About Us

ASK MR. EDGE

December 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.

I can hardly believe that next month I'll begin my seventh year of writing the “Ask Mr. Edge” column. I thank every skater, mom, dad and coach for making this possible. Most importantly, though, is the wonderful person who really makes this happen, Sharon Wiggins. Thanks Shar!

Since this is the last issue of the year, I want to recap some of the better changes that have been made to boots and blades.

Topping the list with the most changes to its line is Harlick Boot Company. Most notably are its new lightweight design and use of a wider toe box, which allows skaters with slightly wider feet a chance to try its boots.

Next is Riedell Shoes, Inc. with its new style and softer toe box in the 30/300 model. For those with small-to-medium-sized bunions, this boot will certainly be much more accommodating. Another great change to its line is the kids' No. 17 model. Riedell is now making it in wide widths. I believe this to be the best buy when it comes to purchasing that first pair of skates.

When it comes to blades, Paramount Skates seems to be the winner. Lightweight and colorful, sales for the company seem to have gone through the roof.

Stay tuned, for next year I'll be giving you another heads-up on what's new in boots and blades.

Time to enjoy a little holiday cheer.

This one comes from a 10-year-old in Berkeley, Calif.

She broke her ankle earlier this summer and has since been cleared to skate. There's only one slight problem: her ankle is still swollen quite a bit, and she is afraid to buy new skates until the swelling goes down. Do I agree with this?

Yes, I do. Any time you have an injury that leaves you with excessive swelling in the foot or ankle area, wait until the swelling subsides. If you don't, you run the risk of the one boot not fitting properly when the swelling finally goes down.

Anna Santander writes that whenever she lands a jump or bends, there's a huge crease in her boots. She wants to know if this is normal.

No, especially if your boots are fairly new.

Anyone know why? The first person to e-mail me with the correct answer will receive a nifty little prize. The winner will be contacted via e-mail by me and arrangements will be made to send you your prize. Hint - if you've been reading my monthly column, then you'll be able to find the answer in a previous issue. The question is, which one?

The next question comes from an anonymous donor. If your boot doesn't fit correctly, could it hurt or damage your knees?

The answer is – taking other circumstances into consideration – yes. Other contributing factors to knee damage are:

1. Not wearing orthotics in your skates, especially if you've been wearing them all day long in your street shoes
2. Blades not mounted properly
3. Wearing too stiff a boot for too long a period of time
4. Improper technique while jumping
5. Trying to come back from an injury too soon
6. Boots not fitted properly

See you next year.

P.S. If anyone needs assistance, I'll be in Strongsville, Ohio, on Jan. 8 at the Iceland Arena.

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.