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Best Boots and Blades Awards of 2004

© Dr. Marie Miczak

You may be told by a coach or friend that one boot is better than the rest but until you try them yourself you'll never know. Go to your local pro skate shop and ask to be fitted for a few brands. Don't let someone talk you into customs until you try a few high end stock boots such as Graf Edmonton Specials or Riedell's HLS 1500's. These model stock boots "come fully equipped" with features such as an anti-roll tongue, soft sueded linings and rolled edges that would have to be custom ordered from other more traditional boots. If you feel that you MUST get a custom due to foot problems or fit, I would suggest going to Klingbeil. They do have stock boots as well but they known far and wide for their custom boots and for good reason.

So now that you've gotten a bit of background information I'm sure you're anxious to hear what boots & blades I've picked this year for our Best Boots and Blades Awards for 2004. All of the winners can be seen at the Winter Sports Special: http://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/winter/

The envelope please...the First Place winner for Best Boot goes to:

1st Place...Graf of Canada for their F-4000 Hinged boot! These are the boots of my dreams. Forward flexing yet they offer freestyle quality lateral support. I wore these in absolute comfort for my segment on the CBS Early Show which aired November 29th of this year. They were amazing and the cameras loved them too. CBS came in close as I was lacing them up and doing my stretches. Don't worry, you can not see the hinge. You're not going to look like the Tin Man on ice! I didn't and I wore them on national television. They are as esthetically beautiful as they are functional but what you'll appreciate is being able to land your jumps on a flexed ankle which absorbs the energy better than a straight one. The result is a safer more comfortable boot.

Pros - Break- in period: practically none. Mine took about 5 hours after heat molding. Soft lining, three piece tongue and truly heat moldable, not just heat treatable. Cons - Absolutely none. Just maintain your bimonthly schedule of SnoSeal and you'll be fine. Who's wearing them? Me!

2nd Place...Graf Edmonton Special Freestyle Boot. These were the first place winners from last year's awards. There is a lot of technology in this boot which makes it a favorite of both competitors and coaches. Lightweight yet very warm.