What’s the difference between ice skates and figure skates?

In this article we will explore the different types of ice skates from recreational skates to the artist figure skate and the high-paced intensity of ice hockey skates. Plus, we will be taking a peek at the history behind them.

History

Ice skates date back to 1800 BCE in Scandinavia! The skates were constructed from horse and cow bone where the earliest skaters pierced a hole through the bone and fitted them with leather straps. In the 13th century skaters constructed their skates from wood and iron blade, this meant that they had far more control over their movements. The 15th-century skaters added a dramatic curled toe to the blade. The curl prevented the tip of the skate from getting stuck in the ice which was causing skaters to trip. Near the end of the 19th century the American ballet dancer Jackson Haines adapted his techniques for ice dancing and is widely considered the father of figure skating. The 20th century brought the toe pick, the jagged edge on the front of the figure skate that enables skaters to push off of the ice for jumps.

Recreational Skates

Recreational skates are designed for fun skating. You will probably find they hold you back when you come to learn the more complex moves. They are unlikely to be strong enough to stand up to jumps and spins. Recreational skates are mostly used by beginner skaters. With this in mind they are usually made to be comfortable and supportive, typically the boot is soft and made of synthetic leather and the blade is slightly curved to allow for easy turning. 

Figure Skates

Figure skating is a sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform on figure skates on ice. It was also the first winter sport to be included in the Olympics. Figure skates are designed for the kind of intricate footwork and jumps for artistic skating. A figure skate blade is longer and thinner which helps skaters achieve the fast speeds and quick turns required for difficult tricks. The boots are higher than hockey boots or recreational skating boots, which gives skaters more ankle support for jumps and twists. A professional figure skater may get his or her skates sharpened every two weeks or less and the laces changed out each time too.

One thing that even recreational figure skates have is a toe pick. The toe pick on figure skates is necessary for stopping, jumping, and spinning. The pick is at the front of the blade. Skaters use the toe pick to dig into the ice when taking off from a jump or performing a spin, they also use the pick for making special turns while skating. To make a turn, the skater will use the outside edge of their blade and dig the toe pick into the ice to slow down and change direction. 

Ice Hockey Skates

As the name suggests, ice hockey skates are suitable for ice hockey, but they are equally good for recreational skating on the ice if you are a beginner. The ice skate consists of a stiff shell that will protect your feet against hits during an ice hockey game. The interior is well-padded, making it comfortable to wear despite the stiff shell - which is also why they are suitable for beginners looking for comfortable skates. The boot is designed to provide good support for your ankle and foot. The blade is short and curved, making the ice skates easy-maneuverable and optimum for quick acceleration to obtain speed but less suitable for long rides.