About Us

ASK MR. EDGE

August/September 2007

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.



Quite often this past year, I've had skaters come to me with a nagging pain on their instep area. In most cases the pain was mild, but for some it had developed into a case of tendonitis. After examining their boots, it was clear the tongues had broken down. The pain was caused from the tongue folding in backward against the instep area each time the skaters would bend in their boots. This usually is a sign that it's time to replace the boots. For some, this was exactly the case. For others, a quick repair was the order of the day.

The quick and easy solution for this is to reinforce the tongues so they will not fold in backward against the instep. Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to do this:

  • Using a razor, cut and peel back the tongue about 1½ inches below the crease in the tongue.
  • Sand off any little bits of sponge rubber that remain on the tongue.
  • Using a piece of one-sixteenth inch thick mid-sole rubber (this can be bought at most shoe repair shops), cut an oval shape large enough that it comes down below the crease about three-fourths inch and about one-fourth inch from the top of the tongue. It should be wide enough so that you have at least one-eighth inch remaining along each side of the tongue.
  • Using Barge Cement (contact glue), apply to both sides and let dry for five minutes.
  • Press everything back together again so it looks as it did before you separated it.
By doing this you will put some life back into your tongues and further prevent injury. All boot manufacturers do their best to ensure the quality of the tongue leather lasts long enough until you are ready for that next pair of boots. Before placing blame for a broken down tongue, keep these other causes in mind:
  • Boots too stiff to begin with cause premature breakdown of the tongue. This happens because the skater is leaving the laces looser at the top in order to bend. When this happens, the tongue absorbs all the force.
  • Boots not fitting properly through the instep and ankle area leave the skater with no choice but to tie their laces extremely tight in order to feel the support of the boot. The tightness of the laces presses into the tongue, causing a severe crease.
  • Tongues just too old to hold up any longer.
I'm sure I could think of a few more, but these are the most common causes of tongue breakdown and what could happen if not tended to properly.

Till next time,
Mr. Edge

I'll attend the Eastern Great Lakes Regional Championships Oct. 1-6 in Louisville, Ky. If I can be of service, stop by and see me. I'll be at the Harlick booth.

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.