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ASK MR. EDGE
December 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.
Q: My boots are really soft around the hooks of my skates, making it hard to do anything, even stroke. What can I do to solve this problem?
Erin, Boulder, Colo.
A: Erin, you have two choices. You can purchase new boots or have your current boots reinforced.
Q: I have developed a callus on my right pinky toe, which hurts every time I put on my skates. I have even tried to have my skates punched out but to no avail. What should I do?
Jessica, Kansas City
A: Jess, you may have an underlying problem. You may have developed a bad corn with a possible infection underneath it. You'll need to have it treated with medication and probably use a corn pad to prevent it from hitting or rubbing against the side of your boot. In a worst-case scenario, it may need to be cut out. In the meantime, have your boot stretched and punched out. This should take some pressure off your sore toe.
Q: My skate blades have started to rust. Will this stop if I have them sharpened or will I need new blades?
Susan, LaGrange Park, Ill.
A: If the rust is only on the bottom of your blades, a sharpening will take it off. If it's on the side of your blades, apply some WD-40 and use some steel wool or a metal finishing pad, rub just hard enough to remove it. Keep in mind that if you take rust off the sides of your blades, you'll likely dull the edges of your blades and need to have them sharpened again.
Q: What does it mean when there are brown marks on my skates and in my guards?
Shanekqua
A: It means you haven't been taking good care of your skates. You need to make sure you thoroughly wipe down your blades and place them in warm soakers for the night. Do not put them back in your guards. The brown marks on your blades and in your guards are rust that has formed from not wiping them down dry enough. I would also consider new skate guards.
Q: What is your opinion on wearing colored blades and does it affect the judges' opinion for freestyle, dance or synchronized skating?
Victoria, Fairfax, Va.
A: Colored blades are becoming more accepted for both freestyle and dance. I've not heard of any problems in this area. Synchronized skating, however, is another story. One would think that it would be distracting for the judges if only one person on the team had a different colored blades. I suggest when doing synchronized skating to use the chrome color Paramount blade.
Q: I'm looking for a blade that does it all – freestyle, dance and synchronized skating. Any advice?
Denise, Midland, Mich.
A: Once you reach a high test level in these disciplines, it becomes more difficult to use the same blade for all three. However, when skating at the lower levels, the following blades make for a nice transition from one discipline to the others: Coronation Ace, Protégé, Legacy and Professional.
Q: What is the best way to protect the exterior leather on your boots?
Jamie, Prior Lake, Minn.
A: Use two layers of skate tape over the areas most affected and prone to kicks and scratches. Boot covers will take care of keeping dirt and dust from settling on your boots.
Mr. Edge
PS: If I can be of service to anyone, I'll be at Iceland Arena in Louisville, Ky., on Dec. 5.
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.
