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ASK MR. EDGE
January 2001
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.
Hello, skating fans, and welcome to another edition of "Ask Mr. Edge."
I'm writing to you today from the sunny state of Florida. As I bask in the radiantly warm sunshine, I can feel the soft warm breezes against my aged, old wrinkled face as they blow in from the Gulf. In the midst of all this, I will answer all of your skating questions.
But first, a tip from our sponsor -- lace tip that is! This message is brought to you by 'Parents For Put Your Own Skates on Kid Foundation.'
Now that you have your feet comfortably placed in your boots, the next step is to toe up the boot and kick back on the heel. This will firmly place your heel into the back of the boot. With the heel firmly in place, begin the lacing process. Start from down at the toe and work your way up to the top. Upon successful completion, you will find your feet securely locked into your boots. And guess what' They feel better than ever!
OK, enough for Skate Lacing 101. Time to get down to business.
Q: I have a 13-year-old daughter who needs new boots. She hasn't changed shoe or skate sizes in over a year. My fear is that if I buy them now, she will grow out of them in no time at all. How can I be assured that she won't grow out of them? Milwaukee, Wisc.
A: Good question, mom -- especially considering your daughter's age. Chances are:
a. Her feet are finished growing
b. She is a late bloomer
c. None of the above
My experience has been that by age 13 or 14 most girls' feet have stopped growing. However, to be sure, you could have her feet X-rayed and check the growth plates. Whatever you do, don't go out and buy a pair of skates that are too big for her. If you do, her feet will pay the price -- especially if she is a high-level skater and her feet have stopped growing.
Q: I just bought my second pair of Harlick Hi-Tester boots after having moved to Phoenix from Michigan about three months ago. They are already very soft and feel like dance boots. I only skate twice a week, and because I travel a lot I leave my skates in the car so I always have them when I need them. Do you think I have a defective boot that I should send back to the company for replacement? Phoenix, Ariz.
A: Defective boot? NO! Bad judgment -- YES! From what you have described, I am going to assume that your feet naturally sweat more than the average.
After skating, while your boots are still fairly damp with sweat, you put them either in a skate bag or just lay them in your car. Right. Right! With-out realizing it, you have just placed them in a very hot and humid environment where they will remain damp and never have a chance to dry out before the next use. What happens next is that the leather absorbs all that moisture, which in turn softens up the leather to the point that your boots no longer offer the support needed for freestyle. Remember you're in Arizona now, where it is usually very hot, even on a cool day. You need to chill out, girl!
Well, friends, in closing, let me thank you again for taking time to read my column. Remember to take some time in properly lacing your skates up, and never buy skates that are too big for you.
From the sunny state of Florida, this is Mr. Edge saying, "Ciao, baby!"
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.
