Figure Skates

Figure skates are a type of skating boots with blades, preferred in figure skating. The skaters are required to put on the boots equipped with blades in the bottom and perform their artistic piece. The skates are either pre-joined with the blades or are available in separate pieces, and the skaters are required to connect them. The sole purpose of any skate is to provide a right balance and reduce the friction on the ice surface. An excellent pair of skates should control the pace and provide all-round motion.

Evolution of Figure Skates

The figure skates were introduced in the 19^th century in response to the increasing popularity of the sport. The early skate boots were made by hand from leather. These boots were not much durable and usually disrupted or tore down while attaching them with the blades. In modern times, the boots are more durable and are made up to the ankle. The boots are made from heat resistant synthetic material and provide an excellent fit. In recent times, the blades are aided with skate guards to protect them from quick wear and tear. The guards not only increase the shelf life but also contribute to the reduction of the friction that occurred while skating on the ice surface.

Types of Figure Skates

Figure Ice Skates 

These are widely used figure skates, usually made from vinyl polystyrene. But professional skates are made of leather and are custom-fitted to provide flexibility around the ankles. The blades have a length of about an inch with curved fronts.

Recreational Ice Skates

The skates are not well constructed and lack any padding or other support required by professionals. The beginners use these ice skates for training purpose.

Manufacturing of Figure Skates

Figure skates have three essential parts - boot, blade and laces. Usually, they are custom made for professional and elite players for the perfect fit. A little padding is added to the boot for easy jumps, spin and better performance.

Blade - The blades are made from tempered carbon steel, coated with chrome materials and are composed of the following components -

• Rake, pick, teeth - The front toe-pick part is regarded as the teeth. It has edges similar to sawtooth.
• Drag, master, drop pick - The lowermost spike present on the toe pick is known as the drag. The drag plays a crucial role for performing vertical jumps.
• King pick, primary - A king pick is the top spike present on the toe pick. It has a larger dimension with spikes protruding outside. The picks (spikes) enhance the skater’s contact on the ice surface and allow various stunts and manoeuvres.
• Non-skateable zone (NSZ) - It is the particular region of the blade present behind the toe pick. This part enables the skater to complete spins. It usually ranges from 1 inch to 1.5 inches.
• Lift angle, heel lift, toe lift - It’s the angle between the blade’s tail (posterior region) and the ice surface. The difference in height determines the total time required to come in contact with the ice.
• Runner - It’s the outermost region of the blades that make contact with the ice. It’s also the first section that touches the surface after jumps and splits.
• Stanchions - These are the metal structures that connect the blade with the boots tightly.

Boots - The boots were traditionally made of leather but now made from synthetic material or in combinations as these are lighter in weight than leather variants. The boots are usually heat and shock-resistant. They are typically heightened up to the ankle to provide adequate support and maximum flexibility to perform stunts. In official events and tournaments, typically men wear black boots whereas women go for white boots. The boots are traditionally sewn over the foot pedals and toe seams and the top of the boots are aided with foam padding. The excess edges are trimmed to provide a smooth and uniform surface.

Skate guards - The skate guards cover the blades and make them durable. It prevents the blades from excessive wear and tear and avoids rusting of the blades. The soaker is known as the premium quality of skate guard which is basically a terry cloth guard that absorbs excess moisture and prevents rusting. Other common types of guards are also available in the market that are manufactured from hard plastic and other durable materials and sometimes can be decorated as per the desire of the owner.