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ASK MR. EDGE
January 2010
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.
First, here's a quick update on what's going on in the industry.
A new figure skate sharpening machine is on the horizon for sometime early this year. It's reported that it will be able to accurately replicate your current blade's original profile. Also, a new skate guard is in the works.
A question crossed my desk pertaining to the relining of boots. I can't say that this is a good thing for the following reasons:
You can't stitch a patch over the affected area without having to go all the way through the boot with the stitching.
Relining the entire boot takes up room in the overall length.
If your boots are in need of this type of repair, they are probably so old and worn out that there are usually other repairs needed as well. Such repairs could include support, loose heels or soles, new tongues, hook or eyelet repairs and replacing the padding between the layers of leather.
The cost associated with needing all these repairs would cost almost as much as a new boot, and there is no guarantee as to how long the repairs would last.
My advice: If you only have a small tear in the lining of your boot, have a thin leather patch glued over the affected area. This usually doesn't cause any irritation to the foot, is inexpensive and could be done by a local shoe repair shop. Of course, the best thing to do is to never let your boots get this bad. This is easily done by treating the insides of your boots with a leather conditioner and preservative such as Lexol.
Now, it's on to some questions.
Q: My mom bought me the wrong-sized skates. They are two sizes too big. Is there anything I can put inside them that will make them smaller until I grow into them?
- Charlotte
A: Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to make these skates fit, let alone expect to skate well in them. Also, it's been my experience that most girls' feet are through growing by age 13-14.
To make matters worse, the longer the boot, the longer the blade needed. The arches of your feet are not going to be seated over the arch in the boots. If you choose to skate in these boots, you most likely will experience the following:
- Arch pain accompanied by a burning sensation in your feet
- Blisters on your heels and the inside area of your arch
- Corns developing between your fourth and fifth toes
- Unable to center your spins
- Tripping over your toepicks
- Trouble with take-offs and landings
Q: Is there a chart that relates size of skate boot with the length of blade?
- Eunice
A: Unfortunately, there is no chart that is 100 percent accurate. Each manufacturer has its own in-house chart that it uses as a guide, but in some instances, even these are inaccurate. The best thing to do is to wait until you have your boots in front of you and then measure the length of the soles and heels, from front to back. Almost all blades come in 1/4" increments. Few blades are made in 1/3" these days.
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.
