Figure Skate Blade Alignment

To maximize the performance of a skate, all of the details need to be considered. Knowing 'exactly' where to put the blade can be the difference between landing a double axle or landing a 'waxle'.

Pro Skates technicians look after the details...

Once the proper figure boot has been chosen, and the fit is comfortable, the next step is blade mounting and alignment. Proper blade alignment is paramount to performance. A properly aligned blade puts the skater's center of gravity directly over the blade, giving the skater quick, efficient and confident control of both inside and outside edges.

At any level of skating, subtle changes to blade alignment can translate to significant improvement in performance on the ice. Naturally the opposite of that is true, a blade that is not positioned correctly on the boot can cause disastrous performance results.

"...I used to find it difficult to find a pair of skates that were comfortable, as my feet are quite slim, and have a tendency to Pronate...Through a truly committed effort Pro Skate is always able to correctly diagnose my skate problems and fix them, making my skates comfortable and performance enhancing..."

Keith & Patrick

I have a really strange foot shape and naturally have had many skate problems throughout my skating career. I used to find it difficult to find a pair of skates that wee comfortable, as my feet are quite slim, and have a tendency to Pronate. After many sore bumps and blisters, as well as minor injuries to my knees, Achilles tendons, ankles and hip flexors, I turned to Pro Skate. Through a truly committed effort Pro Skate is always able to correctly diagnose my skate problems and fix them, making my skates comfortable and performance enhancing. The Professionals at Pro Skate are able to conquer a wide variety of problems that I have had, including broken down skates, blade alignment difficulties, and factory defects. The service at Pro Skate is second to none and I always feel confident with the long-lasting work that Pro Skate does. I will always be a life-long customer of Pro Skate because I understand the importance of quality skates and service.

Ehren Jaleel

  • 2000 Canadian Juvenile Men's Silver Medalist
  • 3-Time Alberta Provincial Champion
  • 4-Time Canadian National Competitor
  • 2005 Western Challenge Novice Men's Champion
  • 2005 Canadian Junior Men's Champion

Incorrect blade alignment does more than hamper performance. It can cause physical problems such as knee strain, lower back pain, and groin injury. We have seen all of these kinds of injuries improve after blades were properly aligned.

Common foot 'problems', such as feet that pronate (commonly known as flat feet) or supinate, are seldom an issue with non-skaters. However, that is not the case for a skater... pronation or supination can cause a skaters center of gravity to fall to either the inside or outside of the blade. The result can be a significant transfer of stress to the ankles, knees, and lower back. In addition to stress related injuries, performance issues will begin to arise. For example a skaters foot that pronates will often struggle to hold an outside edge. Their center of gravity is trying to force them onto the inside edge. Try landing a jump on that! Many skaters will compensate at the expense of good skating technique. Any skater that suffers for any type of chronic knee pain, lower back pain, groin strain or have hit a plateau in spite of all their hard work, need to take a hard look at what they're wearing on their feet.

The proper blade alignment will differ from skater to skater. Individual biomechanical conditions like pronation, supination and leg length discrepancies will affect how the skater's center of gravity falls over the blade. Factory-mounted blades, in particular, are set in a standard mounting that can't possibly work well for every skater.

Ideally, blade alignment is done when skates are new. However skates that have been worn for a period of time can also be realigned. Such skates will show signs of poor alignment, and although it's not ideal to wait, these blades can still be re-aligned for an improvement in performance.

Professional Skate Service has twenty years' experience in skate blade alignment. Knowing where to put the blade is everything. If you want maximum performance from your skates, drop by and have one of our 'skate technicians' help you.

The cost of blade alignment will range between $25.00 and $60.00 (We frequently make minor adjustments for existing customers at no charge.)