First Boot Upgrade Advice

[lxtee]

Hi all - I'm an adult beginner and I'm looking at my first boot upgrade.

I'm currently in Jackson Elles 6.5 W (have been in them for a little over 1.5 years and started in basics in them) and I have been working on single jumps and just started on backspins. My Elles have been working just fine for me, I don't think it's broken down and still has life in them. The reason I'm looking for new skates is because the rocker on my right skates have been flattened (almost all gone) from a recent sharpening and the padding (where my heel is) on my right is also broken down where there's a hole that cuts through the padding and I can feel the hardshell of the skate. My only issue with my skates is that my right heel has never felt as secured as my left. I've initially skated with an extra sock on that foot, but then now am just retying my right skates throughout the session. Left skate fits just fine.

I'm 5'3" and 125 lbs. I think I have a normal arch and perhaps an African foot shape? Here's a tracing of my foot if that helps.
https://imgur.com/a/bdDwCwC

I've love to get some advice on what would be the next best upgrade for me (boot and blade). I live in the state of Georgia, so if there's fitter nearby you'd recommend, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hi all - I'm an adult beginner and I'm looking at my first boot upgrade.

I'm currently in Jackson Elles 6.5 W (have been in them for a little over 1.5 years and started in basics in them) and I have been working on single jumps and just started on backspins. My Elles have been working just fine for me, I don't think it's broken down and still has life in them. The reason I'm looking for new skates is because the rocker on my right skates have been flattened (almost all gone) from a recent sharpening and the padding (where my heel is) on my right is also broken down where there's a hole that cuts through the padding and I can feel the hardshell of the skate. My only issue with my skates is that my right heel has never felt as secured as my left. I've initially skated with an extra sock on that foot, but then now am just retying my right skates throughout the session. Left skate fits just fine.

I'm 5'3" and 125 lbs. I think I have a normal arch and perhaps an African foot shape? Here's a tracing of my foot if that helps.
https://imgur.com/a/bdDwCwC

I've love to get some advice on what would be the next best upgrade for me (boot and blade). I live in the state of Georgia, so if there's fitter nearby you'd recommend, that would be greatly appreciated.

Hi and welcome. You should have never been put in an Elle in the first place. It's a boot for a kid recreational skater and rated at 30. Which is in no way stiff enough for you to be skating and jumping in. I guarantee you they are long broken down. The tracing of your foot, if done by yourself, isn't helpful unfortunately b/c you cannot accurately trace your own foot for skate boots.

With your stats and a proposed African foot shape there are two brands I would suggest: Jackson, and Graf.
You will need boot only and buy the blades separate (more about those later).
Jackson: Synergy Spark. You could also try the Debut but it's a tad under what I'd suggest for you in stiffness ratings.
Graf: F4000

Now blades, you'll need a standard style traditional intermediate level blade: MK Pro or John Wilson Coronation Ace.

Good luck!

 

[lxtee]

Hi and welcome. You should have never been put in an Elle in the first place. It's a boot for a kid recreational skater and rated at 30. Which is in no way stiff enough for you to be skating and jumping in. I guarantee you they are long broken down. The tracing of your foot, if done by yourself, isn't helpful unfortunately b/c you cannot accurately trace your own foot for skate boots.

With your stats and a proposed African foot shape there are two brands I would suggest: Jackson, and Graf.
You will need boot only and buy the blades separate (more about those later).
Jackson: Synergy Spark. You could also try the Debut but it's a tad under what I'd suggest for you in stiffness ratings.
Graf: F4000

Now blades, you'll need a standard style traditional intermediate level blade: MK Pro or John Wilson Coronation Ace.

Good luck!

I appreciate the quick response!

You're probably right about the Elles. There are moments in my jump landings where I felt like I was close to rolling my ankle but figured it might've been my weak ankle strength since my boots didn't show much signs of creasing.

Hahaha, noted on the tracing. I wasn't sure if I was of an orient or african foot shape so thought that might help a pro get a better idea.

Based on your recommendation, I'll most likely stick with Jackson since it hasn't caused any pain and are pretty comfortable for me. Although the recommended Synergy Spark is a steep upgrade from the Elle, if it means it'll last me longer, then I see it's worth the investment.

Do you have any recommendation of a fitter nearby? I don't mind traveling out of state. All the pro shops in the area are rink pro shops that seems to cater towards hockey. My rink's pro shop only carries Jackson Excels

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I appreciate the quick response!

You're probably right about the Elles. There are moments in my jump landings where I felt like I was close to rolling my ankle but figured it might've been my weak ankle strength since my boots didn't show much signs of creasing.

Hahaha, noted on the tracing. I wasn't sure if I was of an orient or african foot shape so thought that might help a pro get a better idea.

Based on your recommendation, I'll most likely stick with Jackson since it hasn't caused any pain and are pretty comfortable for me. Although the recommended Synergy Spark is a steep upgrade from the Elle, if it means it'll last me longer, then I see it's worth the investment.

Do you have any recommendation of a fitter nearby? I don't mind traveling out of state. All the pro shops in the area are rink pro shops that seems to cater towards hockey. My rink's pro shop only carries Jackson Excels

My experience in the sport for a very long time speaks for itself with knowing about the Elles and what would work. You need to see a professional fitter.

Seems like your choices are slim:


Atlanta Ice Plex
2300 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097, USA
Jack Burton
770-813-1010
[email protected]
https://www.ICEFORUM.COM

Bohnstedt Inc, Eric
145 Kensington Pond Ct, Roswell, GA 30075, USA
Eric Bohnstedt
678-795-9005
[email protected]

Good luck!

 

[zenghetti]

Have you thought of reaching out to your local club for recommendations of fitters?

Georgia FSC - Home Page

They might be able to tell you opinions and feedbacks about different ones.

Example: I live in Texas. We have very few pro shops. However… one is a podiatrist, and because of that - some people can see value in driving all the way to her instead of the closest one.

I hope this idea might help?

 

[lxtee]

My experience in the sport for a very long time speaks for itself with knowing about the Elles and what would work. You need to see a professional fitter.

Seems like your choices are slim:


Atlanta Ice Plex
2300 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097, USA
Jack Burton
770-813-1010
[email protected]
https://www.ICEFORUM.COM

Bohnstedt Inc, Eric
145 Kensington Pond Ct, Roswell, GA 30075, USA
Eric Bohnstedt
678-795-9005
[email protected]

Good luck!

Unfortunately, the cooler is closed and is turning into a pickle ball facility and the Ice forum was where I had got fitted for the Elles. I might just make a trip to Nashville.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[lxtee]

Have you thought of reaching out to your local club for recommendations of fitters?

Georgia FSC - Home Page

They might be able to tell you opinions and feedbacks about different ones.

Example: I live in Texas. We have very few pro shops. However… one is a podiatrist, and because of that - some people can see value in driving all the way to her instead of the closest one.

I hope this idea might help?

Great suggestion! I give that a try