Reebok 18K or Graf Supra 735 Skate dilemma

[bedge 0]

I would like some advice on some skate fitting issues I'm having with the Reebok 18K's and the Graf 735's (I know two totally different skates right?). I have both pairs right now and have not baked the 18K's but have baked the Graf's. With the 18K's (unbaked) I fit great length wise as my feet touch toe caps but heel feels a little big. The width is okay but would like them to be more snug. How much would the 18K's mold to my feet...similar to CCM U+ CL? The 18K's do not seem to have as much foam/padding as CCM.

The Graf 735's fit fairly snug out of the box and toes touched the toe caps no problem but then had them baked and all the sudden I feel like I could drop a half size.

I know the fit of these two should be completely different however these are my only options at the moment. I'm wondering should I stick with the correct length and hope that by baking the Reebok's I'll get a nice snug fit? I could also use the pump to take up any negative space around ankles...OR stick with the Graf's because heel and width feel good but length seems a little big. Basically what is lesser of two evils?

I don't want to bake 18K's yet and lose resale value. Need to break even on at least one of these pairs of skates and could sell 18K's for at least what I paid for them. Graf bought at LHS and 18K's online (w/ 18K's had credit had to use with online seller and took a chance...deal I got does not allow me to return). Also limited inventory at LHS; did not have smaller size in Graf. They are actually my second pair from this LHS as the first they convinced me to buy were Bauer One.8's that were too wide (EE). But again didn't have any other sizes left and told me baking would take care of width concerns.

Thanks for the help...sorry for long post.

[chippa13 1844]

If a skate feels too big before baking then baking will not make them fit any better.

[Chadd 916]

Sell them both, buy a smaller pair of Grafs

[bedge 0]

Thanks for the response. I was afraid of that.

Is it unheard of to go back into a LHS a third time asking for an exchange? I feel embarrassed because I tell these guys skates feel fine then they bake them and it all goes out the window. Same thing with Bauer one.8's I bought first time around. Felt okay then they baked them and I felt like I had cruise ships on my feet. Should I feel like I have a size too small on my feet before baking?

[Zorlac 22]

I've been through this 3 times now. Allow me to comment on your plight, by telling you mine. Your toes should be ON the toe caps and your feet should be a nanosecond from PAIN. If your skates feel comfy, they are probably too big.

I've dropped a size and a half form the last 3 pairs I've owned. My inability to research and LISTEN to what veterans had to say about skate sizing ended up costing my alot of dough. Here's what I'd tell anybody looking to play hockey in skates... Drop down sizes until your toes are CRAMMED against the toe caps, and your feet go numb. LACE UP THE SKATES and walk abit in them, bend the knees for a while, watch some TV...Have you noticed that your toes aren't touching anymore?? If you're not in tears, you're probably in the right size skate.

OK...CRAMMED is a little violent. Maybe touching with a solid feel.

[Chadd 916]

I've been through this 3 times now. Allow me to comment on your plight, by telling you mine. Your toes should be ON the toe caps and your feet should be a nanosecond from PAIN. If your skates feel comfy, they are probably too big.

I've dropped a size and a half form the last 3 pairs I've owned. My inability to research and LISTEN to what veterans had to say about skate sizing ended up costing my alot of dough. Here's what I'd tell anybody looking to play hockey in skates... Drop down sizes until your toes are CRAMMED against the toe caps, and your feet go numb. LACE UP THE SKATES and walk abit in them, bend the knees for a while, watch some TV...Have you noticed that your toes aren't touching anymore?? If you're not in tears, you're probably in the right size skate.

OK...CRAMMED is a little violent. Maybe touching with a solid feel.

Pain is never right. Could a lot of people go down a half size or more? Sure, but not to the point where they hurt just to put your foot in them.

Thanks for the response. I was afraid of that. Is it unheard of to go back into a LHS a third time asking for an exchange? I feel embarrassed because I tell these guys skates feel fine then they bake them and it all goes out the window. Same thing with Bauer one.8's I bought first time around. Felt okay then they baked them and I felt like I had cruise ships on my feet. Should I feel like I have a size too small on my feet before baking?

Big skates usually do feel good, there aren't any pressure points. When you are sizing yourself, try on skates until you find a pair that is too short and causes pain, then go back up a half size. They should feel snug, with a little pressure, but never to the point where they hurt.

[bedge 0]

Thank you guys for your advice. I appreciate it.

Reeboks actually sold already and I at least broke even. Now I might go back in one more time to the LHS with my tail between my legs and see if they can find any inventory from other stores in their chain to give me more options in sizing. I was surprised how limited the options were for the size of the store/chain.