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ASK MR. EDGE
June/July 2004
Mr. Edge is a qualified skate technician with years and years of experience. He can answer your questions on boots, blades and foot problems related to your equipment. Questions will be answered in SKATING magazine and later posted on the web site.
Summertime! Yeah, baby!
Not only is a change of weather at hand but also some major changes in boot technology. Ten or so years ago there was some research done on a hinged boot that would allow skaters the ability to flex the ankle more, making it easier for a skater to land from toe to heel instead of back further toward the heel. By doing this, a skater would be able to reduce the stress when landing doubles, triples and quads by 20 to 30 percent.
During the past year, Graf, Jackson and Riedell have been involved with further research on the hinged boot, and sometime this summer Jackson Ultima Skates will make available its version of the hinged boot model.
By the time this issue of SKATING is in your hands, coaches from all over the country and Canada will have seen the boot at the Professional Skaters Assoication convention in San Diego.
Is the industry ready for such a change? You be the judge! Let me know what you think!
As I've always said, if you ever have any comments or suggestions to anything contained in this column, just give a shout and I'll be sure to let our readers know about it.
Well it just so happens that Colleen Bloom (Roseville FSC), recent adult masters championship competitor, and Mary Ann Gazzola of Hudson, N.Y., e-mailed me to say that they have a solution to a question that had stumped me in a previous issue.
The question was from a skater who could not figure out why one of her laces was always longer than the other, even though they were the same length and always tied the same way. Thanks to Colleen and Mary Ann we have a good logical answer — one foot is narrower and smaller than the other foot and is taking up less space inside the boot.
With more room in the boot, a skater is able to pull the laces closer together, thus always ending up with one lace being longer than the other. Mary Ann suggests that if there is too much of a difference skaters can buy two different size laces to use in the boots. Thanks ladies!
Q: I would like to know if it's OK to buy new boots and blades before summer training begins, and if so, which brand and types of boots would be best for doing freestyle? Laura, Cody, Wyo.
A: Yes, Laura, it would definitely be advisable so long as you have at least a couple of weeks to break them in before going off to a summer camp, if that's what your intentions are. As far as boots and blades are concerned, I suggest you visit a couple different pro shops and see what they have for you to try on. There are many different boots and blades for different levels of skating, and all boots will fit and feel differently on your feet. You may also want to check out the web sites of MK, Wilson, Riedell, Jackson, Harlick, SP-Teri and Klingbeil.
Q: I'm 7 years old and would like to know how to improve my backward edges? Ariel, San Diego, Calif.
A: What else can one say except — practice, practice, practice.
Q: Do you recommend buying a separate pair of boots and blades for synchronized skating? How much of a difference would this make? It's always nice to have the luxury of two pairs of skates. Michelle, Voorhees, N.J.
A: It would certainly save wear and tear on your freestyle skates. I know of many skaters who have two pairs and have had no problem with them. An experienced skater will need only a short time period to break in and get used to the second pair of boots, regardless of the blade it has on it. Spending an equal amount of time in each pair is what most skaters end up doing.
Mr. Edge and all related elements are property of Arena Sports & Consulting Services, Inc. ©2013. Send your questions to Mr. Edge via mail (Ask Mr. Edge, SKATING magazine, 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906); FAX (719) 635-9548 or e-mail them online.
The opinions of Mr. Edge are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Figure Skating or SKATING magazine. Remember, if you have problems with your feet, check with a doctor – the problem may very well be with your boot, but it could be more serious. Check with your local pro shop for more information about boots and blades.
