Which skates provide the best ankle support ?

BLBarmada

Guest
Hi guys I'm looking to buy new skates, I have thin feet and I recently suffered a the very least a partial ankle ligaments rupture.

I need to know which skates provide the best support, and tight fit per size.
 

vapor11

Registered User
Aug 15, 2011
501
0
Usually mid to higher end models have better ankle support then low end... I just picked up a pair of CCM U+ 06's last week.. I purchased them mainly because they have a really stiff boot compared to what I have used in the past..I had them baked and have used them on ice once so far and they feel great on my feet
 
Nov 12, 2010
901
0
First you want to get that checked out lol.

Second, I find that my X:40s have pretty good ankle support if you get them tight enough. I'd assume that the X:60s would do the same, but you would probably want to go to your local hockey supplier and try on a bunch of skates. I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so i'm not sure if it will work but taping your ankles might do good.
 

BLBarmada

Guest
First you want to get that checked out lol.

Second, I find that my X:40s have pretty good ankle support if you get them tight enough. I'd assume that the X:60s would do the same, but you would probably want to go to your local hockey supplier and try on a bunch of skates. I'm not a
doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so i'm not sure if it will work but taping your ankles might do good.

I went for my physio consult today, and she started treatment right away, she thinks at the very least it's multiple ligament tears. I could tell that if she was the ortho
specialist( I have an appointment with one) she would have sent me for an MRI. There's major strength and balance issues and gaps
between legs, so it's gonna be awhile before I skate again and
she recommended the ankle tape lol.
 

izzy3

Registered User
Dec 3, 2009
292
0
I was (am) kinda in the same boat, as I broke my right ankle snowboarding a few years back.

That ankle is still weaker than my left, and has an odd shape on the inside where they screwed it together. I always had problems skating due to this unbalance, but the reebok pump solved my problem.

I tried the 6K first as I wasn't sure how it will work (fit was great, but then a lot of guys said the pump will never last) and they work magic on a cripple like me. You can adjust the support of your ankles ON THE FLY as opposed to having to retighten your laces on the bench. Basically you can add or release air if the support doesn't feel right.

In the meantime I upgraded to a 11K (much stiffer and lighter) for ice, and use my 6K for roller (replaced the blades with wheels of course :)). Pumps on both skates function properly. Oddly enough my skating is the strongest part of my game ever since I found a tool to help my weaker ankle.
 

BLBarmada

Guest
I was (am) kinda in the same boat, as I broke my right ankle snowboarding a few years back.

That ankle is still weaker than my left, and has an odd shape on the inside where they screwed it together. I always had problems skating due to this unbalance, but the reebok pump solved my
problem.

I tried the 6K first as I wasn't sure how it will work (fit was great, but
then a lot of guys said the pump will never last) and they work magic on a cripple like me. You can adjust the support of your
ankles ON THE FLY as opposed to having to retighten your laces on the bench. Basically you can add or release air if the support doesn't
feel right.

In the meantime I upgraded to a 11K (much stiffer and lighter) for
ice, and use my 6K for roller (replaced the blades with wheels of course :)). Pumps on both skates function properly. Oddly enough my skating is the strongest
part of my game ever since I found a tool to help my weaker ankle.


Kk I wasn't sure just how good the pump was, I've heard mixed things, it's important that I get it right cause i might need a brace for soccer and maybe hockey.
 

BLBarmada

Guest
Just wanted to say the pump is only in the ankle area and the heel/foot fit is still crucial. If your feet aren't meant to fit in Reebok skates, it will still cause problems.

Not sure I quite understand you, I use CCM vector 04s right now but they're too wide, I the pump is in the ankle then that's great cause that's where I really need the support, and a tight fit.

Can you elaborate on the skate fit bit ?
 

superhakan

Gaudreauby Baker
Dec 2, 2008
2,663
1
Just wanted to say the pump is only in the ankle area and the heel/foot fit is still crucial. If your feet aren't meant to fit in Reebok skates, it will still cause problems.

This. The pump is beneficial but it just wont have the same effect if your foot doesnt fit the boot. If you have a bit of a wider foot then the Reeboks may be your best option.
 

superhakan

Gaudreauby Baker
Dec 2, 2008
2,663
1
Not sure I quite understand you, I use CCM vector 04s right now but they're too wide, I the pump is in the ankle then that's great cause that's where I really need the support, and a tight fit.

Can you elaborate on the skate fit bit ?

Edit: The pump only effects the ankle not the rest of the boot.

Most skates will have a different fit throughout the boot. A CCM and a Reebok are wider then a Bauer for example. If you've had problems with the CCMs the Reeboks may not work for you. Your best bet is to go to a place that deals primarily with hockey where you can get a knowledgeable fit. The new Easton skates (EQ series) or the Bauer supremes may be a decent choice for you as they do have a tighter ankle, but make sure you have somebody look at your foot, and try several skates on.
 

Guffaw

Registered User
Apr 29, 2011
495
0
Drexel Hill PA
If there's a Graf dealer in your area give them a look. No one offers more fitments and all of them come in wide, regular, or narrow. I believe there is one model that was actually designed for people with ankle problems, but I can't remember the #.
 

AIREAYE

Registered User
Jun 7, 2009
4,885
70
Edit: The pump only effects the ankle not the rest of the boot.

Most skates will have a different fit throughout the boot. A CCM and a Reebok are wider then a Bauer for example. If you've had problems with the CCMs the Reeboks may not work for you. Your best bet is to go to a place that deals primarily with hockey where you can get a knowledgeable fit. The new Easton skates (EQ series) or the Bauer supremes may be a decent choice for you as they do have a tighter ankle, but make sure you have somebody look at your foot, and try several skates on.

This. Another thing to look at too is perfect heel lock, when you do some lunges with the Reeboks on, your ankle needs to stay locked in completely and not shift up or down.

And regarding the Graf skates, I find that many of their models rely on comfort being a selling point, not fit or support/stiffness.
 

cptjeff

Reprehensible User
Sep 18, 2008
20,383
33,939
Washington, DC.
If you're finding CCM vectors too wide, skip the reeboks. The ankle on their skates is pretty damn wide, and you don't want to rely on the pump to fix that. If they don't fit without the pump, they don't fit.

I would steer clear of vapors as well. Tight in the forefoot, but designed to be looser in the ankle. If any bauer skate, the supreme, which is looser in the forefoot but designed to be locked down around the ankle. Pretty high cut boot too, which works to your benefit.

Easton has a slightly lower cut boot, but probably the best ankle lock of any boot I've tried. The stealth is wider in the forefoot and narrow in the ankle, the Synergy the same, but more moderate in both.

Graf has a range of different fits and looking into them might be a good idea. But keep in mind they're generally used by old guys who can't be sold on a stiffer high performance skate, and just want the same old leather and plastic build they've been using since the 80's. They'll be heavier and won't be as stiff, which will hamper your skating.

CCM's U+ is fairly wide in most areas, but is designed to compress into your foot when being baked.

Higher end skates will be stiffer and more supportive.
 

izzy3

Registered User
Dec 3, 2009
292
0
Not sure I quite understand you, I use CCM vector 04s right now but they're too wide, I the pump is in the ankle then that's great cause that's where I really need the support, and a tight fit.

Can you elaborate on the skate fit bit ?

Fit is basically the footbed fit, and this can not be modified too much, even baking or punching will not make a big difference.

What is the width of your vector04? D or E? I tried the Reeboks in D, but they were too narrow for me, and went with the E width which is fine. So if you happen to have an E width boot you can still go D on the new ones, but make sure you try the skates before you buy them (and by trying I mean put them on, and walk around in them at least 10-15 minutes).
 

Guffaw

Registered User
Apr 29, 2011
495
0
Drexel Hill PA
And regarding the Graf skates, I find that many of their models rely on comfort being a selling point, not fit or support/stiffness.

How do you figure especially regarding fit? They profile skates based on width of heel, pronouncement of heel, and instep depth. What other company does any of that?

They basically offer 6 different fit profiles based on those 3 attributes and all in 3 widths. That's 18 different fits for the same size skate.

I have a narrow-pronounced heel. Bauer doesn't even offer a skate like that. Look at the side view of a Graf G35x and then look at a Vapor or Supreme.

Fit is Graf's bread and butter. It's comfort and technology(weight) where they are slightly behind.
 

Jarick

Doing Nothing
Okay Grafs aren't made of leather like they were in the old days. They aren't as light as other high end skates but they are durable and have several different fits. Mine fit like a glove especially in the heel/ankle pocket. I'm not saying they are the best for everyone but for people who have trouble finding a skate that fits in major brands they are definitely worth the purchase.
 

AIREAYE

Registered User
Jun 7, 2009
4,885
70
How do you figure especially regarding fit? They profile skates based on width of heel, pronouncement of heel, and instep depth. What other company does any of that?

They basically offer 6 different fit profiles based on those 3 attributes and all in 3 widths. That's 18 different fits for the same size skate.

I have a narrow-pronounced heel. Bauer doesn't even offer a skate like that. Look at the side view of a Graf G35x and then look at a Vapor or Supreme.

Fit is Graf's bread and butter. It's comfort and technology(weight) where they are slightly behind.

Not arguing against Graf but I was only posting based on what I've seen from Graf skates brought in.

I know they have different fits but imo not enough to justify skipping past the other brands and going for Graf. But like you said if someone runs out of options for the major brands, going Graf is the next logical step for sure.
 

BLBarmada

Guest
Fit is basically the footbed fit, and this can not be modified too much, even baking or punching will not make a big difference.

What is the width of your vector04? D or E? I tried the Reeboks in D, but they were too narrow for me, and went with the E width which is fine. So if you happen to have an E width bo
ot you can still go D on the new ones, but make sure you try the skates before you buy them (and by trying I mean put them on, and
walk around in them at least 10-15 minutes).


I have 9 E, they fit well around the ankle, but I'd like it to be a bit tighter. I think what I'm really looking for is for it to be a tighter fit around the leg.
 

Guffaw

Registered User
Apr 29, 2011
495
0
Drexel Hill PA
Not arguing against Graf but I was only posting based on what I've seen from Graf skates brought in.

I know they have different fits but imo not enough to justify skipping past the other brands and going for Graf. But like you said if someone runs out of options for the major brands, going Graf is the next logical step for sure.

Sure. I mean try on everything you can and buy what fits best in your price range. It's just that if you have an "odd" shaped foot or even just a narrow foot chances are Graf has a better chance of matching it. Lets say you wear a size 10 skate. Graf has 6 different shaped boots in 3 different widths in a size 10 so 18 choices. To my knowledge Bauer has 3 different fits(flexlite,vapor, supreme) in 2 widths so 6 choices. I'm assuming that all the Vapors and Supremes are the same fit which could be incorrect.

Trust me. I don't think Graf is some super skate that everyone should be in. For the $$ I spent on my Grafs I could have been in Supreme One100 or a Vapor 7.0 which are both about 100 grams lighter per skate. They do work for some people though so worth a try if they are available at a LHS.
 

superhakan

Gaudreauby Baker
Dec 2, 2008
2,663
1
I have 9 E, they fit well around the ankle, but I'd like it to be a bit tighter. I think what I'm really looking for is for it to be a tighter fit around the leg.

Thats why they feel wide. IIRC an RBK/CCM E is as wide if not wider than a Bauer EE. Maybe try some Pumps in a standard D width.
 

Sybil227

Registered User
Jun 16, 2004
3,256
295
Santa Clarita
These:
http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2011/08/fashion-with-a-capital-f-youve.html
0825dsquared2-skate-moss-boots_fa.jpg
 

BLBarmada

Guest
Thats why they feel wide. IIRC an RBK/CCM E is as wide if not wider than a Bauer EE. Maybe try some Pumps in a standard D width.


Alright I'll check it out, I gotta get the ankle thing figured out 1st.
 

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