Replacing one of the world’s best-selling inline speed skates is never easy.
The Bont Sharkie was our best-selling model for more than 20 years. Even a decade after we replaced it with the Bont Jet, skaters were still asking us where they could buy Sharkies.
Replacing the Jet presented an even greater challenge. More than one million pairs of Bont Jet inline skates were sold worldwide, making it one of the most recognised and trusted models in inline speed skating. It was comfortable, affordable and suitable for everyone from beginner speed skaters to experienced racers.
However, inline skating has evolved. After many successful years, it was time to develop a lighter, slimmer and better-fitting replacement.
The result is the new Bont Eclipse inline speed skate.
What Is the Bont Eclipse?
The Bont Eclipse is an entry-level inline speed skate designed for skaters who want the fit, support and performance of a serious speed skating boot at an accessible price.
It replaces the Bont Jet and introduces an entirely new boot shape, improved padding, a slimmer profile and a more precise sizing system.
Despite being one of our newest inline skate models, the Eclipse has already become our best-selling inline speed skate.
How Is the Bont Eclipse Better Than the Jet?
The Jet was a difficult skate to improve, but the Eclipse is not simply a renamed or restyled version. It is a completely redesigned inline speed skating boot.
The most important improvements include:
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A new anatomical last for a closer fit
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A tighter and more secure cuff
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Updated padding
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A slimmer and lighter boot construction
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A new sizing system using consistent 5 mm increments
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Three modern colour options
A New Anatomical Last for a Better Fit
The biggest improvement is the fit.
Every Bont skate boot is constructed around a last, which is the solid foot-shaped form used to determine the internal shape of the boot. The last controls important areas such as the width, heel shape, arch position, toe box and overall volume.
Developing the new Eclipse last took more than one year. We shaped the last, built a prototype boot around it, tested it while skating, made adjustments and repeated the process until we were satisfied with the fit.
The new anatomical shape follows the natural contours of the foot more closely. It includes the curves, bumps and changes in width found in a typical foot, helping the boot fit securely without creating unnecessary pressure.
The result is one of the closest fits to a custom speed skate that we have achieved in a stock inline skate boot.
A More Secure Heel and Ankle Fit
A secure fit around the heel and ankle is particularly important in inline speed skating.
If the cuff is too loose, the foot can move inside the boot, reducing control and making each skating stride less efficient. The Eclipse features a tighter cuff than the Jet, helping to hold the heel more securely and improve the connection between the skater and the skate.
If you enjoyed the comfort of the Bont Jet, the Eclipse provides a similarly comfortable feel with a closer and more precise fit.
A Slimmer and Lighter Inline Skate Boot
The Eclipse also features updated padding and a noticeably slimmer profile.
The improved last shape allowed us to remove the thermoplastic layer previously used in the Jet. Because the Eclipse already follows the shape of the foot more accurately, this additional layer was no longer necessary.
Removing it helped make the Eclipse inline skate boot thinner and lighter while retaining the support required for speed skating.
The slimmer construction also gives the Eclipse a cleaner and more modern appearance.
A Simpler Inline Skate Sizing System
The Eclipse introduces an entirely new Bont sizing system.
Our previous sizing system was developed approximately 50 years ago. Depending on the size, the length could increase by approximately 6 mm to 8 mm between sizes. While the system worked, the inconsistent increments could make choosing the correct inline skate size more difficult.
The Eclipse uses consistent 5 mm size increments, similar to the progression commonly used for running shoes.
The smaller and more predictable changes between sizes help skaters select a more precise fit. This is especially valuable for inline speed skates, which should fit closely without being painfully tight.
Always measure both feet and check the current Bont Eclipse size chart before ordering. Do not assume that your Eclipse size will be identical to your Jet size or your regular shoe size.
Three Eclipse Colour Options
The Bont Jet was offered in nine colour options. For the Eclipse, we simplified the range to three of the most versatile finishes:
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Black
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White
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Holographic
These options cover everything from a classic black inline speed skate to a more distinctive holographic finish.
Who Is the Bont Eclipse Designed For?
The Eclipse is an excellent choice for:
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Beginner inline speed skaters
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Junior speed skaters progressing from recreational skates
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Club and training skaters
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Skaters looking for a comfortable low-cut inline skate
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Jet owners who want a lighter and more modern replacement
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Racers looking for an affordable Bont inline speed skate
Although it is positioned as an entry-level speed skate, the Eclipse benefits from Bont’s experience developing performance skating boots for competitive athletes.
The Response to the Eclipse
The Bont Eclipse was launched earlier this year and has been extremely well received. It quickly became our best-selling inline skate model, with more than 2,000 pairs currently on backorder.
Demand is expected to remain ahead of production until the winter, when seasonal inline skate orders begin to slow. We will continue increasing production and building inventory throughout winter in preparation for the 2027 summer inline skating season.
Replacing a model as successful as the Jet was never going to be easy. However, the response from skaters shows that the Eclipse offers the comfort people loved about the Jet, combined with the closer fit, lighter construction and updated sizing that modern inline speed skaters expect.