Comparing Ice Skates

Understanding the differences between various ice skates will help you search for and buy the best products for you.

Figure Skating vs. Recreational Skating

Let's state the obvious first: Figure skaters want to hit jumps and spins which automatically means a beginner level skater is unlikely to find figure skates will help them get more proficient.

So, what makes these ice skates differ? Figure skates assume you will want to have your feet elevate when jumping and will therefore demand substantial support on landing. 

The Boot

Figures will usually (but not exclusively) have stiff leather boots that lace up. This leather is extra thick and stiff to make your ankles handle the impact on landing. Recreational products will often have a softer boot with buckles and other binding systems on account of these skaters wanting comfort first.

Not all figures will have a leather boot and some recreational skates will have a leather boot. When you look at impressive companies like Riedell, you learn to do shopping based on the overall product, not any one criterion. 

Padding

With figures, the heel takes plenty of abuse and requires plenty of support. Look for a boot that will help spread out the shock at impact and has some padding regardless of the boot being leather or not.

Blades on a Pair of Figure Skates

Ice skates for competitive figure skaters will often involve buying blades separately from a boot. But for the typical figure skater it is not worth the money to make these purchases separately.

Toe Picks

Figure skating relies on abrupt changes in direction to accomplish spins and jumps. To do this, figure skaters dig the toe pick into the ice. As a result, with these products the toe pick may be more radical than a recreation product.

Durable Blades

Skates for competitive skaters must carve smooth and clean lines all over the ice in addition to withstanding the stress of spins and jumps. These will tend to be extra high-quality steel to maintain a "like new" edge to these items. Know that the most popular items are made extra well and for that you will pay a bit higher price.

Hockey vs. Figures

Since hockey ice skates don't assist with jumps etc. the boot and blade construction is different. 

The Boot

On a hockey skate the back of the boot and the tongue are much higher to provide extra protection. The tongue, in particular has extra padding.

Generally consisting of leather on account of the requirement to offer protection from pucks and other skates, the boot of these ice skates is designed to be used for tight turns and subtle moves like those seen in international hockey.

Laces dominate bindings in these ice skates, but buckles are more and more competitive and could someday be among the best bindings on a leather boot. The heel is closer to the ice as these skaters want a lower center of gravity to make it easy (or at least easier) to find their way to the net.

The Blade

A definitive sign you are looking at a hockey skate is that these items do not have a toe pick. Whether buying new entry level or high-end hockey ice skates, remember that the toe pick simply will get in the way.

Price of Figure Skates

Like anything else, you will learn the best items will require more money as you search for the best values. Ice skates for international competitive participants can get very pricey. Shopping for sales offers is always smart but waiting too long might mean the most common sizes are sold out. 

Buying the Best

With our competitive prices and a huge selection, we probably have your size in our store right now. Watch our sales site for incredible values on accessories and inline and roller skates too.

Let our fantastic customer service staff answer all your questions too! Please sign up for email to get news about special promotions and new products.