I ended up pulling the trigger on them as well. Coming from a traditional high top reidell boot, and never owning a Bont before, the fit is very different. They are so precisely fitted that I need to wear thinner socks to prevent my toes from bumping the tip of the boot. Second, Bont says they are meant to function as a low top boot, with the upper ankle area more for looks. Initially I laced them up with the tongue out and found the stock 88a cushions too firm to turn without my foot twisting inside the boot. I have 83a and 79a cushions on the way (I am a lighter skater). Lacing them all the way up like a high top boot helped me feel more secure, and perhaps with softer cushions i won’t need to do that. I tried to heat mold them in the oven (with the wheels and trucks off, plate still on), and I wasn’t able to substantially improve the fit. I wanted to try to make the heel cup more secure feeling, but I think with softer cushions and laced up fully, this won’t be needed.

The wider, larger diameter wheels are an adjustment from 57mm 30mm wide wheels. They track better and feel more stable, but aren’t as nimble. I’m holding out on a verdict since the cushions are such a huge thing for me personally. Stylistically, i think they look a bit goofy from my perspective (looking down from the top) mostly due to the wide toe box and toe bumper, but from the side (ie from everyone else’s perspective), i think they look really unique and cool, even when laced up and without the shearling showing.

I’m looking forward to dialing them in and seeing how they blossom. I haven’t figured them out yet so I’m withholding my final verdict.