About Us

ASK MR. EDGE

November 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.



With winter right around the corner, let me remind everyone to not leave your skates in the car. If you do, expect your boots to possibly freeze during the night. Putting your feet into a frozen pair of boots can cause cramping in your feet while skating. You may also note that your boots feel much more supportive than normal. Storing your skates at room temperature is best during those long winter nights.

For the past several months, there has been an increase in the number of skaters looking for used skates. It's no surprise as this can be attributed to the current economic downturn. What worries me is the number of high-level skaters using boots and blades that have seen their better days. In conjunction with this trend, I'm fielding numerous questions about why a skater is having trouble with certain elements and why they are experiencing ankle pain.

The ankle pain is simple to answer. The boots are far too broken down and the creasing of the boots, when bending or landing jumps, is pressing inward against the ankle bones.

Problems with certain elements in one's skating are a bit more involved and can be caused by any of the following or a combination thereof:

  • Boots broken down too badly
  • Boots have never been leveled to a particular blade
  • Heels of the boots have become loose and are starting to separate
  • Blades have no rocker profile left
  • Blades not attached securely to the boots
Finding a good pair of used skates for younger, lower-level skaters wearing a size 5 and under is much easier than those needed by higher-level skaters. In most cases, you'll save more money buying a new pair of boots and/or blades for the advanced skater.

It's time to answer a couple questions.

Q: The heel of my skate feels loose and unstable. What should I do? - Yumiko in Montebello
A: If it's actually the heel of the boot and not your heel inside the boot, then it usually can't be repaired. However, if you are not too serious about your skating, then place a couple long screws down into the heel from the inside of the boot. That should help, but usually won't hold up for long.

If the heel of the foot is slipping inside the boot, then one solution is to use a Bunga pad placed around the heel and ankle. This will help to snug up the heel but not necessarily prevent further slippage. To fix the problem, you'll need either a special makeup boot with a narrower heel built into it or a full-custom boot.

Q: I have two rips in the outside leather on one of my skates. How do tack it down? - Heidi in Chelsea
A: If the rips or tears are along the back of the boot, there is nothing you can do to repair this but use duct tape to get you by for the short term. If anywhere else on the boots, try using Barge Cement. This is contact glue so you must place the glue on both parts, let dry and then press the two pieces or sides together. This can be found at any shoe repair shop.

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.