Figure Skates

The characteristics of figure skates

Figure skates are crafted for the discipline of figure skating, typically showcasing a more refined and elegant design compared to standard skates. Additionally, figure skates feature boots with less padding and fewer protective layers than standard skates.

These skates come with boots that reach ankle height, with most pairs having shoelaces rather than buckles. Numerous modern figure skates are constructed from artificial leather or PVC. This synthetic material offers greater strength and lighter weight than leather, which is beneficial for figure skating, particularly when executing tricks. As a proper fit is crucial, some individuals opt to have their figure skates customised for an ideal fit.

Figure skates are equipped with steel blades, which have a slight curve visible in the skate's profile. A prominent feature of these skates is the toe pick at the front of the blades. Toe picks are designed to provide enhanced grip when making jumps. Additionally, the blade extends past the heel of the boot, offering greater directional stability. Most figure skates are available in white or black; white is often preferred by female skaters, while black is generally worn by male skaters. Nonetheless, figure skates can also be found in various other colours.

How can figure skates be used?

While figure skates are well-suited for regular ice skating at a rink, their primary purpose is figure skating. The earliest figure skates emerged in the 19th century, coinciding with the rising popularity of ice skating, which eventually branched into figure skating and speed skating. Figure skating is divided into four disciplines: single skating, pair skating, ice dance, and synchronised figure skating, with winners determined by a unique scoring system.

Refer to our buying guide for ice skates for tips on selecting the appropriate size and model.