I've tried on many skates, now I need some help

[MikeNYC 0]

Background: I'll try to make a long story short. I played roller hockey for 3 years, and about 10 ice games when I was in H.S. (15+ years ago). Last year, I had the bright idea of playing again... almost exactly one year later and I'm hooked, it's all I think about and I love playing to death. I'm in a "C" ice hockey league, and unfortunately I dont have a ton of time (married/kid) to practice, so my games have to serve as skill builders (although I do get to skating clinics here and there).

I play on the second line, I'm known as the type of player who knows his position well, I have a couple go to moves, nothing too fancy, but I'm a below average skater. I can stop very well to my left, to my right... it's pretty bad. Just to give you an idea of my skill level. My understanding of the game usually puts me in the right spot at the right time, so I get my opportunities, and I'm rarely on the ice for a goal against, and almost never the direct cause for a goal against.

Okay history lesson over. On to the skates:

I bought CCM Vector 4.0's, because lets face it, 15 years have gone by and I didnt know if I was going to "stick with it." So I bought something cheap. Big mistake. I'm pretty sure I dont have a "CCM" foot because I never felt good in the skates. I lace my skates tighter then most I'm sure. I use the skate key and really make my skates tight, then after warm ups, I do it again almost always. If I dont, I feel "wobbly."

The result is that my skates feel like casts on my feet. No mobility at all. Whats worse is the top of my right skate recently dug into the right side of my ankle, and I ended up with a nasty sprain. I was limping for a week, so after 40 games in these skates, it's time to get something that fits correct.

I've been to 2 LHS's (not that many in my neck of the woods), and I've been measured as a 10D. Thats a popular size, so I could only try on a few models. They are all advanced skates, but beggers cant be choosers.

Bauer ONE90 I liked this skate, but they only have 9.5 to try on and my toes were pushing against the front a lil too much.

Bauer Vapor XXXX I liked these, but not as much as the ONE90's.

Graf Ultra G5I liked these the best (even though they had size 9.5 and not size 10). This was the first time in a while I didnt feel "wobbly" to be honest. The problem is they are $550 and thats a lil too much to justify for a below average beer league skater imo.

Easton (high end I forget which_ - I was not a big fan. I'll leave it at that.

All of those skates are high end models, but the problem is that's all they had for me to try. No LHS near me is getting any new shipments other then Grafs, in like two months. And I cant skate in my CCM's again, so I need to get something within the next week, or miss games (I've played 40 straight games, including during the time that we had our first child lol... I really dont wanna miss a game).

So here are my questions.

#1 If I drop down to a mid level skate, will it fit the same as the high level? Are the Supreme 70's the same "feel" as the ONE90? I'd have to order online and take my chances, never having tried them on.

#2 Are the above skates too "advanced" for my ability? Will it hinder my learning curve?

#3 The Bauer skates were very stiff. When I was lacing them up, I could hardly budge them. After a bake, does that change at all?

Any help would be huge! Money isnt an issue I just want something that wont hurt my foot!

[dangle 0]

for your #3 question... You were saying the skate was very stiff. Thats a characteristic of a high end skate.

You said money isnt an issue..... then buy the Graf G5 because you said they fit the best

[Jarick 5]

Two things:

First, I don't think I've ever seen an adult use a skate key...it could be that your old skates were so soft that you tried to crank them down and make them stiffer? I had the same thing with my old cheap skates and now I don't have to have them tight at all since they fit.

Second, if you can, keep trying on skates, and also try on wider skates and go up/own half a size. I was 8D in CCM's, 7.5EE in Vapors, 7.5D in RBK's, 9EE in Missions...

[almack 0]

How much do you weigh? A supreme fits diff. than the one90 you should be able to get some great deals on supreme 70's right now. The 70 should be plenty stiff, any second level skate in a beer league would suffice a super stiff skate might hinder your growth as a skater. PS I had a 9ee in a xxxx and fit a 8.5 d in a supreme so try em on

[MikeNYC 0]

How much do you weigh? A supreme fits diff. than the one90 you should be able to get some great deals on supreme 70's right now. The 70 should be plenty stiff, any second level skate in a beer league would suffice a super stiff skate might hinder your growth as a skater. PS I had a 9ee in a xxxx and fit a 8.5 d in a supreme so try em on

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

I'm 6 foot 2 about 185-190. I'll see if I can locate a 70 in my size to try, there's only one LHS left and they're on vacation until tomorrow...

[epstud74 24]

You're probably tightening the skates because they are too stiff and you're not getting the ankle wrap you want. You do not need a very stiff skate to be honest with you. Why not try on a less stiff skate and see how well it tightens around your ankle. Maybe you could try on another Graf skate that fits narrower? Or you could wait til this spring and try on the new CCM Vectors or Nike/Bauer One75. Both form to your foot a lot better than previous models. Are you looking for a skate that molds better around your feet, but wraps your ankle better unlike a stiff skate? Baking can make a difference too.

[scharf123 0]

I would go with the graf ultra G5 or nike bauer supreme 70.

[GrafPro55 0]

You seem to be thinking that a skate can be too advanced for you. The skate fitter you saw should know about foot volume. Length of a boot is the easy stuff. A stock Ultra boot is not too advanced for anyone. It is a myth that pro players like rock hard skates. Some do, but I make skates for some players that are stock. A nice soft boot. You want a boot to flex where it is supposed to flex and be rigid where you want it to be rigid. When I had One90's, it took a whole season of skating 5 times a week at a high level of hockey before they "broke down". A heat moldable skate has almost no "break in" period. Making a boot rock hard everywhere, like the One90, isn't the right thing for 95% of skaters.

I know you are on a tight time schedule for getting skates, but I always tell people that if you are serious about skating, the extra money for a custom fit skate is worth it 5 times over. It is the most important piece of equipment. I see guys spending 300 bucks on a stick and wearing ill fitting, messed up skates. Buy the 200 dollar stick and throw the extra 100 on getting custom fit skates.

[Jordan 13]

Seems like the G5 fit you the best, and that you wish to spend a little less coin ? Why don't you try out the Graf 705s. Same fit, same cut; just a little heavier and a whole lot cheaper. Further, besides the small difference in weight, you will be giving up nothing in terms of performance. There are still guys in the NHL wearing these skates.

Try some on.

[Platypus 0]

- a higher end skate shouldnt make it harder for you to skate, if anything it should make it easier.

I used to have Easton skates and I also loved to lace these things as tight as possible. Instead of using a skate key (I think its that hook that kids use?) get some waxed laces and backlace your skates (thread the lace from the outside - in rather than inside - out). Since Ive done this I actually have to hold off because I could easily tighten these things to the point where my foot may be cut off.

When I bought my One90s Ive also started loosening my skates (especially in the lower boot) and only tie the top, super tight. Ive noticed the increased flexibility of a looser skate has eased the breaking in process and allowed for a more fluid skate. As a beginner Id suggest tape, if your still not getting the ankle support.

[MikeNYC 0]

Guys I really appriciate all the quick and helpful responses. As luck would have it, the closest LHS (they were on vacation) just called, and they have a bunch of Bauer mid-level skates in my size, plus they got a shipment of Grafs today, so I'm gonna go tomorrow and try everything on. I'll let you know how it goes :)

[epstud74 24]

Good luck with that. Go with the best fitting skate and what feels best to you...

[shifter 0]

Seems like the G5 fit you the best, and that you wish to spend a little less coin ? Why don't you try out the Graf 705s. Same fit, same cut; just a little heavier and a whole lot cheaper. Further, besides the small difference in weight, you will be giving up nothing in terms of performance. There are still guys in the NHL wearing these skates.

Try some on.

I second that "+1" if you don't got the dough just go a step down a bit softer and the liner is leather.

[flyerman 0]

Yeah, let the skate pick your foot. Take your time and try on everthing in your size.

When I refitted for skates as an adult, I remember having this "ah-ha" feeling when I found the correct fit. The skates just fit my feet right -- snug but comfortable, supportive but not too stiff, solid but not bulky -- and they were 1/2 size smaller and width larger than I been skating on for many years before (in the same brand).

As a former lace-key dependent when i was a kid wearing ill-fitting skates, I can tell you that you will love ditching that thing (lace tightener), being able to lace your skates up snugly without breaking a sweat, and skating in skates that you look forward to skating in because they feel so good.

[gelowitz 0]

Best solution: Used Grafs. I found a pair of Supra G35's for 129, barely used. I'm sure some of your LHS's would carry some used skates.

[MikeNYC 0]

I just wanted to thank you all again, all of your posts are really helpful. I'm heading to the store tonight, they've got Bauer Vapor 25's in my size, plus a giant shipment of Grafs which they havent even sorted out yet (it's a tiny mom and pop pro shop).

I'm pretty sure it's the Grafs that I'm after, as Jordan said hopefully the 705's will do the trick so I dont end up blowing almost $600USD on the G5's.

I'll be back tomorrow with my progress :) Thanks again!

[nicksmission14 0]

My only problem with the 705's and any of the 7 series for that matter is they get water logged. Skates feel much heavier by the end of the game.

If you have the money for the Ultra I'd highly recommend it.

*EDIT* Didn't realize the 700 series had the texalite outsole. Thanks for the correction.

[DamnLocust 0]

FYI, 700 series grafs also have the texalite outsole.

While they do retain water, don't let that be the determining factor in spending an extra $150 on the Ultras. if you have a bone dry skate in one hand and one that was used in a game together, there really isn't much difference.

The main issue i have with my 709s concerning water retention is that they take longer to dry, and when I have games on back to back nights, they're sometimes still wet. If it bothers you that much, $30-40 for a boot/glove dryer isn't a bad investment.

"New age" doesn't necessarily mean "better"

[nicksmission14 0]

I agree DamnLocust. It could be in my head, but I like the Ultra much better then the 7 series I've skated on in the past.

Just my opinion.

[MikeNYC 0]

Which ever one of you guys said "let the skates choose your feet," you win!

I ended up getting the Graf Ultra G35's, and it was the easiest choice to make by far. I tried on a pair of Bauer Vapor 25s and liked them, and then I tried on the Graf and knew right away that the search was over. I put the Bauer on my left foot and the Graf on my right just to make sure, and the difference was so obvious that I actually started to laugh.

To be honest I think I could've skated on them right out of the box, but I got them baked and thats that. The LHS gave me a 10% discount so I ended up spending $550USD after taxes which is pretty good for this skate I bet. Earlier in the week I brought my change that I've been saving up to the bank and ended up with almost $600, so in the end, these skates were free!

I'm pretty sure this is the last pair I'll ever have to buy. I havent skated on them yet, but I feel like I am wearing a sneaker when I put them on. I've never had skates that I could slip on and off without really undoing the laces at all, these just fit my feet that well. It feels like a snowboard boot almost... am I even making sense? And I wont be needing the lace tightening tool, I dont feel "wobbly" in these at all, thats a first for me.

Graf has my blessing. I am more then impressed, and I cant wait to get on the ice with them. I was starting to feel like I'd never find a skate that "felt right," but this skate seems to be made for my foot.

I just want to thank you all for taking the time to offer advice, I really appriciate all the help that each of you provided. You guys are the best!

[flyerman 0]

Which ever one of you guys said "let the skates choose your feet," you win!

That was me. Does that mean I win the $50 you've got left over? :lol:

Good for you to spend a little more and get the skates that are meant for you! Remember that these will lean you forward a little more than your CCM's at first, but once you get used to that and the different holder, you will be golden. And your feet will love you for it. Congrats!

[nicksmission14 0]

That's how I felt after I got my G3 Ultra, I could not for the life of me find a skate that fit my feet. The G3 is the best thing that has happened to my game in a longggggggggg time. Skating in comfort is a beautiful thing.

[isles 0]

I play on a beer league team with MikeNYC. We actually started together and bought the Vector 4.0's while they have not given me any issues at all, they are horrible for him. I am glad to see you got some skates that you will never have to worry about again. Now should be able to bury the puck even more!!!

[eastonhockey_44 0]

look for NikeBauer One90 10D's on ebay. Alothough you said money isn't an issue, you still save a chunk outta the wallet. You are bound to find one sooner or later.

[Jat 0]

Mike, did you throw your head backwards and laugh wickedly when you realized you found your perfect pair? LOL.