Skates for pudgy duck feet

[tsanga 0]

My friend has these incredibly pudgy flat feet, the classic definition of duck feet. I've read these feet are impossible to fit, but we're determined to find some skates for him.

What I'm looking for is some recommendation on where to start. And before you say I should try the search feature, he's just learning to skate so he won't be dropping hundreds of $ on Kor's or Vector Pros (high end skates are what dominates discussions on the forum).

I've read all about how different models tend to run different widths (but not definitively), and obviously we're going to have him try on a bunch of low end skates, but I just need a place to start.

Am I correct in thinking (in general) the widest fitting are CCM Vectors, and the narrowest are Bauers (except Supreme xx90's)?

Thanks.

[TBLfan 25]

CCM tacks are wider than vectors.

[tsanga 0]

CCM tacks are wider than vectors.

Not according to OTG:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?ac...ndpost&p=322247

Actually maybe I'll have my friend try some RBKs. But I don't think they make any really low end skates.

[MLSman 22]

This seems to be a redundant theme here.

I have tried on the CCM Pro Tacks (2006), the Vector 10s, and the RBK 9K. I have a narrow foot, and both the CCM Pro Tacks and the RBK 9Ks were wide. The Vector 10 is what I now use.

Try em on to see what you think before you buy.

[GH_ID 0]

CCM tacks are wider than vectors.

Not according to OTG:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?ac...ndpost&p=322247

Actually maybe I'll have my friend try some RBKs. But I don't think they make any really low end skates.

They do make low end skates. Goes down to a RBK 3K.

[althoma1 575]

I can squeeze my foot into my girl friends 7D CCM 652 Tacks and my toes are cramped, but the width is fine. In Vectors 8D skates were far too narrow in the forefoot area and it felt like my foot was in a vice. I could fit into 8.5Ds, but they were too long. 7.5E feels good in Vectors and 7.5D in Tacks...for my feet Vectors do feel narrower in the forefoot than Tacks.

[Ivan 1]

My friend has these incredibly pudgy flat feet, the classic definition of duck feet. I've read these feet are impossible to fit, but we're determined to find some skates for him.

What I'm looking for is some recommendation on where to start. And before you say I should try the search feature, he's just learning to skate so he won't be dropping hundreds of $ on Kor's or Vector Pros (high end skates are what dominates discussions on the forum).

I've read all about how different models tend to run different widths (but not definitively), and obviously we're going to have him try on a bunch of low end skates, but I just need a place to start.

Am I correct in thinking (in general) the widest fitting are CCM Vectors, and the narrowest are Bauers (except Supreme xx90's)?

Thanks.

This should help:

http://www.epinions.com/content_4715356292

http://www.epinions.com/content_3832651908

Overall it sounds like lower end Grafs will do, they just have to have the deep and wide Graf last (ends with 9).

[DamnLocust 0]

If he's serious about playing hockey, He may want to invest some money in a midrange skate instead of going for the bottom of the barrel. If he wants something decent, but doesn't want to break the bank, Play it Again Sports is a good option.

I, too have duck feet, but they seem to work in almost anything. Maybe I'm just used to a harsh break in time. Once skates are broken in, I don't have any problems with them. I've used CCMs (D width) , Bauers (D Width) and just picked up a pair of Mission L7s in a EE width. Best fitting boot for me, however, is the Tour Beemer (inline skate). It is both wide and deep. Tour advertised their beemer on the website with a crow holder, But i've never actually seen this skate. Regardless, If you can find a pair of Tours cheap and slap on some ice holders, It would likely fit well.

[BK 0]

If you can find them still, go with a set of Salming F1's. VERY nice skate and widder than tacks (I know from first hand.. not from hearsay).

[KYHockey3 0]

id go with nike's

they seem to be the widest skate imho

[KYHockey3 0]

If you can find them still, go with a set of Salming F1's. VERY nice skate and widder than tacks (I know from first hand.. not from hearsay).

he said he didnt want expensive skates ;like kors in the original post

[BK 0]

If you can find them still, go with a set of Salming F1's. VERY nice skate and widder than tacks (I know from first hand.. not from hearsay).

he said he didnt want expensive skates ;like kors in the original post

I paid $150 for mine. :D

Talk to Jason (Salmingusa) here on the board.. He may still have some in stock.

[althoma1 575]

He should definitely be able to find a quality pair of skates for a decent price - just look for 04 or 05 models that are being cleared out. I've seen the following skates for less than $250 Canadian in stores:

Mission S500 (National Sports) - Would need EE width for wide feet

Mission L7 (National Sports) - I've never tried these on, but EE width would likely also be needed

CCM Vector 6.0 (Sport Check) - try both D and E

Nike V-12 (National Sports..out of stock now though) - D should be fine unless his feet are unbelievably wide

CCM 992 Tacks (National Sports) - try D and E

Now these are stores in Toronto, Canada so you might not have access to them and not all of these skates are still in stock at those stores, but those are just some examples I've seen of quality skates being cleared out at discounted prices because they are older models. There are likely similar deals somewhere in your area. You should be able to find something that works for him there that's at least a mid-level skate and doesn't cost a fortune as long as he's not too concerned about having the latest model. There are a lot of good 04 and 05 skates being sold at very good prices right now. Since he's a beginner, many of the skates I listed may be too much skate for him - I was just trying to show that you don't have to go for an entry level skate for only costs reasons. The link Ivan provided to the fit guide by Puckmugger on epinions is a good place to start.

[shute 4]

if he is just learning to skate why not have him buy a pair of rec skates... those are super comfy and will work fine as long as he doesn't go anywhere near a puck.

[pantherfan 0]

Tacks were definatley wider then Vectors IMO

[TBLfan 25]

If I had $150 to spend and needed new skates I'd be willing to try out salming F1s. At very worst I'd have to pay to have the holders changed out.

[BK 0]

If I had $150 to spend and needed new skates I'd be willing to try out salming F1s. At very worst I'd have to pay to have the holders changed out.

After looking at the first post again.. I just realized that its the guy's first pair of skates..

I actually would avoid salmings if this is the case. Salming f1s are a very stiff boot and come stock with tblades. I think he should lear to skate on normal steel and replacing the holders is a big headache for a beginner to have to do.

I would honestly go to a local hockey shop and get him fitted. Tell the salesman what his budget is and his skating level and they should be able to find something to fit his needs. My first skates were tacks and I loved them. I have gone through a few pair and would still wear them if it weren't for my salmings.

[Chadd 916]

I don't think the F1s are all that stiff but the t'blades will make you feel back on your heels a bit.

[BK 0]

I don't think the F1s are all that stiff but the t'blades will make you feel back on your heels a bit.

Compared to my blacktacks, my salmings are stiff on the forward flex and especially around the anckle/heel area.

Then again, blacktacks are pretty soft. :)

[Chadd 916]

Yeah those PIAS SMUs are POS

[BK 0]

Yeah those PIAS SMUs are POS

I loved mine.. but then again, I am kinda minimalistic with my gear :D

I still play in cooper shoulder pads :D

The less a pad/skate/glove restricts me, the more I generally like it.

[Chadd 916]

Yeah those PIAS SMUs are POS

I loved mine.. but then again, I am kinda minimalistic with my gear :D

I still play in cooper shoulder pads :D

The less a pad/skate/glove restricts me, the more I generally like it.

There was a PIAS right behind the rink where my shop was and I used to see all kinds of PIAS SMUs. The quality of the low-end stuff wasn't good at all. Most of them were falling apart within a month of purchase.

[tsanga 0]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Yeah, it's his first pair of skates ever, so we aren't looking for anything stiff. And probably nothing uncomfortable that will turn him off skating. He's not set on hockey in the future, but it's a nice goal. He needs to learn to skate first!! Baby steps....

if he is just learning to skate why not have him buy a pair of rec skates...  those are super comfy and will work fine as long as he doesn't go anywhere near a puck.

Just so I understand, do you have a link or a reference to what you're calling a rec skate?

[thekingsingh 0]

I don't think the F1s are all that stiff but the t'blades will make you feel back on your heels a bit.

Compared to my blacktacks, my salmings are stiff on the forward flex and especially around the anckle/heel area.

Then again, blacktacks are pretty soft. :)

I've found the Salming F1s much stiffer than my previous CCM 652P skates, though a bit wider as well. For a beginning skater the $150 price isn't bad, but I would agree about the stiffness of the boot being a potential issue.

The other thing about the F1s is the higher arch support in the boot. If you have lower arches or flat feet, the increased arch support could cause you some pain. I had this problem for a little while, but oddly that problem seems to have disappeared now (to be replaced with a lot of pain on the outside of my foot after I skate).

On another note, I think it would be cool if MSH could come up with a database for skates similar to the Pattern DB or Flex Chart. I'm sure it'd be a great resource for people looking to buy the right skates for their foot shape.

[Chadd 916]

I don't think the F1s are all that stiff but the t'blades will make you feel back on your heels a bit.

Compared to my blacktacks, my salmings are stiff on the forward flex and especially around the anckle/heel area.

Then again, blacktacks are pretty soft. :)

I've found the Salming F1s much stiffer than my previous CCM 652P skates, though a bit wider as well. For a beginning skater the $150 price isn't bad, but I would agree about the stiffness of the boot being a potential issue.

The other thing about the F1s is the higher arch support in the boot. If you have lower arches or flat feet, the increased arch support could cause you some pain. I had this problem for a little while, but oddly that problem seems to have disappeared now (to be replaced with a lot of pain on the outside of my foot after I skate).

On another note, I think it would be cool if MSH could come up with a database for skates similar to the Pattern DB or Flex Chart. I'm sure it'd be a great resource for people looking to buy the right skates for their foot shape.

Even when the people who make skates say something about the foot shape, people disagree with them. Measuring a skate like a stick just isn't realistic.