Another stupid skate question...

[MsConduct55 0]

I'll first off state that I searched the boards 3-4 times in the past few weeks. I'm not really looking at getting a new pair of skates especially since I love my Bauer 8090's that I got 18 months ago. I've just noticed some issues recently and thought about putting some better footbeds in them. I'll also state that I was fitted by my LHS after putting myself in the wrong size skate.

Lets see, myself, I am a 25 year old female player. I'm 5'5" and probably weigh more than most male members of this board (190-200), stocky build. I wear size M shoulders and large pants (weightlifter in high school). I currently wear a size 5D in the 8090. I was fitted by Norm Beaudin in his shop in Ellenton, Fl. I play travel and novice, predominately as a right wing but will be looking at crossing over to defensemen.

I have recently noticed pain on the bottom outside of my foot, sometimes heel pain as well like plantar fascitis. I also have neuropathy since I was 50 lbs lighter as well. I know I need a skate with a decent instep (I have a knotted bone protruding in my instep), deep wide toe box, outside edge of foot is moderately curved, not much of a arch. I haven't had the opportunity to talk to Norm since it is almost an hour drive to the shop from where I live and I work rather late. My question is, should I be looking at a new skate or should I look at orthotics.

[rootski 0]

I would strongly suggest a new skate, for problems that significant. (i.e. bone protrusion) Also, while orthotics can fix minor arch problems, I haven't seen examples of it fixing major problems.

[MsConduct55 0]

It hasn't affected the skate. I just notice it with sneakers if I were to get me some low cut ones. I've been looking into skates as well but wasn't sure I really wanted to fork over the money. But if it keeps affecting my feet, I will need to.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

New skates won't solve the protruding bone issue. The existing skate just has to be manipulated (punched out)

Do you have unusual wear on your sneakers/shoes? Wondering if there's a pronation/supination issue there.

Might be better suited seeing a podiatrist to make orthotics for you, then the problem lies if they fit in the skate properly. Usually they make them with the skate in mind (you bring it in when they shape them.)

I did a pair of custom skates for a Division 1 player last month who has severe problems - we sent the orthotics up to the factory so that they can make the skate to the orthotic, as well as additional shimming/blade alignment for his pronation issues.

PM me if any other questions - I'm in Orlando and while I no longer work in a shop, I can go to one to fix issues.

[MsConduct55 0]

Actually, the only way to fix the protruding bone issue is to have surgery to shave it down like my mother did. I really don't have an issue with that part, as long as I have a decent instep and make sure I don't tie my skates tight along the forefoot.

I wear specialty shoes, New Balance 844s. Only shoe that didn't create pain like my old Nikes did. I think I remember some unusual wear on my shoes, especially work shoes since they don't have as good of a stable footbed.

The part the really hurts a bunch, which causes me to take a knee in between exercises during practice, is the outside bones of my feet. My first thought was the skate wasn't wide enough but I didn't notice any pain after lacing up until after about 30 minutes of skating. I'll also mention that I can't use the outside edge of my left skate and I can't stop on my left side. I can't really control the edges like I can with my right skate.