Help do I need new skates?

[skatergirl_r]

Hello!

I have been skating in Edea Chorus boots for almost a year. I am jumping up to 1A and working on 2S and occasionally other doubles. I am a slim adult skater (135 lbs) and I skate 4–6 hours a week.

Lately, I have been struggling to control and stabilize my edges, because I feel like both my ankles are “dropping” inside the boots, even though I tie them very tightly. I also experience pain in the ankle of my landing leg sometimes. Taping helps a little, but it actually increases the ankle pain.

I can easily squeeze the sides of my boots toward each other, and I can see a dent in the padding on the inside. I can also squeeze the tongue, but it still retains some firmness, it’s not completely soft.
Two different skate technicians have said that the boots still look fine, since there is no visible creasing.

I know that edea’s are supposed to be looser around the ankle and I have very slim ankles, but I don’t think I had these problems when they were new. Is it all in my head or do I need new skates?
Love to hear your advice!!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hello!

I have been skating in Edea Chorus boots for almost a year. I am jumping up to 1A and working on 2S and occasionally other doubles. I am a slim adult skater (135 lbs) and I skate 4–6 hours a week.

Lately, I have been struggling to control and stabilize my edges, because I feel like both my ankles are “dropping” inside the boots, even though I tie them very tightly. I also experience pain in the ankle of my landing leg sometimes. Taping helps a little, but it actually increases the ankle pain.

I can easily squeeze the sides of my boots toward each other, and I can see a dent in the padding on the inside. I can also squeeze the tongue, but it still retains some firmness, it’s not completely soft.
Two different skate technicians have said that the boots still look fine, since there is no visible creasing.

I know that edea’s are supposed to be looser around the ankle and I have very slim ankles, but I don’t think I had these problems when they were new. Is it all in my head or do I need new skates?
Love to hear your advice!!

Hi and welcome. Sounds like your boots are broken or breaking down. It also worries me that you may not have the proper fit.

What is your foot type? Also, arches: very high/high/normal/low/flat?

Once I know that I can help you out better.

Thanks!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hi thank you!

In the beginning, they felt just fine. This is my second pair Chorus, and I actually went from a size 260 to 255. My first pair lasted a long time because I was only doing singles back then and not skating with as much power.
In retrospect, they were too big as my heel was slipping constantly, but I thought this was normal at first… That’s why I went down a size. The smaller boots felt much more stable and snug. So I don’t think the fit is the issue, but please let me know if you disagree.

I have Egyptian-type foot with normal arches. I’m not sure if this helps, but my foot length is approximately 256 mm and my foot width is 88–90 mm.

Go up to a Concerto with your stats.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Yes, I am definitely considering switching to Concerto! I already went to the skate shop to have my feet re-measured.

They told me that unfortunately Edea skates are very scarce at the moment, and delivery times can currently take up to a year.. The skate technician mentioned that a B width might fit me better, but at the moment the only boot available in that width with a short delivery time is the Piano. The Concerto and Ice Fly would have a minimum delivery time of around 10 months.

Do you think this model could work for me? I have read mixed opinions about the stiffness, and I am a bit afraid they might be too stiff for me since it’s rated for triples/quads. I know that overbooting is a real thing. How can I determine during the fitting whether the boot is right for me?

I'm telling you as a pro, Piano is too much boot for you as is Ice Fly. These are boots that Olympians wear.

 

[skatergirl_r]

I'm telling you as a pro, Piano is too much boot for you as is Ice Fly. These are boots that Olympians wear.

Yes, I’m aware! That’s exactly why I’m asking these questions I honestly wouldn’t have considered them otherwise, but unfortunately they’re the only option available right now. So I’m a bit stuck.. I don’t think my current skates will last several more months, let alone a year.

Also, I see so many adult skaters doing only single jumps in Pianos, and I wonder if they aren’t actually hindered by the stiffness..

 

[IceM]

The difference in stiffness between the Concerto and the Piano is not huge, but it's there. And while you might not be awfully hindered by it, it's not something you need or would probably prefer. There are elite Olympians skating in Concertos and Choruses for a reason, and some strong skaters with solid ankles and good technique actually prefer more flex.

That said, if it's truly your only option to go with the Pianos, then go with the Pianos. You can certainly make them work, given your stats. The width shouldn't be an issue, those can be stretched to C or whatever you need, if necessary. Also, the inner padding is different, and because of the stiffness, you might need to make more adjustments to the fit, as they're much less forgiving than you Choruses.

Good luck!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Yes, I’m aware! That’s exactly why I’m asking these questions I honestly wouldn’t have considered them otherwise, but unfortunately they’re the only option available right now. So I’m a bit stuck.. I don’t think my current skates will last several more months, let alone a year.

Also, I see so many adult skaters doing only single jumps in Pianos, and I wonder if they aren’t actually hindered by the stiffness..

Another option for feet like yours is to try Royal line of Risport or to try Riedell. That way you aren't overbooting with a Piano.

 

[IceM]

Another option for feet like yours is to try Royal line of Risport or to try Riedell. That way you aren't overbooting with a Piano.

I second this as well; if Risport Royal Pro or Riedell Vega is an option, then those would work much better than a Piano. Both also take same size blade as Edeas. And you don't have to wait for a year for them to arrive, so you're better off long term with the next boots as well, if they fit you.