I’ve always had custom made boots. Why? Because they don’t make stock boots for my two feet, which are two different sizes by the way. Also, my feet are short and extremely wide. Believe me, I’ve had my share of trying on many many stock boots and finally realized that I needed to invest in a pair of custom made boots.
Whether you should go for custom or stock depends on your feet and you will quickly discover which category you belong in. Many of my skating friends prefer customs for the added on extras that they can request, such as scallops for extra toe point, heel huggers, rounded toe box, lower toe vamp, different color, different material such as suede, and anything else that the manufacturer can accommodate. I have other friends who love the fact that they can walk into a pro shop, pick up a size 8 Riedell boot and just have minor adjustments made to them, such as punching out certain areas for extra room, like the ankle bone areas. They don't need, nor want, the "extras" and they certainly don't want to pay the premium for those features.
It’s been my experience that avid skaters tend to invest in stock boots that start in the $200 range and up. The price of customs vary – I recently got new custom Harlick boots after skating in my former Harlicks for 3+ years. The boot itself cost in the $500 range and with the added features, such as heel huggers, duobond strength, lambswool tongue, and orthotics, it cost an additional $250.
Be that as it may, regardless of custom or stock, you should love your skates. Yes, love your skates. Well, maybe really really like them. They should feel like your own, and only your own. You should love the fit, the way they look and the way they look on you. If you feel that a particular boot looks clunky on you, chances are you’ll feel clunky skating in them. There is a big psychological aspect to skating, so feel great in your skates, and it will translate into a more confident skater.