i found a few decent spots! i do think i'm going to trade these skates in for a different pair though. they're super uncomfortable even with insoles and even after putting them on as snug as i could, i felt like my feet were moving too much in the boot.

idk........... I might keep them for now. I was looking into hard boot skates but they are so much more expensive. and these were fine just not as stable or comfortable as I'd like. The boot isn't overly soft and some of it is probably that I haven't skated since I was a Teen and have Grown Weak.

I'm going to try adding an arch support insole and wearing compression socks to see if it makes me feel more supported.

i am in fact sending the skates back, after trying some serious arch support insoles I had only one realization: oh, the skates are just too big. 3 insoles stacked and my foot still has room to slide a bit.