These skates took no time at all to break in. After 2 sessions of 90 minute public skates it feels like I've been wearing these skates for years. They are lightweight also, much lighter than the skates I replaced (which were bought in 2007). Great price for a skate that is light, comfortable and will get the job done. Disclaimer, I'm not in any ultra competitive leagues anymore so I don't expect a high amount of wear and tear and would not be a great opinion on any competitive edge from the performance of the skate.