Need thorough explanation of "boot flex"

[sds 0]

if anyone has an online resource for this, please provide a link.

I am trying to understand all the details behind skate stiffness. I have a vague notion of what it is, but I think I lack the full understanding of the mechanics. Here are some of my questions:

1. Is the flexing only in the forward direction? i.e. when you bend your knee over your toe?

2. Is there a side component to it? i.e. when you roll your ankles in or out on turns

3. what are the effects of leaving the top eyelet undone? It seems you get more freedom, but then it would be HARDER to flex the boot since you are pulling it from the middle and not the top (the whole lever arm physics).

plus many more. I know this is a newbie question, but I have been unable to find a thorough tutorial anywhere on the subject.

[sabres48 0]

http://www.nikebauer.com

Move your cursor over the word gear at the top then click on the on90 skate in the bottom row. Then after the little animated part click on the part about skate flexing and there is a good animation.

[sabre09923 0]

1. Not necessarily. All boots flex forward to a degree (allowing you to load up and get snap on your push off), while having stiff materials in the ankle to prevent side to side movement -- so the ankle is supported. Stiffness is also in the foot (duh) so it has adequate support. But all boots (some much more than others) give you freedom in your ankles, providing lateral movement.

2. Yes. If you ever get the chance to skate in Mission SuppleFit skates (as I am right now), you'll notice that your ankle has more freedom forward AND laterally. On turns, sometimes, if I use my edges a lot, my ankle is nearly parallel to the ice. The freedom of the ankle laterally and forward helps my cornering and push-off.

3. Undoing the top eyelet allows more flexion, since the tongue is more loose and allows your ankle to move forward. I don't know the exact physics, but that's how I think it works.

Keep in mind there is a fine line between freedom in the ankle and lack of support. Once boots start to break down, your feet will be aching as well as your ankles.

I'm sure JR or Chadd can explain it much better than I did, though.

[blues_91 0]

if anyone has an online resource for this, please provide a link.

I am trying to understand all the details behind skate stiffness. I have a vague notion of what it is, but I think I lack the full understanding of the mechanics. Here are some of my questions:

1. Is the flexing only in the forward direction? i.e. when you bend your knee over your toe?

2. Is there a side component to it? i.e. when you roll your ankles in or out on turns

3. what are the effects of leaving the top eyelet undone? It seems you get more freedom, but then it would be HARDER to flex the boot since you are pulling it from the middle and not the top (the whole lever arm physics).

plus many more. I know this is a newbie question, but I have been unable to find a thorough tutorial anywhere on the subject.

You get more forward flex because there is less skate to hold you back, and therefore, you don't need to flex as much of the skate to get more ankle flex.