T1 NXG skate sizing - go a little tight or a little loose?

[psulion22 402]

As I mentioned in the review thread, I'm now in the market for new skates. Since my foot profile fits the Supreme line the best, it will be NXGs.

Here's my dilemma - my left foot is 1/8-1/4 size larger than my right. I wear a 9.5 dress shoe, meaning I should be an 8EE in Bauer sizing. I have One90 skates in an 8D that fit the right skate, but the left is too small. My current One95 Pro Stocks are 8.5EE and I have the same problem because of the extra padding in the heel, though not quite as tight. My toes rub, especially on the outside. If I really slam my heel down when tying them up, there's enough room. Otherwise my left foot is cramped and almost leans me forward too much. Also, the fit isn't consistent. Some games are better than others.

A few things to consider:

• I use yellow Superfeet insoles. If I take them out and use the regular insoles, the fit is better. I'm not sure if the extra heel height is pushing my foot up into the padding and causing the problem. It could also explain the issue with pitching forward. I would consider switching to the Graf 360 footbeds if it helps somehow.
• I have One100 goalie skates in 8.5EE. They're really a little too big. If I put the Superfeet beds in them, they fit a little tighter but still bigger than they should ideally be, especially in the right skate.
• I have a set of 280 Black Edge runners. If I switch to a 8 skate, they won't fit. I will either need to switch to a 280 holder or buy a new set of runners. Not cheap either way.

So what's the best choice here? Go with 8.5EE NXGs That will definitely fit in the left skate but be too big in the right? Plus still be able to use my BlackEdge steel. Or go with the 8EE, switch out the Superfeet and the runners/steel, and get the skate that is the right size in the right and may be good in the left if the toebox is a little wider in NXGs or I have the boot stretched a little. Unfortunately I can't really try the skates on because the only place to do that is the pro shop at my rink. I don't feel right asking them to pull the skates for me if I don't intend on buying them from them. I guess i could always give them a $20 for their help.

Thanks in advance

[althoma1 575]

I'd go with an 8 in your situation. As you mentioned; you can get the skates stretched if necessary. Plus, the padding in the skates compresses with use so you'll get a little more room that way. The NXGs use a zero negative space concept and if you get skates that are a half size too big you're kind of defeating the purpose.

Selling the 280mm Black Edge runners and picking up a set of 272mm runners is one option if you go with the size 8 skate and as you mentioned having 280mm holders installed is another. Both should work and do add some cost to your purchase, but I think it's better to get the right size skate so you'll truly benefit from the response of the zero negative space concept and will reduce the chances of having issues like heel lift and rubbing.

If the only way you can get fit properly is by trying them on at your pro shop I'd just go in and be honest with them. Say you're in the market for new skates and found these for $X and don't want to go much above that. They may be able to come close to the price and when you factor in heat molding, sharpening, punching/stretching (if necessary) and possibly a holder swap (they may not be able to give you the skates for as cheap, but give you a better deal on a service like the holder swap if that's the route you choose) you may even come out ahead. If they can't come anywhere near the Pro Stock or closeout price you've found then you can ask if they'd be willing to help you figure out your size for $20.

[psulion22 402]

Thanks. I agree with your thought about the negative space. I won a pair of 8EE on eBay over the weekend, so we'll see how they work.

So will a 280 holder work on an 8 skate? It would be cheaper than buying new steel. I saw a pic of an 8 with a 280 holder and its pretty tight on there! Will it still perform correctly or am I better off with new steel? I figure I'd rather stay with the length and characteristics I'm used to with the 280 if possible.

[SCOMPL 14]

I'm a 10.5 EE shoe and wear a 8.5EE NXG skate. I still need to lace the lower eyelets loosely or I experience uncomfortable pressure on the widest part of my foot (baked them twice). Also, the impressions/marks on my SuperFeet yellows show about 1/4" before hitting the toe cap. So, I should probably be wearing an 8EE. Based on my foot type, I will say the NXG fits wider than most skates, but the EE is not a true EE in street shoes but is as wide as it gets without going custom. Also, the rule of 'down 1.5 or 2 sizes from your street shoes' doesn't necessarily apply.

I absolutely recommend trying them on in the store! Take the insole out and see how it compares to your foot size. Remember, the stock NXG insole has a pad in the front, which will deceive you in proper fitting if you intend on switching footbeds. You could also try cutting the front pad of the stock NXG footbed out of your left insole and leaving it on on your right.

Also, the SuperFeet yellows *should* make your foot fit smaller, as it lifts the arch of your foot, narrowing and shortening it slightly at the same time. Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your lacing technique? Try lacing the bottom eyelets loosely, then using a double-overhand knot about 3 or 4 eyelets from the top to "lock off" the lower eyelets from the upper. Check out the first 2:20 of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOE28brAcEc