New skate fit?

[diehardfan 0]

I am looking to get a pair of new skates, when I am trying on new skates do I get the skates that fit me a little tight (feel like something is pushing against you and maybe a little pain) OR a perfect fit (everything seems to fit like a glove) around the (a) heel area and (b ) forefoot area? I guess this is a 2 part question.

The reason I ask is because I currently have the RBK 9K 9.5D. When I tried it on in the store, the fit was perfect everything felt right, no pain, good heel lock. But now about a year in, I am getting a lot of heel slippage, even the pump do not seem to help. I am thinking the material has broken down. So because of this I am unsure about the fit of a new skate after considering material break down, down the road. My forefoot area is fine, just like it was new.

Thanks

[matix218 11]

generally the skate will stretch slightly so if it is not actually hurting your foot you should go with the smaller size.

What is your shoe size btw?

[diehardfan 0]

What is your shoe size btw?

New Balance: 10.5

Nike:11.5

Oakley: 11.5

[Chadd 916]

after baking/breaking in most skates will stretch 1/4 size or so

[matix218 11]

Just for referance I wear a 9 nike shoe and in RBK/CCM i wear either a 7 or 7.5 depending on the skate. Usually a 7 though. Anything smaller then that and i would be curling my toes ;)

[duch 0]

It really depends on how you like to wear your skates, your personal preference. When your trying your skates on new your toes should just be brushing the end and you should be able to fit a regular size pencil behind your heel if you push your toes up to the toe when their laced to the top but not tied. Your heel should be snug but not tight enough where it's actually causing any major discomfort. If you get them too loose in Bauers you may- develop a heel spur which isn't a lot of fun at times. You know the heel is going to loosen up slightly as the skate wears in so you want to be sure it's as snug as you can possibly get it. If the skate itself feels a bit snug when new but doesn't really cause and blisters or hot spots you've got it right.

[diehardfan 0]

would really appreciate it if JR and oldtrainerguy28 would part some of their wisdom on this topic.

Thanks to those who have already done so.

[duch 0]

Don't blame you, JR is very knowledgable and knows his equipment and what he's talking about. Chadd is very good as well.

[GrafPro55 0]

Once a skate is heat fitted, it won't stretch any longer from just regular usage. Heating it and using a skate boot stretcher can get you a little extra length, depending on the materials it is constructed from. If after a heat fitting, your toes are uncomfortable against the end, it won't get better from skating in them.

[diehardfan 0]

Went to LHS yesterday and tried on, all were size 9.5 regular width:

Easton 1200C: Was totally surprised when the guy said to try on a Easton skate because from what I have read Easton has a narrow fit. But when I did, the fit was pretty good, only a little pain on my arch and forefoot was slightly cramped, otherwise great heel lock.

Bauer X30: Felt very loose and almost no heel lock, even with my toes brushing the end.

Supreme One75: Not as comfortable as 1200C, pressure point around the ankle area and felt a little cramped, good heel lock.

Wanted to try flexlites but did not have any instock.

[Hockeydog 8]

In my vast skate buying experience I have found ( with my feet anyway) that there is always going to be a bit of a compromise with retail skates. Length is the easiest to nail down, but getting the correct width, correct heel lock, correct depth, and correct arch all together has been tough. Some models lock in the heel but are too wide in the forefoot, or mid-foot. Some models have a good arch support but are too narrow. Some are good in every area but are too shallow.

It goes on and on !! Insoles may be able to help arch issues, but the rest is up to the construction of the boot and the feet going in. And if those feet are different lengths, that can add another element. Sheeesh!

I would be interested in our resident skate professionals opinions on which aspects of fit are the most important,and which would have the least effect on good skating and skate longevity. Kind of a fit aspect priority list.