How to Ice Skate: Learn about Different Ice Skates

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By WesleyJ
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are these figure or hockey skates?

Hockey Skates or Figure Skates. What's the difference? Believe it or not, it can make a difference which skates you decide to skate on. Take a look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Hockey Skates
Ice Skates

Step 1

skating at bryant park

WHY ITS IMPORTANT. Many people advise beginners to start with Figure skates over Hockey skates. As to why?...I have no idea. If you're unsure which ones you prefer, go for comfortability. After all you want to be out on the ice as long as you can.
Step 2

hockey skates

HOCKEY SKATES. Let's begin with hockey skates. To start off, they feel a little heavier. Made mostly from molded plastic, a little bit of leather, and nylon, hockey skates can be extremely durable. Just like figure skates there are inner and outer sections of the blade. HOWEVER, there is no toepick and this is the major difference.
Step 3

see the toepick?

WHAT IS A TOEPICK? A toepick is the teeth in front of the blade (see image). Always found on Figure Skates but never on Hockey Skates. The toepick allows you to slow down among the many methods of stopping.
Step 4

see no toepicks!

WHY HOCKEY SKATES DON'T HAVE TOEPICKS. Hockey as a sport is fast paced. You hardly ever have to stop the way you do in figure skating. With toepicks how can hockey players play defense by ramming opponent players. That's why toepicks are missing on hockey skates for their convenience.
Step 5

SKATES FOR VARIETY. Hockey Skates are different for each position. Goalie Skates are cut lower and the blade is in a type of holding (cowling) that provides more protection. Bandy Skates are lower, sometimes not covering the ankles, and the blades are a little bit longer.
Step 6

FIGURE SKATES. Obviously as said before notice the toepick. It has many uses beside stopping of course. All of the beautiful jumps made in figure skating require the toepick, which is made from aluminum or steel. These skates are usually made of several different layers of leather for increased ankle protection. Personal opinion: They feel a bit lighter than hockey skates.
Step 7

racing skates

RACING SKATES. Besides the two most common skates (Hockey and Figure) there are also racing skates and touring skates. Racing skates are specifically used in speed skating. You'll noticed the blades are long. There is also a hinge on the blade. All of these modifications are made to maximize speed.
Step 8

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TOURING SKATES. Also known as Nordic Skates. They also have long blades for the purpose of hiking. These skates are modified for long distance skating over natural ice.