Boot Fit

[Ennjay]

I wasn't quite sure where to put this, so it ended up in this forum. Anyway.....

I was wondering, how would I go about making my boots a bit more comfortable after long periods of skating. Specifically the arch of my foot. I now don't tighten the mid laces and that has helped, but I was wondering if there were any other tricks anyone else has that might make them more comfortable. Is this a sign of them maybe being too narrow? As mentioned in other questions, I'm new to organized inline hockey, and have always used rec skates in the past, so it was never really an issue.

Thanks

[missionhockey21]

I would recommend a skate bake. Plus it does sound like you need to get a pair of skates that are wide.

[Ennjay]

Yeah, I was thinking of getting them re-baked. Thanks for the info.

If there are any other suggestions as well, let me hear them!

[DannyG]

I have experimented with gel insole inserts for a few years now. You could try the insert either under the innersole that came with the skate, or on top of it...about $25 for a pair of the high-end Dr. Scholl's works real well for me...and practically doubled the price/value of my Stubbies!

however, another suggestion...it might turn out to be really worth it to have a podiatrist check out your feet. If there might be a prescription pair of orthotic support inserts that would benefit you, you can save yourself literally years of suffering that you don't need to go through.

We all note that if you are now skating enough so that your feet hurt, your dedication and commitment to the sport will take you far...keep it up...

<font color=purple>DannyG</font color=purple>

[missionhockey21]

Thats right Danny, a friend of mine got orthotic support inserts from a doctor due to his feet hurting so badly and he sad it helped him a lot and eased the pain.

[Ennjay]

I'll try the inserts first. (I'm sure it's cheaper), and then go further if neccesary. I'm going to get them re-baked too, so between those two, I hope that will work.

Thanks for you input.

[missionhockey21]

That sounds like it should do the trick :-)

[MDE3]

In "support" of Danny's comments - and from experience with sore arches and cramping - many of todays skates have a very pronounced arch - often caused by the configuration of the chassis - the elevation differential and angle of the toe plate and heel plate may cause the arch curve to be very pronounced.

Two things - if these are the skates on which you plant to change the chassis - do not recook them until you have done the chassis change, the arch may then have a different curve because the toe plate/heel plate angles/elevations may be different. Also by using a half insert(cut one off from any acceptable aftermarket insert) in the front of the skate which you place under the existing insert, you can reduce the effective differential from the heel to the ball area of the boot(if you follow me). This will give you more "arch clearance". Also you may want to trim off the elevated arch support area on the existing insert to further reduce the pressure the skate is applying to this area. I have corrected the same problem on several skates this way, but some boots have had just too much "bend" in the arch for my "fallen arched" feet.

Interesting if you compare the arch bend on most ice skates to most inline skates - you can see how much more the sole is curved on the inline skates. I believe this has been a result of chassis manufactureres trying to get the skate profile "lower" on the inline skates - often resulting in a very sharp arch bend.

[Ennjay]

Cool, thanks. I'm going to try that. I'll cut the new supports and stick them under the origionals. I'm thinking this will lift my foot off of the sharp cut of the arch. And if I can find a good deal on some good hi-lo chassis, I'll wait before I rebake.

[dcdawgs]

Re-baking is good. You may also want to losen the laces around the toe box area. A lot of times those first couple of laces from the toe up, if they are to tight, it will cause arch problems.

Josh

[Ennjay]

I can try that too. I have been usually tightening the first two eyelets super tight, then let off and keep the laces tight up to the break in the boot where it goes verticle. Then wrap the ankle super tight.

[fromonkey]

I've got a similar issue... I'm thinking I'll need to call it a loss and buy wider skates though. Bought a pair of g80's and while the right boot fits perfectly, the left one feels a bit narrow and if I tighten the laces up I'll end up with a nasty blister on my arch. If I leave it looser I end up with a minor bruise but I feel rather shaky on it.

[bling45]

Want to sell the old ones?...what size?

[fromonkey]

They're size 10 and I'd definitely sell em. The side shields are scuffed up but other than that they're in good condition.
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by fromonkey on 07/01/03 09:38 AM.</EM></FONT></P>