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ASK MR. EDGE
January 2009
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.
If this is true, the era of chrome-plated, carbon-steel blades will quickly be coming to an end. Hopefully, MK and Wilson will follow suit.
To answer a common question – What do I think of Paramount blades? – I definitely think they are the next generation of blades. Riedell has some interesting ideas for next year, too.
Let's move on to a question.
Q: Anne C. from Bergen, N.J., sent me a bunch of measurements and wondered: For what length and width boot might I be best fitted? I'm having a problem with my heels slipping up and down, and I'm not able to pull my boots tight enough around my ankles to give me the support I need.
A: After reviewing all her measurements, it was determined that, according to the measurements given, she was in a boot fitted to accommodate her width at the ball of her foot. I bring this up to explain how measurements should be taken to properly determine length.
Follow these simple steps, and it will be easy for any of the boot manufacturers to determine the length of boot needed for your feet:
In the standing position, take a pencil, and while holding it straight up (not at an angle), trace around the entire foot. Be sure to do this to both feet in case one is longer than the other.
In inches, measure the length of the tracing, starting from the edge of the heel to the tip of the longest toe.
From these measurements, it will be easy to determine in what length boot you should be. Keep in mind, not all boots fit alike. Riedell in size 5 will not be a Jackson, Harlick, Klingbeil or SP-Teri size 5.
There are many more factors involved to determine proper width. Aside from a measurement around the ball of the foot (again in a standing position), one must consider the instep height and thickness of the foot. Not all boots have the same toe box height. The bottom line is that there are few feet that fit into stock boots well.
So, why hasn't my daughter had any problems with her skates so far? Just wait. The problems don't start until a skater is at the higher levels and skates more than four hours a week.
As a reminder, be sure and double check your return e-mail address when writing so I can get back to you with an answer to your questions regarding boots and blades.
Mr. Edge
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.
