New Skates, Who Dis?

I went to pick up the new boots and blades I ordered before I got injured. They are BEAUTIFUL! I got to the pro shop and my boots were thrown into the oven and, once they were properly toasty, they were put on my feet. However, when they were being laced up, the hooks on the inside of the right boot came loose! The hooks basically popped right out of the holes! Just my luck to get a pair of defective boots! Sad Panda. They were still heat molded and the blades were mounted but a new pair has been ordered. In the meantime, I'll skate around with these (carefully) to get used to the feel of them but I'll be going back on November 15th to do this whole process over again with another pair of boots that aren't falling apart.

So, he mounted the blades and then asked me to get on the ice to see how they feel. Oh boy, was that a terrifying experience! I have not been on the ice in about 6 weeks and I'm still not technically allowed to be skating yet so I was hesitant but I know it's necessary to see how the blades are aligned. I stepped on the ice and, like a beginner on their first public session, I was clutching the wall! Embarrassing! My ankles were so unsteady and my legs were shaking. I'm not sure if it was the fear, the injury, or the new equipment but you would think I've never stepped foot on ice before. Eventually, I was able to do some edges down the blue line and then brave a 3-turn and a mohawk. Man, this is going to be a process!

I stopped half-way through to re-tie. Because I'm going from Reidells to Jacksons, I expected things to feel a bit alien but I did not expect it to feel this....foreign. I know my ankles are supported but the ankle area has a lot more give than my old Reidells so it's a pretty scary feeling. So, I puttered around for about 20 minutes before determining that the blades are mounted well. I'm just going to have to go through an incredible adjustment period.

I don't remember it being so drastic last time but, to be fair, the last time I got new boots and blades was in 2005 in Houston and I was very much a beginner so it's not like I had any skills to lose. Last time, I pretty much went from rentals to real skates so it felt incredible and I was able to do so much more. But now, I'm recovering from an injury and on top of that I'm slapping completely different equipment on my feet. It's a lot to deal with all at once.

So, here are some pictures. I'm sad that these will be replaced with another pair of boots (I'll keep the blades) but I'm happy that I won't be starting out with a defective pair. OH! And he talked me into getting some insoles and holy cow those feel good! I never knew I needed them until he put them in the boots and I slipped my foot in. Like a dream! These are the ones I got. Highly recommend!