Ice skaters of all levels can choose between a variety of skate brands and features. Figure skates provide the support for jumping and spinning, while recreational skates allow casual skaters to glide comfortably around indoor and outdoor rinks. Before investing in new skates, compare the features of these two types of skates to determine which can best help you meet your skating goals.
Features
Recreational skates typically consist of a boot and blade combination joined with rivets or other permanent fasteners. The boot and the blade are sold as a set, so buyers don't have to match these components for size or compatibility. The boot itself is made of leather, plastic or composite materials, while the blade is often made of steel or steel-coated nickel.
Figure skates include stiff leather boots mounted on a steel blade. Many skaters buy these components separately for maximum flexibility. The blade must be precisely mounted on the boot, often in a specialty skate shop. Trying to mount the blade yourself can lead to misalignment, which can affect jumps and spins.
Uses
Skaters choose recreational skates for casual skating with family and friends. Many skating rinks offer recreational skates as rentals for use during public sessions and group lesson programs. The recreational skate also is a solid choice for the new skater who is just getting used to the sport and isn't ready to invest in figure or hockey skates.
People who want to perform jumps, spins or ice dances use figure skates for the extra support and stability. The blades glide smoothly over the ice and feature specially-curved edges for spins and turns. A set of teeth, or toe-pick, at the tip of the blades propels the skater into the air for jumps.
Types
Recreational skates are available with both figure- and hockey-style blades. The figure blade has a small toe-pick to assist with pushing and stopping, while the hockey skate is rounded at both ends for speed. Some recreational skates feature regular laces, while others use buckles like those on a ski boot.
Different types of figure skates can look similar but contain very different features. The boot can range from a single layer of leather to one made from multiple layers that feels as stiff as concrete. The more advanced or heavier a skater is, the stiffer the figure skating boot needs to be. The blade design also varies, from beginner models with small toe-picks to advanced blades with large, cross-cut picks and tapered edges.
Benefits
Figure skates offer a high level of strength to support the ankle during jumps and spins. They also tend to include high-quality steel blades with smooth edges, which makes it easier to glide and pick up speed. The curve and shape of the blade makes it possible to perform spins and turns that are not possible with a basic recreational blade.
One of the primary benefits of the recreational skate is its relatively low price. You can find these skates at most sporting goods stores for well under $100. Many feature thick padding for comfort, and the skate tends to be easier to put on and take off than a figure skate.
Drawbacks
One of the drawbacks of figure skates is their relatively high price, which can range from just over $100 to thousands of dollars, depending on the model. The stiff leather boot on these skates can be uncomfortable or even painful at first, and many skaters experience a break-in period lasting several weeks.
Recreational skates tend to offer fairly little ankle support, making them a poor choice for skaters beyond the beginner level. The blades contain cheaper steel or nickel that is difficult to smooth during sharpening, so the skates don't glide as well as more expensive blades.
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