While hockey and figure skating share the same objective, they are two different sports requiring two different types of equipment hockey Skates vs Figure Skates. To skate in either game, you will need a pair of skates. Figure skating skates can be traced back to the mid-1800s when they were first introduced as a way for young girls to train for ice dancing or compete in the Olympics. Since then, figure skates have evolved into their sport, which has allowed them to remain separate from hockey. Although there are some key differences between hockey and figure skating skates, the latter is not widely accepted in North America. If you plan on playing either sport and don’t want to spend money upgrading your equipment, read on to learn more about these differences.
Hockey Skates
Hockey skates are designed for players who want to play hockey in a league or on a team. These skates are designed for hockey players at all levels, from recreational players to elite hockey players. Hockey skates are available in various designs and color combinations that help players look good on the ice. The four main features of hockey skates are the blade, the boot, the toe, and the heel. The blade is the main component that allows the player to skate, while the boot provides support around the ankle and heel. The toe is the part of the skate that touches the ice, while the heel provides support and allows the player to accelerate. Most hockey skates have a blade made of a composite material that allows them to be flexible and lightweight. Different blades are available depending on the level of hockey you play and the level of play. Recreational blades are designed for skating on relatively soft ice, while professional blades are stiffer for faster skating.
Figure Skates
Figure skating skates are designed for skating on ice and have features that give them a similar look and feel to a normal pair of walking or running shoes. The most common figure skating skates are toe-ring, speed, and Olympic-style. Toe-ring skates are the most common type and come in various designs and colors. Speed skates are designed with a thinner and more flexible blade that is great for practicing jumps and spins, while Olympic-style skates are more rigid and are used for competitions that are judged on how well the skater can move on the ice. To determine which type of figure skating skate you should use, you should consider the level of competition you are participating. Competitive skaters will generally use Olympic-style skates as they are more rigid and allow the skater to move on the ice with accuracy. Speed skates are designed for recreational skating and are generally recommended for beginners. They have a thinner, more flexible blade and are great for practicing jumps and spins.
Differences Between Hockey and Figure Skates
A major difference between hockey and figure skating is the equipment. While hockey skates are designed for skating on an ice-covered surface, figure skating skates are designed for skating on hard surfaces such as concrete or even a skating rink. Another difference is the rules for each. While both sports are played on ice with a hockey stick and a puck, figure skating is a form of dance judged by elegance and technique. Hockey, on the other hand, is a fast-paced sport played on a rectangular field with sticks and pucks.
Types of Hockey Skate
There are a few different types of hockey skates. Recreational skates are designed for relatively soft ice and allow players to make basic skating moves. The rubber on these skates is softer and creates more vibration, which is great for developing agility. Mid-level skates are a step up from recreational skates and have harder rubber that allows the player to skate faster. Professional hockey players do not use these skates for speed skating and jumping higher.
Figure Skate Blade
The blade of a figure skating skate is similar to that of a hockey skate. It is a metal plate attached to the toe and heel of the skate. The toe is the end closest to the ice and is used to push off from and stop. The heel is the end closest to the player’s foot and is used to withstand the skating force. The blade on hockey skates is made of a lightweight composite material that allows it to be flexible and lightweight. The blade of figure skating skates is made of wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, or plastic.
Figure Skate Boot
The boot of a figure skating skate is made of a hard plastic material that supports and protects the ankle. While the boot on hockey skates is made of leather, the boot on figure skating skates is made of hard plastic. Hockey skates have a boot made of leather, while figure skating boots are made of plastic. Although the boot on both hockey and figure skates is made of hard plastic, the boot on figure skating skates is much stiffer.
Shoe Strength and Durability
Hockey skates have shoes made from the same material as tennis shoes. The material is generally comparable to a tennis shoe that costs $50. The durability of hockey skates is dependent on the level of play and the quality of the ice in the area where you play. The durability of figure skating skates is similar to that of a running shoe. The most durable figure skating skates are carbon fiber or plastic and have durometer (shore hardness) ratings of 90 or higher. Most figure skating skates are made of a durometer 90 or higher material.
Wrapping Your Feet and Knees
Hockey skates have a plastic or metal plate that wraps around the top of the foot and ankle. This plate protects the ankle and foot from injury and keeps the player’s foot securely in the skate. Figure skating skates do not have a wrap and are generally much lighter than hockey skates. Wraps for figure skating skates are optional. They are generally made of hard plastic, Neoprene, or leather. Wraps for hockey skates are mandatory and are made of either vinyl or leather. All skates and hockey sticks must be wrapped with a cinch strap. This keeps the equipment from coming undone while on the ice and provides forceful traction to the player’s feet and ankles.
Final Words
Hockey and figure skating are both popular sports and require players to have a certain level of athleticism. While people of all ages can play both sports, they are best suited for players over six. If you are interested in playing hockey but don’t want to spend money upgrading your equipment, you can rent hockey skates instead of buying a pair. Figure skating skates can be a bit more expensive. If you want to play hockey but don’t want to spend money on hockey or figure skating skates, you can rent both types of equipment.
