About Us

ASK MR. EDGE

October 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.

Here's a question for everyone to ponder. What is most often overlooked, underestimated and taken for granted, but yet is the most important part of a skater's anatomy? That's right, it's the foot.

People rarely think about their feet, probably because they're the furthest thing from our minds. Just think about all the abuse our feet take on a daily basis — all the weight they have to carry on top of them, getting kicked during soccer practice, getting dragged across sandy beaches, nibbled on by our pets, stepped on by others, etc.

I bet by now you're wondering if there is a point to this. Indeed there is.

The point is that our feet have to last us a lifetime. Far too many of you have complained of ankle and foot problems. For those who are really serious about competitive skating, you owe it to yourself to consider having a sports medicine podiatrist take a look at your feet to check for above-average pronation.

For those of you at the higher levels of skating, it pays to skate comfortably in your skates. You can spend so much more quality time on the ice when your feet are comfortable.

When your feet are maintained in a neutral position, the rest of your body will follow. Think about this equation: good feet + good knees + good hips + good spine = less prone to injury.

O.K. now it's time to answer some of your questions.

Q: I've noticed that my blades are slipping and sliding on the ice. How can I fix this problem?
Bethany from Salix, Iowa

A: All you need to do is to have them sharpened, and you'll once again stick like glue to the ice.

Q: I have a a bone growth on the side of my foot that sticks out. I asked my coach if this may have been caused by my skates being too small. My coach told that all skaters develop it. Is this true?
Chantel from Didsbury, Alberta, Canada

A: It's not mentioned if the growth is on the inside or outside of the foot, but it really doesn't matter. In either case, it has been there since birth, and because your skates do not fit properly one way or another, it has made it worse by constantly rubbing against it. If the growth is on the inside you'll probably need some sort of an arch support. If it's on the outside. you'll need your boot punched out.

Q: My boots keep rubbing up against my ankles even though I already have a sock and Bunga pad on.
Elizabeth from Shawnee, Kan.

A: Try having the ankles of your skates punched out. This will take the pressure off the ankles and should take care of your problem.

Q: I haven't had my skates sharpened in a long time, and I think that something is going to happen. What should I do if I don't get them sharpened in about two weeks?

A: Without regular skate sharpening, it's likely you'll spend a lot of time slipping and sliding all over the ice ... and that means falling. So to avoid having to invest in a high performance butt pad, get them professionally sharpened as quickly as possible.

Q: I have Riedell Silver Star boots and Coronation Ace blades. Is it common for figure skaters to get blisters on the heel while they are skating? Or is something wrong with my boots?
Devyn from Salt Lake City, Utah

A: It is very common to develop heel blisters, especially if you haven't taken my advice on how to properly put your skates on. If you have followed my advice and are still having a problem, then the boots are too big for you, but not necessarily in the length. It may be just that the heel pocket is too wide. I can assure you that you have a very good boot and blade. Riedell makes an excellent product.

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.