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ASK MR. EDGE
May 2005
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.
Since I've recently taken so much time writing about the latest in technological advances of skating boots, I think I'll just get right into answering your questions.
I've been getting a lot of bad edging lately and falling a lot because of it. What should I do to avoid it?
Megan, St. Louis Park
The solution is quick, easy and painless, Meg — have your skates sharpened.
My boot laces always seem to loosen up after about 20 minutes of skating. What should I do?
Julia, Canada
My first suggestion would be to make sure you are tying your skates properly. They are not tennis shoes. You really should start from the toe and snugly lace them up all the way to the top. If you indeed are lacing them properly, then switch out the laces and use the 50/50 cotton/nylon blend. These will hold tighter and should take care of your problem. If not, then your boots are too big for your feet, especially in the instep and around the ankle.
After I take my skates off, my feet start burning. What can I do to prevent this?
Heather, Davidsonville, Md.
The problem is not with your feet; it's with the boots you are wearing – they are too tight, too loose or too long for your feet. The arches in the boots are not right for your feet. You'll either need some sort of arch support or maybe even orthotics to correct the problem. You might also try changing the brand of boots you are wearing. I would seek out someone who is experienced enough to know the difference between all the different brands of boots and just what shape of foot they fit best. Good luck.
I recently quit doing freestyle and am now working on gold-level dances. What type of new skates should I buy?
Alexas, Amherst
Well my dear, if your freestyle boots are still in good enough condition and not broken down, but rather very well broken in, use them for dance and replace your freestyle blade with a dance blade. The number one best seller is the original MK Dance. You'll find it to be expensive but well worth the money. If you are in need of a new boot, first try looking for a good used pair. You'll need all the flex you can muster for those deep edges. If you have to buy new, you'll want a boot that is very easy to flex in. You may also want to consider a custom-made dance boot.
II need new skates, but I have a competition coming up very soon and I don't have enough time to break them in. What should I do?
Crystal, Aiken, S.C.
My crystal ball says to simply order them now and wait until right after the competition to get into them.
Until next time, this is Mr. Edge wishing you all the best in your skating career.
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.
