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ASK MR. EDGE

March 2006

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.

This month I'd like to remind everyone that when you write me about a problem, especially with your feet, include the following: right, left or both feet; exact location of injury, swelling, blistering, etc; when the problem started; whether the problem occurs from time to time or all the time; level of skating; how many hours a week you skate; and your weight in order to determine if your boot is to stiff.

For boot and blade problems, tell me: brand and model of boot; how old your boots are; size of your boots; size and type of street shoes mostly worn; blade model and size; how old your blades are; and how often you have your blades sharpened.

If you are experiencing any knee, hip or back pain, include all of the above info.

Let's get to some questions.

Q: A friend told me that toothpaste is the best way to get rust off your blades. Is this true?
Emily Githens

A: Emily, I think this is one for the myth busters. Actually, I'm not sure. Personally, I use oil and a metal finishing pad to remove any rust on the blades. This I know works well.

Q: I just bought some new skates and my feet are starting to bleed. What do I do?
Ashley Muir from Clearwater, Fla.

A: As mentioned above, be more specific with the exact location of the bleeding. I will assume that it's at the top edge of your boots, which is the most likely location for this to happen. More than likely your boots are too stiff for you and need to be softened up. Using your hands, you can work the upper portion of the boot back and forth, thus breaking the stiffness out of them. Another and possibly simpler solution would be to pad the upper portion of your feet and lower leg with a Bunga pad. If the problem is with your ankles, then have the boots punched out. All in all, with the little information I have, I think your boots are too stiff for you. A much softer but better fitting boot would be the ultimate solution to your problem.

Q: I am a preliminary skater and I have a little rust on my blades. Will this will affect my spinning?
Jackie Penner

A: How much is a little? Is it on the outside of your blades or down the center of the hollow? All rust should be removed to achieve greater performance while skating. No matter if you're spinning or jumping, rust on the bottom of your blades causes drag on the ice. In other words, you'll be much slower.

Q: My boots are about a month old and I am having a problem with the tongues sliding off my instep. How can I solve this problem?
Rochester, Minn.

A: Well, my dear, the best way to solve this is to take your boots to a shoe repair shop and have them place a hook in the center of your tongue. When lacing your boots, wrap them around the hook. This will hold the tongue in place. Be sure they peel back the lining on the tongues and place the hook underneath. If not, you'll feel the backside of the hook against your instep. This is not good, as it may cut into your foot.

Q: My boots are about two months old and are starting to crease on the outside of the ankle area. Am I doing something wrong and what can be done to prevent this?
Lauren Wilson, Denver

A: No, no, no, do nothing at all. Boots are supposed to get creases in them. If they don't, then it's a sign your boots are way too stiff. The more creasing, the easier it is to bend in them, and the easier it is to jump. You'll get more height with less effort. Consider your boots broken down when you can no longer land your jumps.

Well, skaters, it's time to end another “Ask Mr. Edge” column. Hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing and sharing. 'Til next time, have a great skate.

Mr. Edge has been a skate technician for boots and blades for more than 20 years.

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.