Another "help with skate selection"

[Hockeydog 8]

I have searched the forums but couldn't find this specific info.

I currently skate RBK 5K's. ( 8D) They fit perfect in the forefoot but don't give a lot of support in the counter or arch area for me and the heel is not loose, but not snug either. Is there a skate I can try at my LHS that fits for a wider forefoot, avereage heel and gives some support thru the arch area? The length of my 5K's seems right on, toes feather when standing up straight.

Thanks for any ideas. I will try and buy at my LHS but they are not to swift around here!

[Hockeydog 8]

A little more info on my skate fit issues. I bought a pair of Bauer 4500 ( a THG special makeup) online a few years ago, size 9 E. They fit very well in the heel, I felt great support thru the arch area, but they were a size too long.

( almost 1" toe to cap) The forefoot was a tad narrow but otherwise had I been fitted by a human and bought the correct length these skate would be perfect.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

I've been told the Nike Flexlite line is good for a wide forefoot, and average to narrow heel... not too sure about the arch area though.

[Sticks of Fury 0]

You need the "grey" superfeet insoles!

[Hockeydog 8]

I have thought about those. Tried the Shock Doctors, useless. You know Anthony, I also have a pair of Graf 704's and they are also too long, but only by about 1/2'' and they have ( I think) a narrow heel. I bought those online and got a size too long, but the heel lock was great. I think I really need a skate with some decent volume, narrow to normal heel, good arch support for my high arches,and a fairly wide forefoot. Thanks for the comebacks, Sticks of Fury and AnthonyJTa !!

[althoma1 575]

I think I really need a skate with some decent volume, narrow to normal heel, good arch support for my high arches,and a fairly wide forefoot.

Sounds like the Nike V-Force boots I used for rollerhockey last year. They certainly fit that description. They're similar to the Nike V-12 and V-10 skates. I've read that the Flexlite series is similar, but not quite as wide in the forefoot. As suggested already you should try on some Nike skates. E Width CCM Vectors might also be worth a shot.

My current ice skates, the Kor Shift 1s, can also molded to meet those requirements. I have a wide forefoot, average/narrow heel and average arch and I'm very happy with my Kors although the Nikes I have are definitely deeper than the KORs so if you really need a deep boot I haven't worn or tried on any deeper than the Nike V-series. (although I prefer the lower cut of the KORS - the Nike boots are also pretty high).

[Hockeydog 8]

Thanks!! I'll try and find some to try on, have heard the durability on the Nike isn't that great. Any comments on that. Someone told be the Mission S400 is also a narrow heel and wider forefoot skate.

[Fivehole101 0]

Thanks!! I'll try and find some to try on, have heard the durability on the Nike isn't that great. Any comments on that. Someone told be the Mission S400 is also a narrow heel and wider forefoot skate.

I just bought some nike flexlite 12's on sale at my lhs. I have a pretty high arch, normal heel and a wide forefoot, almost like a triangle. lol. They fit perfectly, Even though I have a wide forefoot there was plenty of room in the toe box. Also, I even got size 7.5D instead of my normal EE because of this. So I think that you should have no problem with them. I have acually heard more good things about durabiliy with flexlites than bad.

[Hockeydog 8]

Sweet, I'll look out for them. Thanks!

[hockeymom 2]

Someone told be the Mission S400 is also a narrow heel and wider forefoot skate.

The S-series Missions will fit a narrower heel/wider mid-foot. It is also a lower cut boot which might work well for you. You indicated in another thread you have shorter legs, and the tendon guard may not interfere with your movement. I would describe the arches as "flatish" so you would have to try them on to see if you had arch pain if you have very high arches. Superfeet are a good idea no matter what skate you get.

[Fivehole101 0]

Sweet, I'll look out for them. Thanks!

Your could also look at the flexlite 10's, they are a cheaper option and just come with the ls holders instead of the ls2's in the flexlite 12's.

[greatone 0]

You'd be crazy to purchase a pair of skates without trying on several pairs. You have to go to your LHS and try them all. You may find one thats fits great and no one ever recommended it. Just my simple .02 cents.

[Fivehole101 0]

You'd be crazy to purchase a pair of skates without trying on several pairs. You have to go to your LHS and try them all. You may find one thats fits great and no one ever recommended it. Just my simple .02 cents.

I totally agree and back up what you said. I found my flewlite 12's by going to my lhs and trying stuff on. I was reccommended many skates from friends, but not the flexlites. Then I went to my lhs and tried on all their suggestions, but nothing felt great, just ok. so I didn't settle for any. Until I was about to leave, when I saw the flexlites on sale. I tried them on and then bought them because they felt SO GOOD.

[Andoy 5]

If it is just the support you're lacking in that skate (which sounds like it is), i would just go for the superfeet first. back when i used to have supreme 8000s i added superfeet to them and they significantly improved the fit of the skate as well as aligning my body.

I would definately go that way first before buying new skates. Worse comes to worse you can use these insoles for your next pair of skates.

[Hockeydog 8]

Thanks all. I will absolutly be trying on skates before I buy. I have become a firm believer in that. But I do want to have some ideas going in.

[hockeymom 2]

If it is just the support you're lacking in that skate (which sounds like it is), i would just go for the superfeet first. back when i used to have supreme 8000s i added superfeet to them and they significantly improved the fit of the skate as well as aligning my body.

I would definately go that way first before buying new skates. Worse comes to worse you can use these insoles for your next pair of skates.

I was thinking along the same lines Andoy, only thinking get a higher model of the same skate which would have more suupport than those 5k's. Except Hockeydog mentioned they were a bit loose in the heel. Unless I'm mistaken, he's going to find those 5k's break down/soften fairly quickly so he'll lose what support he already has.

But it sure is worth sliding some superfeet into these skates to see how much that helps the current fit. Other than that I see a road trip in Hockeydog's future.

[Hockeydog 8]

Hockeymom, you know me well!! I really need to get some Superfeet, but I do agree with you, I think that boot will break down. Also now that I've used them for a while I'm not too crazy about "The Pump". They feel great when inflated but they always leak. Halfway thru a game I have to pump them up.

Nice idea but no substitue for a good fitting skate IMO.

[Jordan 13]

sounds like a Graf 705 or G5 foot.

[greatone 0]

Wow, the rbk pumps don't stay pumped for the game?? I was thinking of getting them. I'll wait for the Vapor XXXX's.

[Hockeydog 8]

I wouldn't say they don't stay pumped, but mine did lose some air, enough that it changed the fit. I'd hate to have you nix them because of me, but maybe others can give their experience as well.