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ASK MR. EDGE
November 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.
Once again hello to all you skating fans – moms and dads included. Very shortly now the turkey will be dressed and put out for eatin'. I don't know about you, but I'm sure looking forward to it!
And now, a simple question for all to ponder: How does one create a formula for success?
I've asked several pros for their comments, and the equation looks something like this:
Properly Fitted Boots x Proper Blade for Skating Level x As Needed* / Common Sense = Big Savings ($$$)
These are some of the most important things to consider when buying new equipment. Getting the proper boot and blade for your skating level and making sure the boots are fitted correctly are two key components to success. *Note: It's also important to buy new boots as you outgrow or wear out your old ones. If you add proper mountings and blade sharpenings to the equation, and subtract using a boot that is too stiff, it then adds up to ... injury-free skating!
What a novel idea – injury-free skating. Sound too good to be true? It shouldn't! Just think about the above equation next time you need to purchase a new pair of skates.
Moving right along, it's time to answer your all-important questions.
I have calluses on the front of both of my ankles, and they become so painful sometimes that I can't stand to bend in my skates. I don't feel like I'm tying them too tightly at the top, and I use Bunga pads. I also have had tendonitis along the top of my feet twice in the past year. No one else seems to have this problem. My boots feel as if they fit like a glove, and I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. Lexington, Ky.
If your skates fit and feel as you say, then the cause is that your tongues are broken down too much, causing them to fold in against your instep any time you bend in your skates. In order to correct the problem, you'll need to have the tongues totally replaced. You should also take several weeks or even months off from skating to let your feet heal. If not, you could be in for more serious problems in the future.
I am a great jumper, but I have trouble with my spins. Could it be my blades? Allen Park
I have to agree that it probably is your blades. The only question is in what way. Are your blades too far worn down? Probably! Are they mounted incorrectly? Maybe only slightly. If they were really off, your jumps would also be affected. Is it the sharpening? This, in conjunction with the blades being worn, is a likely possibility. My advice would be to have them checked by someone who has the knowledge to determine if your blades do indeed need to be replaced.
I have been wearing Riedell Comp skates for the past year. After breaking them in and becoming comfortable in them, the blades became loose and the screws in the bottom came out. I dry my skates very well, but I'm not sure what to do without getting new boots. Rome, N.Y.
No need to buy a new pair of boots just yet. Something that is quite common in the industry is the lack of proper sole and heel preparation before the blades are mounted. Very few people take the time to properly seal the soles and heels of boots.
To start with, I would plug all the holes and start over. The most common sealant is Sno-seal. This can be applied to the bottoms and sides of the boots and then melted in by using a hair dryer. If you want to use something stronger, try polyurethane. This will take about 10-12 coats and about 5 or 6 days to do properly. When the blades are finally put back on, put some sort of rubber sealant under the blade to keep the water from causing any further damage.
Finally, as the season progresses, here is an important reminder if you plan to buy new boots – never buy a boot with the thought that you want it to last forever! Purchase a boot that snugs up around your ankles properly, but don't rely on the boot for all your support. Instead, by building up the strength in your lower legs and ankles, you will need a boot with less support, which in turn allows you to bend easier and gives you more height on your jumps.
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.
