What are the Different Types of Ice Skates?
With the popularity of Olympic figure skating, interest in ice skating sports has risen. Not all ice skating sports use the same kinds of ice skates. In fact, each sport requires a different style. Figure skating is probably the most popular ice skating sport. Its turns, jumps and other acrobatics demand particular ice skates. Figure skates consist of boots with a small heel and steel, hollow-ground blades that extend an inch or so past the back of the boot. Their curved fronts are serrated with toe picks that enable the skater to perform certain moves. Beginning figure skaters may have a cheaper skate with a vinyl boot, but the pros have leather boots, often custom fitted, with custom blades as well. Their skates may run into the hundreds of dollars.
