A Minnesota institution in the making of ice skates has filled a most unusual custom order for Paul McCartney's ex-wife, who is a celebrity performer on Britain's "Dancing on Ice" television show.
Riedell Skates Inc. of Red Wing crafted figure skates for amputee Heather Mills to account not only for her artificial leg but were made without leather for the practicing vegan and outspoken animal-rights activist.
"We've made several vegan-type of skates for skaters," said Riedell co-owner Dan Riegelman, whose grandfather Paul Riedell founded the company in 1945. "Every once in a while, we get a request from a skater who has some type of allergy.
We even have a vegan roller skate in our line."
Riegelman said Riedell made two pair of skates for Mills to use on the show. The company has been supplying skates for free to "Dancing on Ice" since its inception about five years ago.
The skates' leather components were replaced with Clarino, the brand name for a synthetic material. Including the blades, Riegelman estimated that the vegan-friendly skates would cost $900 to $1,000 to purchase.
Mills, who turns 42 this week, appeared on the show's season debut Sunday. "She shouldn't know any difference with the performance," Riegelman said.
Apparently, he was right. The judges thought well of Mills' performance, giving her the third-highest score on the live show.
