Portland derby skaters give Antiks thumbs-up
Mo “Quadzilla” Sanders, creator of the new Antik skate boot, brought a full range of sizes in titillating colors for RCR members to test drive. The boots had been broken in already at other demos, allowing us to feel their true nature.
The Antik AR1
Narrower derby-specific wheels felt squirrely at first
This was a great opportunity for us to find the right size, with Quadzilla’s guidance, and give his derby-specific Heartless wheels a spin.
The narrow Heartless wheels, designed for the agility required in derby, threw most of us for a loop at first. “Squirrely” was the word that most popped up. People felt their toes slip out from under them, and the loss of that familiar edge on cross overs, making some of us feel like beginners again.
Wide wheels allow for sloppier skating
Quadzilla said that’s to be expected at first until you adapt your skating skills to the narrower wheel.
“These wheels require more technical skating skills, but they also give you more agility,” said Quadzilla. “Wider wheels allow for sloppier skating.”
No break-in, no blisters
I have been wearing the boots for a couple of months now. I only had entry-level skates in one size too large before these so I don’t have a lot to compare them to, but they were immediately supple and comfortable. No break-in period, no blisters. They are heat-moldable, but I haven’t felt the need to do that.
Did I get the right size?
I had sizing issues and returned my first pair because they felt uncomfortably small, pinching my toes (wah, mega-shipping charges). These were the same size I demo’d, which also felt tight in the toes, but he said they could be stretched. Some more experienced skaters since have told me they prefer to feel their toes touch the front of the boot and stretch the leather to accommodate their feet.
However, scared I would suffer with such an expensive purchase, I exchanged them for a half-size larger (which is exactly a half size smaller than my size in the Reidell 965). I now have about a quarter inch of space in the toes. My left heel slips ever so slightly, but using the heel-lock lacing system fixes that problem. I do need to lace them tightly and am still searching for that sweet spot between a snug lacing that doesn’t put my forefoot to sleep. Perhaps I needed the smaller size after all, I have no idea.
Another skater’s Antik experience so far
Another skater in my league, Lt. Uhurta, also recently received her Antiks. Here is what she has to say, and I find I am experiencing most everything she says:
Instantly comfortable
“I love the way the boot fits. I have yet to have any blisters or sore spots from the boot. Even thought they are heat-moldable, I don’t feel I need to do that.
Narrower heel works to prevent slipping
What is really working for me is having the two different sizes I needed for my feet. I have a wider forefront, and then a narrower heel. My past skates have either fit great in the heel and too tight up front, or just right up front and slipping in the heel when I run on my toe stops.
Heel-lock lacing system
The heel-lock lacing system is working for me very well. It takes the pressure off the top of my foot where I was lacing my skates tightly to keep the heel from slipping. This has translated into no more arch pain, no more numb forefoot, and I can run on my toe stops a lot, very comfortably.
The only drawback is lacing -up…small laces, lots of holes, and a back loop to go through equal a much better fit — but it’s a bitch to get laced up. The bonus…I don’t need to re-tighten my laces anymore after the warm-up. They have been staying just right all through practice.
More speed and maneuverability
With the better fitting boot and harder wheels I am skating faster. It’s not effort, just better equipment.
I also have much more maneuverability since it is a better fit. I seem to be crossing over and moving my feet around better.
The tall boot is to lock in your heel
I think it’s important readers understand the taller boot isn’t for ankle support, it’s to keep your heel locked in and your feet solidly placed in the boot. The tall boot also does not restrict your ability to really lean into the curve, but I am only lacing my left boot up halfway to the top until it breaks in a little more.
Bling!
…and the gold logo, it’s just really cool. My skates have bling!”
Demo feedback
Skaters at the demo also gave their feedback about the Antik boots:
“They feel like they are lined with kittens.”
“The boots were really great, especially if you take the time to figure out which is “your” size. The extra padding in the tongue and softness really stood out. The plates are much more rigid compared to my Sure-grips and the action tighter. Yet, they are quite responsive. The skinnier wheels would take some getting used to. You need to plant your feet more correctly and deliberately. You can’t just jam them down sloppily wherever.”
“I would buy a pair at full retail gladly (and kind of wish I would have). End of discussion. They are an excellent boot and a really good value and price for what you’re getting. The boot has a minimum break in time and built out of materials that will provide the kind of longevity you would want to see in a boot targeted toward derby. I have only seen the price on the full leather boot, and honestly I don’t think I would put the money into the synthetic one because it’s not an entry-level boot (like a Carrera). I felt comfortable enough to push a little by doing a couple fast laps and play around with grapevine a bit almost immediately after putting them on. I didn’t notice the weight of the boot, which tells me its reasonably light. Over all a big thumbs up from me (and it wasn’t even molded to my foot).”
“The skates are incredible. Like they wouldn’t take any time to break in at all. I like the feel of the boot very much. They were so much lighter than my current skates. I have a feeling the learning curve would be quick on his boots. I remember when I got my current skates, it was weeks before I felt comfortable enough in them to skate an entire practice. I was more comfortable in the Antik after just a few minutes.”
“They were alright. I found the cushy tongue uncomfortable and felt like they were too high on the ankle. I wanted them to be sleeker. They are pretty though. The skates are still way better than my Riedell dashes I’m currently sporting. I’m still going with the Riedell 595/695 though.”
i tried these on and I immediately loved them
I am getting a pair for my birthday
however I have chosen to go with the Invader DA45 plates because I really like the 45 degree angle better than standard plates
it is a personal preference because the plate that is on it standard is an amazing plate
thanks again for the reviews it really makes me feel better knowing people had the same opinion I did
I tried these on at the championships at UIC. I fell in love. I saved up the money and bought them as soon as I could.
My only complaint was how long it took to put them on
Now I’ve got that down so no issues at all.
I love these skates. I would recommend them to almost anyone. I can definitely see some people not liking the taller boot. I also think they are sexy as hell. While that’s certainly not the most important thing, it doesn’t hurt.
I tried these on at the 2010 WFTDA Champs and ordered custom AR1 boots right there! So amazingly comfortable and supportive, and exactly what I’ve been looking for. When I finally got them (the wait almost killed me) and had them mounted and ready, I scrimmaged in them the VERY FIRST DAY! That’s how awesome they are. My teammates even commented on how comfortable I looked and that I even seemed to be skating better with more stability that first time out in them (and I’ve been skating and playing a long time).
I have been skating AR1′s for a few weeks now and LOVE them. I did lots of research on these before pulling the trigger and found mixed reviews about the high boot. I have ankle issues and the high ankle was a huge plus for me. The first time I skated them I noticed a boost in confidence witch was a direct result of the amazing ankle support. As many others have said I don’t feel the need to heat mold them. They are very comfortable the way they are. These boots are helping me skate better. Thanks Quadzilla.
I’ve had them for about a month now.
Flat they’re great, love them.
But I’m banked… they blow big donkey balls, IMHO.
I got them from Sin City. I skate a Riedel 6 and got a 5. Another teammate has them and was nice enough to let me try them on, not skate in them, as we wear the same size. Shoulda gone 1.5 sizes smaller with the skate boot, now I’m kinda screwed money-wise.
My issue:
There is WAY too much room at the toes on the right skate. My toes are slipping around and making the skate dangerously unresponsive when I need to lateral up the track. I feel like I’m skating in snowshoes. I’ve had to an insert and gone back to makeup pads between my right toes again. It’s better to skate in but I feel robbed.
Super duper uber unhappy.
Shoulda gone with Riedel’s 1065 or redlines 595′s.
It’s great to have some balanced feedback, thanks. I hope you can sell them to a flat track skater. The overall lack of information around sizing was frustrating. Although I’m a 9 in the Reidell 965 and the Antik 8.5 is
working for me. With orthotics it’s a snug fit in the right boot though a tad loose in the left.
I love my antik boots, the heel lock system keeps my foot in place and even though it’s not supposed to it does help with my bad ankles. I used to have ot wear two lace up ankle braces to skate but the way the heel lock system works makes my foot stable and relieves the pressure on my ankle. There is virtually no break in period. The only thing i do not like are the laces. They are too long. I dont need to lace around to the back loop and end up having to double lace so it doesn’t drag on the ground.
@Cruella deMille: I am thinking of getting these so let me know how much you want to sell them for. Also, I may know another person that may want to buy them! I’ve been wanting to try them because of the heel and ankle stability. My arches always hurt with the Riedell 265s.
These reviews are soo helpful! I have been searching the internet looking for skater-tested reviews and this is the best place to find them, by far. Thanks!