How to pick Skates - Bad middle arch pain

[wooohooo]

I have a old pair of Grafs supra 502. I'm don't skate very much, or at all. Still get bad pain.

I tried yesterday to loosen the bottom area of my skates as much as I could and tighten the top four laces to support. It seemed to be good for a while but the pain came back and I had to sit down for a while.

I might try the superfeet. I heard there's the grey custom ones or the GRAF Sidas ones. Anyone have a preference to them? I went to sportschek and they didn't have my superfeet in size so I'm seeing if there's any other options in the meantime.

[browna]

My experience is that it could well be the sizing and the way your foot is angled and moves when you skate.

I had skates that were too large length wise (but still a EE wide boot) and got bad arch issues when I started playing more...and it was only one foot; that is a bit smaller then the other, so it was moving more within the boot. My other larger foot was fine. Also, I don't think I have the perfect stride so my scrunched up larger foot didn't move, but it did on the smaller side which, unscientifically speaking, seemed to cause the issue and noticeable discomfort.

I got new mid-higher level Bauer Vapours almost a couple years ago now, a half size smaller but the same larger width...and they are generally better. I got them baked which helped in forming to the foot along the sides. However, the couple times I've worn a thinner sock, the issue has come back on that same foot.

So really, its millimeters difference in sock width, millimeters in foot size smaller for both the length and width of the boots, probably a tightening of the skate issue, and as I said I think the position of my foot in the boot when striding magnifies those slight differences on the one side into a bigger/discomfort issue.

Will try the Superfeet suggestion though, too.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by nickerjones

My only problem with Graf's is I couldnt get used to height and lean of the cobra holder compared to the Tuuks. I switched from Easton to CCM to Bauer pretty easily. However the G35s and to cobra holder really messed with me. The boot itself was really comfy.... it was just the holder. I got them brand new for 199 so I wasnt going to complain. I just sold them for 250 and moved on.

Just switch the holders out to Tuuk's. That what I did with my 703's.

[Coach]

How many guys don't wear socks in their skates? I noticed a lot of old NHL players do it so I decided to try it and I love it. Over the last year my skates have basically molded to my bare feet. It feels great. I think it's partially the grafs, which are made from more traditional materials.

[Northendzone]

Pylon, I wonder if nickers is referring to how the heel of grafs are elevated.

I tried going without socks once and did not enjoy it; whenever I have skates on, I really like having knee high socks ons.

[flamestalker]

I'm in the same boat as the OP, I'm flat footed and have tried a few pairs of skates but after a while I'll constantly get pain in my arch. I have Superfeet on my skates so I'm not sure what else to do. I've had these skates for a few years, but I'm not sure if they are broken in or not.

[nickerjones]

Originally Posted by pylon

Just switch the holders out to Tuuk's. That what I did with my 703's.

What the F? Do you think Im Canadian??

[Northendzone]

Why not look into orthotics for you skates?

[meanmachine13]

Make sure you are giving your skates the chance to actually break in and mould to your feet. Whenever I get new skates, my feet usually hurt for the first few ice times until my feet get used to them.

[jar_e]

+1 for grafs. Have G3's and prefer them to the old 700 series to be honest. Also, I'd advise against used skates. New and heated are the way to go if you can afford to do so.

[Papa Gino]

Didn't make it through reading both pages, so this might have already been said but:

+1 for superfeet. Awesome, awesome comfortable insoles.

Secondly, don't go to professional skate. They used to be professionals, but they've gone downhill big time.

Try pro hockey life off deerfoot and (32nd?) in the South, or CrossIron mills. The prices won't greatly vary, and the guys there are infinitely more helpful.

And for sharpenings PS: Definitely try No Sweat beside the Co-Op on McLeod Trail near Heritage. Todd (the owner) is a god, gives the best sharpenings, just a great place. And they clean gear too!

[Northendzone]

+1 for Todd and his crew at no sweat

[Reaper]

I'm going to be the third one to vouch for Todd and No Sweat. Really quality sharpenings.

[Coach]

Never tried no sweat. But for the folks in the north the guy at COP was the flames equipment manager for a long time. Dude knows what he's doing.

[Rerun]

I have have fairly flat feet and the built in arch in skates kills my feet. Been like this ever since I was a kid. New skates are the worse!

[northcrunk]

Yeah all skates hurt the first few times you wear them until they are broken in. It also depends on how used to skates your feet are so it might take longer to get used to if your a novice skater. Try wearing them around the house with skate guards on to help your feet get adjusted.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Never tried no sweat. But for the folks in the north the guy at COP was the flames equipment manager for a long time. Dude knows what he's doing.

Gus Thorsen, the man in question, is awesome. If I lived in the north he would be my guy for sharpenings without question.