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ASK MR. EDGE
November 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.
The No. 1 problem according to your e-mails almost always reflects back to a fitting problem with boots. Now, I'm not going to tell you how to fit boots, simply because it's something that can't be put into words. Instead, I'm going to try and paint a picture for you so you can see (especially parents) just how much money you are spending by trying to cut corners when it comes to buying new boots.
I'm currently conducting a survey and collecting feedback from coaches and manufacturers to see what kind of numbers they come up with, not only in dollars and cents, but more importantly in lesson and ice time. Not to mention all the time that's lost due to an injury.
Having said all that, now I'd like to move on to some questions for the remaining portion of this issue.
Q: Our first question comes from Kaley in Altomont Springs, who always gets blisters on her feet even though she uses bunga pads. She also says that the bungas make them worse.
A: Well, my dear, it's quite a surprise to find that the bunga pads make your blisters worse. However, if this is the case, then it sounds like your skates may be too small for you, and wearing the bungs pads is making your skates even smaller. On the other hand, if the sizing turns out to be OK in the length, then we have another issue to deal with. You may want to e-mail me and be more specific about exactly where the blisters are on your feet.
When e-mailing me about any type of foot-related problem, be very specific about the exact location of your pain.Q: Sarah from St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, has had her skates for little over a year now and can no longer tighten them enough to feel comfortable jumping in. She has tried new laces, but no luck. Now what? Could it be she needs new skates?
A: Not necessarily, because her problem is not being able to lace them up tight enough. She says nothing about the boots being broken down. The problem is with how well her current boots are fitting her around the ankle area. My advice would be to make sure you have a very snug fit around both your heel and ankle area the next time you purchase boots. Unfortunately, it may be sooner than you think.
Q: Next up is Jenna from Massachusetts, who has a problem with her tongue sliding from side to side and doesn't know what to do about it.
A: No problem. To solve your problem all you need to do is go to your local shoe repair shop and have them put a hook in the center of your tongues. When lacing up your skates, wrap your laces around the hook. This should hold your tongues in place.
Q: Alyssa from East Greenwich writes, “I wipe down my skates very well, but last practice I took off my soakers and they were totally rusted. I don't leave my guards on, and I get my blades fairly dry before my soakers go on them. What can I do to prevent rust on my blades?”
A: Instead of fairly dry, how about totally dry - that's just for starters. After a period of time, your soakers will remain somewhat to very damp. When this happens, it's best to turn them inside out and toss them in the dryer for about 10-15 minutes on low to medium heat.
How about a little humor to wrap things up this issue? This one comes from JP
Q: Quote: “How long do you have to wait to use brand new skates?”
A: Wait as long as you'd like ... maybe even until you've grown out of them. That way you won't have to go through the trouble of ever having to break them in.
Well, skaters and skating fans, it's that time again. Bye Bye, Mr. EdgeMr. 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.
