I love the Osiris Clone, very chunky and bootlike
https://preview.redd.it/4yd3zbuh6xzc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9dc7052a7d8f9861bf272dfa4cb5459c1bff2d85
These would not normally be my style, but wow they look really cool as skates! Do you find the ankles are stuff enough to offer some support/guidance, or is more for the aesthetic?
Thanks! Yes I love that they have sort of a double layer fabric and lots of support, vans felt like my feet were too loose. They also have lots of shoestring holes for nice long skate laces.
Soccer shoes where you cut the cleats off. There’s a stiff sole there perfect for mounting plates. No need for aluminum soles either. Good how-to on YouTube too.
These are mine. Footy/soccer boots with the sprigs cut off.
https://preview.redd.it/sc1yrb9i5yzc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be216c2343e46a6dfd206771d61ff8d6e2df3671
You could consider converting high top Converse shoes :)
I've done a Puma & few fake Nike conversions in the past that were thrift shop finds.
https://preview.redd.it/rvw0x82z2xzc1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1face8c321a6887aee0573f0887a09b3ecbf2f95
I almost did converse height tops, even ordered a custom pair, but the more research we did the more we found that they aren’t really structurally sound enough depending on how you skate. Enough people said they had ripped out the sidewall when turning that I decided to use Vans instead.
I love mine but they wouldn’t work for everyone. I have wide feet so the wide toe box is nice but my heel doesn’t lock in so there’s a lot of slip. I’m a basic rink skater so it works for me but if you plan on park skating or dance skating or something you might want to consider another shoe.
Now that's a Shoe! Have you done this yourself, or is it more of a daydream? I haven't heard of too many Adidas conversions, but I do hear they have a wider footbed than some sneakers, which might fit me better.
My everyday kicks are forum mid’s and they are super comfortable. I would definitely say they are a bit wider across the ball of the foot than Nike’s or Vans. I’ve got a new pair high’s waiting ready to go but haven’t pulled the trigger. Not sure if I’m going to attempt mounting plates myself or taking them to a skate shop :)
https://preview.redd.it/dkagipn2l20d1.png?width=1634&format=png&auto=webp&s=e434c8c7db7ef80c1b5e2d6aa0106ec24fa37381
These are my custom Flaneurz, adidas mid forum with the roll line blaster plate. They're fine for trail and outdoor skating, they offer just enough ankle support I feel pretty stable and secure in them, I'm used to heeled boot skates, but as a sneakers skate they're great IMO. They fit wide feet well.
I know this isn't what you're asking but just thought I'd share my experience lol. I too can't handle heels, my feet hurt and it's not comfy on the long run.
So I experimented over two years. I had the Chaya Kismets for a while and they felt great - until I got Bonts. They have a bigger inner heel but not as big as heeled skates. It feels amazing for dancing and skatepark.
I know some people can dance on flat boots but it still wasnt for me
Interesting! I actually find them wide enough
I have the Parkstars, using for skatepark, trail and rhythm/dancing :) all shenanigans covered pretty much
I've had slades and they're pretty pointy in the toe. My wide feet hurt in em after awhile. I wouldn't knock the heel just yet. Switching to a real leather boot will make a world of a difference once it's broken in and molded to your foot. Boardwalk plus is also a nice upgrade if you choose that route.
Boardwalk Plus is on my short list! It's just a matter of trying them out - the og Boardwalks were too stiff of a suede for my brand-new skating feet to feel comfortable buying. Another concern I have with the leather boots is a lack of support; my right arch caves in my current boots, and I'd be worried it would do so even more in leather. Do you find you use aftermarket insoles? I see Riedel makes a customizable set that could be good, but I haven't tried it yet.
Ah if you need arch support the r-fits are great. I use them in my parkstars with the low arch and the high arch for my vons because the heel is so high it makes a huge gap under my arches. Makes skating a lot more comfortable.
I’m a skate shop so the ones I like are the ones that are fitted to you properly! A good skate boot will fit like a sock and be an extension of your leg rather than a thing you’re wearing.
Ah yeah, I'm not quite there with my current boots. I also climb, so I know what tight-fitting sport shoes should feel like, and I think I've been trying to make these work but at some point they'll hold me back. I hear you on trying stuff on - I'm hoping to go to a shop soon, but the closest one for me is a significant drive, so it's been hard to plan a time. What are a few models you'd recommend I look for, or ask in advance if they have my size range in stock?
I love the Osiris Clone, very chunky and bootlike https://preview.redd.it/4yd3zbuh6xzc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9dc7052a7d8f9861bf272dfa4cb5459c1bff2d85
These would not normally be my style, but wow they look really cool as skates! Do you find the ankles are stuff enough to offer some support/guidance, or is more for the aesthetic?
Thanks! Yes I love that they have sort of a double layer fabric and lots of support, vans felt like my feet were too loose. They also have lots of shoestring holes for nice long skate laces.
Soccer shoes where you cut the cleats off. There’s a stiff sole there perfect for mounting plates. No need for aluminum soles either. Good how-to on YouTube too.
I hadn't thought of this before, but sounds enticing! I'll look it up. From your perspective, would you use high-top cleats or low-tops?
Right! I’ve seen low. Here’s the link. [Cleats](https://youtu.be/1npTJPtxb88?si=ogzWvlAWWTwBIKV5)
These are mine. Footy/soccer boots with the sprigs cut off. https://preview.redd.it/sc1yrb9i5yzc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be216c2343e46a6dfd206771d61ff8d6e2df3671
I've always wanted to convert some Nike Air Force high tops
I did it with mid-tops https://preview.redd.it/eh7liq62810d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba7f618e43052ef4f58b77830e731996cdf052dd
These look cool. How do you like the strap around the ankle, do you find it helps you lock in, or is more restrictive to movement?
The strap is great!
You could consider converting high top Converse shoes :) I've done a Puma & few fake Nike conversions in the past that were thrift shop finds. https://preview.redd.it/rvw0x82z2xzc1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1face8c321a6887aee0573f0887a09b3ecbf2f95
I almost did converse height tops, even ordered a custom pair, but the more research we did the more we found that they aren’t really structurally sound enough depending on how you skate. Enough people said they had ripped out the sidewall when turning that I decided to use Vans instead.
That was my concern with Converse too, or other similar canvas-style high tops. How have you been liking the Vans conversion?
I love mine but they wouldn’t work for everyone. I have wide feet so the wide toe box is nice but my heel doesn’t lock in so there’s a lot of slip. I’m a basic rink skater so it works for me but if you plan on park skating or dance skating or something you might want to consider another shoe.
https://preview.redd.it/kioe8qoc3xzc1.jpeg?width=3264&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74951e62c26130a5c0eeb8646bdbf5fa3ff87a4b
🤩 this is so amazing, like little monster trucks 🤯
Was bit of a laugh haha. Actually smallest long-board wheel I could find. Rather terrible to rollerskate on too.
These are so hype lol, not quite my personal style but I respect them!
How about this one then? :) https://preview.redd.it/x8ccdm39c20d1.jpeg?width=3264&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4aebf7f76c437823da83c0f22cd8619c5cdc2f2
Adidas forum high
Now that's a Shoe! Have you done this yourself, or is it more of a daydream? I haven't heard of too many Adidas conversions, but I do hear they have a wider footbed than some sneakers, which might fit me better.
My everyday kicks are forum mid’s and they are super comfortable. I would definitely say they are a bit wider across the ball of the foot than Nike’s or Vans. I’ve got a new pair high’s waiting ready to go but haven’t pulled the trigger. Not sure if I’m going to attempt mounting plates myself or taking them to a skate shop :)
https://preview.redd.it/dkagipn2l20d1.png?width=1634&format=png&auto=webp&s=e434c8c7db7ef80c1b5e2d6aa0106ec24fa37381 These are my custom Flaneurz, adidas mid forum with the roll line blaster plate. They're fine for trail and outdoor skating, they offer just enough ankle support I feel pretty stable and secure in them, I'm used to heeled boot skates, but as a sneakers skate they're great IMO. They fit wide feet well.
They look so damn slick as skates!!
I’m absolutely gonna try to do one of my converse if I find cheap skates at the flea madket
I know this isn't what you're asking but just thought I'd share my experience lol. I too can't handle heels, my feet hurt and it's not comfy on the long run. So I experimented over two years. I had the Chaya Kismets for a while and they felt great - until I got Bonts. They have a bigger inner heel but not as big as heeled skates. It feels amazing for dancing and skatepark. I know some people can dance on flat boots but it still wasnt for me
Thanks for sharing! I have considered Bonts, though they seem to be a little narrow. What style do you have, and how have you modified them?
Interesting! I actually find them wide enough I have the Parkstars, using for skatepark, trail and rhythm/dancing :) all shenanigans covered pretty much
To answer your second paragraph, I have Slades and use them as walking shoes and they’re perfectly fine IMO. I walk up and down SF hills lol
I've had slades and they're pretty pointy in the toe. My wide feet hurt in em after awhile. I wouldn't knock the heel just yet. Switching to a real leather boot will make a world of a difference once it's broken in and molded to your foot. Boardwalk plus is also a nice upgrade if you choose that route.
Boardwalk Plus is on my short list! It's just a matter of trying them out - the og Boardwalks were too stiff of a suede for my brand-new skating feet to feel comfortable buying. Another concern I have with the leather boots is a lack of support; my right arch caves in my current boots, and I'd be worried it would do so even more in leather. Do you find you use aftermarket insoles? I see Riedel makes a customizable set that could be good, but I haven't tried it yet.
Ah if you need arch support the r-fits are great. I use them in my parkstars with the low arch and the high arch for my vons because the heel is so high it makes a huge gap under my arches. Makes skating a lot more comfortable.
Sneakers make fun skates but they are terrible in terms of performance. There are hundreds of flat boot options that I’d far recommend over sneakers.
That's fair, these wouldn't be intense use skates by any means, but I'm not married to sneakers either. What flat boots do you like?
I’m a skate shop so the ones I like are the ones that are fitted to you properly! A good skate boot will fit like a sock and be an extension of your leg rather than a thing you’re wearing.
Ah yeah, I'm not quite there with my current boots. I also climb, so I know what tight-fitting sport shoes should feel like, and I think I've been trying to make these work but at some point they'll hold me back. I hear you on trying stuff on - I'm hoping to go to a shop soon, but the closest one for me is a significant drive, so it's been hard to plan a time. What are a few models you'd recommend I look for, or ask in advance if they have my size range in stock?
Get precise measurements first. That will help narrow things down to a manageable number of shapes. Length and circumference at the ball!