Heel or not?

[LambChopper]

If I don’t like wearing any type of heel in regular shoes do you think I’d also prefer a flat skate shoe?

I’ve skated in both, but I can’t remember my impressions. The heeled boot skates look terribly uncomfortable. I’d never be comfortable walking in a heeled boot.

I have no place to try on skates unless you count cheap stuff at the big box store. I’m a noob getting back into skating. I swore off it last time I tried it because I fell and broke my shoulder, but I’ve got the bug again.

[fierocious1]

Originally Posted by LambChopper

If I don’t like wearing any type of heel in regular shoes do you think I’d also prefer a flat skate shoe?

I’ve skated in both, but I can’t remember my impressions. The heeled boot skates look terribly uncomfortable. I’d never be comfortable walking in a heeled boot.

I have no place to try on skates unless you count cheap stuff at the big box store. I’m a noob getting back into skating. I swore off it last time I tried it because I fell and broke my shoulder, but I’ve got the bug again.

When I learned to skate all skates had heels that were available to rent. Later I built my skates with very low heels. Never went back to the standard heel. It's what you get used to.

[ursle]

Art skaters use a full heal, racers use no heel, when racing with no heel, you can place your foot down further forward, making a longer more powerful stroke, I prefer a 1/2 heel, the tall heel has its place, no heel is ok, trying all three is a good idea, see which one you feel more balanced with.

[LambChopper]

Thanks to both of you. In walking around I feel unbalanced with any heel. I think I’ll go with no heel skates. I’m not very coordinated anyway, so I need all the advantages I can get.

[FlailingLlama]

Originally Posted by LambChopper

Thanks to both of you. In walking around I feel unbalanced with any heel. I think I’ll go with no heel skates. I’m not very coordinated anyway, so I need all the advantages I can get.

Just fyi, maybe it will help... I am extremely clumsy. Very poor balance, I walk into things, people, all the time. I cant walk straight... I didnt used to be able to balance on one leg AT ALL.

I've been skating since November, in Sure Grip Fame skates (full heel), and my balance has improved significantly since then, and has trickled into everyday life. The things I can do now on skates, I couldnt even comprehend doing before. I really dont think the heel had any impact on my progress. From the first time I put them on, I didnt even notice it having a heel.

[LambChopper]

Originally Posted by FlailingLlama

Just fyi, maybe it will help... I am extremely clumsy. Very poor balance, I walk into things, people, all the time. I cant walk straight... I didnt used to be able to balance on one leg AT ALL.

I've been skating since November, in Sure Grip Fame skates (full heel), and my balance has improved significantly since then, and has trickled into everyday life. The things I can do now on skates, I couldnt even comprehend doing before. I really dont think the heel had any impact on my progress. From the first time I put them on, I didnt even notice it having a heel.

Thanks! I’m the same...bumping into things, rocky balance, etc. That’s good to know your balance overall has improved and makes sense! The Sure Grip Fame skates are on my list.

[Mort]

Your ankles, their flexibility and natural balance will tell you what is best for you.

As others have said, racing= less heel. Art = full heel(1 inch lift I guess?)

The high heel in art skates forces less bend in the knees/ankles and makes for a straighter skater, ya know that "ellegant" ballet look.

Without the heel, the body develops the leans and such that the heel normally supplies. Some people cant do it though with flat soles.

[rufusprime99]

I don't like heeled boots. I like flat. I have flat feet and skating with a heel, a high heel, puts too much weight on my forefoot. I remember after a hard night skating my old Fame skates, my legs were tired, and my forefoot hurt a lot. A low heel is not bad. I skate a bont now. No heel, and very light and spare. Nothing in that boot that is not needed. Very light.