Long time lurker finally posting for advice!
I'm in the market for new skates since my current Vapor X:20 skates size 7.5D (comparable to today's x400) are starting to present issues. Specifically, the interior foam that wraps the heel and ankles are really flattening out and I'm feeling my heel rub up and down. I'm suspecting that this is the reason for the bauer bumps on my heels (slight bruise with a blister forming under the callus heel skin). I've never experienced these issues until around 2 weeks ago.
I went to a store and tried the Bauer 3D Skate lab. It recommended a 7D Supreme - most of my foot measurements were medium or between narrow/medium. When I tried the Supremes on, the length was perfect but it was 'meh' in terms of comfort. Understanding that skates feel different after baking, trying on ice, and breaking in, I don't want to dismiss any option too early and would like your recommendation on what skates I should try.
If I had to describe my foot, I would say it's definitely a size 7 skate in length, standard forefoot width (I recall slight pinching for a few months when I initially broke in my Vapors), low instep (to this day I've never experienced even a hint of lace bite with my Vapors), and normal arch. When I measured my foot at home, my length was around 26cm (10.2") and forefoot width 9.5cm (3.7") for a length/width ratio of ~2.75.
I'm not sure whether I have a narrow, narrow/medium, or medium heel and that's the main challenge (I stupidly forgot to note this measurement from the 3D Skate Lab and it's far away so can't go back). I really want a new skate that will have tight heel lock with padding that will keep the lock for a long time. Vapors are supposed to have the tightest heels and I still ended up with heel lock issues, but that could largely be because of the skates being low end and used quite a bit over the last year (around 10 hours on ice per week).
For the new skates, I definitely want a stiffer boot that will last the next 5+ years. In addition to Supreme S180, I'm considering the Jetspeed FT1, Ribcor 70K (the only other skate in 7D I tried in store and they felt comfortable, not sure because of ideal fit or because they're more cushioned/roomier than the Supremes), and the Super Tacks. I don't know how an ideal skate should even feel in-store (is it actually good for there to be some tightness?). I am a long-time Icewarehouse customer so I plan to get 2-3 skates to try and return the ones that don't fit well.