Hey everyone,
Long time lurker, never posted until now. Recently got into Ice Skating and purchased my own skates as rentals just weren't comfortable. My Bauer 3D scan (see here) shows me just above 6.5 and recommends a 7. The only comfortable pair in-store were Bauer Supreme M4 in 7.0 Fit 3. They did not have any 6.5 for me to try in fit 3. My toes do not touch or brush the toe cap or tip of the skate even if I kick it against a wall. I only have one shop locally and all eastern state stores either don't have good return policies or are having stock issues.
I have had them baked twice, tried multiple inserts (and none at all, as recommended since I technically have nothing to support!!) and skated overall a total of 25-30 hours with them. Every session I get arch pain within 10 minutes and am unable to skate again until I take the boot off and let it rest for a while. It got so bad last week that my legs started shaking and I couldn't get off the ice without support. I have tried tieing the laces differently for arch pain, looser, tighter, different laxes (waxed / unwaxed), etc to no success. I tried my mates Bauer Nexus in 7.5 EE (way too long) yet I was able to skate for a whole two hours with minor arch pain and the addition of extra soreness in the flesh right below the ankle bone. It even made my ankles feel more stable and "secured" or "tight", probably due to the different fit between Nexus and Supreme lines. I have been rolling my arch and underfoot for around 3 weeks now and doing strengething and correction exercises whilst also stretching and warming them up prior to skate and other sports. I play Badminton 2-3 times a week with no issues, although very different shoes and weight transferring / movement. Nothing has helped with the pain and it has only gotten worse. I do not believe I have fallen or weakened arches. My local skate shop mentioned it's most likely due to the base footbed "lump" arch support pushing into my arches which my foot is either not used to, or it is pushing into the incorrect place due to the skate length being even slightly incorrect. Wearing the skates and walking around the house does not cause pain or discomfort even for prolonged periods.
The pain was only in my right foot until recently, where it also is in my left foot albeit not as bad (manageable, probably 30% of the pain in comparison).
I am looking to try a pair of True TF7 in EE from an interstate provider who has a decent refund policy (unfortunately can't bake them..). I read they are 0.5 - 1 size larger than Bauer / CCM measurements. According to my scan, should I start with a 6.0EE, or would a 6.5EE be safer? I read they are meant to feel slightly too small until baked.
If anyone has been in a similar situation and has any advice, that would be greatly appreciated. If any further information is required please ask! I can also supply images of where exactly the pain resides including red spots after a skate. These images also lead me to believe I'm not losing circulation or anything of the sort.
Thanks all.