FIGURE SKATING BY THE NUMBERS

4 Dollar cost per square foot of top-quality cowhide.

5 Days it takes to make a top-quality skate boot, from cutting to packaging.

6 Weeks it used to take before the assembly line was revamped in 1998.

20 Average years of service in Riedell's Red Wing skate boot factory.

65 Percent of the worldwide skating market based in the United States.

98 Percentage of all footwear imported into the United States.

150 Separate operations that go into making a top skate boot.

300 Average number of skate boots that come off the line each day.

680 Dollars that a custom skate boot costs.