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ASK MR. EDGE

August/September 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.



Several good questions have crossed my desk in recent weeks and I want to share a few of the best ones with you.

Q: How often should I buy new boots? My feet have stopped growing and I have had my boots for four years. I haven't experienced any problems, but should I think about purchasing a new pair?
Lelia - Los Angeles, Calif.

A: Many factors influence when one should buy new boots:

    1. Hours you spend skating per week
    2. Your level of skating
    3. Your weight
    4. If you skate freestyle, dance, synchronized, moves or a combination
    5. If your feet sweat
    6. If you land your jumps gracefully or come down hard
    7. If your boots provide the proper support, are too soft or too stiff
Most high-level test skaters put in 10–20 hours a week on the ice. Most of those skaters have to replace their boots annually. Since your boots are four years old, I would think about purchasing that next pair.

Q: What is the difference between beginner blades and a quality set of blades. How do toe picks affect performance?
Virginia - New York City, N.Y.

A: The better the blades, the more of the following features they include:

    1. Better quality steel
    2. Enhanced edge hardening
    3. Higher grade of chrome plating
    4. Reinforced weld points that won't break under stress from double, triple and quad jumps
    5. Enhanced rocker profile for ease in both spinning and jumping
Toe picks are designed to allow for greater height on toe jumps and more stable landings.

Q: I can skate well in my skates during practice, but in competition they feel stiff and hurt my ankles. What may be the problem?
Candance - Sacramento, Calif.

A: Nerves will do this to you during a competition. There is no reason for your boots to suddenly feel this way and only during a competition unless you let nerves get to you. If it should ever happen again, remember this if nothing else: bend your knees during your program. Otherwise, your entire body will tense up; everything will become stiff, especially from the waist down. I might also advise that you read books or take a class on how to cope with the stress. I am not qualified to advise you any further on this matter.

Q: Why do my skates and feet smell so bad?
Elizabeth - Arkansas

A: There are many skaters with this problem. The odor is created from bacteria in your sweat that gets into the tongues and leather of your boots and reproduces at an amazing rate. The best way to reduce the odor is to reduce the bacterial growth. You can help this by powdering your feet with any brand of medicated foot powder before you put your tights on. Putting the powder over your tights is not going to stop your feet from sweating. Putting it directly into your boots won't help either.

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.