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ASK MR. EDGE
January 2002
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.
Having a problem with your skates or boots? Can't find the answers? Well, Mr. Edge is here to answer all your questions. With many years of experience and a never-ending resource list, he can help you solve your boot, blade and foot problems. This month, Mr. Edge discusses issues relating to blade sizes and the best boot to buy for ice dancing. Read on and learn!
Late one evening while at home enjoying the crisp clear crackle of the fireplace, as the snow outside was gently falling to the ground, a thought came to mind. I remembered that some time ago I asked for your thoughts on how to break in new boots.
Well moms and dads and anyone else reading my sometimes silly column, here's what y'all had to suggest:
- Use Bunga pads
- Punch out the ankle bone area of the boots
- Treat the insides with leather stretch
- Walk around in them, up and down stairs
- Heat your boots in an oven before wearing them
- Dip your entire boot in water before wearing
- Wet your socks in warm water and then skate in them
- Have someone else wear them for a while
- Rub Vaseline inside the entire boot
- Wrap your feet in plastic wrap
- Put your feet in Reynolds oven cooking bags (turkey bags)
- Don't lace them up to the top all the way for the first few days
- Use animal fat pads to wrap around your ankles
- Wrap your ankles with gauze or an ACE bandage
- Rub the insides with mink oil or some other leather conditioner
For the “what it's worth” department, I'll give you my suggestion for breaking in new boots that works almost 100% of the time. It's quick, it's easy, and best of all, you'll be able to accomplish more in a shorter period of time. NEVER BUY A BOOT WITH THE THOUGHT THAT YOU WANT IT TO LAST FOREVER.
In other words, purchase a boot that snugs up around your ankles properly, and don't rely on the boot for all your support. Instead, try more off-ice training to build up the strength in your lower legs and ankles. By doing this you will find that a boot with less support allows you to bend easier and gives you more height on your jumps.
OK, now it's time to answer those questions from the most important people of all. That would be you all!
When I fall on my doubles, the corner of my boot bends on the top left side. Is it too loose, or is it time for me to get new skates? Long Island, N.Y.
If the entire upper portion from the mid-ankle to the top of the boot is giving way, then it's time for new boots. If only the top outer edge is bending, then tighten them up more and be sure that you lace them all the way to the top of the boot. Do not leave any hooks undone.
How do you know when your boots have already molded to your foot? Richmond, Va.
When little green furry areas appear around your ankles!
How do you know if your boot gives you enough support or if there is enough padding in it? Erie, Pa.
The amount of support and the thickness of the padding kind of go hand in hand, but not always. If some-one has very narrow ankles, increased ankle padding is a must in order for the boot to properly wrap around the ankle area, thus adding more support to the boot. However, you can have a boot with very little ankle padding and still be very stiff. If you take the same narrow ankle and place it in this boot, the boot will break down sooner because of the void around the ankles. Something is going to give when landing jumps — either the ankle is going to break or the boot is going to. In this case, the boot will give long before the ankle will. When landing your jumps you may feel the boot collapse underneath you. If this happens, then it's time for new boots.
Once I was hit by a hockey player and it left a black mark on my skate. How do I get rid of it? West Jordan, Utah
Funny you should refer to a hockey player as IT rather than HE or SHE. I assume though that you were hit by a puck rather than the player. May I suggest that you stay off the same ice when they are playing. However, in answering your question, try some Fantastic or 409. If this doesn't work, you'll need something stronger. Try Goof Off all-purpose cleaner or lighter fluid (use only with the help of an adult). If this still doesn't work, then take it to a shoe repair shop. They will have a cleaner strong enough to take the mark off.
Well, skating fans, once again it's time to say goodbye. Thank you for a great first year. It's been a pleasure answering your questions. I hope that y'all have learned a little more than you knew last year. I would like to especially thank those who have sent in handwritten letters. Getting real fan mail is much more heartwarming than e-mail. It's the personal touch that counts, ya know. No matter what your preference may be though, be sure to keep those questions coming. I appreciate every one of them.
This is Mr. Edge wishing you a Happy New Year!
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.
