Hockey skates vs Figure skates – what to choose?

Wondering what to buy as a beginner ice skater? Hockey skates vs figure skates - which ones to choose?
Below are explanations about:

• their technical differences (boots and blades),
• and the pros and cons for beginners,
• the best option to start ice skating.

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What to buy for a beginner? Hockey skates or figure skates - summary

First, there is no better skate or better sport between figure skating and hockey.
There are often small conflicts between hockey skaters and figure skaters or people skating with hockey skates or figure skates.
But both allow impressive moves. Don't let people tell you what is supposed to be 'cooler' to wear.

Hockey skates vs Figure skates - which ones to choose:

Whatever the chosen sport, the beginner has to learn a set of basic skating skills: balance, posture, stopping, stroking.
You can learn with both types of skates. However, it is often considered that the long blade of figure skates makes it easier to get balance at the beginning.
I think you should choose your skates based on your skating objectives.
Below are more detailed answers based on different situations.

If you do know what sport you want to practice

If you already know you want to do figure skating or hockey. Then no need to wonder. Just start learning on the right skates for your sport.
If you want to speed, turn, stop fast choose the hockey skate.
If you want to jump and spin, choose figure skates.

If you just want to skate as fast as possible

If you just want to have fun during public skating session and be able to go as fast as possible, then hockey skates are for you. Just know that it will take a little bit more time to get the balance (unless you are used to roller blading)

If you want to feel safer at the beginning and progress faster

Figure skates have longer blades with toe picks. It is easier to find balance with them. So, most people feel safer when starting with figure skates.
Therefore beginners normally progress faster with figure skates.

And check out my Top 10 First time ice skating tips for beginners

Should my child start with figure skates or hockey skates?

Considering it is easier to find balance with figure skates, it is often a better choice for young kids. They will feel more confident fast.
Anyway the choice of ice skates for toddlers is limited. Check out my article about the best options.

Whichever skates you choose, ice skating is great exercise with many benefits.

Hockey skates or figure skates - differences in the boots

The main difference between the hockey skating boots and the figure skating boots are in their respective designs. While figure skating boots consist of multiple layers of leather, which makes them highly expensive, the boots worn by the hockey skater are made up of both leather and light plastics and are relatively cheaper.

Figure skating boots characteristics

• they have a small outer heel and a wooden sole inside to provide extra comfort;
• they are light, short and thin as compared to hockey skating boots when placed side by side;
• they are shaped specifically for performing precision moves and not speed runs as is deemed necessary for ice hockey skating.

Ice Hockey boots characteristics

• they are solely meant to cater to good support of the feet in order to make standing erect easy, something which is not a requirement for figure skating boots; 
• they are taller, thicker and are heavily padded with foam to safeguard against collision with other hockey players and hits from hockey sticks and the puck;
• they are designed to take all kinds of abuse, for a long stretch of time.

Comparing the hockey and figure skating blades

Figure skating blades 

The blades under the boots of a figure skater have a serrated edge, known as a toe pick, which allows the skater to perform various routines like jumping, spinning, stopping, etc. quite effectively. 

Figure skating blades are longer and extend to the length of the boot
They are also wider and heavier than the blades on the hockey skating boots.
The blades are fixed to the boot by a pair of plates known as toe and heel plates.

Hockey blades

Hockey skating blades are narrow and deep so as to allow the player free movement at high speeds.
The blades are slightly curved at the back and front and do not extend beyond the length of the boot. They are more rounded and have less edges.
They are also comparatively much lighter than ice skating blades due to the smaller size.
The blades are fixed to the boots by a solid piece of plastic called tuuk. 

Types of skating possible with figure vs hockey skates

Why choose Figure skates?

Pros of the figure skate

• PRECISION - The longer blade allows the skater to carve better arcs and more perfect lines.
• SUPPORT & FLEXIBILITY - The boot is tight enough to support the ankle, but flexible enough to flex and jump
• TOE PICK - The toe pick helps the skater execute jumps and pivots.

Advantages for the beginner

For a beginner, the figure skates are often considered a better option because they feel more stable: the blade is longer, the toe pick stops the skater from going too far forward on the blade and the tail prevents from leaning too far back.
The beginner often uses the toe pick to propel, getting speed faster at the beginning (even though it is not a good idea to propel with the toe pick).

What are figure skates best shaped for?

The skates are shaped to perform precision moves while gilding and acrobatic moves such as: 

• Jumps: axel, lutz, salchow, to loop...
• Spins: turning fast on one foot in various positions
• Technical turns: rocker, twizzles

You won't be able to perform such moves with hockey skates.

Why choose Hockey skates?

Pros of the hockey skates

• PROTECTION - The boots protect the feet against the blades of other players and pucks flying at full speed
• SPEED - The lighter weight allows players to skate fast and stop fast
• TURNS - The blades are more curved at both ends. It makes it easier to turn for the skater.

Advantages for the beginner

For a beginner, the hockey skate option should not be overlooked. Especially if you are looking for speed. They are made for it.
Plus, as I said with the figure skates, beginners use the toe pick for propulsion which is not a good technic. With the hockey skate, there is no risk of doing that.
And hockey skates are lighter (in weight), so you can practice longer before fatigue sets in.

What are hockey skates best shaped for?

The skates are shaped to perform maneuvers and quick reflex movements such as: 

• Starting fast - being explosive to chase the opponent
• Stopping fast, scraping the flat part of the blade over the ice surface
• Turning fast / changing direction - the puck flies all across the rink and you have to change directions very quickly.

Which skates to buy for beginners?

Based on all the explanations above, I hope you have been able to decide on your type of skates.

Now, if you are looking for help choosing between the large quantity of options, check out my various articles, depending on your situation: 

• Check our my tips and reviews to choose the best skates for beginners adults and teens
• or my article about the best toddler ice skates
• Or for little hockey player - the best hockey skates for kids
• Or for little girls, the best girl ice skates

Suggestion beginner figure skates

Suggestion beginner hockey skates

How to take care of your skates

Irrespective of your choice between the two games, skates make up a vital part of the equipment of any player and are required to be serviced regularly in order to be in tip top condition at all times:

• Make sure the blades get sharpened regularly,
• Wear skate guards whenever walking off the ice,
• Dry your blades thoroughly after practice,
• Inside the bag, protect your blades with soakers,
• Once at home, take your skates out of the bag to dry,
• Carry your skates in a bag to protect them.

You can find all my tips to take care of your skates in this article.

Figure skates vs hockey skates - FAQs

Is it easier to skate in figure or hockey skates?

Figure skates are generally consider easier to skate in for beginners because the shape of the blade distributes weight more evenly over the foot and the skater has more balance. over the foot, making it easier to balance. 

Can you figure skate with hockey skates?

No.
You can manage basic figure skating moves with hockey skates. However, since the blade is completely different (curve, toe picks...), you cannot reproduce figure skating moves with hockey skates.

Are figure skates good for beginners?

Absolutely. Figure skates offer great balance, compared to other types of skates, which is best for beginners. The skaters feels more confidence.

Which is harder hockey or figure skating?

There is no right answer here. Both sports have difficulties and require a lot of practice to master.
They are so different, it is impossible to compare. They just have the ice rink in common.
However, in terms of difficulty of skating, figure skating is harder considering the variety of moves required.

Are figure skaters faster than hockey players?

That is a fight often discussed between teens.
On a short race (or burst of skating link in playing hockey), hockey skates have the advantage.
However, if skating for a longer time, the length of the strides the figure skaters create would prove and advantage.
But all of them will be beaten by the speed skater anyway.

More articles about figure skating:

• The essential pieces of figure skating equipment you need - read article
• Best ice skating bags to carry your skates - read article
• Best ice skate towels to dry out blades - read article
• Figure skating training clothes - tips + 5 looks - read article