Arizona Rubber

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Shop Talk: You can’t go wrong with True Hockey custom-fit skates

 

The custom skate market has long been a small portion of skate sales at Behind The Mask and the retail industry in general.

Precise measurements, custom parts, and confusing sizing had made it difficult to ensure that the best fit would come built in to the final product.

Recent technology has changed the outlook on selling custom built skates, and a small rapidly-growing Canadian-based company has revolutionized how custom skates are made.

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They are taking the NHL and AHL by storm.

True Hockey, known for its true-temper, one-piece stick, merged with a Canadian company formally known as VH (short-form initials for the creator Scott Van Horne). It’s a truly custom skate precision crafted for your feet, and made from a 3D foot scan.

BTM Scottsdale is the exclusive Fit Center in Arizona to offer the scan. It’s a quick process, typically taking 15-20 minutes. You just remove your shoes and socks and scan the foot with a specialized infrared scanner mounted to an Apple iPad. With the help of a few pictures of your arch and outlines of any hot spots you may have on your feet, the scan is sent directly to True Hockey, which builds your one-off skate from this information – a truly custom skate designed specifically for your foot.

Prior to BTM Scottsdale getting the 3D scanner, to get custom True skates you needed to make the journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Currently there are over 120 NHL players wearing them. In last year’s Stanley Cup semifinals, all four starting goalies were wearing the goalie skates.

ROENICKRecently, former NHL star Jeremy Roenick came in to BTM Scottsdale to get his 3D scan. His skates will be arriving soon. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to arrive. Perhaps faster if you’re an NHL legend, though.

True Hockey has a patented mono-form, monocoque design that yields more direct power transfer and control while in stride or using your edges, built from the inside out using a custom 3D foot last shaped to the individual skater’s foot. The thermoformed boot locks in the foot, eliminating loss of energy and producing power, comfort and control. It’s designed to the exact contour of each person’s foot.

The days of “skates are expected to hurt” are over. This skate is designed to fit like a glove.

A patent True Hockey tendon guard provides optimized flexibility and stability in every stride for a more direct and fluid power transfer. Formed with the monocoque shell, the toe cap provides comfort and protection. The eyelet placement allows a knee-forward position to help transfer energy and maximize power in every stride.

An antimicrobial and hydrophobic liner wicks moisture to help keep the foot dry and comfortable. Bench change technology allows for quick blade replacement as needed. Each custom skate comes with a magnetic tool.

The True skates are made in Canada, with each pair being made to pro level specs.

Currently, the players’ skates retail at $949 before any upgrades and the goalie skates $909. Go to true-hockey.com and check out their YouTube video on how the skate is made.

No longer do skates need to hurt your feet.

Randy Exelby is the owner of Behind The Mask Hockey Shops.

(Dec. 7, 2017)

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