Need advice on boots

[kbcanada]

Hi. I’m looking for new boots for my 13year-old daughter, 110lbs, working on double flip/lutz. She wears Jackson debut 5.5wide but broken down less than 6months. Maybe she needs stiffer boots? Also was 5.5 too big for her? She has never tried any other brands but Jackson. She has Taillor’s bunions, wide feet, low arch.

Length	9inch(right)	9 (left)
Ball	9 1/8	9 1/4

Thank you.

 

[bostonskaterguy86]

Welcome!

I'd say yes, the Debut is definitely not stiff enough for her doing doubles, especially higher-level ones like flip and lutz. If Jacksons generally work for her, you'll want to look at one of their more supportive boots. On Jackson's stiffness scale, the Debut is a 50 - the next step up would be the Premiere at 65 or the Synergy Spark at 60. Honestly, though, I think she'd be better off skipping that level and going to either the Supreme or the Synergy Ignite (both 75) at the minimum, and I wouldn't rule out going up to the Synergy Torch at 85 if she likes a lot of support.

It's tough to comment on sizing via the internet - but if the measurements you gave are accurate, it sounds like her feet are very wide and/or high volume (meaning they're tall from the sole to the top). Given that, plus the bunions, I'd strongly recommend getting her fitted by a pro - there's a real risk of injury doing advanced doubles (and triples, eventually!) in boots that don't fit, and even a boot of the appropriate stiffness could break down prematurely if it doesn't fit right. A fitter could also help determine if it might be a good idea to try a different brand - it sounds like Jacksons have worked pretty well for her, but it could be worth trying on a Graf or a Risport. Lastly - it's worth considering that to really get the best and most comfortable fit, she may need a custom (or at least semi-custom) boot. Working with a good fitter is essential for that process.

Hope this is helpful!

 

[Diana Delafield]

She needs stiffer boots than the Debut considering her technical level. The strength of the boot needed also depends on her size, but I can't tell from just her weight. It depends then on how tall she is. She weighs more than I do, for instance, but may be several inches taller than I am.

I'm assuming from your username that you're in Canada, but where specifically? We can try to direct you to the best skate shop near you so she can be fitted properly. The fitter will measure her feet and ankles all around. Their circumference at various points is important, not just their length. Different models of different boot brands are designed for different foot shapes, although some alteration can be done with heat moulding. Jackson may or may not be the best brand for her feet.

You should involve her podiatrist in adding arch supports or padding for her bunion area, working together with the boot fitter to ensure her boots won't add to her foot problems as she grows. Good luck!

 

[kbcanada]

Welcome!

I'd say yes, the Debut is definitely not stiff enough for her doing doubles, especially higher-level ones like flip and lutz. If Jacksons generally work for her, you'll want to look at one of their more supportive boots. On Jackson's stiffness scale, the Debut is a 50 - the next step up would be the Premiere at 65 or the Synergy Spark at 60. Honestly, though, I think she'd be better off skipping that level and going to either the Supreme or the Synergy Ignite (both 75) at the minimum, and I wouldn't rule out going up to the Synergy Torch at 85 if she likes a lot of support.

It's tough to comment on sizing via the internet - but if the measurements you gave are accurate, it sounds like her feet are very wide and/or high volume (meaning they're tall from the sole to the top). Given that, plus the bunions, I'd strongly recommend getting her fitted by a pro - there's a real risk of injury doing advanced doubles (and triples, eventually!) in boots that don't fit, and even a boot of the appropriate stiffness could break down prematurely if it doesn't fit right. A fitter could also help determine if it might be a good idea to try a different brand - it sounds like Jacksons have worked pretty well for her, but it could be worth trying on a Graf or a Risport. Lastly - it's worth considering that to really get the best and most comfortable fit, she may need a custom (or at least semi-custom) boot. Working with a good fitter is essential for that process.

Hope this is helpful!

Welcome!

I'd say yes, the Debut is definitely not stiff enough for her doing doubles, especially higher-level ones like flip and lutz. If Jacksons generally work for her, you'll want to look at one of their more supportive boots. On Jackson's stiffness scale, the Debut is a 50 - the next step up would be the Premiere at 65 or the Synergy Spark at 60. Honestly, though, I think she'd be better off skipping that level and going to either the Supreme or the Synergy Ignite (both 75) at the minimum, and I wouldn't rule out going up to the Synergy Torch at 85 if she likes a lot of support.

It's tough to comment on sizing via the internet - but if the measurements you gave are accurate, it sounds like her feet are very wide and/or high volume (meaning they're tall from the sole to the top). Given that, plus the bunions, I'd strongly recommend getting her fitted by a pro - there's a real risk of injury doing advanced doubles (and triples, eventually!) in boots that don't fit, and even a boot of the appropriate stiffness could break down prematurely if it doesn't fit right. A fitter could also help determine if it might be a good idea to try a different brand - it sounds like Jacksons have worked pretty well for her, but it could be worth trying on a Graf or a Risport. Lastly - it's worth considering that to really get the best and most comfortable fit, she may need a custom (or at least semi-custom) boot. Working with a good fitter is essential for that process.

Hope this is helpful!

Thank you so much!

 

[kbcanada]

She needs stiffer boots than the Debut considering her technical level. The strength of the boot needed also depends on her size, but I can't tell from just her weight. It depends then on how tall she is. She weighs more than I do, for instance, but may be several inches taller than I am.

I'm assuming from your username that you're in Canada, but where specifically? We can try to direct you to the best skate shop near you so she can be fitted properly. The fitter will measure her feet and ankles all around. Their circumference at various points is important, not just their length. Different models of different boot brands are designed for different foot shapes, although some alteration can be done with heat moulding. Jackson may or may not be the best brand for her feet.

You should involve her podiatrist in adding arch supports or padding for her bunion area, working together with the boot fitter to ensure her boots won't add to her foot problems as she grows. Good luck!

Thank you! She is 5.2ft tall. We are in Kelowna BC, about 4hours drive from Vancouver.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Thank you! She is 5.2ft tall. We are in Kelowna BC, about 4hours drive from Vancouver.

If you come to Vancouver for equipment, I use Cyclone Taylor at Oak and 49th. (I live in Richmond these days, always used CT when I was growing up in West Point Grey.) Not sure if there's a good skate shop in Kelowna yet, @NanaPat , do you know?

So she's my height but presumably still growing. She needs boots several degrees of stiffness higher. The brand ads give an approximate idea, but the ratings are not equivalent across all brands. If she stays with Jackson, she needs at least the 65 rating of the Premiere or a stronger model beyond that, as @bostonskaterguy86 said above. Wait until you get her fitted and see what they recommend about a brand before you make up your mind on a specific model within a brand.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hi. I’m looking for new boots for my 13year-old daughter, 110lbs, working on double flip/lutz. She wears Jackson debut 5.5wide but broken down less than 6months. Maybe she needs stiffer boots? Also was 5.5 too big for her? She has never tried any other brands but Jackson. She has Taillor’s bunions, wide feet, low arch.

Length	9inch(right)	9 (left)
Ball	9 1/8	9 1/4

Thank you.

@kbcanada With what you've said about her stats: I would have her try Graf and Jackson. Jackson: Synergy Ignite, Torch. Also, Jackson Supreme 5300.
Graf: Edmonton Special or Edmonton Special V-Insert, Windsor, Galaxy.

She's going to need blades: MK Phantom, MK Gold Star, John Wilson Pattern 99, John Wilson Gold Seal. She just needs a standard style of one of these blades: No need for Revs or Lites at this point.

I also suggest that she sees a podiatrist for her feet issues. She may need orthotics.

As far as fitters, I'll leave that to @Diana Delafield since she's in that general area of Canada.

Good luck!

 

[NanaPat]

If you come to Vancouver for equipment, I use Cyclone Taylor at Oak and 49th. (I live in Richmond these days, always used CT when I was growing up in West Point Grey.) Not sure if there's a good skate shop in Kelowna yet, @NanaPat , do you know?

Unfortunately, I don't know. I couldn't find anything suitable online. I don't skate myself, I'm just a fan.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Unfortunately, I don't know. I couldn't find anything suitable online. I don't skate myself, I'm just a fan.

I thought you might have heard of a skate shop, or have seen one and noticed it because you're a fan. There seem to be a fair number of skaters in Kelowna, but then there are a lot in Dundee and there's no skate shop there either! Skaters have to travel down to England for their equipment.

 

[kbcanada]

If you come to Vancouver for equipment, I use Cyclone Taylor at Oak and 49th. (I live in Richmond these days, always used CT when I was growing up in West Point Grey.) Not sure if there's a good skate shop in Kelowna yet, @NanaPat , do you know?

So she's my height but presumably still growing. She needs boots several degrees of stiffness higher. The brand ads give an approximate idea, but the ratings are not equivalent across all brands. If she stays with Jackson, she needs at least the 65 rating of the Premiere or a stronger model beyond that, as @bostonskaterguy86 said above. Wait until you get her fitted and see what they recommend about a brand before you make up your mind on a specific model within a brand.

Thanks for your advice. We might drive to Vancouver on the weekend!

 

[Diana Delafield]

Thanks for your advice. We might drive to Vancouver on the weekend!

Good luck! You might want to make an appointment if you go to Cyclone Taylor. They can get busy on the weekend. I don't know who will be working then, but Gio or any of the fitters will do a good job. Hint : No point telling them "Diana Delafield" sent you. That's my user name on GS, not the real name they know me by.

 

[sy916]

Also was 5.5 too big for her?

Length	9inch(right)	9 (left)
Ball	9 1/8	9 1/4

Anecdotally, I am in 5.5R Debuts and those are pretty much the same length measurements of my feet, one foot is a little longer a 9 1/8. One boot needed to get stretched both wider and a smidge longer. My feet truly are triangles when you look at them, and every street and running shoe I have is wide. It turns out that they are regular width for Jacksons. I don't know what my ball width is.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Anecdotally, I am in 5.5R Debuts and those are pretty much the same length measurements of my feet, one foot is a little longer a 9 1/8. One boot needed to get stretched both wider and a smidge longer. My feet truly are triangles when you look at them, and every street and running shoe I have is wide. It turns out that they are regular width for Jacksons. I don't know what my ball width is.

All boots and styles fit differently. The best thing for OP (or anyone) to do is to go see a professional fitter for figure skates.

 

[sy916]

All boots and styles fit differently. The best thing for OP (or anyone) to do is to go see a professional fitter for figure skates.

I completely agree. For all we know, the daughter grew into the boots, making them feel big at some point.

 

[kbcanada]

Anecdotally, I am in 5.5R Debuts and those are pretty much the same length measurements of my feet, one foot is a little longer a 9 1/8. One boot needed to get stretched both wider and a smidge longer. My feet truly are triangles when you look at them, and every street and running shoe I have is wide. It turns out that they are regular width for Jacksons. I don't know what my ball width is.

Thanks for your info!