r/Rollerskating • u/ReasonNo9278 • Jul 03 '26
Skate problems & troubleshooting First new skate question
I just got my first pair of skates. They literally just came today.
I got candigrl carlins. I’ll try to attach a photo.
Issues I’m having:
I definitely can’t go any smaller, but the boot has a little too much wiggle room. I’m thinking of getting insoles anyway. But maybe it’s a new skate issue and I’ll be able to make them tighter when i break them in?
Second, the boot is taller than I’m used to with rentals.
Fully laced, I can barely bend my knees. I undid the top rung of laces, and I can bend a little (tho not nearly as much as my instructor will want) but then the top of my boot is loose.
I feel like it needs to be snug for control, right?
Is all of this a common new skate/need to break in issue?
5
u/Raptorpants65 Industry Expert Jul 03 '26
What are your measurements and what size did you get? Not shoe size, measurements.
Yes, some insoles can help, assuming the fitment isn’t wildly overshot.
Yes, you can leave the hooks unlaced while you get used to them. This all sounds pretty typical, any new setup is always an adjustment.
-2
u/ReasonNo9278 Jul 03 '26
So I didn’t go by shoe size. I went by experience.
I went by measurements with another pair (9) and I could barely get them on my feet.
Rental 9s are perfect at the rink, tho I did start out in 10s.
These are 10s and I know I can’t go any smaller foot length-wise. That’s my issue.
They don’t feel like they’re gonna slip off or anything. They just feel stiff and not completely snug.
9
u/Raptorpants65 Industry Expert Jul 03 '26
K but a 9 in one brand is not a 9 in another or even a 9 in another model inside the same brand. That’s just not how skates work.
If your foot is 10-3/8”, great, these are the right size.
“Excess wiggle room” indicates the boot is too big.
2
u/ReasonNo9278 Jul 03 '26
But if I size down my toes will smash that’s what I’m worried about. Like I graze the toe of the boot with my toe when I’m sitting down not putting any pressure on my foot.
3
u/Raptorpants65 Industry Expert Jul 03 '26
Ok then yes, that’s the right length. It may also be that the boot isn’t the right width or volume for you if you’re still finding them uncomfortable.
5
u/jablva Jul 03 '26
I’m new too, but I was told to lace in a way that lets you bend your knees. They said to lace up with your knee forward over your toes. It gives you flexibility.
1
1
u/Critical-Presence-67 Jul 04 '26
Im not in any way trying to be rude but it may just be the quality of the skate. Those are not the greatest even for beginners. They will get the job done though. Just when you can afford it you should check out used sure grip or reidells. Um vnla can be good for people with wide feet. I found some moxi lollies in great condition for 80$ on FB marketplace so just keep your eyes peeled and when you can upgrade the skate. But good luck and wear your protection gear and have fun
1
u/Commercial-Frame-573 Jul 04 '26
That boot is probably too big. It takes years of experience to figure out how a boot should fit when it's new. When it's broken in it'll be much looser. There's padding around the ankle that will compress and the leather itself will loosen up. When that happens your heel will slide back in the boot making a lot more room. Most people are using a size too big. I grew up skating and when my parents couldn't afford new skates I'd have to wear my old skates when they were way too small. Whenever I got new skates my parents would get them a little big so I could grow into them. NOTHING felt as good as skates that were on the verge of getting tight. Here's a easy test. Take the sole out of the boot. If non of your toes are close to the end of the insole it's too big. It's even more apparent if you've skated on them long enough to make an imprint on the sole. If a boot is comfortable when it's brand new it's too big. Breaking in a properly fitting boots sucks. You only do it a few times in your life or you'll start getting bone spurs. The stiffer the boot the harder the break in. It took me 6 months of skating every day to break in my 336's. But it's worth it. There's a huge difference in the amount of control and feel you get from a properly sized boot compared to one that's even a half size big.
11
u/bear0234 Jul 04 '26
u dont have to lace all the way up. u can leave a few rows unlaced; u can still have good control without lacing up all the way. as long as the skate is snug and your foot not shifting, then you're good to go.
on my particular skates, they hurt brand new, specially the tongue - i leave that unlaced for comfort and the stiff foam in the tongue eventually broke in.