Can you ice skate with figure skates?
While there are distinct advantages to learning how to skate in either figure skates or hockey skates, if you simply want to get on the ice and have some fun, the type of skate you choose does not matter. But if you or your child is interested in figure skating, start with figure skates.
Can figure skaters skate in hockey skates?
Do NOT attempt figure skating moves in hockey skates, unless it’s something very basic, like a two foot spin. Even a basic one foot spin is pushing it. Figure skating blades have specific properties that hockey blades do not have, and these properties are what determine whether you fall on your face or not.
Can you use figure skates for ice hockey?
Figure skates have a longer, straighter blade which can help with balance. If your child intends on playing hockey, it may also be a good idea to start with figure skates to help with balance. Many skaters have a hard time balancing on hockey skates, especially if they are young and it is their first time on the ice.
Are figure skates the same size as hockey skates?
Figure skates are longer in shape than hockey skates of the same size. The skates are designed differently for different balances of weight. In figure skating, some moves need more weight placed on the heel while other moves need the weight balanced on the toe.
Are hockey skates thinner than figure skates?
Figure skates’ boots are often made of many layers of leather. This material makes the skates more expensive compared to the hockey skates. The boot also has a wooden sole inside for support and a small heel on the outside. It is also lighter, thinner, and shorter when placed beside a pair of hockey skates.
Are figure skates and hockey skates the same thing?
No, no, no, no and no. Hockey skates are designed for speed and acceleration, with curled up blades and smooth toes and heels. While figure skating also requires some speed skating, thus speed is usually obtained in a completely different way than with hockey skating (or even speed skating, for that matter).
Can you use a toe pick on hockey skates?
A beginning skater can use a toe pick inappropriately. Hockey skates are lighter weight, allowing a skater to practice longer before fatigue sets in.
What to do with old figure skates?
If it is because all you have is hockey skates but you want to figure skates, then maybe you could trade them in, keep checking thrift stores, yard sales, ebay or offer up. I have found a couple of pairs of ice skates at thrift stores and really good brands too like Harlick, Reidell, etc.
What are hockey skates made of?
A hockey skate has a rigid boot typically made of a synthetic material—plastic, for example—and is designed to protect the feet from the hard puck, from hockey sticks, and from other players’ skates.