I'm a previous competitive skater (Senior MIF/ Novice FS) hoping to return to the ice now as an adult and after 20+ years. I have my old custom Klingbeil skates with Pattern 99 blades. The blades are still in good shape but I need new boots at this point (hoping to use the blades). I really have no idea where to start. While I don't plan to jump a whole lot, I guess I'd like to leave that door open, just in case. Really excited to get back on the ice and I'd appreciate any advice!
Fresh Start (returning to the ice)
- Thread starter leaskates
- Start date
Hi! Thank you so much! I'm in Oklahoma and am approx. 5'4", 175lbs, Egyptian with low arches (in my opinion).
My last skates were fitted when I was about 15 years and I'm now 40. They're Klingbeil and I don't really ever remember them being my favorite. For what it's worth, I was fitted with orthotics and my feet hurt so badly in my skates that I sometimes had to quickly rip them off on the sides. Part of the reason I fizzled out.
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2017
Thanks for your answers. Klingbeil doesn't exist anymore, I myself used to wear custom Klingbeil about 25 years ago.
I loved mine, but that was me lol.Now, you should be ok in a Riedell Flair, Edea Chorus or Concerto or Graf Richmond Special or Windsor.
You know which blade you like so P99 to go with them ( which is what I wear for freestyle btw haha).
Good luck! If you have any more questions feel free to send me a DM.
Thank you so much for the direction! Any chance you know of a place near Oklahoma for fitting?Thanks for your answers. Klingbeil doesn't exist anymore, I myself used to wear custom Klingbeil about 25 years ago.
Now, you should be ok in a Riedell Flair, Edea Chorus or Concerto or Graf Richmond Special or Windsor.
You know which blade you like so P99 to go with them ( which is what I wear for freestyle btw haha).
Good luck! If you have any more questions feel free to send me a DM.
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2017
There's really nothing in Oklahoma and if there are shops they specialize in hockey. One of the best and closest to you is going to be Patti Larkin in Houston. Good luck!
Perhaps you still want full custom boots? I looked into this a little for myself.
Some of Klingbeils boot makers moved to Avanta, which makes full custom boots. But as I mentioned in
https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/t...jackson-boots-or-risport.100071/#post-3377743
Avanta recently cited 1/2 year time delays and $2250 for full custom boots. (For an extra fee, they do a rush job. I don't know the details)
Avanta says you can fit yourself. They send you a "sock mold" kit, that you mold around your foot. BTW, If you contact them, one of their boot makers will speak to you.
As mentioned in that link, Harlick also offers full custom boots. They cited me $1895 and, depending on who you ask, 18-24 month time delay.
Several brands (e.g., Jackson, and I'm told Riedell) also claim to make "full" custom boots, but customization options seem more limited.
Depending on the condition of your Klingbeils, Avanta might be willing to rebuild them. Maybe they rebuild if the breakdown is largely internal, but the stitching is intact. When I asked about rebuilding my Klingbeils, they said they would guess about rebuilding if I sent them detailed pictures, inside and out. I think Harlick might be willing to rebuild Klingbeils too.
For better or worse, several boot makers (e.g., Jackson) offer, with lower delays and prices, "rapid custom boots". AFAICT, that mostly just means heat molding and internal padding instead of more or less creating custom lasts (molds around which the boots are built) for your feet, though some also offer narrow, medium or wide overall boot widths. In other words, essentially what people use to call good quality "stock" boots. Many boot makers are also willing to do a split fit, in which the left and right foot get different boot sizes. It is possible (maybe even likely) that after you get them heat molded, you will want to modify or recreate the insoles, and have the tight spots punched out (stretched), and add tape to get rid of loose spots.
You may have noticed the current custom boot options are more expensive than Klingbeil used to be. A long time ago Klingbeil charged me about $650. They were very well made, and extremely durable. I wish I had had the foresight to get new factory fit Klingbeils a few months before they closed. Since I'm not a high level skater, I could probably still be using them. Perhaps new Avantas are comparable...
Some Chinese boot makers claim to offer custom boots, much cheaper. But, AFAICT, you need to know Chinese to order from them, and I don't know anything about them.
Some of Klingbeils boot makers moved to Avanta, which makes full custom boots. But as I mentioned in
https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/t...jackson-boots-or-risport.100071/#post-3377743
Avanta recently cited 1/2 year time delays and $2250 for full custom boots. (For an extra fee, they do a rush job. I don't know the details)
Avanta says you can fit yourself. They send you a "sock mold" kit, that you mold around your foot. BTW, If you contact them, one of their boot makers will speak to you.
As mentioned in that link, Harlick also offers full custom boots. They cited me $1895 and, depending on who you ask, 18-24 month time delay.
Several brands (e.g., Jackson, and I'm told Riedell) also claim to make "full" custom boots, but customization options seem more limited.
Depending on the condition of your Klingbeils, Avanta might be willing to rebuild them. Maybe they rebuild if the breakdown is largely internal, but the stitching is intact. When I asked about rebuilding my Klingbeils, they said they would guess about rebuilding if I sent them detailed pictures, inside and out. I think Harlick might be willing to rebuild Klingbeils too.
For better or worse, several boot makers (e.g., Jackson) offer, with lower delays and prices, "rapid custom boots". AFAICT, that mostly just means heat molding and internal padding instead of more or less creating custom lasts (molds around which the boots are built) for your feet, though some also offer narrow, medium or wide overall boot widths. In other words, essentially what people use to call good quality "stock" boots. Many boot makers are also willing to do a split fit, in which the left and right foot get different boot sizes. It is possible (maybe even likely) that after you get them heat molded, you will want to modify or recreate the insoles, and have the tight spots punched out (stretched), and add tape to get rid of loose spots.
You may have noticed the current custom boot options are more expensive than Klingbeil used to be. A long time ago Klingbeil charged me about $650. They were very well made, and extremely durable. I wish I had had the foresight to get new factory fit Klingbeils a few months before they closed. Since I'm not a high level skater, I could probably still be using them. Perhaps new Avantas are comparable...
Some Chinese boot makers claim to offer custom boots, much cheaper. But, AFAICT, you need to know Chinese to order from them, and I don't know anything about them.
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- Joined
- Jan 9, 2017
OP, please don't go the full custom route right now. And Avanta is nothing like Klingbeil. They may have bought them out but their boots are nothing like them, just be aware of this. You are best off with a stock boot right now anyway, besides being much more affordable.
Thank you! Planning to go for a fitting soon and definitely not planning to throw down custom $$$ at this time.
Me again! I was finally able to make it to a fitter and came home with Edea Concerto which are beautiful! Unfortunately, it feels like my heel is slipping in the boot and I'm afraid they're too large. Feeling a bit defeated. Does this sound like they're too large?
Refer to this concurrent thread: https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/threads/what-exactly-counts-as-heel-slippage.100549/.
(through Reply #13).
If the heel doesn't fit, return the boots.
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The blades are mounted and the boots have been punched in some areas. I think I’m past the point of no return.
* That's not a good scenario. Try gel sleeves (such as Bunga) pulled down to cover your heel area. Position it so ~2 inches are covering the bottom of your heel; that will hold it down. If you need something thicker, there are gel partial booties that cover the heel area.The blades are mounted and the boots have been punched in some areas. I think I’m past the point of no return.
* You can also add a sponge foam tongue liner between your tongue and front curve of your ankle to help seat the heel of your foot into the heel pocket of your boot more firmly.
* Last resort if all else fails, your tech will need to spot heat the heel pocket and pinch it in (but don't be surprised if you're not thrilled with the results).
Hi! Would it be possible to DM to ask more questions? (The DM option isn't showing when I click on your profile)Thanks for your answers. Klingbeil doesn't exist anymore, I myself used to wear custom Klingbeil about 25 years ago.
Now, you should be ok in a Riedell Flair, Edea Chorus or Concerto or Graf Richmond Special or Windsor.
You know which blade you like so P99 to go with them ( which is what I wear for freestyle btw haha).
Good luck! If you have any more questions feel free to send me a DM.
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2017
We'd have to follow each other in order to do that, so if you want to follow Me, I'll follow back and then you can DM me.
