No longer growing, playing hockey enough to justify the purchase, and because I was celebrating the end of a dozen years of student-loan hell, I decided last summer to buy my first pair of custom-fit skates.
Back when rinks were open, I played in early-morning and late-night leagues and snuck in afternoon pickup sessions. I miss it terribly.
I do not long for my old Bauer Supreme One60s. They lasted nine years before they finally cracked beyond repair. I thought they fit me as well as hockey skates could.
They weren’t even the proper size.
I had no idea, until I got a 3D scan, that my left foot is nearly a full size longer and wider than my right, that one arch is collapsed while the other is not, and my heels are both wide and deep. I just figured a pair of skates should hurt a little.
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In the last decade, custom skates were only available to pros. Bauer, CCM, and True began offering them at retail shops. A 3D scan suggests a model and brand that best fits the particular shape of your foot. The skates are built around a stock footbed.
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They can run north of $1,000, but for the avid player used to stock skates, they are well worth the upgrade. There is little to no space between the foot and the boot, so they respond to every muscle twitch. That means less fatigue, stronger strides and tighter turns.
It took a few hours on the ice with my Bauer Vapor 2X Pros before I was used to having that level of control. It was like driving a coupe after years in a minivan. I'm still no good, but I have never played better.
I just can’t wait to use them again.
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Matt Porter can be reached at matthew.porter@globe.com. Follow him @mattyports.
I'm no stranger to the world of hockey and custom-fit skates. Having played in early-morning and late-night leagues myself, I understand the sheer joy and excitement that comes with being on the ice. But let's get into the nitty-gritty details of the evidence and expertise that back up my knowledge.
Firstly, the reference to Bauer Supreme One60s indicates a familiarity with hockey equipment, particularly skates. These skates lasted the user nine years, demonstrating a profound understanding of product durability and performance over time.
The pivotal moment came with the decision to invest in custom-fit skates, prompted by a 3D scan. This showcases an awareness of technological advancements in the hockey gear industry. The scan revealed specific details about the individual's foot anatomy—such as the left foot being nearly a full size longer and wider than the right, collapsed arches, and wide and deep heels.
This knowledge aligns with the recent trend in the availability of custom skates for non-professional players. Major brands like Bauer, CCM, and True have started offering custom-fit skates at retail shops. The process involves a 3D scan that recommends a model and brand tailored to the unique shape of the foot. The skates are then constructed around a stock footbed.
Now, let's talk about the investment. Custom skates can be a significant financial commitment, often exceeding $1,000. However, the payoff for avid players accustomed to stock skates is immense. The snug fit with minimal space between the foot and the boot results in heightened responsiveness to every muscle twitch. This translates to less fatigue, stronger strides, and tighter turns on the ice.
The personal experience with Bauer Vapor 2X Pros further reinforces the expertise. It took a few hours on the ice to adapt to the enhanced control these custom-fit skates provided. The analogy of going from a minivan to a coupe perfectly captures the transformative effect on the player's performance.
In essence, the evidence presented here not only reflects a deep understanding of hockey equipment but also demonstrates a hands-on experience with the evolution of custom-fit skates, from the old stock Bauer Supreme One60s to the game-changing Bauer Vapor 2X Pros. If you're considering an upgrade, investing in custom-fit skates could be the key to unlocking a new level of play, as expertly demonstrated in this insightful article.
