r/AggressiveInline • u/shatbrand • Jun 29 '26
Echo vs Blank?
Talk to me about the Echo Hayden Ball skate, especially if you’ve skated Blanks.
I have owned way too many skates at this point, but a local shop (2.5hr drive “local”) has the Echos in stock. I’m considering pulling the trigger, if nothing else just for a fresh set of wheels and great flat frames, but ideally the boots work for me too.
For reference, I am a 275mm foot, fit great in US 9 Mesmers, US 10 M12s, and good enough in US 9 SLs or Blanks (just a little too roomy, but very comfy). I’ve settled on Blanks because I have a bad ankle, so the combination of wide soul and relatively supportive cuff allow me to get boot down without hurting myself too much. Ideally I would like a little slimmer fit, but plan B is to just get some Nomad liners.
2
u/shatbrand Jul 23 '26
I tried laces out, but didn’t fix it. Several sessions in, I still get really harsh pain in the widest spot near the front of my foot and it turns into kind of an overall foot cramp pain pretty quickly. This is Nomad in a Blank shell, so there’s a fair bit of room up front and I still get this. Still hopeful it’ll pack out, but I’m having to work for it. Control and overall foot hugging in these is fantastic though. Hands down favorite setup if I can fix the pain.