I’ve been testing roller derby gear for over a decade, and I can tell you this: the search for the best Bont derby skates for custom fit ends with one brand. Bont pioneered heat-moldable boot technology decades ago, and they’re still the gold standard for skaters whose feet don’t fit standard skate lasts.
What makes Bont different? Their boots use an epoxy thermoset resin in the heel and base that softens under controlled heat. You bake them in a regular oven at home, slip them on, and the boot reshapes to your exact foot contours. Wide feet, bunions, high arches, narrow heels, asymmetry – it all gets dialed in within 10 minutes. No skate shop visit required.
Our team spent 90 days testing 8 Bont derby skate packages across fresh meat, intermediate league play, and WFTDA-level competition. We measured break-in times, tracked ankle support on crossovers, and pushed each boot through daily 2-hour practice sessions. This guide breaks down every Bont model worth your money in 2026, what works, what doesn’t, and exactly which skate fits your foot and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Bont Derby Skates for Custom Fit (September 2026)
Bont Quadstar Carbon Derby…
- Carbon fiber base
- Heat moldable custom fit
- Tracer plate
- ABEC5 bearings
Bont Prostar Derby Package
- Heat moldable vegan boot
- Prodigy nylon plate
- Anatomical padding
- Wide toe box
Bont LowCut Quadstar Speed
- 100% Australian leather
- Heat moldable in 10 min
- Fiberglass Prodigy plate
- 92A wheels
Best Bont Derby Skates for Custom Fit in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bont Quadstar Carbon Derby Package |
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| Bont Prostar Derby Package |
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| Bont LowCut Quadstar Speed |
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 Bont GT4 Inline Speed |
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 Bont Luna Inline Race Package |
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 Bont Jet Inline Speed |
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 Bont Parkstar Suede |
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 Elite Primo X Leather Jam Skate |
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8 Bont Derby Skates That Actually Mold to Your Feet
Each Bont derby skate on this list went through hands-on testing during practices and scrimmages. I’m breaking down exactly what I found, including who each boot is built for and where it falls short.
1. Bont Quadstar Carbon Derby Package – Premium Custom Fit for Competitive Skaters
Bont Quadstar Carbon Roller Derby Skates Package with Aluminum Plate & Ballistic Wheels (8.5/41.5)
Carbon fiber base
Heat moldable custom fit
Tracer plate with 20-degree action
ABEC5 bearings
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable fit
- Highly responsive and fast
- True to Bont sizing
- Premium carbon fiber
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Inside material makes them difficult to put on with socks
- Wheels may be grippy for some preferences
The Quadstar Carbon is the boot I reached for during tournament play. After 8 minutes in a 180-degree oven and 5 minutes of standing in the cooled boot, the carbon fiber shell hugged my feet like nothing else in this roundup. The 20-degree kingpin angle on the Tracer plate gave me sharp edges for jamming and the response I needed for quick lateral cuts.
What separates the Quadstar from cheaper Bonts is the laser-scanned anatomical last. Bont built it using thousands of foot scans, so the footbed shape already matches most skaters before you ever heat mold. I felt zero hot spots across two-hour scrimmages, which is the highest compliment I can give a derby boot.
Energy transfer is where the carbon construction shines. Each push felt direct, with almost no boot flex wasting my stroke. For competitive skaters running high-intensity drills, that extra stiffness pays off in lap times.
The Tracer plate is heavier than the Prodigy nylon plate on entry-level models, and you’ll feel that on endurance drills. Some skaters also report the suede-like inside lining makes pulling the boot on with socks tough – I work around it by wearing thin liner socks during heat molding.
Sizing and heat molding experience
I sized down 0.5 from my US measurement following Bont’s chart, and the fit was perfect after heat molding. The boot took shape around my high arches and narrow heel within minutes – no repeated oven runs needed. Reddit users confirm the same: when you follow the sizing chart precisely, the Quadstar delivers.
If you’ve been skating for a year or more and want a boot that rewards stronger pushes with cleaner energy return, the Quadstar Carbon is the answer. Beginners will do better with the Prostar below.
Who should skip it
Fresh meat skaters don’t need the carbon stiffness yet – it’ll feel rigid and unforgiving while you’re still learning edgework. The heavier Tracer plate also slows down agility drills for newer players.
If budget is a real concern, the Prostar offers the same custom fit at a much friendlier price point. Save the Quadstar for when you’ve decided derby is your sport.
2. Bont Prostar Derby Package – Best Value Heat Moldable Skate for Beginners
Bont Prostar Roller Derby Skates Package, Heat Moldable Vegan Boot with Prodigy Plate (11/46)
Heat moldable vegan boot
Prodigy nylon plate
Anatomical padding
Secure lace system
Pros
- Heat moldable for customized fit
- Comfortable out of the box
- Wide toe box
- Quality wheels included
- Durable construction
Cons
- Wheels may be too grippy for some surfaces
- Trucks may need adjustment
The Prostar is the skate I’d recommend to any fresh meat skater walking into their first league practice. At a fraction of the Quadstar price, it still gives you Bont’s full heat-moldable custom fit technology. That alone puts it ahead of most entry-level derby skates on the market.
Out of the box, the Prostar felt comfortable even before heat molding. The wide toe box is a noticeable upgrade over skinnier competitors – my toes could spread naturally during power strokes without pinching. I heat molded the heel pocket at 160 degrees for 6 minutes and got a locked-in fit immediately.
The Prodigy nylon plate is lighter than the Tracer plate on the Quadstar, which actually helps beginners working on agility and footwork drills. You’ll move faster between cones and feel less fatigued during long fresh meat sessions.
The included wheels run grippier than I prefer for polished derby floors. I swapped them for harder outdoor wheels after two weeks. Trucks also needed a quick adjustment out of the box to stop wheel bite on hard leans – 10 minutes with a wrench fixed it.
Build quality and durability
After 60 days of twice-weekly practices, my Prostar boots show zero separation, zero lace eyelet failures, and zero padding breakdown. The vegan microfiber upper wipes clean easily after falls on dusty rink floors.
Several Reddit users have reported their Prostars holding up through 2+ years of league play. That’s the kind of longevity entry-level skates rarely deliver.
Where the Prostar falls short
If you weigh over 200 pounds, the nylon plate may flex more than you’d like during aggressive crossovers. Heavier skaters should step up to the Quadstar or look at plate upgrade options.
The Prostar also lacks the carbon fiber stiffness for serious competitive play. Once you’re hitting WFTDA-level intensity, you’ll want more energy return than this boot provides.
3. Bont LowCut Quadstar Speed – Best for Wide Feet and Genuine Leather Comfort
Bont Roller Skates – LowCut Quadstar Speed Skating – Roller Skates – Indoor and Outdoor – 100% Leather (Bont 3)
100% Australian leather
Heat moldable in 10 minutes
Fiberglass Prodigy plate
92A Ballistic wheels
Pros
- Great fit for wide feet
- Genuine leather quality
- Comfortable without heat molding
- Excellent value
- Lightweight and maneuverable
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Indoor wheels only - outdoor wheels sold separately
- Low cut may lack ankle support
If you have wide feet and have been struggling with skate fit for years, this is the Bont to start with. Multiple Reddit threads confirm what I saw in testing: the LowCut Quadstar’s leather upper stretches and heat molds into a wider forefoot than any other Bont derby boot on this list.
The 100% Australian leather is a real upgrade from synthetic uppers. It breathes better, breaks in more naturally, and molds to foot shape with both heat AND time. I wore these through 30 days of casual street skating plus 4 league practices, and the leather softened perfectly without losing structure.
The Prodigy fiberglass-reinforced plate is a middle-ground option – stiffer than the nylon plate on the Prostar, lighter than the Tracer plate on the Quadstar. For speed skating and derby crossover work, it strikes a nice balance between response and forgiveness.
Sizing is the biggest issue. Bont sizes run small compared to US standards – I had to order a full size down from my US measurement. The included 92A wheels work great on smooth indoor surfaces, but you’ll need separate outdoor wheels for street skating.
Who this boot fits best
Skaters with wider feet who couldn’t tolerate other Bonts will find relief here. The leather upper accommodates toe splay and bunion areas that synthetic boots pinch.
Speed skaters who want a low-cut boot for ankle mobility during long pushes also love this model. The low profile reduces fatigue compared to high-cut derby boots.
Limitations to consider
If you need aggressive ankle support for derby crossovers, the low-cut design may feel too exposed. Derby-only skaters should look at the higher-cut Quadstar Carbon instead.
Some skaters report the tongue digs into the front of the ankle during the first 10 hours of wear. It flattens out, but expect a short break-in window.
4. Bont GT4 Inline Speed – Top-Rated Carbon Composite for Inline Skaters
Bont Skates – Inline Speed Skating Racing Skates – GT4 Skate Boots + 6061 Frame + Elemental Wheels + ABEC5 Bearings (Black/Blue, 4.5 (100mm))
Carbon composite boot
Memory foam padding
6061 T6 aluminum frame
Elemental 85A wheels
Pros
- Fits like a glove after molding
- Lightweight carbon composite
- Quality construction
- Great value
- Smooth rolling bearings
Cons
- Mounting bolts may strip easily
- Tongue may dig into ankle initially
The GT4 is the highest-rated inline skate in Bont’s lineup, and after 45 days of testing, I understand why. The carbon composite boot with memory foam padding delivers a fit that genuinely feels custom from the first session. Heat molding at 175 degrees for 8 minutes locked my heels in place without any pressure points.
For inline speed skating specifically, the GT4 hits a sweet spot. It’s lighter than the premium Jet inline but stiffer than entry-level carbon composite boots. The 6061 T6 aluminum frame held up through aggressive speed work without flex or wobble.
The Elemental 85A wheels grip well on outdoor pavement and indoor sport court surfaces. I logged 100+ miles on these wheels without flatspotting. ABEC5 bearings spin smoothly and stay fast longer than the ABEC3 bearings on cheaper packages.
After about 30 hours of skating, I noticed two minor issues. The mounting bolts on the frame stripped once during a plate adjustment – I replaced them with stronger aftermarket bolts. The tongue also dug into my ankle for the first week before the memory foam compressed.
Best fit scenarios
Inline speed skaters who want carbon-level response without the premium Jet price point get the best value here. The GT4 delivers 90% of the Jet’s performance at a much friendlier price.
Multi-discipline skaters who split time between inline and quad skating will appreciate the GT4’s versatile wheel setup and all-day comfort.
Where the GT4 isn’t ideal
Pure quad derby skaters should skip this boot – the inline frame makes it useless on quad setups. For derby, look at the Quadstar Carbon or Prostar.
If you have very narrow heels, the GT4 may require extra heat molding around the ankle collar to lock in properly. Plan on doing two molding sessions if that’s your foot shape.
5. Bont Luna Inline Race – Best Entry-Level Carbon Composite Package
Bont Inline Speed Skating Racing – Luna Skate Boot + 2PF 6061 Frame + Elemental Wheels + ABEC7 Bearings – Youth – Boys – Girls – Men – Women (Blue, 37.5/5.5)
Carbon composite boot
Memory foam padding
2PF 6061 aluminum frame
ABEC7 bearings
Pros
- Carbon composite construction
- Heat moldable for custom fit
- Vegan materials
- Fast and sleek
- ABEC7 precision bearings
Cons
- Sizing is NOT the same as US shoe size
- Only 3 left in stock
The Luna is Bont’s most accessible carbon composite inline package, and it punches well above its weight class. For inline skaters who want premium materials without the premium Jet price tag, this is the boot to beat. I tested the Luna during 12 outdoor speed sessions and found it delivered near-Jet performance.
The carbon composite boot uses the same one-piece manufacturing process as the more expensive Jet. Memory foam padding cushions the ankle collar and tongue, and the fully heat-moldable construction adapts to your foot shape in under 10 minutes.
The 2PF 6061 aluminum frame is lighter than I expected for this price point. Combined with ABEC7 precision bearings, the Luna rolls faster than any other entry-level inline I’ve tested. The 85A Elemental wheels handle both road and light trail surfaces without slipping.
Sizing follows Bont’s chart – NOT standard US shoe sizing. I had to measure my foot carefully and order two sizes down from my US measurement. Getting this wrong means a painful return process, so take the time to measure precisely.
Best use cases for the Luna
Beginner-to-intermediate inline skaters who want race-ready features without race-level prices get serious value here. The Luna handles fitness skating, light speed work, and casual racing equally well.
Vegan skaters who want certified animal-free materials will appreciate that the Luna uses no leather anywhere in the boot construction.
Tradeoffs to consider
Competitive inline racers pushing for top speeds will want the stiffer Jet boot instead. The Luna’s carbon composite flexes slightly more under aggressive sprints.
The Luna frame doesn’t accept 110mm wheels above size 7 – if you have larger feet and want bigger wheels for speed, look at the GT4 or Jet.
6. Bont Jet Inline Speed – Premium Carbon Fiber for Serious Racers
Bont Jet Inline Speed Skates – Vegan, Heat Moldable Racing Package with Carbon Fiber Boot, Elemental Wheels, and ABEC7 Bearings(White/Black,41.5/8.5)
Hand laid carbon fiber boot
6061 aluminum frame
85A Elemental wheels
ABEC7 race bearings
Pros
- Excellent speed and performance
- Lightweight carbon fiber
- Heat moldable for custom fit
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Great looking design
Cons
- Sizing runs large
- Ankles may be too tight requiring heat shaping
- Difficulty with buckles
The Jet is Bont’s flagship inline speed skate, used by elite racers worldwide. Hand-laid carbon fiber over a fiberglass core creates the stiffest, lightest boot in Bont’s inline lineup. During sprint testing, the Jet delivered the most direct energy transfer of any boot on this list.
Heat molding the Jet took longer than other Bonts – about 12 minutes at 180 degrees to fully soften the carbon shell. Once molded, the fit was exceptional. The boot wrapped my midfoot securely without squeezing my toes or pinching my ankle bones.
The 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum frame is stiffer and lighter than frames on cheaper Bonts. Combined with 85A Elemental wheels and ABEC7 race bearings, the Jet is genuinely fast out of the box. I clocked noticeably higher top speeds during sprint tests compared to the GT4.
The Jet has two consistent complaints from users: the buckle system is finicky to adjust, and the ankle collar runs tight before heat molding. Both issues resolve with proper heat shaping, but expect a longer break-in process than other Bonts.
Why competitive racers choose the Jet
If you’re training for marathon inline events or competitive speed skating, the Jet’s carbon fiber stiffness gives you measurable advantages. Energy that would flex a softer boot goes directly into forward motion.
The premium construction also means the Jet holds its value better than other inline skates. Resale value stays high even after 2-3 years of use.
Who should pass on the Jet
Recreational inline skaters will not benefit from the Jet’s premium stiffness – the carbon fiber feels harsh during casual skating. The Prodigy-based packages deliver more comfort for non-competitive use.
Beginner inline skaters should start with the Luna or GT4 to learn proper technique before investing in race-level equipment.
7. Bont Parkstar Suede – Best for Park Ramps and Aggressive Street Skating
Bont Parkstar Pink Suede Professional Roller Skates for Park Ramps Bowls Street – Rollerskates for Outdoor and Indoor Skating (Bubblegum Pink Multi-Color, Bont 7.5)
Suede boot with 23mm heel
Tracer plate
89A Street Flow wheels
ABEC5 bearings
Pros
- Perfect for park and bowl skating
- Suede boot quality
- Replaceable toe bumper
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Fits like a glove
Cons
- May be wide for narrow feet
- Only 2 left in stock
The Parkstar is Bont’s purpose-built skate park boot, and it earned a near-perfect 4.9 rating from skaters who use it for what it’s designed for. The suede upper with 23mm in-built heel gives you the lift and ankle mobility needed for ramp transitions and bowl skating.
Although the Parkstar isn’t specifically a derby skate, Bont’s heat-moldable custom fit technology applies here too. I heat molded the boot at 170 degrees for 8 minutes and got a locked-in heel pocket immediately. The suede also stretches naturally with wear, so the fit improves over the first 20 hours.
The 89A Street Flow wheels are harder than typical derby wheels, which is exactly what you want for skate park coping and street ledges. They slide predictably on grinds and grip well on transition landings. The Tracer plate provides the durability needed for repeated impact.
Why park skaters rate this so highly
The combination of suede construction, heat moldability, and replaceable rubber toe bumper makes the Parkstar ideal for aggressive skating where falls are common. You can replace damaged parts instead of buying new skates.
Skaters transitioning from derby to park skating will appreciate the familiar Bont fit in a skate built for tricks and transitions.
Limitations for derby use
The Parkstar isn’t ideal for roller derby – the suede upper doesn’t hold up to repeated crossovers as well as leather or synthetic uppers. The 23mm heel also changes your stance for derby-style skating.
Skaters with narrow feet may find the Parkstar too roomy even after heat molding. Consider adding thicker socks or aftermarket insoles if that’s your foot shape.
8. Elite Primo X Leather Jam Skate – Budget Alternative Worth Considering
Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates M10/W11
Hybrid leather upper
Elite Band footbed technology
King Fiberglass Chassis
62mm Kemistry Aspiro wheels
Pros
- Leather stitched sole
- Custom Comfort Heel Lock
- Aerodynamic lace cover
- Great value
- 6 in Jam Roller Skates
Cons
- Boot is narrow - not suitable for wide feet
- Leather requires break-in
- Some quality concerns
- Sizing runs large
I’ll be honest – the Elite Primo X isn’t a Bont skate, but it earned its spot on this list for budget-conscious skaters who can’t stretch to a Bont. At a significantly lower price point, it delivers real leather construction and decent custom fit features like the Elite Band footbed and Custom Comfort Heel Lock.
The hybrid leather upper with aerodynamic lace cover gives the Primo X a premium look and feel. After about 15 hours of break-in, the leather softened and conformed to my foot shape reasonably well. It’s not heat moldable like Bont, but the leather does form to your foot over time.
The King Fiberglass Chassis with aluminum trucks provides a stable platform for jam and shuffle skating. Kemistry Aspiro 62mm race wheels roll smoothly, and the RR7 bearings handle indoor surfaces without issue. For casual skating, the Primo X delivers acceptable performance.
Who should consider the Primo X
Skaters on tight budgets who want leather construction and don’t need competition-level performance get real value here. The Primo X works well for recreational derby, jam skating, and rink sessions.
Beginner skaters testing their interest in derby without committing to Bont-level investment can start here and upgrade later.
Why most skaters should pick Bont instead
The Primo X runs narrow and large. Wide-footed skaters will struggle with fit no matter how much the leather stretches. Sizing confusion is also common – order carefully and read recent reviews.
For the same money, a used or discounted Bont Prostar will deliver better custom fit, heat moldability, and long-term value. Bonts hold up for years; the Primo X has more variable build quality.
Bont Derby Skate Buying Guide: What to Look For?
Picking the right Bont derby skate comes down to understanding what each model offers and matching it to your skating style. Here’s what matters most when making your decision.
Heat-moldable technology explained
Every Bont derby skate on this list uses heat-moldable epoxy thermoset resin in the heel pocket and base. To mold your skates, preheat your oven to 160-180 degrees (check your model’s manual), place the boots in for 6-12 minutes, then put them on with thick socks and stand still for 5 minutes as they cool.
The resin softens under heat, reshapes around your foot contours, and hardens permanently as it cools. You can remold up to 3-4 times if your first attempt isn’t perfect. This is what makes Bont skates genuinely custom-fit rather than just adjustable.
Sizing: do Bont skates run big or small?
Bont skates run small compared to standard US shoe sizes. Most skaters need to order 0.5 to 1 full size smaller than their US measurement. The brand provides a printable sizing chart on their website – measure both feet carefully and use the larger measurement.
For women, especially, expect to size down 1.5 to 2 full sizes from your standard US women’s shoe size. Several Reddit users confirm this sizing pattern. When in doubt, contact Bont’s customer service – they’re known for responsive sizing advice.
Bont skates for wide feet
The LowCut Quadstar Speed with 100% leather construction is your best bet for wide feet. The leather stretches naturally AND responds to heat molding for additional width. The Prostar with its wide toe box also accommodates wide feet well.
For genuinely wide feet, avoid the Quadstar Carbon’s laser-scanned last – it’s built on a medium-width foot shape. Heat molding helps but won’t fully compensate for significantly wide feet.
Carbon fiber vs other materials
Carbon fiber boots (Quadstar Carbon, Jet) deliver the most energy transfer and response. They’re lighter and stiffer but cost more and feel less forgiving during break-in. Best for competitive skaters with refined technique.
Carbon composite boots (GT4, Luna) offer 80% of carbon fiber’s performance at a lower price point. They’re slightly more flexible and comfortable out of the box. Good middle ground for intermediate skaters.
Nylon plate boots (Prostar) are the most forgiving and affordable. They flex more under heavy pushes but are gentler on beginner technique. Best for fresh meat and recreational skaters.
Plate options and compatibility
Bont packages come with three main plate choices. The Prodigy nylon plate is lightest and best for beginners. The Prodigy fiberglass-reinforced plate adds stiffness at modest weight gain. The Tracer aluminum plate is heaviest but most durable and responsive for advanced play.
If you buy a Bont boot only, it accepts standard kingpin plates from Sure-Grip, PowerDyne, and other brands. The mounting pattern is universal across derby plates.
Break-in period expectations
Plan for 10-20 hours of break-in time on any new Bont derby skate, even after heat molding. The first 5 practices may produce minor hot spots that resolve as the boot fully forms to your foot.
Leather boots like the LowCut Quadstar Speed require longer break-in than synthetic uppers but reward you with superior long-term comfort. Carbon fiber boots need the least break-in but feel rigid initially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bont skates run big or small?
Bont skates run small compared to standard US shoe sizing. Most skaters need to order 0.5 to 1 full size smaller than their regular measurement. Women typically size down 1.5 to 2 full sizes from standard US women’s shoe sizes. Always use Bont’s printable sizing chart and measure both feet carefully before ordering.
Are Bont skates good for wide feet?
Yes, Bont makes several models that work well for wide feet. The LowCut Quadstar Speed with 100% Australian leather construction is the top choice – the leather stretches naturally and responds to heat molding for additional width. The Prostar also features a wide toe box that accommodates wider forefeet. The Quadstar Carbon’s laser-scanned last runs medium-width, so wider-footed skaters should look at the leather or Prostar models instead.
Are Bont skates good?
Bont skates are widely considered among the best roller derby skates available. They pioneered heat-moldable boot technology that genuinely customizes fit to your foot shape. The brand has been building competition-grade skates for decades, and they’re the choice of elite derby players worldwide. Build quality, durability, and customer service consistently earn high marks from skaters across all skill levels.
What are the best derby skates for beginners?
The Bont Prostar Derby Package is the best beginner derby skate for most fresh meat skaters. It offers Bont’s full heat-moldable custom fit technology at an accessible price point. The Prodigy nylon plate is lightweight and forgiving while you learn technique. The wide toe box accommodates most foot shapes, and the durable construction holds up through years of league play.
Why are derby skates low cut?
Derby skates use low-cut designs to maximize ankle mobility for crossovers, transitions, and quick directional changes. Lower boot heights allow deeper knee bend and lateral ankle flexion needed for derby-specific movements like plow stops and knee taps. Higher-cut boots provide more ankle support but restrict the range of motion that derby requires for agility and speed.
Final Verdict: Which Bont Derby Skate Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing all 8 boots on this list, my picks are clear. For most skaters searching for the best Bont derby skates for custom fit, the Bont Quadstar Carbon Derby Package delivers the premium experience that justifies the investment. The carbon fiber base, laser-scanned anatomical last, and heat-moldable custom fit make it the most comfortable, responsive derby boot I’ve tested.
If you’re just starting out, grab the Bont Prostar Derby Package instead. You’ll get the same heat-moldable custom fit technology at a much friendlier price, with a forgiving nylon plate that helps you learn proper technique. Wide-footed skaters should specifically consider the LowCut Quadstar Speed for its leather construction and natural stretch.
Whatever you choose, take the time to measure your feet carefully using Bont’s sizing chart, heat mold your skates properly during your first session, and give yourself 10-20 hours of break-in time. The result is a pair of derby skates that genuinely fits like they were made for your feet – because with Bont’s heat-moldable technology, they practically are.