One Skate Keeps Turning In

[Burrows]

I just recently upgraded my in line skates from beginner skates to intemediate skates with 90mm wheels. Fantastic . . . . . . but my right skate (and sometimes my left) keeps turning in. I go back to basics. I bend my knees, weight forward and on my toes, push out with each stroke but they still want to turn in. Is there something I can adjust? A trick? An insert to my sole? I would apprieciate any advice.

[BWI-Sheldon]

Please let us know what skates you have.

The only experience I know about is this;

I have purchased several Rollerblade brand skates for me and family members. They are just mass assembled and you need to check them before you skate in them. I have found loose axles, (the hard way, ouch) and frames that are miss aligned. It could be that your frames are turned in. Check them first.

Good luck and let us know.

[Burrows]

Thanks for your reply. The new skates are Rollerblade Crossfire 90. Checked the axles and they are tight. Frame seems fine. Someone else mentioned that my weight should be on my rear wheels. I have been putting my weight on the balls of my feet like down hill skiing. Going to try that tomorrow. I'm also going to try a slight lift under my insole.

Thanks again.

Burrows

[online inline]

pronation is when your ankles collapse inward and occurs with the majority of new skaters.

First, skate for a few days and try not to do it. Get used to the set=up. Then, adjust the frame if your frame is adjustable. Most better inline stores will adjust them for you, one good reason to buy from quality local retailers!!! Start with a neutral adjustment and adjust it from there as necessary. Neutral is roughly center on your boot, both in the rear and front. For Speed skaters, the rule is centered in the rear and in the front, set the frame between the big toe and the second toe.

skate it. If you still pronate, then move the HEEL of the frame in (toward your center). Some skaters will tell you to move the toe in, but that is wrong. You may however, wish to move both the toe and heel in equally. Move them at a small increment, say a 1/16 of an inch at a time. Try it asn see how it goes, adjusting until you find your spot.

If that does not correct the problem, look to insoles, which will also be supplied by better skate shops, and may even be free if needed from the skate shop from which you bought the skates.

If insoles do not work, some skaters will add shims between their frame and boot, and this is called canting. You can cant between 2 and 6 degrees. Only do this if you have to, and it may cause other problems...

Lastly, if you are really having issues, you may need custom orthotics. This is rare, but not unheard of.

Start with the easy stuff first, and go as far as you need to to correct the problem.

And be prepared to consciously have to work on the problem. Technique takes work and conditioning. Focus on your technique all the time, and be prepared to have to flex your ankles to keep them in proper alignment. If you catch yourself getting sloppy, stop or rest. You can learn bad habits that are hard to unlearn.

Skating is a beautifully graceful excercise and art, so learn the basics and you will be amazed at where it will lead you. Nobody needs to skate like a slob unless they;ve chosen to.

Lessons, classes, skate with more experienced skaters - all very helpful.

[Burrows]

Dear Online Inline,

Thank you so much for this great advice. I found similar advice about adjusting the frame on anothter thread. I tried moving the frame in and then out which worked great. I am going to skate them a bit and then maybe make another minor adjustment. As a last resort I may move the toe only just a fraction. I don't think my condition is so severe that I need to try canting nor orthotics.

Also, I have been putting my weight on my toes and my shin against the tongue on the boot like down hill skiing. While researching my problem I noticed that most skater recommend putting your weight on the back wheels, not the front wheels. Anyway, I'm trying that too. You're right. It is hard to unlearn old habits.

At 59 I just started skating 6 months ago. I don't ever expect to become a speed skater. I just to want achieve to artful and graceful style you mentioned.

Thanks again,

Burrows

[BWI-Sheldon]

..... At 59 I just started skating 6 months ago. I don't ever expect to become a speed skater. I just to want achieve to artful and graceful style you mentioned......

I'll remember this post in a few months from now. Ha Ha Ha All you need is to find some one a little faster than you...........