Figure skates and regular ice skates differ primarily in their design and purpose. Figure skates are specifically tailored for figure skating, emphasising elegance, precise movements, and intricate footwork. They have a distinct toe pick at the front, aiding in executing jumps, spins, and artistic elements unique to figure skating routines.
On the other hand, traditional ice skates, often referred to as hockey skates or recreational skates, are designed for speed, agility, and manoeuvrability on the ice. They lack the toe pick found in figure skates and are built for quick movements, sudden stops, and directional changes, essential in sports like hockey and general recreational skating.
The blade profiles also differ, figure skates have longer, more pronounced blades, whereas hockey or recreational skates have shorter, flatter blades designed to facilitate quick turns and acceleration.