New Skate Advice - Foot Measurements Included

[isles 0]

A buddy of mine is going to our LHS tomorrow to buy skates but is not sure if they will have expert advice on which skates suit his foot the best. I have copied and pasted his message to me below. Please post your suggestions as he will be anxiously reading this thread:

My situation is this. I hate my CCM Vector 4.0's. I have never felt comfortable in them. The only reason I bought them is because they were affordable and I wanted to make sure I was going to "stick with" ice hockey. 40 games later and I know I'll be playing for 10+ years, so it's time to get rid of these skates and get ones that dont hurt my feet.

Issue #1 First of all the lace locks broke off about 15 games in, and all the eyelets of the skates broke off soon after. I'd imagine the lace locks broke off because I tighten my skates very tight, but this has happened to other people I know, as well as the eyelet issue, so I know it's not just me.

Issue #2 If I dont tighten the skates enough, my ankle feels "wobbly" and you can see it in the way I skate. If I over-tighten them, the top of my foot starts to kill me, my foot starts to fall asleep, and the skate feels like a "caste" on my foot. There is no mobility at all, and that really effects my skating. I dont remember having any of these issues when I played back in high school (15 years ago) with those old Rydell skates that I had.

There seems to be no middle ground for me with the Vector 4.0's. They are either too loose or too tight, and I think losing the lace locks make it worse because I've got no support in that area.

I'm looking for new skates, money doesn't really matter, I just want whats best for my foot. I'm a below average skater, and I think part of that is because I always have issues with the skates. I dont think new skates will fix my skating, but I do think it's easier to skate if you dont have to think about how your foot has fallen asleep or how it's really hurting, or if it feels like a caste to the point that your foot feels like an extension of your shin and nothing more.

Here is an amazing trace job of his foot and the measurements.... http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/Rod...ers11/skate.jpg

[TheBert 0]

Don't worry about expert advice at the store. As long as they have a good selection and are willing to let you try everything on, I think you'll be good.

[big_bt 0]

Consider getting some waxed laces as well, they hold a lot better when doing up your skates and they barely get loose during the game.

As for skates, your LHS will put you in something that will fit your foot and your wallet.

I am sure they'll find you something that'll fit. Enjoy

[johnpace2 0]

Hockey Giant has Kor Shift 1 skates on sale for $200 and they mold to your feet. That's a hell of a deal! Search Shift to find out more.