Reebok Skates: 18k vs 17k vs 16k

[mc88 160]

I don't recommend putting $400 boots into an oven not designed for heating up skates. The chance to ruin them is too much of a risk. With that said, you're better off breaking them in the old fashioned way (hours and hours of ice time). If, after a couple months, they don't break in, then you may consider baking in an oven.

If you go the old fashioned way, I highly, highly recommend waxed laces. These will allow you to get a tighter feel on your boot and will aid in the breaking in process. Else, you may find unwaxed laces cumbersome, loose, and won't give you that much needed ankle support.

[Souldriver 64]

I like waxed laces bc they stay put and you can tighten one part or the other and they stay put.

If you feel more comfortable you can see if one of the local stores has a skate oven but the cost of gas will cost more than the bake itself usually around $20. Or bring them to Houston with you and get it done there. Modern skates are made to be baked to fit correctly especially with higher end stuff. A couple of my friends don't bake and have awful times with new skates and often still after a couple of months the flaps? where you lace up still point up and don't wrap but it's what they want so I don't bother them about it.

A skate oven is nothing more than a mini convection oven with holders to keep the skate upright so it doesn't touch the sides. You can use your at home convection with an oven thermometer (one of those ones that hang on the grill rack and tell you the inside temp sometimes oven temps can be off so we keep these in there for baking) . Heat to the given temp, turn off the oven, put the skates in (on a clean cooking sheet) for the time given then take out and fit them like normal. Don't use then for at least 12 hours a day to be safe and your good. you still need a couple of skates to get them right but it helps immensely. Also make sure they fit before baking bc you can't return them after.

Also, you take out the insoles before heating and put them back.in when fitting and use whatever soles you'll be using normally.

Ignore the temp and times in the video and use what the manufacturer says for their skate. I also don't think it mentions insoles.

[pfyxoeous 0]

Maybe the convection oven is what I have to buy for the house now that I've bought these skates.

Or... I can just not tell her how much I spent.

Thanks again for your guys' input.

[BrondonZA 0]

I would get the reebok 17K skates its a hell of a skate for $380

[pfyxoeous 0]

I got my 18Ks, and have to say that I like them quite a bit. I've paired them with a set of Sole moldable footbeds. They're infinitely more comfortable than my old skates, and I think the pair weighs about as much as one of the old skates.

The size is right at 8D, I typically wear a size 9.5D shoe. The toe box is ample, but not too big. I have a very average size foot with regard to proportions.

I had my runners ground with a 9/16 hollow, and kept the 10' rocker. It seems about right, but I might try a 1/2" hollow for poopoos and hahas next time. I want to makes sure I am familiar with the characteristics of the hollow before I try an FBV grind.

I appreciate everyone's help with my decision. I believe I've chosen the right skates as a result.