answer:I don’t think it is a good idea at all, to by any footwear from any online vendor, if the shoe is available at a retail outlet, because in order to discover if a shoe is absolutely right for your own feet, you need to be able to try them on for free. You can’t do that with an online vendor, because even if you are permitted to return ill-fitting footwear, you still have to pay the to/from shipping charges, and that can be “substantial,” in comparison to just walking into a retail outlet, sitting down and trying something on for free. Of course, if there are no retail outlets offering what you are seeking, then I guess that using the services of an online distributor would be your only possible option. I just don’t like the overall idea of having to pay money just for the privilege of trying on a pair of skates, but it isn’t fair for the vendor to be expected to shoulder the financial burden, either. Good luck, with whatever you decide to do. August 24, 2008, 8:41 AM EDT