Softboot Design vs. Normal (Stiffboot?) Design

[shadowms5]

I was recently looking up skates and found this new design by K2 called the Softboot design. Can anyone give me an overview of what this design is all about, and how does it compare to the "Normal" design? I have always been skating with boots that are relatively stiff (resist any ankle movement within the roller skates). If I was to change to a Softboot design, would it be strange? Thanks.

[shadowms5]

Do you have any feedback from experience using the softboot design and how it compares to the normal design that uses a harder material? :X

[IW Staff]

You'll find the softboots to be very comfortable and the ventillation to be nice. Keeps your feet cooler.

There is plenty of suppor with use of the cuffs and strategic placement of sticthing and boot design makes for a supportive fit below as well.

Softboots will be a little light as well so they are good for longer skates, less fatigue.

Cons. If doing A LOT of maneuvering or tricks, the molded shell would keep your foot more stable and firm within the skate. Making the skate more responsive to your feet as one would want if doing that type of skating. The Rollerblade X5 and X7 or Twister 243 for example, or the Powerslide S3 & Metro. The molded shell is often used by freestyle slalom skaters for this reason. Those used to a molded shell or liking that feel of solid construction and support, stick with these models.

If planning on doing some recreational skating with comfort, and good support, all would work. If the idea of something a little lighter and cooler, try out the softboot. Rollerblade makes other skates with a soft shell also. They can't use the term 'softboot' as that is patented by K2. Due to that patent, RB's softboots liners are able to be removed and cannot be attached whereas K2's are fixed in the skates. There's no real advantage to either. Neither company makes replacement liners available for sale.

Thank you for the post and I hope this helped.
Stan @ IW

[melanie]

I had a pair of soft boot K2s and I hated them. my macroblades finally fell apart so I had to buy a pair of rollerblade soft boots. i have to say that i like the support that they provide so far. they also have a velcro closure that helps to provide support that my k2s didnt. still not as good as my macroblades (rip)