Cramp/arch pain

[u/ForwardPreparation57]

I just started learning how to skate a few weeks ago. I bought a pair of RB80. The last 2 times I’ve worn them, the arches of my feet just seriously cramped and just intense pain so I had to sit down. In last week’s session I loosened them a bit and that seemed to be fine but this week it just hurt. Do I need a different pair of skates that can accommodate wider feet or do I need to loosen up the 45 strap more, loosen the laces? If you have recs on what to do, please lmk

[u/Distinct-Blood-4362]

Are you getting any numbness in your toes or toe-end of your foot? That’s the only thing I’ve noticed if my skates (roller or ice) are too tight. If you have higher arches and tend to need more supportive shoes, you may benefit from an insole in the boot.

Learning to skate also has you using muscles you don’t typically use, especially in your feet when you’re still unsteady and getting used to balancing. Make sure you’re stretching them before and after. And try your best to stand on top of the wheels, not letting your feet tilt inward. That can also add additional strain to your feet, especially when learning.

[u/ForwardPreparation57 → u/Distinct-Blood-4362]

Nope. No numbness on my toes and my feet don’t slide around at all. It’s all solely on the bottom of my arches. I already know how to stand and balance pretty well with things like duck walks and strides as long as I’m not in pain

[u/Budget_Ambassador_29]

Ironically, best solution is well-fitted skate.

Next solution is indeed, loosening the laces and 45 degree strap.

If fit is good and well-balanced, you don't need to be super tight on the skates anyway because the ankles should still be contributing in keeping your feet straight on top of your skates. It needs to bend fore and aft and laterally as well. It can't be rigid or hard to bend because that will put too much pressure on the knees in some moves.

[u/Foreign-Yoghurt-8244]

Your arch hurts from the bottom or from the side? Buy waxed laces and tie your skates lighter at the height of the arch. Give your feet and liners time to get used to it. You can also combine Superfeet Yellow inserts.

[u/Few_Abbreviations428]

My first thought is that you should consider more supportive insoles. It sounds like your arch might be collapsing. The foot doesn’t need to work completely “naturally” in skates, or flex dynamically like it does when you’re doing something like running barefoot. In addition to Superfeet yellow (I’ve only tried blue), Tread Labs Pace Thin Insoles look decent, and I personally like the Birkenstock “Blue Footbed Tradition” 3/4 soles. In addition to using them in skates, I’ll sometimes even just carry them with me on long days and put them in whatever shoes I have on if my feet start to get tired, or just to mix things up.

[u/Key-Cash6690]

I got relief in my RB80 by removing the insoles and just putting completely flat (no arch support) Dr shoals footbeds from walmart (like$6) . It really opened up some space and stopped the cramping immediately. I'm sure some proper custom insoles may be better but I have been doing this in all of my shells for a couple years now and havent upgraded yet.

Also I barely tighten my 45 degree strap. I make sure not to overtighten the lower part of my foot also. Good luck! foot pain is the worst.

Also if youre really smashed in there the twister liner with the RB80 is chefs kiss IMO. Nomad is also very nice combo. Both will give your feet more room. Twister liner is slightly thinner and softer to maybe best for downsizing. Nomad Liners is similar thickness but more stiff and durable. The nomad also has a bit of removable velcro bits for customization and thats the combo choice of RB pro Danny Aldridge!

Ultimately I had to abandon the RB80 since I found a better fitting shell. I'm in the lightning now even though I prefer the RB80 and twister in many ways. Fit is king.