The Difference Between Ice
Skates and Figure Skates
Not all ice skates are the same.
Figure Skates vs. Ice Skates
|
When you're thinking about buying a pair of ice skates,
it's important to first define what kind of skating you plan to do. Just
as the word "ball" can mean any one of a hundred different kinds of
balls, the term "ice skates" encompasses shoes with ice blades for
playing hockey, racing, figure skating and ice dancing, or simple
recreational skating. Different skates are designed for each of these
kinds of activities.
Figure skates are designed with a very stiff boot so that the foot and
ankle are well supported when a skater jumps or spins on the ice. Lack
of support from the boot can cause a skater's foot and ankle to twist on
landing, which can cause injury.
Although it is difficult to see the difference from a distance, the heel
of a high quality figure skate will be made of leather, rather than the
wood usually found on recreational skates. Leather provides a more
resilient cushion when the skater's weight lands on one foot.
Hockey and racing skates do not feature the kind of built-up heel you
will find on a figure skate. These boots generally have a flatter sole.
Figure skates all have prominent toe picks, the jagged part of the blade
that permits a skater to "dig in" to the ice when jumping or pivoting.
Racing and hockey skates have no toe picks, because these skaters do not
perform these maneuvers. Recreational skates will have slightly smaller,
less sharp toe picks.
Because they are manufactured from heavy leather, figure skates are
often much heavier than ice skates designed for hockey, racing or simple
recreational skating. Several skate makers are now designing
recreational ice skates from plastic, vinyl, soft leather or heavy
canvas, all of which are lighter and usually more comfortable for simple
ice skating activities. The break-in period for soft ice skates is
usually very short or nonexistent. Soft ice skates also have more
internal room for extra padding for warmth and comfort on the ice.
All ice skates will be available in various inexpensive to high-quality
versions. Beginner and simple recreational skates usually come with
metal blades attached. Skates intended for more advanced skaters are
usually sold without blades, as advanced skaters in any ice sport want
to choose their blades and have them professionally mounted on their
skate boots. |
