Editing Inline skates (section)

=== Heel support ===

Heel support refers to the ability of a boot to keep a skater's heel comfortably seated and firmly locked down in the heel pocket of the boot, even during aggressive maneuvering.

[[File:Heel support in an inline skate-illustration-IMG 4591-FRD.png|thumb|right|340px|A contoured heel pocket and a proper closure system work together to lock in the heel]]

A heel pocket is formed by the shell, inner liner and sole of a boot. A properly-designed boot has a heel pocket that hugs the heel, with an anatomical contour. A proper closure system causes the "facing" (where eyelet tabs are) to push the instep against the heel pocket, preventing the foot from shifting or lifting during maneuvers. As a result, the heel remains in contact with the footbed at all times.<ref name="powell-svensson-inline-skating"/>{{rp|15–18}}

Proper '''heel lock''' serves as a stable foundation for the entire foot. It allows a skater to adopt an athletic stance for skating by flexing the lower leg forward, without raising the heel. A snug fit means reduced movement of the foot within the skate, and thus reduced opportunity for friction to cause blisters. At the same time, the whole skate becomes transfixed to the foot as an extension of it, allowing efficient strides with a faithful transfer of power from the foot to the ground.<ref name="feineman-wheel-excitement"/>{{rp|35–36,79–80}}