Only their lower-level boots are made in China. The upper level ones are made in Red Wing.

I have been in SP-Teri for years. I switched to them from Reidell in 1997 or so because the skate shop I went to for new skates recommended them. It was a reputable skate shop that was recommended by many people in my area. I don't think there was any specific reason to switch from Reidell, and I don't recall trying on anything other than SP-Teri in that visit. I do recall that the two pairs of Reidells prior to my SP-Teri were ill-fitting, but I attribute that entirely to a poor fitter and does not necessarily reflect on Reidell.

Skate manufacturing has definitely made huge improvements in the last 13 years. I know that Reidell is a lot better, as well as SP-Teri and Jackson. I don't know that Harlick and Klingbeil have continued to make adjustments to their boots as the other major manufacturers have. A new pair of either brand looks pretty similar like a new pair from 10-15 years ago, at least on the outside.

I have never skated in Jackson and I haven't worn Reidell since I switched, but I would recommend Reidell over Jackson. Many coaches at my rink put their skaters in Jacksons, but the ones I have seen were very stiff and looked uncomfortable or broke down very fast. Reidells just look so much more inviting to feet. If I had to leave SP-Teri, I would go to Reidell. I have thought about trying them again, but I just can't afford to buy an extra pair of boots right now!

To the person who needs a combo width:
If you are willing to pay for custom, you can get a mold made of your foot. Harlick has a mold package that can be mailed to you or your fitter. They make your own pattern based on the mold. They also take measurements. I'm sure every company does this. In my exp, this gives an excellent fit. I've had 4 pair made from my pattern over the yrs. I've had such good luck, i would never change my approach to getting new boots. I've been comfortable in my new customs in as little as 30 minutes spinning and jumping. I recommend it highly.

Kay

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Yup, Red Wing, Minnesota. If I take the scenic route to Minneapolis I drive right by the building.

Klings are lighter now; they have added new "options" such as the goalposts and that on the tongue; and they still make the customs to whatever you want. Plus, they have stock boots now, don't know if they always did - ???. I think they've added in a dance boot too. They've also added a super-lite version below the S1, and other lightweight options in their custom boots.

Anyway, child 2 (the only one not in Riedells) - loves the Klings, would never change them, and we find them a tremendous value for the dollar in terms of what you get for customs. Instant breakin, amazing customer service, and they look "neat" on the feet due to the design. Plus, they wear and wear and wear ...

Riedell has custom widths no problem, if you go more than 2 steps in difference, I think you pay like $25 or something ... otherwise, it's free (the proud parent of an A/AAA Riedell skater).

As far as Jackson Freestyles being uncomfortable, my research around various boards found the opposite. In fact, I heat molded them myself and had very little break-in problems - I was coming from rentals. I did leave the top hook unlaced for about 4 weeks, though. I posted about their being too big earlier and that problem did not surface until they were about 4 months old. Prior to that, the heat molding had them fitting like a glove without any tight spots, rubbing or slipping.

This is off-topic, but I wish to expand my posted list of custom skate boot makers that let you visit the factory for a better fit and hopefully easier business dealings in the event of problems. So far I have

Klingbeil, New York City, NY, USA

Harlick, San Carlos, CA, USA

Riedell, Red Wing, MN, USA

SP Teri, San Francisco, CA, USA

Do you folks know any other skate makers let you do that?

Incidentally, do they all let you be personally fit by the master boot maker, and do they all let you visit again for free for final modificaitons? AFAIK, all of the above offer a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied - if you happen to know, do the ones you folks add do that too?

After a bad experiences from a poorly fit pair (not at the factory), I've put a lot of effort into figuring out how to modify boots to fit, but at the cost custom boots sell for, I think it is fair to expect they should do whatever they have to to make them fit perfectly without end-user modification, and that the manufacturer should back the fit and product without question, Visiting the master boot maker himself or herself seems the best approach.

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