Editor’s note: In each issue of SKATING magazine, one of the country’s top skate technicians will provide their expertise on skating boots, blades and related industry equipment.


Proper fitting of boots essential at purchase time


BY MIKE FEARON Before the fi rst jump is landed, spin is rotated


or edge is carved, skaters must obtain equipment that enables them to accomplish these skills. It all starts with properly fi tted and supportive skate boots, so let’s examine the elements that go into a successful selection. How big can we go? Purchasing skates can be


expensive, and parents of young, growing skaters naturally hope to get the longest possible time out of each pair. However, if too large a size is purchased, serious problems are inevitable. Most importantly, boots need to be snug


enough to hug the foot securely and prevent slip- page and heel lifting. If the feet are moving inside the boots, blisters often occur and stability on the ice is compromised. There should be a little space beyond the toes to allow the toes to wiggle up and down a bit. The instep portion and ankle areas should not


have any extra room. Boots too large in these areas tend to break down too quickly. Boots need to be strong enough to support the skater performing their current elements, but not so stiff as to prevent fl exing in the an- kle area.


When lacing the boots, start by tapping the heel


back to properly seat the foot. Then lace from the bot- tom, gradually pulling tighter as you go up the lace eyelets and then ease off slightly as you wrap the lac- es around the hooks; this allows some fl exibility. I recommend using the services of a trusted


skate-fi tting professional. They should be familiar with the diff erent brands and models available and can choose the perfect model for fi t and strength for each skater. It’s helpful to have equipment to mold and alter the boots for a custom fi t. Proper arch support is critical, and your boot technician should be able to supply that for every skater. Hope this helps to get your skater or you in a


boot that you love. Happy skating! Mike Fearon is the owner of Podium Skates, Inc.


in Garden City, Michigan. He has 24 years of expe- rience as a skate technician. He received hands-on training for skate sharpening from Sid Broadbent and boot-fi tting training from Don Klingbeil, the late Bill Klingbeil, Phil Kuhn (Harlick Boots) and many others. He also does custom-insole fi tting for skates. He’s assisted every day by his wife, Opal, and three golden retrievers, Lily, Ali and Winnie.


product spotlight: Riedell 133 Diamond


Editor’s note: In each issue of SKATING magazine, a skating equipment manufacturer will profi le one of its products. This is not an endorsement from U.S. Figure Skating or SKATING magazine.


Riedell Skates’ master boot makers in Red


Wing, Minnesota, have been making high-quality boots since 1945. Riedell has a boot and blade for every level of skater, whether he or she is an intro- ductory skater or an internationally ranked skater focusing on quads. At Riedell, we divide our models into levels in- cluding the recreational, instructional, competitive,


specialty and the lightweight. If you aren’t sure, what level of skate and blade you need, we off er tools on our website to help you decide. The recreational series is perfect for skaters


starting group lessons and working on entry-level gliding skills through mastering their toe loop. The recreational series includes the 133 Dia-


mond. Sparkling with details, the 133 Diamond has a reinforcement level appropriate for basic skating instruction and recreational skating. A reinforced leather tongue and uppers provide good support and boot strength. A maintenance-free sole and Dri- Lex® lining keep the skater’s feet dry and on a solid foundation. A hand-rolled collar provides comfort and a soft, snug fi t. This skate comes equipped with a stainless steel blade that is harder, more rust-resis- tant and will hold an edge longer than traditional carbon steel blades. Did we mention the sparkling diamond lace bar? To learn more about Riedell Skates and Eclipse


Blades or determine what skate is right for you, visit www.riedellskates.com.


— Description provided by Riedell 32 NOVEMBER 2016


ask the expert


MICHA EL CUNNINGHAM


SKATE TECHNICIAN U. S. OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATING TEAM


Q: My daughter is 6 years old and she wants to take lessons in a Learn to Skate USA class. Should we start with rental skates or invest in a beginner pair of skates for her?


— Judy, Stillwater, Oklahoma


A: I almost always advise using the rink’s rental skates for at least the fi rst couple of lesson series. That gives the parent time to assess the child’s inter- est and for the teaching staff to get to know the child and give informed advice to the parents on the potential purchase of skates. The teaching staff at many rinks has access to a quantity of good used-but-outgrown skates that can be purchased at a reasonable cost. The teaching staff will be able to advise parents on buy- ing new skates when the time is right.


— Michael Cunningham


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