Ice Hockey Skates

Ice sports have been around for quite some time, generally originating in areas that, you guessed it, have quite a lot of ice during those colder months of the year. As you know, many of these winter sports require ice skates of some type to play, but did you know just how many different types of skates there were to choose from?

If you said seven, then you would be correct. You see, the difference is not just between figure skates and ice hockey skates, though those are rather notable in and of themselves. There are many different kinds of ice sports, so there are many different kinds of skates each specifically designed to suit the needs of that particular sport. These skates all have different names that you can refer to them by when looking to complete your equipment set for whichever ice sport you are preparing to play. They are: figure skates, ice hockey skates, bandy skates, racing skates, touring skates, and double runner skates.

When most people think of figure skates, more often than not the first thing that comes to mind is the toe pick. However, it is interesting to note that these are some of the stiffest boots out there, made with several layers of leather, for optimal ankle support during those difficult triple jumps. Unlike hockey skates, figure skates are not made to withstand impacts from pucks or other players, so there is not plastic outer shell like there is on ice hockey skates. Hockey skates are also made with a more curved blade without the toe pick because it would be dangerous during an on ice pile-up.

Bandy skates, used to play Russian hockey, are similar to hockey skates except that the boot is made lower than the hockey version, and often doesn’t even cover the ankle. Their blades are approximately one inch longer, as well, giving the bandy players the ability to gain more speed. Racing skates, specifically designed for speed skating, are similar to bandy skates in that they do not cover the ankle, and the blade attached is very long. This gives the wearer the ability to move very quickly on the ice, but hinders his or her ability to stop as quickly as someone in figure or ice hockey skates can.

Finally, double runner skates are designed for children who are just learning how to balance on the ice. They are easily spotted because of the double blades that are attached to the bottom, and increase stability for the little ones while they need it.

Now you know the difference, even if you were already aware of all of these different ice skates before.

Check Out all the In-Stock Ice Hockey Skates: