Hi folks,

My husband has started a LTS class and likes it enough that he's considering buying his own skates

Skill-wise, he is a beginner who is fairly coordinated and not afraid of speed (has done a lot of inline skating before). Size-wise, he's close to 200 lbs, so while I don't want to get "too much" of a boot, I don't want to encourage him to buy skates that will break down too quickly on him. He has a fairly wide foot.

Any recommendations? Thanks!

Oh, boy! We've got another one hooked.

For a wide-footed, beginning skater, I'd suggest the Jackson "Glacier" skate. Here is a link to Rainbo's catalog: Men's Glacier. Really, any of the lower end Jackson skates would be fine. Jackson's are known for being wide, so they'd probably be a good fit. Make sure he wears extremely thin socks when he gets fitted and when he skates, lest he get blisters.

FYI, Riedell skates are known for being built on a narrow last, so you'll probably want to avoid those.

It's hard to get "too much" boot for a 200 pounder who likes to go fast and has inline experience, IMO. I second the Jacksons, for their width, but I would recommend the Freestyle, which is not an entry level boot. I don't think your husband will have a problem with its stiffness and I do think he would break down a Glacier fairly quickly. The Freestyle is heat moldable for comfort and has a Mark IV blade which is a good all around blade.

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I agree with Jackson Freestyles. The toepicks could be interesting on the MarkIV blades for a beginner.

Inliners do not generally have a problem catching the toepicks or pushing from them, as the inline push is from the side and not the toe, and is therefore very close to the figure push.

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My fitter commented, last time we bought my husband a new pair of boots, that it's actually very difficult for men, as there is not a wide range of intermediate boots, unlike for women. A good choice of entry-level boots, and a good choice of elite boots, but not a lot in the middle! Husband ended up with Gams, and although he is a light-weight, he finds them very comfortable now; I have noticed, however, that heavy-weights do well in Gams. But take him to your own fitter, and see what he has to say!

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Thanks to everyone for your advice!! I will look into the Jackson Freestyles.