Near-Novice Skater, Have CCM 692 Tacks - Should I buy New Skates?

[akravetz 29]

I agree that fitting skates is really difficult when you aren't in the sport for a long time. I took up skating at 40 and now that I am nearly 42, still don't really get how skates were supposed to feel. i had to go to a LHS and spend hours there with several skates because it doesn't make sense to a newbie what a skate is to feel like. I got my new skates over the weekend and tried them out last night. They felt fine on my feet but my lower back now aches for a bit while i am on the ice. I was told it's the break-in period. I guess the problem is that with skates, until like shoes, you can't see into the shoe or feel (from a fitter POV) and therefore you are relying on someone who often doesn't know what it is supposed to feel like. That's not the fault of the fitter, and i have gotten great advice here. It's just really difficult to say when you are in the shop that a pair of really tight-fitting things that are a bit uncomfortable but not awful, are the way to go.

[AIREAYE 248]

It seems that the isn't so clear cut after all. The more recent posts sort of echo my experience as well as countless others I've read through, which is the "context" I was hoping you'd speaker, Wrangler.

For those of you who fit who administer fittings, what is your procedure? Thanks for all this input! I'm learning a ton.

My procedure I learned and picked up on only over the past 7 months so by no means am I 'experienced' but I can say with confidence that I know what I'm doing, fair enough?

- Greet : ask what kind of hockey the wearer will be playing, what skates they wore before and how they like them (or not) and their price range

- Measure : using the brannock and size according to kids/adults, no width sizing

- Observe : shape of foot and recommend some boots to match in their price range, explain features/differences between skates if they were curious

- Fit : bring out some skates in their alleged size and check for a 'perfect' fit in adults and '1 finger in the back for kids'. Check for everything from width, 'hotspots', depth, heel lock, toecap room, arch pain etc. If one model doesn't fit than try another similar. If we don't have inventory, check other stores in our area and if necessary, order in or call ahead to confirm sizing.

- Bake and Sharpen : remind customer of the 24 hr wait and other tips

- End sale

[wrangler 157]

It seems that the isn't so clear cut after all. The more recent posts sort of echo my experience as well as countless others I've read through, which is the "context" I was hoping you'd speaker, Wrangler.

For those of you who fit who administer fittings, what is your procedure? Thanks for all this input! I'm learning a ton.

I've pretty much addressed the stories; anything else would be repetition.

And you asked for "context" on skates "aren't supposed to hurt". I don't know how to make that clearer, except to say that I don't believe that pain is a design criterion. I believe they target comfort, not pain, as one of their goals in skate design, because anything else woud be stupid. I just don't understand the application of "context" to that statement.

[natbat 0]

digdug - I hope you don't think I am implying skates should hurt. I also think you shouldn’t run back to your LHS if you have some pain either....I guess it is a fine line...As Wrangler said, if you don’t know what to look for while you are skating it is hard for you to tell what “normal” is. I just wanted to be clear.

[DigDug 5]

Thanks Aireaye for the description!

Natbat/Wrangler: Sorry if I'm being difficult, that wasn't my intention. I think Natbat's last post (and aKravetz's post) sums up the problem I have. Not know "normal" makes things difficult! Hopefully I'll get this sorted out at the Ice House.

[natbat 0]

Thanks Aireaye for the description!

Natbat/Wrangler: Sorry if I'm being difficult, that wasn't my intention. I think Natbat's last post (and aKravetz's post) sums up the problem I have. Not know "normal" makes things difficult! Hopefully I'll get this sorted out at the Ice House.

Not at all. I just want to help. I truely wish you the best. I know how frustrating it can be.

[DigDug 5]

Just a quick update. I was able to get to the Ice House today, and boy was I glad I did. Darkstar50 spent a solid couple hours with me and the wife, helping me size my feet, rebake my skates and generally provide a ton of advice on how to make the best of the skates I had. Very lucky to know I have such a helpful, knowledgeable LHS so close by. Thanks a bunch Peter, and to all the folks on here who recommended seeking the advice of an LHS. Very impressed!

[wrangler 157]

Let's hear how they work out.

[bandits_5 18]

Let's hear how they work out.

Yea! after all this back and forth reading , im so excited to see how they worked out , that I feel like I was the one looking for new skates........

[Chadd 916]

Just a quick update. I was able to get to the Ice House today, and boy was I glad I did. Darkstar50 spent a solid couple hours with me and the wife, helping me size my feet, rebake my skates and generally provide a ton of advice on how to make the best of the skates I had. Very lucky to know I have such a helpful, knowledgeable LHS so close by. Thanks a bunch Peter, and to all the folks on here who recommended seeking the advice of an LHS. Very impressed!

It just shows how important it is to have a good shop with experienced professionals. The biggest problem with the internet is that every theory looks the same unless you know the pedigree of the person giving it.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

It just shows how important it is to have a good shop with experienced professionals. The biggest problem with the internet is that every theory looks the same unless you know the pedigree of the person giving it.

+1

I'm headed to a msh'ers shop today to try to find skates that work and another msh'er is working in a shop now near my school, so now I can get my skates sharpened by someone that really knows their stuff.