The Three Skate Types: What Separates Them
Ice skates look similar from a distance but are purpose-engineered for entirely different movements. Choosing the wrong type doesn't just limit performance — it can make learning significantly harder and increase injury risk.
Figure Skates
Figure skates have a long blade with a serrated toe pick at the front and significant rocker (curvature). The ankle boot is tall, stiff, and provides maximum support for jumps and spins. The toe pick allows edge work, jumping, and spin launching — but is a major tripping hazard for beginners who don't expect it. Figure skates are the correct choice for anyone pursuing figure skating, recreational artistic skating, or ice dancing.
Key specs: Blade length 9–12 inches depending on boot size, hollow radius 5/8" standard, significant rocker, toe picks at front.
Hockey Skates
Hockey skates prioritize agility, lateral support, and speed changes. The blade is shorter relative to the boot and has a profile (rocker) optimized for quick direction changes. The boot is lower-cut at the ankle, allowing more range of motion. No toe picks. The most versatile skate for general recreational use and the most forgiving for beginners.
Key specs: Blade holder system (Tuuk, EDGE), replaceable steel, hollow radius 5/8" or 1/2" typical, moderate rocker.
Speed Skates
Speed skates are radically different from both. The blade is extremely long (15–18 inches), nearly flat (minimal rocker), and the boot is low and flexible — almost like a slipper. Speed skates are optimized for pure forward propulsion over long distances. They are completely impractical for any other type of skating and difficult for beginners. Subdivided into short track (more blade curve) and long track (flatter, longer blade) variants.
Key specs: Clap skate (hinged blade) for long track, fixed blade for short track, blade length 15–18", minimal hollow.
Sizing Guide: Don't Go by Shoe Size Alone
Ice skate sizing is not the same as shoe sizing:
- Figure skates: Typically run 1 full size smaller than street shoes. A size 8 shoe → size 7 figure skate.
- Hockey skates: Run 1–1.5 sizes smaller. Bauer and CCM use different sizing scales — always check brand-specific charts.
- Speed skates: Typically true-to-size or up to 0.5 size smaller. Must be extremely snug — zero heel lift.
The fit test: Stand in the skates with the laces tightened normally. Your toes should lightly brush the front of the boot (not jammed, not floating). There should be zero heel lift — if your heel lifts when you bend your knee, go down a size. Ankle bones should sit snugly in the quarters of the boot without pressure points.
Width: Hockey skates often come in D (standard), EE (wide), and EEE (extra wide). Figure skates offer B (narrow), C/D (standard), and E (wide). If your foot is wide, sizing up to compensate is a mistake — find the correct width instead.
Blade Types Explained
Blade Steel
Entry-level skates use carbon steel blades — functional but require more frequent sharpening. Mid-range and advanced skates use stainless steel (longer edge retention, rust resistance). High-end hockey skates use proprietary steel alloys (Bauer LS Pulse, CCM XS) engineered for specific balance between hardness and edge retention.
Hollow Radius (ROH)
The hollow refers to the concave groove ground into the blade cross-section during sharpening. A deeper hollow (smaller radius = 1/4") creates more bite/grip. A shallower hollow (larger radius = 1") creates more glide. Standard starting point for most skaters: 5/8" hollow. See our Ice Skate Sharpening Guide for detailed hollow selection advice.
Rocker Profile
Rocker is the curvature of the blade from toe to heel. More rocker = better agility and turns. Less rocker = more glide and straight-line speed. Figure skates are heavily rockered. Speed skates are nearly flat. Hockey skates are in between and often have multiple rocker profiles available (Bauer's Pitch/Rocker system).
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Sources & Further Reading
- US Figure Skating. "Equipment Guide for Skaters." usfigureskating.org
- USA Hockey. "Equipment Recommendations." usahockey.com
- Bauer Hockey. "Skate Fit Guide." bauer.com
- Jackson Ultima. "Ice Skate Sizing Chart." jacksonultima.com
- Ice Skating Institute. "Beginning Skater Resource." skateisi.org
