Why are Edea Skates So Special?

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Where EDEA Started:

EDEA is the Merlo family, of Italy that started Risport and built thirty years of experience in the skating field. They sold Risport. After a long period of very thorough research and study of the needs of figure skating (both Ice and Roller), they searched for new technologies, concepts, materials, and manufacturing processes to provide solutions which have become the evolutionary “idea”, or EDEA in Italian.

Since 2000, EDEA has been the essence of quality, care and service provided by the artisans and craftsmen of Italia. EDEA is now recognized as a world market leader with many of the best Skaters worldwide praising EDEA Skates for their Comfort, Lightness, Durability, and to top it off, that Beautiful Italian Design and Style.

Skates US, Inc. considers it a privilege and honor to be the Exclusive US Importer/Distributor for EDEA Skates. As such we know that this is one of the very best Skate brands in the World and that we have a great responsibility to strive to make sure that we offer the best Services, Customizations, and Technical Knowledge to go along with providing these great Skates. We work to help skaters and skating, and help train a network of the most understanding and knowledgeable Resellers and Dealers to take very special care of the End User Skaters.

EDEA Features:

The new technologies in these boots are quite significant advantages to the skater and best of all, they are wonderfully comfortable.

The main features of these skating boots are:

1. Ultra Lite Weight – the lightest figure skating boot in the world
2. Heat Shapeable - for that instant Custom fit
3. Thin Sole - for much Greater Sensitivity and Lower Center of Gravity for Control
4. Waterproof Sole for ICE - for Dry Feet and ultra Secure Mounting of Blades
(using EDEA Special Mounting Screws)
5. Incredible Ventilation for ROLLERS – to help keep Feet Dry and Cool
6. Anatomically Foot Formed Fitting – of the Carbon Fiber type material boot structure
7. Hook design - utilizing forged hooks that are sewn in, not riveted
8. Easy short Break-In period - usually 4 to 8 hours of Training
9. Dramatic new Styling and Colors - unique Italian designed Skates, some with Bling too!
10. Reasonably Priced & Readily Available
11. They are Italian and they ARE GREAT Looking and Incredibly Comfortable Skating Boots

Skating Boots have not changed much in 100 years. We now have different specific shoes for almost every type of athletics. Most are not using much leather, except for decoration. Things are now changing even for Skating, materials and designs are changing, Skating Boots are finally Changing. EDEA is creating a New Movement in skating equipment and comfort.

Technology, Beauty, & Comfort Combined

EDEA Skates are probably about 5 to 6 years or more ahead of most other Skating Boot Manufacturers in applying NEW Technologies. Most sports have moved forward and are no longer making products with the same methods or materials that they did even a few years ago. Look at Speedo, and their new Swim Suit that actually allows more speed in the water, and the Olympic Committee has decided that it is legal as long as the advantages it offers, are available to all.

EDEA Skates ARE NOT like traditional Leather Skating Boots, but a Whole NEW Concept in Skating Boots. Don't be afraid to think a little differently about your Skates and what they could be if you were Skating in EDEA.

As I mentioned earlier, EDEA Skates started out to make Skates that are More Comfortable, Easy to Break-In, Long Lasting, Very Supportive to the Foot and Skater with Foot Lasts that fit a wide range of different feet, and then the best, the ability to "Custom Shape" and actually change the fit of the boot by manipulating the Carbon Fiber type material, creating a Custom Skate that is based on a Stock Boot.

1. Ultra Lite Weight

The lightest figure skating boot in the world

EDEA is lighter than any other figure skating boot due to the new materials and technologies used in the Skates. EDEA Skates are 20% to 32% lighter than other manufacturers “Lite” boots and up to almost 50% lighter when comparing them to the standard high strength boots. As an example, we had a skater that was using a traditional leather Custom Boot and standard carbon steel FreeStyle Blade, and upgraded to the ICE FLY and Paramount Blade, which was 1.5 lbs per Skate lighter for a total of 3 lbs, for the pair! That’s HUGE!! Just think about the extra time in the air to complete the rotations or get more rotations. Also with less weight in the total skate, it allows for faster acceleration of the free leg in a jump like an axle, double axle, or triple axle. EDEA has separate product lines for ICE and ROLLER. Each line meets the specific needs of each type of skating. There are a few crossover models, which can fill different needs when crossed over.

2. Heat Shapeable

For that INSTANT CUSTOM Fit

EDEA started out to make Skates that are More Comfortable, Easy to Break In, Long Lasting, Very Supportive to the Foot and Skater with Foot Lasts that fit a wide range of different feet. The best feature of EDEA is the ability to Custom Shape and actually change or customize the Shape of the boot by manipulating (Shaping) the Carbon Fiber type structure material, creating a Custom Skate that is based on a Stock Boot. “INSTANT CUSTOM Skates”.

All EDEA Boots come in a standard width that, in the US would be considered as a “C” width for the Ball of the Foot and a "B" width for the Heel. EDEA has developed an incredibly comfortable Shoe Last to build their boots on, and this seems to fit many if not most Skaters very well, without any modifications. Many Skaters that think they need Customs, just put on EDEA and go “This feels and fits Great”. But, because of the Carbon Fibre type material as the structure of the Boot, ALL of the EDEA boots can be Custom Shaped and Modified from a AAAA to a EEE in width, the heels can also be tightened or opened and many other adjustments can be Custom Shaped into the boot. Once the Boot has been Shaped, it will stay in that shape until it is changed again. Shaping can be done to allow for Square toes, Hammer Toes, Bunions, High or Low Arches, narrow heels and ultra narrow Achilles tendon along with the many other shapes that feet come in. This is taking a stock boot and customizing it to the Skater, without the cost of a Custom Boot. This technology is MUCH better than Heat Molding (which in many cases requires periodic re-heating), using the traditional OVEN, which is heating the padding so that it will form to the Skaters foot. With EDEA Skates the internal padding is Memory Foam, similar to what is in a Mattress and does not need more than body heat to shape to the foot. When the Skates are "SHAPED", the actual structure of the Skating Boot is being custom modified.

DO NOT put EDEA Skates in an OVEN and heat the entire boot, as this would soften the entire structure and shape of the Boot. This would not be a good thing. We use Heat Guns, Shoe Lasts and other special tools to Heat and Custom Shape the specific areas of the Structure of the Skating Boot that need to be modified. This work, while not incredibly difficult, does require a good knowledge of Skating, the Boots and how a Skaters feet work inside the Skating Boots. EDEA has created this Incredible and truly wonderful breakthrough for the Skating World, “INSTANT CUSTOM Skates”.

3. Thin Sole

For much Greater Sensitivity, Control, and Lower Center of Gravity

The traditional boot has a sole built with thick layers of stiff leather, cardboard, and sometimes with cork (to help with lightness) or rubber sandwiched in as a sole. Sometimes the heel pulls away from the boot due to the materials used and design. For Rollers the heels are often full of nails making it very difficult to easily mount the Roller Skate Frames utilizing Mounting Bolts.

The Footbed - The EDEA molded Nylon Fibre Glass Footbed structure performs many functions integrated into a very simple looking sole of the Skating Boot. The Footbed provides a smooth, well shaped, and well balanced, basis for the foot to stand on. The upper part of the boot materials wrap around and attaches to the underside of the Footbed. Thus the Covering Skin that is used to the bottom is very thin and makes the boot look VERY different. The Footbed is inside the wrapped sides of the Boot structure. The Footbed has virtually no rotational torque, but does allow for proper flex across the back of the Ball of the Foot to match the many Ice Blade contours. For both Roller and Ice the Footbed does offer just a very small amount of vertical compression, in the engineered honeycomb area at the ball of the foot, which is great for landing jumps and being in your Skates for long periods of time. For Rollers this honeycomb area provides with incredible ventilation and channels for air to move under the foot to help keep the feet cool and dry. For Ice this Footbed provides a water proof secure way to mount your Blades.

Lower Center of Gravity - Compared to a traditional thick leather sole, the EDEA molded Nylon Fibre Glass Footbed is thinner, creating a lower Center of Gravity and greater Control for the Skater. This lower Center of Gravity creates enhanced sensitivity to the skating surface and wonderful stability, along with quicker changes of edges. The Stability is really felt in the landing of jumps, where the extra stability may help save a landing that would normally cause a fall. The fastness of edge changes are especially felt in footwork, or the secure feeling in deep Dance edges.

Size Consistency - Because the Footbed is molded, there is 100% consistency of Sizing and shape of the Footbed. Use the Chart with confidence in choosing the size of ICE Blade to fit your EDEA Skates with confidence. For Rollers, the Boot is the constant, while the Chart is a wonderful point of reference, other issues of Frame size are the type or style of skating and the balance between the levels of Stability and Maneuverability that are directly controlled by the placement or location of the front Axle under the Ball of the Foot that will affect the Frame size.

Feeling of Control - With EDEA there really is a difference that is felt the instant that you put them on your feet. Instantly you feel like your foot has control over the boot and eventually the ICE or Roller skate under the Boot. One Major difference is that, it is NOT required to SUPER, ULTRA Tighten the Laces at the top of the boot (the top hooks) to make the Skate feel secure. Properly fitted, your foot should not wander and slide around inside the Skating Boot. Because of the incredible control the foot has in the EDEA Skate the Top can be more open and provides an wonderful feeling of freedom of movement. This design is much like the lower cut ICE and Inline Roller Speed Skates.

Deeper Edge Leans - The rounded lower edges and tapered shape of the Footbed allow for much Deeper Edge Leans for ICE Skaters, than are possible with most other traditional skating boots. Sometimes the contour of the EDEA Skates requires a smaller length Blade than used on less tapered traditional leather Skating boots.

Large Radius of the Heel – Allows a much broader distribution of the weight and torsion, and provides more stability with 50% more contact area with the sole of the Footbed. The Heels on EDEA Skates are interlocked to the sole part of the Footbed and will not come off, but then, for extra security EDEA adds to the heel Screws. EDEA Never wants a heel to ever come loose.

4. Waterproof Sole for ICE

For Dry Feet and ultra Secure Mounting of Blades (using EDEA Special Mounting Screws)

The molded Footbed is made of a Nylon Fibre Glass structure that is resistant to humidity and temperature. Unlike leather soles that absorb moisture, become water soaked, allows the screws to fall out, and the Blades to sink into the sole, the EDEA Footbed soles are waterproof.

The EDEA Footbed is covered on the bottom of the sole by waterproof man made materials like a rubber. This means that there is no need to Snow Seal the Blades to the Boots.

The Honeycomb sole of the EDEA Footbed will properly conform to the shape of most Blades without putting undue stress on the Blade or the Boot.

On some of the higher level EDEA models, a Dual Density sole Skin is used. It was developed to help reduce Ice Chatter, or that littlevibration that comes when skating on rough ice. This Dual Density sole Skin is an EDEA exclusive.

Mounting Ice Blades on EDEA Skates is very simple and has only a few differences.

5. Incredible Ventilation for ROLLERS

To help keep Feet Dry and Cool

For Rollers the honeycomb of the Footbed provides incredible ventilation and channels for air to move under the foot to help keep the feet cool and dry.

Depending on the different models, some use Indirect Ventilation, while others use Direct Ventilation.

Indirect Ventilation - is obtained by opening the exterior vents under the Heel of the boot, fresh air blows through the Heel all the way to the front of the boot.

Direct Ventilation - is used on some Roller models. The Footbed is fully ventilated on the bottom. On the FLY there is also Ventilation on the upper sections of the boot and tongue also.

The MicroFibre Linings of EDEA Skates wick the perspiration away from the Skaters foot while skating and then allow that moisture to rapidly evaporate from the Skate to dry. Allowing the moisture to stay in the padding of the boot is what rots the padding in some skates and allows the skate to become un-controllable and start hurting the feet. The MicroFibre Lining of the ICE FLY is the new Air Tech for fast drying, while the Concerto uses the strong and fast drying perforated Lorica (feels like Leather) MicroFibre Lining. All of the MicroFibre linings are Antibacterial.

6. Anatomically Foot Formed Fitting

Of the Carbon Fibre type material boot structure

The actual structure and shape of the Skating Boot is actually formed by the Carbon Fibre type material. The Anatomic shaping allows for a perfect fit without pressure points especially around the Ankle. EDEA is known for their fantastic fitting Heel Pocket and how it holds the foot in place, even while jumping. The inner padding is designed for great comfort, while not constraining the freedom of movement needed. On some of the upper models, a Foam cuff is added for extra protection of the Achilles Tendon (this design is now being copied by other boot manufacturers).

The design of the Skating Boot provides for great Lateral support of the foot and vertical strength that will help protect the Ankle. This design also allows for the bending action to happen on the tongue and is not intended to crease the sides of the Boot on most models. Because of the wonderful way EDEA Skates holds the Skaters Foot securely (like the high level Ice and Roller Speed Boots), Skaters will experience a FREEDOM of Movement that has rarely been experienced before. This is a boot that does not (and probably should not) have to strangle the leg at the top to have strength and stability in the Boot for the Skater.

7. Hook design

Utilizing forged hooks that are sewn in, not riveted

EDEA has designed a unique new Forged Steel Hook system that is superior to the Riveted Hooks that are on most Skates. The Hooks are sewn into the front edge of the EDEA Skating Boot providing a better rounded envelope closure and provides a more even pressure. In the last 5 years, we have not had a single broken hook. These hooks are double deep so laces can be wrapped around each Hook twice.

Even the EDEA Laces are special. They are exceptionally strong with very little stretch, because of the special blend of Nylon, Polyester, and Cotton. These laces, in combination with the Outside-In Lacing method, actually locks each loop through the eyelets in place to keep the laces from loosening up on their own. The ability to individually control the tension of each loop is a very good thing.

 

8. Easy short Break-In period

Usually 4 to 6 hours of Training

Due to the New Technologies employed in EDEA Skates, the Break-In is extremely short, usually just one good workout. During the Break-In period your feet are training the Memory Foam, the shape of your feet and then the Tongue must learn to bend and provide the resistance needed to make you feel secure. In standard leather boots, once they are finally broken in, and finally feel good, the leather continues to stretch and change. EDEA Skates feel incredibly comfortable right away and will continue to feel that way for a long time.

EDEA employs a relative stiffness numbers which helps in determining the best model for a specific application of Skating. This number is starting to be adapted by others in the industry, which will hopefully lend some consistency to the choosing of a Model of Skate.

In EDEA Skates, because of the lateral Design and Structure of the Skate, it is very difficult to “Over Boot” the Skater, as compared to a traditional leather Skate, where you are trying to break them in and break them down, so they are comfortable to Skate in. With EDEA, it is possible (but not necessary) for a mid-level Skater to wear the FLY or ICE FLY, our top of the line Skate.

9. Dramatic new Styling and Colors

Unique Italian designed Skates, some with Bling

EDEA brings bold new Skate designs to the Skating World. With EDEA you may actually want to show your Skates to the judges. Boot covers, not required. And don’t forget those well placed Swarozwky crystals on the ICE FLY. What a statement!

10. Reasonably Priced & Readily Available

EDEA Skates are competitively priced to other traditional high level Skating Boots. We have a large inventory in Richmond Indiana of EDEA Skates, which are available to Dealers, Pro Shops and individual Customers.

11. They are Italian

And they ARE GREAT Looking and Incredibly Comfortable Skating Boots. EDEA is leading the industry that other Skating Boot Manufacturers are following.

Take advantage of the Great NEW Technologies that are designed into one of the most Beautiful and incredibly Comfortable Skates made today. Allow yourself to be the very best Skater you can be.

Things are changing. EDEA is creating a New Movement in skating equipment and comfort.

Technology, Beauty, & Comfort Combined

ENJOY!

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