Stush

Thanks!

Will the epoxy crack?

BTW the fit seems to be pretty good, basically right on target, after using the pencil method.

Thanks everyone. It is what it is. I see Bauer's side and stuff does happen in games. Just didn't think that 11 year olds even at the AA hockey level would be able to do that kind of damage in a game - again, that's me not having enough experience to know. A skate blade I can see damaging a skate for sure no matter the age, size, weight, etc. It just didn't seem like a clean enough cut to be a blade in my noobie opinion. Maybe, someone stepped on his skate in the locker room and he didn't realize it or it is game play or a freak accident. I do know he treats his skates very, very well, and his bag has separate skate pockets/sections for each skate. He's played in five games and has practiced in them quite a bit since it happened and no complaints so far. We are going to try and repair them with Shoe Goo - thanks for the suggestion Vet88 - and start setting some money aside for new skates and keep a look-out on ebay, etc. A huge thank you to each of you who posted in and read this thread!!!

I forgot to mention this and it maybe a game changer. He doesn’t tie them all the way up. He doesn’t tie them thru the top eyelets.

Thanks chikinpotpie and Vet88! I'll keep your advice in mind for sure when we go to get him new skates. I didn't even think of the carbon fiber splinters possibly coming through the inner lining. Good call there. Maybe I missed it but how do you think the fit was wrong though in his current skates? Just not the right boot? Maybe he can't wear Vapors? Or Vapor X700? He wore his skate socks when we went and did walk in the skates, etc and had them baked at the store. He still really likes them. No comfort issues or skating issues. I didn't get a chance, since he had practice last night, to check his skates - do the pencil test, etc. I'm going to try today.

I'm not experienced enough to really know but it does seem odd for damage like this to happen so quickly. Again, I appreciate the help. Unfortunately it's not just a crease. The boot has come apart there. The day we noticed it I could get a small part of my finger in/or behind the cracked part of the boot. So it's split. I don't expect special treatment. I just wanted Bauer to know how we feel and was hoping for some help. They have their policies and opinions (on how or why it happened) and that's the way it is. The Bauers were only his third pair of skates. Ironically these were supposed to be the best skates he's had so far and the only ones with problems. That being said moving forward since the store won't budge and doesn't seem like Bauer is either - which again I guess I can see their side - any advice moving forward? I think we're going to Shoe Goo the crack/split, start setting some money aside and hopefully sooner rather than later buy him new skates. From where and what brand we're not sure. What do we do next time to make sure the boot is a better fit? Thanks everyone.

I may look into that. Thank you.

That's why I'm here. To get advice and opinions on what we should do. I appreciate the feedback.

That makes sense and is reasonable. He doesn't remember anything out of the ordinary happening actually. I did call Bauer today and actually talked with a rep who listened and then transferred me to the rep who actually replied to my email. I left her a message, just stating my case again.

Agreed, unfortunately, they and/or the customer service rep seem to think it's related to game play "We are very sorry but as the skate cut/puncture/crack is a result of game-related impact..." Again, I'm fairly new at this but it doesn't look at all like a cut or puncture. I'm going to call them today. It kinda stink to avoid Bauer from here on out but they're not giving us any reason to stay with them.

Thanks for the help with this BTW. I do appreciate it.

If that is the case is it the stores fault then? When he was sized the employee said we like to give them a little room at this age for growth. I wasn't sure that was right but again I'm not very experienced at this. It makes sense when it comes to other footwear but I wasn't sure you did that with skates and if you did you didn't go that much bigger than needed. Again, I really don't know for sure - still learning. So I went with the stores recommendation. I wish I could remember what size he was measured at initially. Right now he's wearing a 5 in Nikes (with some room to grow) and a 3.5 in his Bauer Vapor skates.

I'm surprised that Bauer doesn't seem to care. Maybe it's just an employee following company guidelines and that's all she could do. If I were to talk to someone on the phone maybe that would help? The sad thing is that I mentioned some of things that Dave P suggests above. Even saying that our son is a devote Bauer fan already at the age of 11 and that we have faith in their products that's why we chose Bauer. Not to kiss up to them - was just being honest. He likes their stuff after trying Reebok/CCM the best. I also mentioned he was outfitted last year in Bauer from shoulders (has a Bauer helmet but didn't replace it yet) to skates last year. Bought the previous model year - but it still cost a pretty penny that we have been putting money aside for. So buying another pair of new skates right after the holidays and with his birthday being this weekend makes it a little tough to find the money. This was Bauer's reply: "Good Morning, Thank you for taking the time to email Bauer. We are sorry to hear that you have experienced an issue with your skates. Bauer's warranty on the skate boot is 90 days from the purchase date and it covers against manufacturing defects only. This is the standard warranty within this industry and it does apply to all retailers and consumers the same. Due to the aggressive nature of this sport, there is no telling how or when damages can occur to all equipment including skates. Participation in this sport does imply acceptance of some risk of damages occurring however, any game or impact-related damages or wear and tear, would not be covered by the warranty. Regrettably, the 90-day warranty does not cover any game or impact-related damages such as skate cuts, punctures or cracks. These damages are a result of impacts from a skate or a puck and are not manufacturing defects, and therefore these skates would not be eligible for replacement. Skates are not made of Kevlar and can sustain cuts, punctures, cracks, abrasions, etc. We would recommend that you have the skate cut/puncture sealed to prevent water infiltration from further damaging the boot. We are very sorry but as the skate cut/puncture/crack is a result of game-related impact, these skates would not be covered by the warranty."

I wish I knew more about skates and equipment. I try to read up on things and be someway informed. I still feel like we’re at the mercy of the store when you’re still learning. I had a price range in mind and they scanned his feet and we went from there. Not sure what to do now.