Difference Between Figure Skates And Hockey Skates
Skating is an age-old activity that has evolved over time into various disciplines to include ice dancing, figure skating, and ice hockey. One distinguishing feature in these ice sports is the type of skates worn by athletes. Although figure skating and hockey may seem similar, there are fundamental differences between the two sports.
What Are Figure Skates?
Figure skating is an elegant and graceful sport that involves performing jumps, spins, and footwork to music. Figure skates are specially designed to support the ankle and provide a greater range of motion, essential for performing such intricate moves. They also have a toe-pick at the front, which helps skaters launch themselves into the air for jumps and spins.
The blades of figure skates are longer and flat, and they extend beyond the boot's sole. This design provides stability and allows skaters to make more extended and smoother movements. Figure skates are made of various materials, such as leather, synthetic materials or a combination of both. The boots are also typically higher and stiffer than hockey skates.
What Are Hockey Skates?
Hockey is a fast-paced and high-contact sport played on ice. The skates are designed to be agile, light, and provide speed to the athlete. Compared to figure skates, hockey skates are shorter, wider and have a rounded blade, which permits quick turns and maximum maneuverability. The blade is also set further back towards the heel, which enables players to skate forward and backward with ease.
Hockey skates are typically made of synthetic materials or a combination of synthetic and leather materials. The boots are generally lower, lighter and more flexible than figure skates. This allows players to move faster and change directions in response to the game's demands. Hockey skates also lack a toe-pick, since it can easily get caught in the ice and makes it difficult for players to maneuver around the ice.
Key Differences Between Figure Skates and Hockey Skates
- Blade design: Figure skates have a longer, flatter blade that extends beyond the boot's sole, while hockey skates have a shorter, rounded blade.
- Toepick: Figure skates have a toepick at the front, which hockey skates lack.
- Boot design: Figure skates have a higher, stiffer boot than hockey skates, which have a lower, lighter and more flexible boot.
Which Skates Are Right for You?
The choice of skates depends on one's skating discipline, level of experience, and personal preference. For example, if you are a beginner, you may want to consider purchasing hockey skates since they are more budget-friendly and versatile. On the other hand, if you are pursuing figure skating, you might opt for figure skates as they provide better support for the intricate moves required in the sport.
It is essential to note that both figure skates and hockey skates require proper fitting to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
Conclusion
It is clear that figure skates and hockey skates may look similar, but they differ in several ways, from the blade design to the boot's structure. The choice of skates depends on one's skating discipline, level of experience, and personal preference. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it is vital to select the right skates and ensure they fit correctly to enjoy your ice skating experience fully.