ASK MR. EDGE
Tips offered for breaking in new skating boots
Inevitably, experienced or not, a par- ent or skater will ask about breaking in new boots. Over the years I have heard many dif- ferent stories on breaking in new boots — some a bit strange and others quite practical. With regionals and sectionals fast approach- ing, many skaters are rushing to purchase new boots and break them in as quickly as possible. In order to help make the process a bit easier for you, I’m sharing an excerpt from my new book, titled Anatomy of a Fig- ure Skating Injury. Skaters should not have to endure as
much pain and suffering as they sometimes do and should take their time breaking in new boots. Tis can help avoid injury caused by new alignment, relieve new pres- sure points on the feet and prevent prema- ture breakdown of the boots. Most important, however, is that the
boots fit properly. If boots are too big, the feet will slide around inside the boots and rub painfully against ankle bones, heels and other tender spots. If boots are too small, pain, burning or cramping may occur in the arches. Alternative suggestions for breaking
in new boots • Soak both boots in hot water for an hour or so before mounting the blades. Ten proceed to walk or skate while the boots are still wet. Note: Be aware that soaking boots for any amount of time will damage them, especially if nothing was done to seal the soles and heels before soaking. • Heat boots in a home convection oven
at 180 degrees for three to five minutes and wear them around the house. Note: Never use a conventional kitchen oven, because it applies direct heat to the boots and dries out the natural oils in them. A convection oven will circulate warm heat in and around the boots.
SKATING 49 • Soak boots in ice water for an hour
before skating. • Spray boots with leather stretch prior
to skating every time. • Rub insides of boots with a leather conditioner or softener, or with Vaseline. • Place “animal fat” gel pads around the
ankles. • Use gel sleeves around both the heels
and ankles. • Wrap ankles with an ace bandage or
gauze. • Skate with plastic wrap or Reynolds
turkey-sized oven cooking bags wrapped around the feet. • Soak lightweight socks in hot water
and wear them while skating. • Have someone else wear the boots first Commonsense steps to breaking in
new boots • Start by tying laces to the second hook, leaving the top hook untied. Note: Use all-nylon laces when breaking in new boots; these stretch more, making it easier to bend at the ankles. • Switch over to cotton-nylon 50-
50 blend laces after a couple weeks • For the first hour, do crossovers and
stroking. • During the next two to three hours,
begin mixing in spins. For sit spins, go down only as far as the boot allows until resistance
is felt • During hours four and five, lace boots to the top and mix in single jumps up to and including the Axel. • During hours six and seven, mix in
double jumps. • After seven hours of breaking-in time,
resume a normal routine. No matter which method a skater
chooses to break in new boots, the first line of defense against injury is a correctly fitted boot. Proper alignment of the foot inside a good, but not overly supportive boot also will help to prevent injury. If you would like more information on
how to prevent skating injuries, my book is available at
Amazon.com. You can also check at your local Barnes & Noble bookstores.
Mr. Edge Mr. Edge is a qualified skate technician with years of
experience. He answers questions on boots, blades and foot problems related to your equipment. Te opinions of Mr. Edge are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of U.S. Figure Skating or SKATING magazine. Remember, if you have problems with your feet, check with a doctor — the problem may well be with your boot, but it could be more serious. Check with your local pro shop for more information about boots and blades.
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