A multi-degree of freedom ice skate post that connects an ice skate blade to the sole of an ice-skating boot generally comprises a plurality of adjustable elements that include a pronate/supinate platform, a bi-directional module and a side/side module. In some configurations, the pronate/supinate platform is configured to move the ice skate blade in a pronate and supinate direction. In some configurations the pronate supinate platform is connected with the bi-directional module providing movement of the ice skate blade in the fore and aft position. In some configurations the side/side module is connected with the bi-directional module providing movement in a side by side direction. Additional configurations can include vertical adjustments as well.

An ice skate comprising a blade holder having U-shaped inner and outer members that are spaced apart to define a hollow space therebetween. The U-shaped outer member has an elongated blade-supporting base and front and rear pillars that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the blade holder. At least part of the elongated blade-supporting base, front pillar and rear pillar is made of a composite material such as a fiber-matrix composite material. The ice skate also has a blade comprising a runner and a body made of composite material with a matrix and a plurality of fibers embedded in the matrix.

An ice skate comprising a blade holder having U-shaped inner and outer members that are spaced apart to define a hollow space therebetween. The U-shaped outer member has an elongated blade-supporting base and front and rear pillars that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the blade holder. At least part of the elongated blade-supporting base, front pillar and rear pillar is made of a composite material such as a fiber-matrix composite material. The ice skate also has a blade comprising a runner and a body made of composite material with a matrix and a plurality of fibers embedded in the matrix.

A method of customizing a boot, for example a skate boot, includes generating a tridimensional digital representation of a wearer's foot using numerical data obtained by scanning the wearer's foot. A boot with a foot size corresponding generally to a foot length of the wearer's foot is selected. A core is also selected. The core, a medial side insert and a lateral side insert are inserted into an internal space of the boot such that the medial side insert and the lateral side insert straddle the core. The medial side insert and the lateral side insert are manufactured based on the tridimensional shape of the foot. At least a portion of the boot is then heated such that the boot is thermoformed to follow surfaces of the medial and lateral side inserts. The core, the medial side insert and the lateral side insert are then removed from the boot.

A method of customizing a boot, for example a skate boot, includes generating a tridimensional digital representation of a wearer's foot using numerical data obtained by scanning the wearer's foot. A boot with a foot size corresponding generally to a foot length of the wearer's foot is selected. A core is also selected. The core, a medial side insert and a lateral side insert are inserted into an internal space of the boot such that the medial side insert and the lateral side insert straddle the core. The medial side insert and the lateral side insert are manufactured based on the tridimensional shape of the foot. At least a portion of the boot is then heated such that the boot is thermoformed to follow surfaces of the medial and lateral side inserts. The core, the medial side insert and the lateral side insert are then removed from the boot.

A system for analysis of user gait and foot disorder intended to minimize risks ulceration and limb amputation associated with the uncontrolled increase of the foot temperature in persons with diabetes. This system comprises a motion, force and temperature sensors and a processing element configured to process motion algorithms, measure ground reaction force (GRF) and changes in foot temperature embedded in the footwear insoles in communication with a smartphone based analysis application using wireless radio interface. The analysis application processes data received from the footwear sensors, compares the results with set of criteria and rules, and if any of the predefined criteria is exceeded, provides alerts to the user and the remote medical supervisor. Additionally, the insoles may be equipped with a haptic actuators configured to determine the level of the user neuropathy by measuring vibration perception threshold (VPT) level.

A runner for an ice skate. The runner extends along a longitudinal axis between a front end and an opposed rear end. The runner is entirely metal and has a height extending between an ice-contacting portion for engaging an ice surface and an opposed upper portion. The runner has a datum runner thickness defined between outer and inner side surfaces of the runner. The runner has one or more regions of reduced thickness that are recessed inwardly from one or both of the outer and inner surfaces. The regions have a local thickness being less than the datum runner thickness. An ice skate and method of making a runner for an ice skate are also disclosed.

A runner for an ice skate. The runner extends along a longitudinal axis between a front end and an opposed rear end. The runner is entirely metal and has a height extending between an ice-contacting portion for engaging an ice surface and an opposed upper portion. The runner has a datum runner thickness defined between outer and inner side surfaces of the runner. The runner has one or more regions of reduced thickness that are recessed inwardly from one or both of the outer and inner surfaces. The regions have a local thickness being less than the datum runner thickness. An ice skate and method of making a runner for an ice skate are also disclosed.

A skate blade sharpening system used to sharpen the blades of ice skates. The skate sharpener can include a housing that includes an elongated slot for receiving the blade of an ice skate for sharpening, and clamp jaws for retaining the skate. The housing can include at least one slot cover to engage the skate blade. Engagement of the skate blade can be sensed by a controller to enable sharpening operations to proceed. The skate blade sharpening system can automatically operate a grinding wheel and move the rotating grinding wheel back and forth along the lower face of the skate blade a desired number of times to sharpen the skate blade.

A skate blade sharpening system used to sharpen the blades of ice skates. The skate sharpener can include a housing that includes an elongated slot for receiving the blade of an ice skate for sharpening, and clamp jaws for retaining the skate. The housing can include at least one slot cover to engage the skate blade. Engagement of the skate blade can be sensed by a controller to enable sharpening operations to proceed. The skate blade sharpening system can automatically operate a grinding wheel and move the rotating grinding wheel back and forth along the lower face of the skate blade a desired number of times to sharpen the skate blade.