Graf or Harlick boots anyone?

[Tessie]

I am contemplating new boots, as I am not quite convinced I have the right fit now; I have Jacksons 2200. Reidells are too snug in the toe box, SP Teris weigh a ton. I have seen in my skate shop Grafs - Edmonton Specials to be exact. They seem very light. However it's more boot and more ca$h than I probably need or am willing to spend, respectivley. Has anyone tried Graf Richmond Specials? I have seen posts that they break down quickly. What has been others' experience with Harlicks?

I recognize boots are a personal matter as even our own two feet don't often match, never mind two people having same sensation with their feet. I 'm not looking for bashing of products, just experiences.

[fadedstardust]

I loveeee Riedells, but they are customs so I have them as wide as I want them to be. I've heard nothing but good about Harlick, and Graf used to get a bad rap (so did Riedell) but lately I've heard a lot of good about them. if they are that much lighter though, then it wouldn't be surprising that they break down quicker. What are you working on/level are you at? That'll help us help you, I think.

[Perry]

Harlicks, from what I've heard, have really high arches. Of course, being relatively flatfooted myself, I've never tried them.

[TashaKat]

I have Harlicks and LOVE THEM :) They're very, very comfortable right from the start, I've NEVER had any breaking in problems with Harlicks, these are the only boots that I've never had trouble with. They're extremely well made, look good and you get great customer service (and I'm in the UK!). I've had three pairs now and haven't had an ounce of trouble :D

With regards to the high arches, I have 2 pairs of customs but in the stock boots that I got I didn't find that the arches were particularly high :?? and I'm not exactly blessed with high arches myself!

The only 'downside' for some people (I don't find it a problem) is that Harlicks are quite heavy BUT you can order 'lightweight' ones for a few extra $

I've not skated in Graf but I've tried them on and really didn't like them. I've tried Risport (detested them, they killed my feet and then died themselves very, very quickly), Belati (they killed my feet and then some) and Wifa (nice boots for Dance but not strong enough for me (even the Diamonds) for Free).

[jp1andOnly]

i have graf's and i love them

[~shasta~]

i personally love and swear by my Harlick skating boots :bow: ... I have had SO MUCH TROUBLE with Riedell and S.P.-teri's. I have never tried Grafs though...

[Tessie]

I loveeee Riedells, but they are customs so I have them as wide as I want them to be. I've heard nothing but good about Harlick, and Graf used to get a bad rap (so did Riedell) but lately I've heard a lot of good about them. if they are that much lighter though, then it wouldn't be surprising that they break down quicker. What are you working on/level are you at? That'll help us help you, I think.


I am at FS 2 - 3, adult track. Struggling with back inside edges but otherwise can do all the elements and have started elements on FS 3. I skate any where from 3 - 5 hours a week. My current boots are Jackson 2200's they're 2 1/2 years old. I may just upgrade my blades from MK Double Stars (I found out they're not stainless steel) to the next level.

Thank you all for your responses.

[Tessie]

i have graf's and i love them

What do you love about them and what model do you have?

[jp1andOnly]

What do you love about them and what model do you have?

I have the edmonton specials. They feel like they were made for my feet. They are wider so they accomodate my wide foot quite nicely. They haven't ever given me blisters and break-in time was a breeze. I also like that they are so light.

I just got a new pair and will have the toe box stretched a bit. The only thing I didn't dig was the insole but thats because i jsut found out i have very high arches. So we built in an arch support and they are better.

[sk8ergirl]

I have skated in grafs now for several years, and wouldn't even think about wearing a different boot. The Edmonton Specials are the higher end and more durable boot, and if you are doing doubles or up, don't even think about the lower priced version.

[Michigansk8er]

Graf worked much better for my narrow heel than custom Harlicks. I've never tried a stock Harlick to compare. The Graf dealer was able to get me a different sized boot for each foot..........and the fit was perfect. I don't think I'll ever break down my SPTeri's................or that they will ever be comfortable. Graf gets my vote, but Harlick makes a great boot too. I wish they could make a pair to fit my feet. Tough decision. I had the leather Grafs. In listening to some of the kids at the rink, they aren't too thrilled with the synthetic ones.

[fadedstardust]

Well, if you are starting to work on FS 3 it's gonna start going a little faster- you work on the very basics for a longgg time and then from there on out it goes fairly quicker to learn new steps, so I would plan ahead, definitely. Your last boots lasted you a long time, and they were fairly light models, so I wouldn't think that you need TOO stiff a boot- you never wantto get too much boot, it can be a real hinderance. Have you asked your coach or a skilled fitter at a pro-shop? It also depends a little on weight, height, and the overall construction of your foot, so it's hard to tell. I'm not familiar with anything but Riedell or SP Teris (and I'm only familar with SP cause I hate them, hah) but I did some research on the web. The Jackson website doesn't give "suggested use" specs, but it looks like your boots are at about an "advanced beginner" level because there are two more types of higher boots after yours. Why not try the Jackson Elites? They are the next step up, aka Intermediate boots. Otherwise, it sounds like the Harlick competitor might be one worth checking out for you. In Grafs, the Richmond special and Galaxy special are very very light boots, they might be a waste of money. But the Edmonton Special is hard to break in for some- I know I skate with senior levels skaters who can't skate properly in them for a week or two, so for a lower level skater that might be even longer. I think the Edmontons are great but maybe wait until NEXT time you buy boots? Just my opinion. I would suggest either the Jackson Elites, Harlick Competitor, or Riedell Silver Stars if you can find a wider width- was it a D width you tried? For blades, the next step up would be the MK Professionals and they have the same radius so adjustement should be okay. I had Pros when I was learning my singles a long time ago, and I hated them, but most people like them just fine. I would recommend John Wilson Coronation Aces, instead- they also have a 7 inch radius. Wow, that was a lot of research, I wonder how many people can tell that I'm stuck handing out candy all night and bored out of my mind. ;) I hope I helped!!

[fadedstardust]

Graf worked much better for my narrow heel than custom Harlicks. I wish they could make a pair to fit my feet.

But the whole point of customs is that they should fit you perfectly...they were probably made incorrectly. I don't know how long it's been, but you should return them, or give them another shot if you did like them minus the fit. Customs shouldn't give you problems ever, otherwise they are always returnable- it's their fault, not yours. Harlick has great customer support people, too.

[Francis71]

Custom skates are quite an expense. It looks like you are looking for a moderately priced pair of skates. Have you considered a Gam 70 Spectra, or Riesport Super Cristello or the Jackson 2200 in a custom or combo width (wide toe narrow heel) the Reidell silver star is likely more money - the Graf Richmond are a nice boot but more expensive than the others and don't necessarily offer extra value. I totally agree with those who have recommended the advise of a professional skate fitter.

[doubletoe]

[QUOTE=Tessie]I am contemplating new boots, as I am not quite convinced I have the right fit now; I have Jacksons 2200. Reidells are too snug in the toe box, SP Teris weigh a ton. I have seen in my skate shop Grafs - Edmonton Specials to be exact. They seem very light. However it's more boot and more ca$h than I probably need or am willing to spend, respectivley. Has anyone tried Graf Richmond Specials? I have seen posts that they break down quickly. What has been others' experience with Harlicks?
QUOTE]

If you thought the Reidells were too snug in the toe box, you might have the same problem with Harlicks. I also started out with Jacksons, and they were too tight in the toes. When it came time to buy new boots, my boot fitter told me my feet were too wide in the toes for Harlicks, and that SP Teri's would fit my foot much better. I am now on my second pair of SP Teri's and would never buy any other brand. In defense of SP Teri, the weight of the boots doesn't make a big difference when you're actually skating in them, and my first pair lasted me 5 years! It's true that they don't break in as quickly as other boots, but you just need to punch them out right away in the ankles and anywhere else you feel any discomfort. You should also wear gel sleeves and gel pads under the top of the boot at first if you don't get a model with the soft roll top (the higher models now have that feature; I don't know about the lower models). I personally think the extra steps to you have to take to get through the break-in period are worth it three years later when you're still getting good skating out of them.

Having said that, there are lots of great boots out there and no one boot is best for every foot. Don't buy a boot that's stiffer than what you're going to need in the next year or two, and go for fittings with at least two different skate shop pros to see if you get a consensus on which boot is best for your foot and your skating needs.

[Lenny2]

My skater loves her Harlicks. She has worn the competitor and competitor plus, and now is in the high-tester (working on double axel and starting on triples). She has had no problems with them. Many skaters in our area have moved into Graf and do seem to like them, too. I have heard of issues relating to faster breaking down of those boots, but I think that is the price you pay for a more comfortable boot from the start. Everyone who wears the Graf boots says there is virtually no break-in period, although the break-in period for my daughter in her Harlicks has been relatively easy, too. For my skater, we are not going to make any changes so long as the Harlicks continue to work for her. As the other posters have said, this is a very personal decision, depending on how the boots fit you.

[Tessie]

Well, if you are starting to work on FS 3 it's gonna start going a little faster- you work on the very basics for a longgg time and then from there on out it goes fairly quicker to learn new steps, so I would plan ahead, definitely. Your last boots lasted you a long time, and they were fairly light models, so I wouldn't think that you need TOO stiff a boot- you never wantto get too much boot, it can be a real hinderance. Have you asked your coach or a skilled fitter at a pro-shop? It also depends a little on weight, height, and the overall construction of your foot, so it's hard to tell. I'm not familiar with anything but Riedell or SP Teris (and I'm only familar with SP cause I hate them, hah) but I did some research on the web. The Jackson website doesn't give "suggested use" specs, but it looks like your boots are at about an "advanced beginner" level because there are two more types of higher boots after yours. Why not try the Jackson Elites? They are the next step up, aka Intermediate boots. Otherwise, it sounds like the Harlick competitor might be one worth checking out for you. In Grafs, the Richmond special and Galaxy special are very very light boots, they might be a waste of money. But the Edmonton Special is hard to break in for some- I know I skate with senior levels skaters who can't skate properly in them for a week or two, so for a lower level skater that might be even longer. I think the Edmontons are great but maybe wait until NEXT time you buy boots? Just my opinion. I would suggest either the Jackson Elites, Harlick Competitor, or Riedell Silver Stars if you can find a wider width- was it a D width you tried? For blades, the next step up would be the MK Professionals and they have the same radius so adjustement should be okay. I had Pros when I was learning my singles a long time ago, and I hated them, but most people like them just fine. I would recommend John Wilson Coronation Aces, instead- they also have a 7 inch radius. Wow, that was a lot of research, I wonder how many people can tell that I'm stuck handing out candy all night and bored out of my mind. ;) I hope I helped!!

My word, that is some response well researched and thought out. Thank you for your time.

As I noted I didn't want "too much boot" for my current level however feel I need to progress. I have been to one skate shop, where teh focus is in Jacksons, he stocks Reidells, SPs and Graf's (Edmonton only). He didn't want to sell me the Edmonton, and I don't think he was interested in a special order for the Richmonds. I did try on the next level of Jacksons, the 3100. It felt tight, although anything new will feel that way. Also I wanted to try another type of boot for perspective. I know Reidell's are torture chambers for me and thus settled for Jacksons without really knowing what other boots felt like. I think I should try another pro-shop just for their perspective too.

As for my needs, I don't think I'll ever test greater than adult bronze or pre-bronze. Although, you never know this sport can be addictive. But I don't weigh very much (100lbs) and am 5'4", so that's why I lean towards a lighter weight boot.

Thank's for your input on blades, maybe I'll start there.

And thanks to all of you who responded.

[fadedstardust]

Yeah, you're about the same as me (height/weight) so you definitely do not want too much boot, you'll never break it down!! The Edmontons are gonna be too much boot, I think. I think your best bet will definitely be the Harlicks, but this is just me guessing. Try to find some place that carries them! Good luck and update us when you find something! :D

[Blosmbubbs]

I have the edmonton's and I weigh 116 and am 5'1". It's not too much boot for me, I am working on triples though.

[jestemkkool]

I just went from a recreational boot(jackson mystique) to a pair of Jackson Custom's. I love them.

I wanted to get Graf's but for the price of the cheapest graf boot(richmond), I got a pair of custom boots instead. I needed a boot that would last me through college + a few more years so I went with the jacksons. Also, my skate fitter told me about all of the brands I was interested in and together, we determined that Jackson customs would give me the most for my money.

I don't know much about Klingbeils and I only know of 1 person who skates in them and she loves them, but she only skates 2 days a week and has had them for a year and they aren't broken in yet.

The perfect boot would be a custom graf :) . But because it is non existant and I was on a budget, my fitter helped me determine what boto was best for me.

Good Luck!!

[doubletoe]

Be careful, there's a difference between "stiff" and "tight".
Your boots should be *stiff* when you first get them, but they should not be *tight*.
If they are tight in the toes when you get them, don't expect them to get any better (unless they're just a tiny bit snug, in which case you can just punch them out in the toe area). If they are tight in the toes, you will end up with corns/bunions on your pinkie toes and that's just the start of your toe problems!

[KaitlynChaloux]

I just recently purchased a pair of Edmonton Special's. This Monday actually, I have skated with the new boots (and blades) three times now. I have to say, I am extremely impressed with them. I went from a juvenile risport boot (lsf 540 or something.), to the Edmonton's. I have had a lot of foot problems with the Risport and I decided it wasn't worth risking, or going through all that pain again. When I got the new boots, the skate specialists said I was WAY too strong of a skater for my old boots, and now my feet feel wonderful every time I skate. There is literally no boundaries, I'm already doing all the things I was doing before, except better of course. They told me the boots are excellent for Singles up to Quadruple jumps, which satisfy's me, as I am currently working on my doubles. Anyways, excellent skates. Extreme control. Highly reccomended, worth the 650 canadian dollars!
I also reccomend, the platinum graf blades, they are excellent as well!
I'm a very determined skater though, 5'7 in heigh and skating over 9 hours a week. If you do not feel that you would need this advanced of a boot, then I don't suggest getting them. If you plan on putting them to good use, then by all means. But they are far too expensive and advanced for anything other than intense, dedicated training.
Kaitlyn Chaloux

[Sk8tngMommy]

My daughter skated last year in Graf Richmonds and LOVED them. At 8 years old she is pretty tiny, of course, but she had NO problem with them. Break in time was non-existent, and she would still be wearing them now if her darn feet hadn't grown. She is cheating double toes and double loops by 1/4 rotation, so that should give you an indication of her level. This year, we were going to go with a new pair of Richmonds as they are great through all doubles, but we had an opportunity to purchase Gam 95s for a steal (worn 3 months and only 150 dollars vs. 450 new which is the same as a pair of Richmonds)

So far she is loving the Gams, but they already have a pretty good crease in them. Gams are a great skate, but they are considerably softer than a Graf, thus they break down quicker.


I have never heard complaints about Grafs breaking down from anyone, so I am not sure where you got your info in that regard. I know if you go the Graf site, it lists many many top level athletes that skate in the Edmonton Special. If its good enough for them, I am certain Graf would be good enough for you.

Good luck!

[Blosmbubbs]

Ok Sk8ngMommy I have had the Graf Edmonton's since March and I already need new ones because they are broken down. I even need to tape the right ankle so the support is there for landings, I'm working on d.axel and triples. So that's my experience with them, but I do love them wish they would last longer. :frus:

[love2sk8]

I have Graf Galaxies and I LOOOOVE them...they break down quick though...

[luna_skater]

It seems to me that the benefit of the Edmontons is the virtually non-existent break-in period, but don't expect them to last you for more than a season, if even a whole season (if you are landing doubles and triples). I haven't worn them myself, but that seems to be the consensus from posts I've read.

I've been in Riedells for 7 years, but I'm not sure where I'd go next if I needed new boots. I had mine rebuilt after three years and they were stiffer than when I originally got them...and are still in great shape. I probably won't need new boots for another few years still. However, they haven't been subject to tough jump landings since I have only used them for synchro, skills, and dance. Still, I've been skating in them quite a lot for the past two years, and they are strong.

[Michigansk8er]

But the whole point of customs is that they should fit you perfectly...they were probably made incorrectly. I don't know how long it's been, but you should return them, or give them another shot if you did like them minus the fit. Customs shouldn't give you problems ever, otherwise they are always returnable- it's their fault, not yours. Harlick has great customer support people, too.

Ya, you would think so. They supposedly remade the right boot, but sent back the very same one. We fooled around with them for a year. I had to get the Grafs so I had skates during the time we were working on the Harlick situation. I think part of the problem was the guy from Chicago (that is supposedly good) that measured me. I told Harlick I was willing to work with them as long as it would take. They told me they could not fit my right foot and gave me my money back. Sigh............... Funny SPTeri had no trouble fitting my right foot. They just aren't as comfortable as Harlick. I'll probably try custom Klingbeil next time around.

[fadedstardust]

Wow, Michigansk8ter, I'm sorry about your whole experience, that sucks. I can't believe they would send you the same boot back. Well, I CAN believe it, but it's just so not inline with their mission statement and what they try to stand for. That's really too bad. But hey, if I had had an experience like that I certainly wouldn't give them another shot, either. Klingbeils do seem to suit a lot of people who've been looking around for a while and haven't been happy elsewhere, so perhaps that IS the solution. I hope for you that it is! Good luck. :)