I've been really satisfied with these skates. Ridell skates are what I skated in for a long time but they seemed to break down prematurely and the toe box was too narrow for my foot. My Ridell skates often bothered the arch of my foot and caused pain in the ball of my foot. This was my first pair of Jacksons and they weared quite nicely, maintaining the boot strength for some time. The soles on these weren't prone to water damage at all. I think it is due to large amount of resin they put in the sole leather. My only grumble was a small blister I keep getting on my heel but I believe that may be due to the fact that the person who fitted my skates should have put me in a B width instead of an A width, but I don't believe it has anything to do with the skate. Would definitely buy again!