Mission Skates

[MikeV]

Hi guys,

This is my first post and first time visiting inlinehockeycentral.com and by far the best inline hockey site I have found. I can tell a lot of work has been put to this site and a lot of time on the boards. Thank you to those who make this site possible.

Now on to my question. I have a really high arch and was wondering if the Mission skates support high arches well. I am recently getting back into rollerhockey (since 7 years ago) and own Rollerblade Lightning TRS's which I bought 9 years ago. The one thing I do remember is whenever I would use them they would be very painful and hard to walk afterwards because of the lack of arch support. I know 9 years is a long time ago and rollerblades have been much more advanced since then, but I was wondering if the Mission skates are known for good arch support?

Are the Wicked Lights much better than the VSI's? I know the Lights are known for the weight of the shoe, however I'm curious if those will hold up my 6'2" 230 body :-)? I see that inlinesports.com has the 2000 Wicked Lights for $344 and the 2000 VSI's for $244. Which is a better deal?

Thank you for your time,

Mike

[j_bo]

Don't know on the high arc.. those prices are too high! try www.hockeymonkey.com or www.hockeygiant.com and if you want the BEST SERVICE.. after you find a price you like.. go to www.epuck.com and they will match anyones price! EPUCK def. has the best service on the web, bar none... you might try the TOUR brand skates... nice boot! and lil cheaper than Missions..hope this helps.. laters, j-bo

BTW... wouldn't spend the xtra for the wicked lights..

[John]

I know the newer Bauers have very high arch supports. They can be downright painful for people with medium/low arches.

If your just coming out of a nine year hibernation, you might want to visit a few pro shops and try on the various makes. Then if you chose to buy on-line, at least you'll know what your buying and if they fit.

John

[ChloroFiend]

Ive also got a really high arch. Mission's boot is pretty supporting to that, and I never had foot paint from them, nor my current Tour 950's....this coming from a guy that wears Orthotic's continuously during the day. Both brands of skates have removable inserts, so if you have a Dr. Scholls or prescription sole insert that will support your foot better, drop it in by all means. Cant really help you with the VSi vs Wicked Light comparison....ive been converted to a Tour guy after skating on them.

-Jon "ChloroFiend" Gucinski
-Iowa State Roller Hockey

[newtron]

I have both and can vouch for both. The Missions have such a high arch I have to flatten the foot bed just to wear then. They must be molded to your foot using a MISSION oven(for free). I am taller and a biscut over 250lbs. The VSI has higher ankle support and is prabobly the better skate for ya. The wicked is, after nuekin them a lighter more confortable skate but with more lower ankle support. They have a built in footbed step to support your arch, look at the step down from the heel to the ball of the foot on the outside of the boot. Stay away from the want-ta-be skate companies and stick with the companies that have their own R&D areas. My wickeds are one of the most comfortable skates I own and when I coach I can wear them all day. I love my Bauers and VSIs when I'm playin, there is nothin better but after a few practise sessions I want out of them. Lastly, half the complaints on this board could be eliminated if the person went to a reputable click and brick dealer. Someone had it right when they said go to a real store and try them all on. Remember, slippers are really comfortable but they would not make good skates. I end up constantly changing frames for people on too soft boots that blew up too soon cause someone wanted to save $30. Buyer beware.

[MikeV]

Thanks for your post! Sounds like the Missions are the way to go since I have a high arch. I'm just about ready to pre-order the 2001 Wicked Lights, however I'm kind of concerned of the ankle support. I called around and no one has a good selection of Mission's for me to try on. They would have to be pre-ordered. Maybe I need to take a trip to Denver. Since I'm about the same height and weight as you are, would higher ankle support (like the VSI's) be more beneficial while playing? It's been a long time since I've played and would classify myself as a beginner skater. I'm mainly going to use the skates for a beginners hockey league and some outdoor skating. I'm thinking that since I'm not ready to play intermediate or advanced rollerhockey, that the ankle support won't be needed as much for now and to concentrate on arch support and comfort. Am I wrong thinking that way? Are the Wicked Lights good for outdoor use? One more question, on the skate bake feature, do I need to take it to a shop or can I do it myself? I called around for that as well and only one shop would do a bake and if I bought the skate from them (unfortunately they are much more expensive to buy from).

Thanks again for your reply,

Mike

[Rollerhockyman]

I currently have the wicked lights and they hurt my feet but i like them i used to have the mission proto vi's but i bought a new pair of missions the wicked light in fact.Mission is by far the best company of making skates. I would get a pair of mission's

rollerhockyman

[bullyx2]

While I can't help on the arch issue (I have a post a few down with a similar problem) I can vouch for epuck.com. My son plays and I'm constantly buying gear on-line to save a few bucks. I've purchased gear from several sites, but since I discovered epuck.com, I won't buy from anyone else. They are the only place I've found that combines all three, price, service, and selection.

[MikeV]

I checked out epuck.com and looks like a cool site. I emailed them and they responded with a quick reply on availability and price. Also mentioned they would match anyone else's offer.

Thanks for the referral,

Mike

[PUMC_TomG]

Hey, I just bought some Mission VI skates and like them just fine. I have a moderately high arch and have narrow feet. However I would not buy from inlinesports.com . I placed an order and never heard from them for 4 days. When I finally gave up email and called they said they never received the order. When I reordered they wouldn't even cut me a better deal on shipping because THEY messed up. I have the confirmation email to prove they received the order. If you have to buy online try www.epuck.com . They have good prices AND customer service.

[newtron]

Cool! Based on the new info, the VSI might be your choice. VS might be an option. I would lso stick to the 7000 alum gen chasis also. Skating on cement and in beginner and intermediate leagues you could avoid alot of potential problems by not getting the optional carbon graphite chassis. The VSI and VS where the first boots that I did not crease at the 5th eyelet. The Wicked light has less of noticable forward lean and is great when I know I'm gonna be in the skate for several hours. I use a 72,76,72,76 set up on my Vapor 8s if that explaines it? You'll never need anything more than a VSI. Secondly, da oven, da shake and bake, nuker. I do not recomend doin it yourself and epuck can't do it for ya nor can they promise the correct size selection. Roughly 175 degrees. Its a convection oven that bakes the skates evenly and if the shop messes up they take care of it, if you mess up you got problems and can't return it. Mission took two tries on my foot form Fred himself. Lastly, buying online can be a concern if ya got ta return it or get a rivet replaced which is common in hockey. All online companies and click&bricks are required by the skate companies to have current merchandise at about the same price and as a policy can match all online prices on CURRENT merchandise. Price policy changes on last season or older skates, buyer beware. So if the price is too good to be true than it might be older or clearance merchandise that change the return policies. It sounds like ya know what ya want, have fun. If ya got more questions you can call Mission at 714-556-8856. Peace.

[bullyx2]

Agreed, I think I posted this before, but inlinesports.com sucks. I ordered skates and paid for priority shipping. They didn't ship them for 4 days, and then shipped them standard ground on top of that. So instead of getting them in 3 days, it was two weeks as I live accross the country from them. Also, when the skates arrived, one didn't have laces. They said they would credit my card for what I paid extra, but they never did. I gave them another chance and ordered some gear for one of my sons for x-mas. I oredered on 12-1, and they didn't ship them until 12-11. I received them just in time for x-mas. They have great prices, but e-puck will match them, and give you good service on top, it's a no-brainer. I've also got incredible service from peranis.com. I've actually had them talk me out of buying some very expensive gear because it was overkill for an 8 year old. The only problem with them is their selection is a bit thin for inline.