Proper skate fit

[Sakic_19 0]

I must say I'm not a fan of these newer kinds of skates, only because I haven't had a good pair yet. I'm holding my breath....And looking for some help because this skate thing is all I think about when I play and its hurting my game. I just want to have a pair that fits and not worry about it. Thanks E1!

From age 15 to 28 I've worn the same pair of Bauer 3000's 11D. My feet couldn't do it anymore. It was time for new skates. Fortunately, I have a hook up at Nike Bauer. Long story short I've been through the Vapor XX 11 EE, XXX 10.5 EE, XXXX 10.5 EE. I had the same ankle problem with my right foot with all three. I've tried many of the things mentioned here and some different LHS suggestions and nothing makes me absolutely happy. I was thinking to go with the One95 this year, but Nike Bauer has three strikes in my book (although I did try them on...nice). Yet I was still reluctant.

I tried all the brands out and RBK 9K 10.5E came out the winner. So I ordered them through a friend who works for an OHL club. Cheaper of course ;)

So I get the skates and they are a bit different than the retail version. They have a thick tongue and the inside of the boot is a bit nicer.

These skates felt great right out of the box at my LHS.

Now this is my concern with this "pro version" 9K. Length is perfect. I wear a 13/12.5 shoe. I have a wide foot as well (wearing EE Bauer). As much as I kick back my feet and tie up the skates tight, with pump pressure, my heel still has some room to move.

Now, did I make a mistake in sizing? should I have gone with a D width? I was going to break them old school in without baking. Or should I bake them?

Also to note, I've only skated once on them - in my first game of the season, so that might say something also. Maybe I just need some more hrs on the ice to determine my fault or future great skating and playing season.

Thanks again!!!

[DarkStar50 680]

A little thicker sock might snug up the loose fit in the heel. Leave the laces snug/loose over the ball of your foot since width is a problem. If you tighten too much down low, don't come crying when you're feet are screaming! Good luck.

[Rocketking 0]

I have the 9Ks as well and have had some heel movement issues. I've had them baked 3 times.

I just played thru it until i noticed a big pain in my heel of the last 3 sakes and took a look at the heel.

What I found was that the inside liner actually came free and developed a crease (or flap) that now is killing my heel.

So now I have to get that fixed.

Also I noticed that due to heel slippage I would occasionally lose some skate control and at times it could have been dangerous.

I suggest you get your heel set and fixed into you boot (whatever that takes?).

I think I'm going to opt for the Graf 707 if I can find some in my size.

[aarondevera 0]

I'm thinking you would have been best off going with the One95. I found the width and volume of the skate to be roomier then the 9K and the XXXX, and the heel locked down my foot way better than any other skate including the 9K Pump.

Then again, my foot is likely much different than yours, and you said yourself that you've only skated in your "pro version" 9K's once. I suggest baking again, and cinching up the top 3 eyelets as tight as you can get them while the skates are still warm. That might get the Pump to lock you down a little better. Best of luck!

[epstud74 24]

The CCM U+ Pro has a lot of volume and its darned near impossible to fail the pencil test w/those

[Ray 0]

I would wear a 9EE Baur Vapor and I wear 9D RBK 7K. It depends on your foot shape, but I would guess you might have been better off in a D width.

[duch 0]

If your heel has a bit of play and you're not getting blisters or loss of control when your skating you may possibly have done all you can to resolve your problem. I'd try to skate on your new blades for at least eight to ten sessions to see how they feel then before giving up on them and maybe then try giving them another bake. Then if their not feeling the way you like you may need to resolve to the fact you'll need a custom fit for your right foot, maybe a slimmer heel compartment just on the one skate. Unfortunately a custom fit is rather expensive for us regular paid guys but if that is what you need you'll need to have you feet shape moulded to get the proper fit. Your not the only guy in this scenario, Peter Forgsberg has spent years with several skate manufacturers trying to find a good fit for his unbearable foot pain as well and to date I still don't think he has found what he needs as well. You may want to give some different models of Grafs a try as well because Graf provides different heel sizes in various models of their skates and also a variety of different liners as well. Hope some of this helps you out.

[cptjeff 0]

You may have gotten too wide a skate. Vapors are narrow, and RBK's are wide. A wide vapor is pretty similar to a D width 9K. The 9ks are also well known for having a really wide heel, which is undoubtedly even worse in a wide skate.

A one95 may very well have been a much better fit for you too. It's made with a different fit from the vapors, and since you mention that it felt nice on your foot I'm guessing that your foot type is a much better match for the supremes.

Baking will probably help a lot though. There's really no reason to try and break them win without it. It will take longer, be less comfortable, possibly never break in as fully, with no benefit at all over baking them. Modern high end skates are made to fit best when baked, go ahead and bake 'em.

[habs14 0]

I would wear a 9EE Baur Vapor and I wear 9D RBK 7K. It depends on your foot shape, but I would guess you might have been better off in a D width.

each company is different with skate width and size ccm usually seems to have a bit of a wider skate