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travel / gear / the genuine article
| The Genuine Article |
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Skate school (continued)
Fitting kids works the same way. One of
the most common problems kids
encounter is ankle support. “If your child
feels as though his or her ankles are lacking
support,” says Mason, “the skate is
either too big or not laced properly.” Both
Mason and Evtushevski warn against the
temptation to purchase skates one or two
sizes too big, hoping that your kid will
grow into them. “Kids won’t enjoy skating
if they’re in pain,” says Evtushevski. “You
don’t stick newspapers in the toe like they
did in the old days.”
The days of “breaking in” skates are
also long gone. Skate boots can now be
altered in a variety of ways. Some are
mouldable: the skates are heated in an
in-store oven to make them pliable, then
fitted to your feet until the boots cool and
harden. Pressure points, where the skate
boot rubs against a protrusion or bunion,
can be fixed by heating the boot and
pushing against the fabric to create extra
space. A custom skate fitter can even
adjust the position of the blade so that it
is perfectly centred under your foot.
Most specialty stores guarantee the fit
of the skates they sell — you can bring
them back for adjustments throughout
the season. Knock-kneed or bowlegged
skaters can replace the stock insole with
a custom-made orthotic. According to
Mason, socks can also make a huge difference.
“Skates fit a lot better with a midcalf
skate sock than with a pair of cheap
cotton socks.”
And while skates do cost more at specialty
shops, Evtushevski points out that
with the right fit, you’ll spend more time
on the ice. To save money, consider purchasing
used skates, especially for kids.
Many shops have buy-back or trade-in programs.
Another option is to buy discontinued
skates or last year’s model. My jaw hit
the floor at the price of the first pair
I looked at (Nike Bauer Supreme ONE90)
— a shade under $700 — but Evtushevski
reassured me that very good skates can be
found in the $200 to $300 range.
FOR THE CASUAL FIGURE SKATER
Jackson GS180 Ladies Soft Skate ($70)
“Soft,” or “comfort,” skates borrow heavily
from in-line-skate technology to provide
cushioned support that prevents blisters
and chafing. The Jackson GS offers a nod
to tradition with its white upper but adds
foam padding and a quick-drying liner
for warmth and comfort. These are perfect
for outdoor ponds and ice rinks. The
Jackson name is legendary in figure-skating
circles. Indeed, the company was
founded by 1962 world champion Don
Jackson. www.jacksonskates.com
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