Beginner Hockey Skate options w/ flat feet

Hey guys. I'm looking to buy my first pair of Ice Skates. I have flat feet, for which I use orthopedic insoles (hard plastics ones). I use them all the time for everyday walking/running, but after trying on several pairs of Skates at a proshop, I don't think they're ever going to fit inside as they're far too wide.

I want to keep my budget down, so I'm probably not going to go for custom insoles for skates, so I'm just wondering what some good choices are for skates with flat feet are. I'd like to keep the skates under $100. Skating with rentals just makes the bottom of my feet cramp very quickly, after like 5 minutes of skating, after which I have to rest for 10 just to be able to skate again without cramping for a short period.

Also, I'm not sure how it's supposed to feel. I know once I get the skates baked I won't be able to get a refund, and I really won't know how they'll feel on the ice until I go try them, so, I want to make the right decision off the bat.

Any ideas?

You can buy some insoles like superfeet that may help you, but they aren't orthotics. Make sure you get the widest available skate if you have wide feet. I'm not sure how it goes with player skates (opposed to my goal skates), but generally the more money you invest in skates the better the fit and feel of them, as well as quality. Graf skates, while expensive, are known for being some of the most comfortable available. But still, don't expect to feel like you're skating in slippers. Even though I love my Graf skates, they still give me some pain. If you're just starting to ice skate than that is pretty normal and it's something you will get used to over time and will get more comfortable with as the skates break in.

I suggest making sure you get properly fitted by the staff at the retailer you're going to buy from. Don't try and figure it out on your own unless you know exactly what you need. Tell the staff your issues and have them help you find a pair that fits your needs. As with a baseball glove, the more broken in the skates get, the better they'll feel.

Edit to add: since I haven't skated in soooo long, when I do lace them up I have to take breaks every so often to give my feet a rest. As I said, the more you skate the better you'll begin to feel.

Where did you go to get fitted?
Hockey Monkey has the best selection and if you go when it's slow you will get great service. The TSC Pro Shop has a few good fitters too and if you are polite they will match the internet prices.

I ended up going to Hockey Giant in Anaheim, and bought the CCM V04 Sr. Skates, I think 127 before tax. They do free skate sharpenings for life and got them heat molded. They feel pretty good, though a little tight on the ball of my foot, though I suppose that shouldn't bother me too much. I'm much more concerned about my foot arches not cramping like hell, so we'll see how it goes next week when I try these suckers out!

The staff there was pretty helpful too.

By the way, as a side note, today was the first time I've ever touched the reebok jerseys with the new material. Feels weird.

When lacing, try not to tie them too tight until the ankle. You can leave the forefoot are loose. That should help prevent cramping.

The Ice Skate Superfeet have some aligning properties. I am not a foot expert or whatever but I use them in my running shoes and my skates. You can certainly feel a different alignment on the blade with them on.

I think they are the Gray model. They sell them in CC

Wow. Tried my new skates for the first time. They seemed to work well, but I did get plenty of pain on my arches. Wasn't as bad as the rentals as far as I can remember, but I did have to take breaks. Ill try to go a few more times to see if I'll need to invest in insoles.

I also have plantar fascitis, and normally wear my orthos. Hopefully the pain will subside upon further skating.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Defgarden

Wow. Tried my new skates for the first time. They seemed to work well, but I did get plenty of pain on my arches. Wasn't as bad as the rentals as far as I can remember, but I did have to take breaks. Ill try to go a few more times to see if I'll need to invest in insoles.

I also have plantar fascitis, and normally wear my orthos. Hopefully the pain will subside upon further skating.

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Check out Shock Doctor skate foot-beds. I have flat feet as well (probably not as bad as yours) and I have used them since I started skated 5 years ago. A lot of cramps in the foot are caused by over tightening from where your ankle bends down to your toes. I leave that part snug, not tight. Around the ankle and up, my **** is super tight for support.
Try out the foot-beds. They're about $20. They work for me.

Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Defgarden

Wow. Tried my new skates for the first time. They seemed to work well, but I did get plenty of pain on my arches. Wasn't as bad as the rentals as far as I can remember, but I did have to take breaks. Ill try to go a few more times to see if I'll need to invest in insoles.

I also have plantar fascitis, and normally wear my orthos. Hopefully the pain will subside upon further skating.

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I don't know if you have full gear, but if you do...
Sign up for the LGK midnight pickup game.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PTDP

I don't know if you have full gear, but if you do...
Sign up for the LGK midnight pickup game.

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No gear at all. I'll probably buy some new gloves, and new undies, but the rest of the stuff I'm gonna try and get used.

Oh, plus, I have no experience playing at all. And judging from my skating, I'm going to need a lot of work on that first before I think about playing.