anyway I’ll let you guys know what happens in my appointment. Thanks again.

The stock advanced Jackson boots (including the Supreme 5300) come in the same widths, R(A/B) and W(C/D). In this instance, W(C/D) means the same outsole is used for C and D widths. The D width is achieved by heat molding and expanding the uppers. For your feet, you will need a semi-custom (Jackson calls it rapid custom) or full custom (Jackson now calls it modified boot just to confuse everyone). What you will need will depend not only on the width of the ball, but also on the difference in the width of the ball and the width of the heel (as well as other feet issues you might have, including different sizing between left and right foot). Make sure the heel pockets fit snugly without modification. So you need to get to an authorized Jackson fitter, get your feet measured/traced/scanned, and find out what your options are.

 

[amz]

The stock advanced Jackson boots (including the Supreme 5300) come in the same widths, R(A/B) and W(C/D). In this instance, W(C/D) means the same outsole is used for C and D widths. The D width is achieved by heat molding and expanding the uppers. For your feet, you will need a semi-custom (Jackson calls it rapid custom) or full custom (Jackson now calls it modified boot just to confuse everyone). What you will need will depend not only on the width of the ball, but also on the difference in the width of the ball and the width of the heel (as well as other feet issues you might have, including different sizing between left and right foot). Make sure the heel pockets fit snugly without modification. So you need to get to an authorized Jackson fitter, get your feet measured/traced/scanned, and find out what your options are.

I see! Thank you. Do you know if a triple E can be achieved by the semi custom route or by full custom? I couldn’t find the answer on their website and when I emailed Jackson they were also being vague. There’s a big difference in the cost between semi custom which I read (correct me if I’m wrong) is only about £50 extra on top of the price of the boot vs full custom which can be around £900 depending on the boot chosen of course. Also I read the semi custom can be done in as little as 2-4 weeks whereas full custom 6-8 weeks! I really hope I qualify for the semi custom because this sport is proven to be quite costly so far, for me anyway.

 

[tstop4me]

I see! Thank you. Do you know if a triple E can be achieved by the semi custom route or by full custom? I couldn’t find the answer on their website and when I emailed Jackson they were also being vague. There’s a big difference in the cost between semi custom which I read (correct me if I’m wrong) is only about £50 extra on top of the price of the boot vs full custom which can be around £900 depending on the boot chosen of course. Also I read the semi custom can be done in as little as 2-4 weeks whereas full custom 6-8 weeks! I really hope I qualify for the semi custom because this sport is proven to be quite costly so far, for me anyway.

I don't have those answers. I'm afraid you'll need to be patient and get those answers from your fitter.

Also, when considering different Jackson models, ask your fitter whether leather or synthetic uppers can accommodate the most expansion via heat molding (if needed). The Supreme 5300 has had leather uppers since around 2020. The Premiere and Debut (lower models) previously had synthetic microfiber uppers, but the latest models being rolled out now have leather uppers. The Synergy line (synthetic uppers different from the synthetic microfiber uppers) has also been recently revamped. So check with your fitter how much field experience they have with them.

I empathize with you that this an expensive sport. I'm in the US. It's gotten a lot more expensive recently since most of the gear is imported and we've been hit with all these *** tariffs. Good Luck!

 

[Diana Delafield]

I don't have those answers. I'm afraid you'll need to be patient and get those answers from your fitter.

Also, when considering different Jackson models, ask your fitter whether leather or synthetic uppers can accommodate the most expansion via heat molding (if needed). The Supreme 5300 has had leather uppers since around 2020. The Premiere and Debut (lower models) previously had synthetic microfiber uppers, but the latest models being rolled out now have leather uppers. The Synergy line (synthetic uppers different from the synthetic microfiber uppers) has also been recently revamped. So check with your fitter how much field experience they have with them.

I empathize with you that this an expensive sport. I'm in the US. It's gotten a lot more expensive recently since most of the gear is imported and we've been hit with all these *** tariffs. Good Luck!

While talking to my coach on the phone last night, we somehow got onto the topic of custom and semi-custom skate boots. I said I'd heard of someone (here) who needed much wider toe boxes than heels. She said another of her students at another club just took delivery of a pair of the new leather Jackson Debut boots in a split EE/B width. The student was told by her fitter that leather was more accommodating to split custom than synthetic.

Just anecdotal, I'm afraid, but thought I'd contribute this as being possible.

 

[Query]

I don't have those answers. I'm afraid you'll need to be patient and get those answers from your fitter.

Also, when considering different Jackson models, ask your fitter whether leather or synthetic uppers can accommodate the most expansion via heat molding (if needed). The Supreme 5300 has had leather uppers since around 2020. The Premiere and Debut (lower models) previously had synthetic microfiber uppers, but the latest models being rolled out now have leather uppers. The Synergy line (synthetic uppers different from the synthetic microfiber uppers) has also been recently revamped. So check with your fitter how much field experience they have with them.

I empathize with you that this an expensive sport. I'm in the US. It's gotten a lot more expensive recently since most of the gear is imported and we've been hit with all these *** tariffs. Good Luck!

Do leather uppers accommodate expansion more or less than microfiber?

I assume it depends just as much on the specific stiffening elements, and the specific heat moldable other materials used?

Stretches in my old leather boots came partially undone over time, repeatedly. It is a real nuisance. Also that they come partially undone if the boots are left in a hot car. Also that re-heat molding undid pressure stretching. But I haven't been able so far to undo the prior owner's stretching in my (used) Jackson Freestyles. (You said in another thread that was likely because the Freestyles use a thermoplastic.)

Heat molding probably can't expand the sole of the boot, so is of limited use for wide forefeet, if the wide part includes the part of the foot that touches the sole, which is true for me. Maybe it is also true for the o.p.?

There are people who travel to the country of manufacture - sometimes to the factory or factory store itself, in part to overcome tariffs. Hard to believe that can be worth the cost of travel, though some of them like to travel. (OTOH, the factory or factory store can sometimes do a very good job of fitting, and might be more willing to make good on poor fitting boots if you are fit there. I'm tempted myself.) Though if you lived right next to the border... I've known people who crossed the U.S./Canadian border just to shop. There at least used to be a bunch of stores just south of the border that cater to that crowd.

I think most high level Jackson boots are made in Canada. But if you buy in Canada, there are relatively high sales taxes, compared to much of the U.S. I once bought something expensive in Canada and brought it back to the U.S. At the customs office, I showed the receipt, and Canada refunded me the sales tax. I don't know whether that is possible now.

But the same idea might apply to other countries too.

 

[amz]

While talking to my coach on the phone last night, we somehow got onto the topic of custom and semi-custom skate boots. I said I'd heard of someone (here) who needed much wider toe boxes than heels. She said another of her students at another club just took delivery of a pair of the new leather Jackson Debut boots in a split EE/B width. The student was told by her fitter that leather was more accommodating to split custom than synthetic.

Just anecdotal, I'm afraid, but thought I'd contribute this as being possible.

Thank you for sharing! That gives me some hope!

 

[amz]

Also not sure if this will contribute much to the conversation but Jackson also responded to me via email that triple E can be done but only on a “ full leather outsole”.

 

[tstop4me]

I think most high level Jackson boots are made in Canada.

Not anymore. The stock men's Supreme 5362 I bought late 2022 were Made in China. Not sure whether their semi-custom and full custom boots are still produced in Canada. Remember, Jackson is now owned by a large international sports conglomerate.

 

[tstop4me]

Also not sure if this will contribute much to the conversation but Jackson also responded to me via email that triple E can be done but only on a “ full leather outsole”.

I wouldn't fret too much over this until you get to an authorized Jackson fitter. They have access to additional info, as well as knowing the proper knowledgeable staff at Jackson to reach out to. In my experience, email responses from their general customer service contact is iffy. Again, good luck! I hope you get a satisfactory solution that you can afford.

 

[tstop4me]

While talking to my coach on the phone last night, we somehow got onto the topic of custom and semi-custom skate boots. I said I'd heard of someone (here) who needed much wider toe boxes than heels. She said another of her students at another club just took delivery of a pair of the new leather Jackson Debut boots in a split EE/B width. The student was told by her fitter that leather was more accommodating to split custom than synthetic.

Just anecdotal, I'm afraid, but thought I'd contribute this as being possible.

As Wolfgang would muse, "Ver-r-ry In-ter-est-ing!"

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

@amz If you are getting fit by Everglides one of the other brands they supposedly carry, Graf could work for your foot as well and they come in Extra Large width by custom. Look at the F4000 boot as well as Richmond Special and if you like them see if they could do a special order on one of those boots for you.

We haven't talked about blades yet since you will be getting a boot only. MK Pro or JW Coronation Ace would be fine (standard/traditional only).

Good luck!

 

[amz]

@amz If you are getting fit by Everglides one of the other brands they supposedly carry, Graf could work for your foot as well and they come in Extra Large width by custom. Look at the F4000 boot as well as Richmond Special and if you like them see if they could do a special order on one of those boots for you.

We haven't talked about blades yet since you will be getting a boot only. MK Pro or JW Coronation Ace would be fine (standard/traditional only).

Good luck!

Thank you I didn’t know Graf had more options as I usually only hear about the 500. To be honest thinking about it even though they were too big at the time, they are the only ones to date which did not cause me any foot pain so I will definitely ask about them. I think no matter what it will have to be a custom of some sort which I’ve accepted now because buying all these boots in the long run which do not work for me are going to end up costing me more than any custom option.

I think in the meantime while I wait for my everglides appointment I’ll also try and see if I can be referred to a podiatrist because I’ve realized the width of my feet becomes only so significant upon weight bearing. I don’t think I have flat feet but I definitely think there’s some issue/weakness with the muscles in my arch.

Thank you for all your advice, I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me.

 

[tstop4me]

I think in the meantime while I wait for my everglides appointment I’ll also try and see if I can be referred to a podiatrist because I’ve realized the width of my feet becomes only so significant upon weight bearing. I don’t think I have flat feet but I definitely think there’s some issue/weakness with the muscles in my arch.

* It's good that you brought this issue up. My feet are not as extreme as yours, but I do have flat feet due to fallen arches. So I'll share some tips that I hope will save you some (further) grief.

* If your podiatrist determines that you need prescription orthotics, make sure the podiatrist has experience prescribing orthotics for figure skates. I'm in the US, not many here do. Orthotics need to be designed to correct foot anomalies for specific activities. I have one pair for walking shoes; another for running shoes. Figure skating is radically different since (a) the foot doesn't flex much along the arches (which it does in walking and running), (b) figure skating is strongly controlled by biases towards inside/outside edges (not a factor in walking and running), and (c) advanced figure skating boots typically have well-defined heel cups (heel cups integrated with orthotics can interfere with the heel cups in the boots). Since I couldn't find a podiatrist experienced with figure skating boots, I ended up making my own corrective insoles (with some help, but that's a story in itself).

* Make sure your fitter is aware of your issues and ask them to take measurements and tracings under multiple conditions. E.g., sometimes measurements and tracings are done only while the skater is sitting (non-weight-bearing). Sometimes, a second set is taken when the skater is standing straight (weight-bearing). And, sometimes, a third set is taken when the skater is standing with bent knees (weight-bearing with flex).

Be extra careful if you are being measured with the Jackson scanner. It uses a glass platform tilted ~45 deg from the plane of the floor. Measurements are taken only with the skater in the sitting position. Prior to the introduction of the scanner, manual measurements and tracings were taken both with the skater sitting and standing straight. In my case, the scanner gave erroneous results (I believe because it didn't take into account foot width differences in non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing positions). It spit out an 8R size; whereas I had been wearing an 8W size (as determined from prior manual measurements and tracings). After a discussion with my fitter, I decided to stick with the 8W (since I'm a male skater, boots typically need to be special ordered, so it wasn't simply an issue of trying on both). With heat molding and supplemental punching to square off the toebox some (I have Orient-shaped feet), the fit was fine (with snug heel pockets). The 8R would have been too narrow.

* Whether you are fitted with prescription orthotics or OTC corrective insoles, your boots will need to have room to accommodate them. This becomes somewhat a tricky chicken-or-egg scenario. Ideally you would like to be fitted for orthotics and boots at the same time. As far as I know, only Harlicks (US) does that for their customs. But given their long delays and your location in the UK, that's not likely a viable option. So you typically need to purchase the boots first and then get orthotics/corrective insoles afterwards.

When looking for a boot, look for what boot manufacturers call high volume (referring to internal vertical height); particularly in the toebox, but along the instep as well. I have the Jackson Supreme 5362 (men's counterpart of the women's Supreme 5300). It does have high volume, along with the added advantage of what they call their wide cuff design. There was a previous thread in which many skaters complained that the tongue would slip sideways and one side would be exposed (not covered by the throat of the uppers). This appeared to be the norm for many models of boots from different manufacturers. Jackson has solved this problem (at least for some of their models) by designing the tongue and uppers such that on each side the throat of the uppers and the side of the tongue overlaps by nearly one inch.

This is important, because addition of an orthotic or corrective insole will cause your foot to sit higher inside the boot, pushing out against the tongue more. The wider cuff allows more accommodation (less likely that one or both sides of the tongue will be exposed) simply by adjusting the lacing. When you are checking out other models of Jacksons or boots from other manufacturers, look for this feature. It will save you a lot of grief. [I have an older model of Jackson that does not have this feature; it does make a substantial difference.]

ETA: When you get your boots heat molded, wear your orthotics/corrective insoles instead of the manufacturer's stock insoles. Orthotics/corrective insoles generally cannot be baked with the boots, but they can be inserted into the boots after the boots are baked, and before you insert your feet. Depending on how you schedule things, you may need an initial heat molding with the stock insoles, do some initial break-in, get orthotics/corrective insoles, and then do a follow-up heat molding with the orthotics/corrective insoles.

* Sorry for the long post. You have a lot to wade through. But you have a lot (foot health and money) at stake.