I'm glad they are working for you! I originally tried just the insert sans the shim at first because when I test fitted at first with the shim, it felt pretty snug and I didn't want any numbing issues when skating. Just the insert felt Ok but I just felt that I wanted a little more so I added the shim. The shim was it, feels pretty snug at first but once I lace up and skate, they form to my foot a little and I don't even notice them and zero numbing. I couldn't imagine skating without them again, between the inserts and my Stable 26 socks, they make my skates fit like the best pair of gloves.