New Skates Needed....Looking For Similar Fit To Nike V12

[sparky1358 0]

Hello.....long time lurker......I have just recently (in last 3 months or so) taken up pickup hockey 2-3 times per week. Have an old pair of nike v12's that I bought years ago and maybe used 3 times skating with my kids. I am a size 11 sneaker and am wearing a size 10EE Nike V12. I know the skates are too big for me but have no real comfort issues but the padding seems to be breaking down around the ankles.

I am looking for a new pair of skates that fit correctly. I have a narrow heel with a wide forefoot (widest point is 4 inches across on my foot...which i believe equates to an e in shoe sizing) and a high instep and flat feet. The V12's were comfortable enough but like I said now I know they are too big and the padding issue. My toes do not come anywhere near the toe cap.

I tried on a handful of skates at my LHS but they did not have a big selection in my size. The bauer vapors pinched my ankle bone on the inside and the CCM RBZ's killed my arch. The ones that were most comfortable were the new Tacks but they also gave me some discomfort on ankle bone.They did not carry any Reebok's in my size. They recommended looking into Graf skates but they do not carry them anymore.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have searched through the forum looking for a similar answer but have not found anything regarding my current skates. I was told I was a size 8-8.5 in most brands but no idea for Graf as like I said they do not carry them. I will be in Denver next week so was looking for suggestions to go shopping. Otherwise I will have to do the roulette by buying online and see what works.

Any ideas on a brand and model skate that would fit similar to the V12's? Also what Graf skate model and/or size would work best. Looking for a mid level and up skate as I am not looking to go thru this process again anytime soon.

Thank you.

[JR Boucicaut 3759]

Look at Nexus 800 from last year or Nexus 6000 if you are looking for that similar fit.

[sparky1358 0]

Thank you for the reply. I tried on the Nexus 6000 as well now that you mention it and it crimped my ankle bone. Since I am new to this would that be something that would go away with a bake? I never baked my v12 just broke them in the natural way the last few months.

[JR Boucicaut 3759]

The 800 is closer to it than the 6000.

Pressure goes away with a bake.

[sparky1358 0]

They mentioned the Graf 703 line as a possible good fit but they do not carry them.

How far down in size should I be in bauer....They said I was an 8-8.5 but that seems like a big drop from an 11 shoe size........obviously if i go 800 route i will have to order online.....

[laserrobottime 148]

The Graf 703 and Nexus 800 are polar opposites as far as fit is concerned. The 703 is a narrow, shallow skate. There is no way you would be a good fit in both those models.

I wear a 14 D shoe and an 11 EE skate. Shoe to skate size means nothing.

If you are interested in the 800, buy from a place that will allow you to return a clearance skate, like hockey monkey or hockey giant.

[sparky1358 0]

I will get an accurate measurement by someone while in colorado over the next week then search for the 800's. I do not think the guys in my LHS are as knowledgeable as they should be. I think my biggest issue is going to be my arch. I always have a hard time choosing shoes in general. The ankle issues I think would relieve themselves thru wear and baking.

Any other ideas besides nexus 800? Are the nexus 1000 similar to 800's. Just trying to get the sizing right for me as well. Give me a larger net to get the right size since they are all clearanced.

Just to widen my search.

[JR Boucicaut 3759]

The 800 essentially replaced the v12 in terms of fit and features. Nexus 1000 is a standalone fit and doesn't match up against the V12.

[sparky1358 0]

ok thank you very much......is there a photo of the bauer sizing tool next to an inch ruler so I can make an accurate guess on sizing? My foot is 10 3/4 inches......I assume that would come in at a 9-9.5 in bauer.....but store yesterday told me i was 8-8.5....they all felt way too cramped in toe box for me.....safe to guess i am 9.5 and go from there?......

[Buzz_LightBeer 961]

They mentioned the Graf 703 line as a possible good fit but they do not carry them.

How far down in size should I be in bauer....They said I was an 8-8.5 but that seems like a big drop from an 11 shoe size........obviously if i go 800 route i will have to order online.....

709 perhaps?

I'm an 11 shoe with slightly wide foot and take a size 8.5EE in Bauer. I will also second the Nexus 800/6000 recommendation. If the pressure in the arch isn't relieved by the heating, a nicer footbed could also help do the job.