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ASK MR. EDGE
August/September 2002
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.
Having a problem with your skates or boots? Can't find the answers? Well, Mr. Edge is here to answer all your questions. With many years of experience and a never-ending resource list, he can help you solve your boot, blade and foot problems. This month, Mr. Edge discusses issues relating to blade sizes and the best boot to buy for ice dancing. Read on and learn!
All right ... Are you ready? ... Very shortly now it will be time for the start of another great fall season, and Mr. Edge will once again be here to take your questions. I hope everyone had a great summer with plenty of time to skate, swim and, of course, barbecue.
This year, the marketplace is sure to be flooded with a wide variety of new boots and blades from Canada, England and Italy. It should make for an interesting buyer's market. Rembember though, before buying, you need to consult with your coach or an experienced pro shop operator to be sure you are getting the proper boot and blade combination for your level of skating.
Which reminds me ... Here's a quick rehash of what to look for when buying new skates:
- Be sure to buy from an experienced dealer.
- Ask your coach first for a recommendation.
- Never buy a boot too stiff, or you'll have nothing but problems.
- Check for good, used skates before buying new.
- Be sure your heel fits snugly into the heel of the boot.
- Take time with breaking in your new skates.
- Do not expect to do your usual daily routine in your new skates right away.
Of course, I could go on for a while about your new skates, but it's time once again to answer those all-important questions — you know, the ones you guys send me!
My son is 10 years old and now has a size 4 skate. The boot has already broken down around the ankle area after a few short weeks, and no one seems to know why. If we upgrade to a stiffer boot, his coach is afraid he will not be able to bend in them because he is so lightweight. What can I do? Chicago, Ill.
Over the years, I have noticed that most young boys end up fitting into a girls or ladies boot much better because of the way in which the boot has been cut. Younger boys usually have very narrow ankles, as do most girls, which require a special makeup in the boot or even the need to go to a custom boot. You may want to check into having a ladies boot style made up in black leather. There will probably be an additional charge for this, and it will probably take up to six or eight weeks to make them. However, it may be your best bet for a good fit. Good luck Mom!
I'm about to purchase new boots and don't know where to start looking. Help me! Los Angeles, Calif.
Let your fingers do the walking, and try the yellow pages! I'm being serious here. After you have consulted with your coach and know what kind of boot you are looking for, it's time to start shopping. You can check with the pro shop in your local rink first. Then, look up other pro shops in the area in the phone book. As I said earlier, you want to buy from an experienced dealer, so ask other skaters in your rink where they purchased their boots. That might help narrow down your choice of shops.
The last pair of boots I bought were a size 6 and fit pretty well until just recently. Now, my heel slips up a bit, but the rest seems to be OK. I've been told I need a size 5 extra wide. I'm afraid the new blades I just bought are not going to fit. What should I do? Phoenix, Ariz.
Unfortunately, the first time around someone fitted you very long just to accommodate your width. If this continues, you will have even more problems as you reach a higher level of skating. Needing a longer blade to fit the boot is fine as long as your arch lies in the proper position within the boot (in other words, the boot is the proper fit for your foot). If not, then you will always be skating flatfooted and find it difficult to spin and jump. Just imagine all the money you will have spent in private lesson time and contract ice time trying to achieve your goals. You may be trying for months on end with no results. My best advice to you is to trade in your old boots and blades, get properly fitted for the boot, purchase new blades if necessary, and most important of all ... enjoy!
Time for one last quick question and then it's time to call it a night ...
I keep needing my blades sharpened about every three weeks and sometimes every two weeks. I don't think that this is normal. Is it? St. Louis, Mo.
No! A good sharpening should last anywhere from 5–6 weeks and sometimes even longer.
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.
