- Forms
- Current Issue
- Membership
- Fantasy Skating
- U.S. Figure Skating Auctions
- SKATING Magazine
- Judges & Officials
- History
- Employment
- Member Services
- Museum & Hall of Fame
- U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance
- Figure Skating A to Z
- Headquarters Staff
- Scholarships, Grants and Awards
- Logo
- STAR
- Sponsors
- Mission Statement
- Links
- Contact Us
ASK MR. EDGE
October 2003
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.
Let's see now, what's the talk around the ice industry been the past few months?
How about the new parabolic blades by Wilson and MK? Many skaters have been asking about them and when they will be available. Well, the latest is that they will be available in December. It's still undetermined as to how many different models will be available with the parabolic design. I guess we'll just have to sit tight and see what they decide on.
OK, enough news for today, time to get on with your questions. Well, almost time that is — just one last item to mention. Many thanks to all for sending in your questions. I feel privileged to be of service to so many.
Q: I'm 10 years old, and I have had my skates for almost a year. Now my heels are starting to hurt a ton. Is it me or my skates that are causing my feet to hurt? Papillion, Neb.
A: Three guesses and the first two don't count! Being that you're only 10 years old, it is definitely both you and your feet. Allow me to explain. The fact that you're so young means that your feet are still growing. However, I guess you really can't blame yourself. After all, kids do grow. Your feet have grown again and will continue to do so until about age 13–14. I would start looking for that new pair of boots ASAP or your feet are going to get a whole lot worse.
Q: I am breaking in a new pair of custom skates, but after about five minutes I feel a burning sensation in both my heels. The burning is very intense, and I can't seem to press through the pain. Once I sit down, the burning goes away. Otherwise, the boots feel great and I am having no problems. Can you advise me as to what the problem might be and how to correct it? Houston, Texas
A: Easy enough. The heel area in your boots is too tight and may either need to be stretched out or some of the padding thickness needs to be reduced. You could try taking them to a local shoe repair shop and see if they can stretch them out. This will take a couple of days. If that doesn't work, you will need to send them back to the manufacturer and have some of the padding taken out. This will enlarge the width of the heel pocket.
Q: I'm just wondering how I keep my blades shiny? Singapore
A: Try using any brand of chrome polish. Rub it on, let it dry for a few minutes, then take a soft cloth and wipe them off. This will do the job quite well and will take 20 minutes or less.
Q: When I'm tying my skates, I can always get one skate tied, but not the other. I have extra lace on one skate, but not enough on the other. I measured them and they are the same length. Why is that? Winchester
A: That was a tough one! Mr. Edge is knowledgeable, but this is a mystery that only God can answer!
Q: Last January I received new custom skates and decided I should get some Bunga pads as well. Things had been going well until one day I thought I had left my Bunga pads at home. So, I decided to skate anyway since I would only be on the ice for about an hour. As it turns out, I got a cut (not a blister) on the outside of my left ankle. After just an hour of practice, should I get this type of an injury?
A: Sounds to me like your boots are still too stiff and rigid for you, or that you have very tender skin. If a skater relies on using any sort of cushion around the ankle area, then the skin never has a chance to toughen up. I see nothing wrong with this, but if you plan on using cushions, then you should always use them.
Q: How long does it take to sharpen one blade? Question written by: O.P.(wherever that might be)
A: As long as it takes!
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.
