VH Footwear/TRUE by Scott Van Horne

[JJP2222 1]

What has been folks approach to  fully custom True SVH skates that didn't come out right, who'd you contact, what was the outcome?     See below for my current challenge....

For context, I'd gone the VH route in 2016 because I have feet that are almost 1 inch different in length - which made off the rack skates a challenge to get a good fit. I never fully loved my VHs, while comfortable the boot for the shorter foot always had way too much room in the toe box and I never felt like I got good heel lock because of it. I pushed back on the fit when I got them but we rebaked, clamped, wrapped etc and the shop/VH never seemed keen to make me a replacement skate. Both boots were the exact same length inside and out even though my feet were clearly not even close. The final solution was to add foam to the toe box, I should have never settled for it but I did.  

Fast forward to this year - in September I went to my shop to go through the process of getting scanned. Brought my old VHs, explained the foot sizing issue, why I never loved them, was very specific that I don't want to receive two boots that are the same size, I need a snug fit in the toes for the shorter foot.  They came in earlier this week and same issue --- way too much room in the toebox of the smaller foot, again the boots are the same size lengthwise (also the Genetix insole is cut to the same spot/line on each foot) and the smaller foot boot generally feels loose in the ankle even after baking / tightening.  

I didn't accept the skates but I'm wondering what to expect now?  Has this happened to others? Has True made it right?  The fitter at the shop said he was going to reach out to them but it's been a couple of days and I've heard nothing.  

[Sniper9 529]

4 minutes ago, JJP2222 said:

What has been folks approach to  fully custom True SVH skates that didn't come out right, who'd you contact, what was the outcome?     See below for my current challenge....

For context, I'd gone the VH route in 2016 because I have feet that are almost 1 inch different in length - which made off the rack skates a challenge to get a good fit. I never fully loved my VHs, while comfortable the boot for the shorter foot always had way too much room in the toe box and I never felt like I got good heel lock because of it. I pushed back on the fit when I got them but we rebaked, clamped, wrapped etc and the shop/VH never seemed keen to make me a replacement skate. Both boots were the exact same length inside and out even though my feet were clearly not even close. The final solution was to add foam to the toe box, I should have never settled for it but I did.  

Fast forward to this year - in September I went to my shop to go through the process of getting scanned. Brought my old VHs, explained the foot sizing issue, why I never loved them, was very specific that I don't want to receive two boots that are the same size, I need a snug fit in the toes for the shorter foot.  They came in earlier this week and same issue --- way too much room in the toebox of the smaller foot, again the boots are the same size lengthwise (also the Genetix insole is cut to the same spot/line on each foot) and the smaller foot boot generally feels loose in the ankle even after baking / tightening.  

I didn't accept the skates but I'm wondering what to expect now?  Has this happened to others? Has True made it right?  The fitter at the shop said he was going to reach out to them but it's been a couple of days and I've heard nothing.  

This is odd. My right foot is about 1/4 to 1/2 a size smaller than my left and the two tf customs I had done you could see the boots were diff size.  I could tell be the holders on the right reached further towards the end of the toe cap vs the left .  If they made that adjustment with me you would assume 10000% you should be getting two different sizes skates. Did they come with the right foot with more toe plugs to accommodate for the diff length or did they not even do that?

It's obvious they messed up. The scan should clearly show your size difference. Also. Did the store take pics of your foot on the true brannock? They're supposed to. That would be clear as day that ur feet are different sizes. Anyways, I don't see any other option but for true to remake. If they don't. Refund. For the most part, from what I've read True is usually pretty good with remakes. 

Totally disappointing. Which shop did you go to? I know some shops are way better in communicating with true regarding issues than others. 

[JJP2222 1]

They measured everything, took pictures of my feet on the brannock and off. It's funny you mentioned the holders, one skate was offset by about an 1/8 at the front of the sole and the other was offset by an 1/8 on the rear of the sole - tells me they're the same length. The holder is their 288, maybe they kept it that size to accommodate the holder but honestly, I'd rather lose 8mm and have a skate that fits. Standing barefoot on the Genetix insoles (imperfect but indicative) you could see like a three line difference in size. We took more pictures this week showing that my feet are clearly more than 3/4 difference on the brannock. This was at a major shop in New York city.  

Ironically, I've only posted on this site once before --- Nov 2016 --- pretty much the exact same complaint.

[Sniper9 529]

4 hours ago, JJP2222 said:

They measured everything, took pictures of my feet on the brannock and off. It's funny you mentioned the holders, one skate was offset by about an 1/8 at the front of the sole and the other was offset by an 1/8 on the rear of the sole - tells me they're the same length. The holder is their 288, maybe they kept it that size to accommodate the holder but honestly, I'd rather lose 8mm and have a skate that fits. Standing barefoot on the Genetix insoles (imperfect but indicative) you could see like a three line difference in size. We took more pictures this week showing that my feet are clearly more than 3/4 difference on the brannock. This was at a major shop in New York city.  

Ironically, I've only posted on this site once before --- Nov 2016 --- pretty much the exact same complaint.

Ya that's bunk. The holder thing could be a reason but that should've been communicated. I also doubt it's the first time they've run into this kind of size difference too. Hopefully u get an update 

[eugene8080 0]

Subject: Paper under the footbed of the True Customs

The material under the foot bed is some sort of paper or cardboard in the True Customs, unlike my CCM Ribcors which are carbon fiber.

Some of this paper is peeling off. Is that a concern? Under the peeling paper is plastic and the black carbon fiber. Should i peel the rest of the paper off or will that damage the skate? The paper is smelly after years of soaking up sweat. I'm assuming it's there because it was part of the "foot last" that was created as a part of the custom process?

Edited January 7 by eugene8080

[flip12 714]

32 minutes ago, eugene8080 said:

Subject: Paper under the footbed of the True Customs

The material under the foot bed is some sort of paper or cardboard in the True Customs, unlike my CCM Ribcors which are carbon fibor I think.

Some of this paper is peeling off. Is that a concern? Under the peeling paper is plastic and the black carbon fiber. Should i peel the rest of the paper off or will that damage the skate? The paper is smelly after years of soaking up sweat. I'm assuming it's there because it was part of the "foot last" that was created as a part of the custom process?

I think it’s tape. Customs are built like papier-mâché and there’s tape holding the build up to the footlast.

[Sniper9 529]

37 minutes ago, eugene8080 said:

Subject: Paper under the footbed of the True Customs

The material under the foot bed is some sort of paper or cardboard in the True Customs, unlike my CCM Ribcors which are carbon fibor I think.

Some of this paper is peeling off. Is that a concern? Under the peeling paper is plastic and the black carbon fiber. Should i peel the rest of the paper off or will that damage the skate? The paper is smelly after years of soaking up sweat. I'm assuming it's there because it was part of the "foot last" that was created as a part of the custom process?

It's masking tape. And its how they make the mold around the last I guess. But you'd think they could remove that after the boot is casted and cured but who knows what goes on in the heads of these people who work at True.... To answer your question it isn't a cause for concern but like you said it does soak up sweat and is the cause for rusted out rivers imo. Up to you whether you want to remove it all or not. 

Edited January 7 by Sniper9

[eugene8080 0]

14 hours ago, Sniper9 said:

It's masking tape. And its how they make the mold around the last I guess. But you'd think they could remove that after the boot is casted and cured but who knows what goes on in the heads of these people who work at True.... To answer your question it isn't a cause for concern but like you said it does soak up sweat and is the cause for rusted out rivers imo. Up to you whether you want to remove it all or not. 

This video on True skate production which clearly shows the masking tape. (https://youtu.be/eNRH-wkPKRQ?feature=shared&t=145)

It is not attached to the mold at this point of the process, but rather taped on shell.

I assume removing the masking tape would not affect structural integrity, but I'm concerned it might affect volume. VH likes to "tinker" with volume using tape/foam. Previously they told me to add a second layer of their thin red insole to decrease interior volume. They also told me to remove the red foam from the toe cap to relieve pressure on the ends of the toes. So I am wondering if this tape might be used to adjust volume? Or perhaps there are other comfort factors?

[Sniper9 529]

9 hours ago, eugene8080 said:

This video on True skate production which clearly shows the masking tape. (https://youtu.be/eNRH-wkPKRQ?feature=shared&t=145)

It is not attached to the mold at this point of the process, but rather taped on shell.

I assume removing the masking tape would not affect structural integrity, but I'm concerned it might affect volume. VH likes to "tinker" with volume using tape/foam. Previously they told me to add a second layer of their thin red insole to decrease interior volume. They also told me to remove the red foam from the toe cap to relieve pressure on the ends of the toes. So I am wondering if this tape might be used to adjust volume? Or perhaps there are other comfort factors?

I don't think less than a mm of masking tape will affect the fit and even if it does affect how your skates feel, you can always just add a thin layer of whatever you want to fill in that space. Ie. Thin piece of plastic, foam etc. Personally I don't think it'll affect the feel. 

Edited January 8 by Sniper9

[bthompson1286 5]

Are the svh any good.  How many issues?

Edited November 6 by bthompson1286

[iceman8310 105]

Having heel pocket issues on my right skate.  Any suggestions on how to fix.  They already redid the skates 

[dasuchin 20]

1 hour ago, bthompson1286 said:

Are the svh any good.  How many issues?

Did you read any of the previous 263 pages?

[iceman8310 105]

22 hours ago, dasuchin said:

Did you read any of the previous 263 pages?

To much to read through haha

[Leif 161]

On 11/6/2024 at 11:55 PM, iceman8310 said:

Having heel pocket issues on my right skate.  Any suggestions on how to fix.  They already redid the skates 

What are heel pocket issues? 

I had a bit of unwanted space by my ankle on one TF9 skate, so I rebaked, wrapped the heel in plastic film, then wrapped the heel in a towel, and used a length of wood each side, with two clamps, to compress the heel while it cooled. It’s now tip top. The custom boots are of course just as mouldable. I used Irwin clamps which can be attacked with one hand, very useful for those of us with less than three hands. 

[iceman8310 105]

2 hours ago, Leif said:

What are heel pocket issues? 

I had a bit of unwanted space by my ankle on one TF9 skate, so I rebaked, wrapped the heel in plastic film, then wrapped the heel in a towel, and used a length of wood each side, with two clamps, to compress the heel while it cooled. It’s now tip top. The custom boots are of course just as mouldable. I used Irwin clamps which can be attacked with one hand, very useful for those of us with less than three hands. 

my heel won't settle into the heel pocket and the heel floor

[iceman8310 105]

On 11/6/2024 at 6:50 PM, bthompson1286 said:

Are the svh any good.  How many issues?

From experience and what I’ve read, some VH’s fit better than the SVH SKATE

[iceman8310 105]

On 7/3/2023 at 8:41 PM, Sniper9 said:

There's a lot of things that can affect the scan. One would be time of day where the feet are a bit larger at the end of the day or after activity. But the biggest thing imo, is your stance while being scanned. My first ever scan I never knew my right foot pronated when bearing weight. Because of this my arch was completely collapsed on my right foot during the scan and when my skates came my left was 100% perfect but my right felt very odd and sloppy. I eventually was able to figure out I had pronation issues with my right foot and I spot heater my right boot to create more arch support. It was night and day. After that first pair I deliberately made sure I wasn't pronating during the scan and the second skates came out fine. 

Lastly, slightly diff materials being used is another factor. Over the years true has used slightly different carbon weaves and who knows what else has changed in terms of materials and production. 

That's just my experience and what I think affects why different pairs may fit slightly different even if it's your own foot that's being scanned. For me, it I were to order another pair I'd just tell them to use the scan from my latest pair, but I'm probably just going to get their retail skates from now on since there's no turn around and the warranty is actually better for retail skates. 

 

I had a new pair done and they are awful.  The left skate is ok, use able but my right skate is a complete mess.  My heel won’t sit in the skate correctly and feels very sloppy.  I had issues with volume on the right skate as well and they redid the boot.  IMO the scan process is flawed.  

I’m so disappointed with the skate.   My traced VHs I actually liked.  

For Preferred fit what does each mean?

True Standard 

Relaxed 

Tight

[Westside 232]

My understanding is that standard is snug, relaxed gives you more wiggle room, and tight is just as it sounds. Some players like a little more or less room so these options allow you to customize them as such

[iceman8310 105]

https://sharpskates.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ss_order_form_hockey_player2.pdf

[nicktsigos 12]

I just got my new True custom skates over the weekend, and noticed some abnormalities in the coating on top of the carbon.   I had a pair made in 2018 and they didn’t exhibit this so not sure if it’s normal or not.  Last thing I want to do is skate them and have an issue with water creeping and ruining the boot.  I sent photos to True as well.  I know these are hand made and am aware there can be some issues at times but just want to make sure I won’t have an issue down the line.

 

[Sniper9 529]

On 11/18/2024 at 11:45 AM, nicktsigos said:

I just got my new True custom skates over the weekend, and noticed some abnormalities in the coating on top of the carbon.   I had a pair made in 2018 and they didn’t exhibit this so not sure if it’s normal or not.  Last thing I want to do is skate them and have an issue with water creeping and ruining the boot.  I sent photos to True as well.  I know these are hand made and am aware there can be some issues at times but just want to make sure I won’t have an issue down the line.

 

I see these a lot with trues. They will tell you it's not an issue. Epoxy and cf won't be compromised from water. And that's just the outermost layer. The problem I have with this is not only is it sloppy/lazy work, that area technically is structurally compromised as you can probably pick it with your fingers and cause the CF to fray. The outermost layer is mostly cosmetic and likely won't affect the OVERALL integrity of the boot, but still not acceptable imo when you're spending $1500 bucks. 

The good news is you can easily just fill those with epoxy yourself. That's what I would do vs shipping them back to true to do and pose the skates for 1-2 weeks. 

[nicktsigos 12]

5 hours ago, Sniper9 said:

I see these a lot with trues. They will tell you it's not an issue. Epoxy and cf won't be compromised from water. And that's just the outermost layer. The problem I have with this is not only is it sloppy/lazy work, that area technically is structurally compromised as you can probably pick it with your fingers and cause the CF to fray. The outermost layer is mostly cosmetic and likely won't affect the OVERALL integrity of the boot, but still not acceptable imo when you're spending $1500 bucks. 

The good news is you can easily just fill those with epoxy yourself. That's what I would do vs shipping them back to true to do and pose the skates for 1-2 weeks. 

That’s exactly what they said. Haha.  Either way I’ll just fill it myself because it’s driving me nuts.  Is there a specific epoxy I should use?  Besides that skates feel pretty good, a little fatigue in my feet after about an hour on the ice but I think it’s the pitch of the holders.  

[sturdy22 28]

22 minutes ago, nicktsigos said:

That’s exactly what they said. Haha.  Either way I’ll just fill it myself because it’s driving me nuts.  Is there a specific epoxy I should use?  Besides that skates feel pretty good, a little fatigue in my feet after about an hour on the ice but I think it’s the pitch of the holders.  

I have used a kit from Amazon to repair a significantly cracked True boot. The kit (True Composites) comes with a sheet of composite fabric a bottle of epoxy resin and a bottle of hardener. I did the repair last year and the boot has held up perfectly. You would only need to mix a little of the resin and hardener to cover the area of concern.

https://a.co/d/d0Bzp0j