shoot_the_goalie

I totally agree. I think MSH is most helpful when we objectively see both pros and cons to a product through user experience, as no product is perfect. The point I was making in my post is exactly what you are stating...that we need to see both sides of the coin so that then we can determine for ourselves if there's value in trying out that product. And no need to refrain from posting in this thread, imho. I've gained a lot of insight about stick flex across brands, and many other things from your past posts, which I very much appreciate. But I think it's probably best that we all return to discussing the actual product in this thread...lol.

Thread sounds a lot like Tesla threads I've read. The owners of Teslas worship their cars, even with it's faults, because it's got a fantastic engine/tech and it's got a lot of panache. They'll defend it to the death even if there are good counter arguments against buying one. Whereas people who don't own them, nitpick the hell out of the faults and cost, saying they're overrated, without acknowledging the innovation and what Tesla is getting right. Human nature, albeit somewhat misguided, playing out on both sides. Personally, I think Teslas have ridiculously amazing engines and cutting edge tech, but there is room for a lot of improvement in QC and tolerances. Similar to this thread, Trues are not for everyone, but for some they're a real step up in improvement, fit, and innovation (and that's not "kool-aid"). Do they have room for improvement? Sure. Full disclosure, I own them, and so far they've been great. Are they perfect? No. Could I make a retail skate work for me? Yes. But did I reach the point where I saw the value in them vs purchasing a similar cost skate which I would have to mod anyway? Absolutely.

Judging from the direction this thread is going, it seems as if True has become the Tesla of skates...lol.

Finally skated with my new Trues in a game tonight and I am very pleased. The length, which had originally concerned me, was a non-issue. Took a little getting used to the increased forward pitch from the Step holders, but it wasn't too bad (maybe I'll adjust profile or I'll try to get used to it). Stiff boot (w/ added impact protection), which I prefer, but plenty of fore/aft flex. I wouldn't say it felt like a "slipper" as some people say, but it was definitely the most comfortable skate I've ever worn, and feels already broken in. Considering in the past, I would buy retail and then have to punch/stretch areas, break in using bunga pads, it was nice to skip that entire process. Sad to get two decent cut marks on the toes already, but so be it...they're hockey skates, not designer shoes.

I currently have my tongues so that the velcro tab is even with the tab on the tongue, so there's not much of the tongue in the toe cap. Then I put the powerfoot inserts into the top of the toe cap, using the bottom edge of the tongue to hold it in place (not adhering the inserts yet until I'm sold on the fit - but they stay in place when "wedging" them into the tongue, if that makes sense. Even if I'm sold on the fit, I might not use the adhesive at all, since I'm worried it might gunk up the velcro over time.) I tried lowering the tongues at one point before I put the inserts in, but I didn't like the feel, as the tongues are a much less forgiving material than the foam of the inserts. With that said, with the inserts in, I get a very snug, but soft fit on the tops of my toes.

I have a bad habit of curling my toes if I have too much space in the top of the toe cap. Thus Powerfoot inserts really help with that issue. Testing them out currently with my True skates.

When I got scanned, they did the 3d scan for each foot, but then also took pictures and took a bunch of information, which included my past skates (model, size, holder/runner size) and any issues that I had with them, including whether I had them punched, stretched in any areas.

Yes. That's why I said I use all 3 knobs normally. The latter part of my statement is what a Blackstone rep told me.

I use all 3 knobs to adjust accordingly to whatever skates I'm sharpening. Blackstone recommends that you don't touch the pitch knob too often, but from their own rep, they say at times it's inevitable.

Yeah, I was thinking maybe cut the Powerfoot insert to accommodate the exposed velcro, and then use the remaining adhesive to adhere it to the top of the toe cap.

Is True going to make you a 2nd pair?

Does anyone use Powerfoot inserts on these? I would like to close the negative space right above my toes but don’t want to drop my tongues all the way down into the toe cap. Would the Powerfoot adhesive mess with the Velcro tongue tab?

The blue insoles just fit to my feet, right to the edge of the big toe, and I compared them to my old skates’ stock insoles, which I still have around, and they pretty much match in length on my longer foot. (One of my feet is shorter - why I got Trues). So looks like length is correct and I’ll just have to get used to the new feeling. Hope to get these on the ice soon so I can really get an idea of the feel and dial it in.

Thanks for the tip and input. Really appreciate it. Cheers.

Yes...one thing they suggested was to remove the toe cap foam. Also using Superfeet (or some sort of hard raised arch insole) to raise my arches and pull back the toes could help. How do you mean if the "feet line up" with the insole? Do you mean the toes not overlapping the blue insole? It does seem from some of the responses though that touching (not brushing) the toe caps when standing is pretty common and not a fit issue...

Yep. I tapped the heel back, and then tied my laces as I usually do - loose at the bottom, tight at the middle, semi-tight on the top, leaving the top eyelet unlaced. The only thing I've done differently is I'm using cloth laces, whereas my old skates, I used waxed laces (many recommended I don't use waxed laces with True Skates) I'm assuming that the skates are good and the fit is something I'll have to get used to. (I'm just not used to it - my old skates had great heel lock and my toes only touched the caps if I pointed my feet.)

Thanks! I contacted True, and they were very helpful and responsive. They gave me some suggestions to help the fit, but essentially said, as long as there's no pain or discomfort, that the toes touching the cap is 100% normal when standing upright with their boots, being that they're made to have as little negative space as possible. I'll have to skate on them a few times and see if it's just a feeling I need to get used to or if it becomes an issue.

Tried adjusting tongue. It's not a volume issue in the toe cap. It's a length issue.

Just got my first pair of True Skates this weekend. Haven't had a chance to try them on the ice yet, but had them baked and molded at around 70% tightness. Everything looks and feels fantastic except for one issue with the length of both boots in regards to the toe cap. With my heel locked in, wearing very thin sock liners, and with laces pretty tight in the middle and upper portion of the boot (but top eyelet not laced), when sitting with legs bent 90 degrees, I barely brush the toe cap, but when standing, I feel contact with the toe cap on both my big toe and 2nd toe...and it's touching, not brushing. When in skating stance, knees bent, I can at times still feel the big toe brushing the cap. However, when I lift my toe, I get more room (see pic - red area). I noticed vs my old skates, where the toe cap goes straight down, the True Skates curve back in at the bottom (see pic - in green). Questions: -Is this how True Skates normally fit due to the unique toe cap shape? I had a solid 3d scan done (during midday), along with pics, and my fitter really was on point with what he was doing and knew his stuff. My old skates (CCM Tacks 1st gen), are actually slightly shorter in boot length compared to the Trues, but I don't feel nearly as much contact with the toe cap due to the "straight down" design of the cap. Wondering if this is a typical fit and I'm just not used to it? (Compared footbeds to my old skates, and my old footbeds are about (just shy) 1/8" longer. -How much do True Skates "pack out" after breaking in? Will I gain some length naturally from the heel pads compressing a bit with time? (maybe like 1/8")? I noticed on my old skates, I definitely gained a little length after lots of use. -If this is an issue and causes pain at the toes, are there any easy adjustments to remedy any issues? Can the skates be stretched in length with baking and using those shoe extenders you see at shoe shops? Maybe more thickness in the insole area at the toe cap to raise my toes a bit? Or do I really have a great fit and I'm just not used to it cause I've never had custom boots before? Any insights are greatly appreciated. https://imgur.com/a/qbXNj

Get a pair of Blacksteel and put in on your skates, and use the regular Step as a pair of backups in case you blow a tire with the Blacksteel. That's what I do. heh.

For me, I agree performance-wise. Where I feel Step Black really shines, is when you sharpen. Edges are always clean. But whether that's worth the extra $30-$40, as you stated, is the question. Also, Step Black just stands out more to the gear hounds since it does have a unique look to it - if that's your thing.

Is it possible to buy replacement tongues directly through True, say if your current ones were to wear out? Or do you have to go through a retailer for special order?

True Skates, as far as I know, in the US are $949 base with the stock Step Holder/Step Steel, and standard tongues. Impact protection is an additional $50 per pair. Not sure the cost of other customizations. These prices don't include sales tax.

How many passes is enough on new Step Blacksteel?

Any way to easily tell when you have a good FBV edge on a new set of Step steel? Every time I sharpen a new set of Step steel, it always doesn't seem sharp enough after first sharpening, and this is after doing about 20-30 passes on each skate initially. Any other type of steel, this amount of passes is usually fine.