What are the differences between ice hockey shoes and figure skating shoes and speed skating shoes
There are four major ice sports in the Olympic Games. Figure skating and speed skating all require special skates, and there are certain differences between these three types of skates. The main differences between ice hockey shoes, figure skating shoes and speed skating blade shoes are:
1. The difference between skates
(1) The sport of ice hockey In the middle, that requires speed, and there is a sudden stop and turn, so choose a short, light and narrow blade, the blade length does not exceed the boot, and the blade is relatively round, so as to avoid injury in the game.
(2) Figure skating The blade of the shoe is longer than an ice hockey shoe of the same size, and in figure skating, some movements require more weight on the heel, while other movements require a balance on the toes. The blades of the skates near the toes are serrated, another key part of the design of the skates. These are only found on figure skates and are used for jumps and spins.
(3) The importance of speed skating is speed. To accomplish this, the athlete applies pressure to the ice to promote propulsion with each step they take. Therefore, the longer the blade, the higher the stability, and the sharpness and length of the speed skating blade shoes are the highest among the three sports.
2. Material difference
(1) Skate material: The material of speed skating shoes and figure skating shoes is generally stainless steel Most of the ice hockey skates are made of stainless steel, but some are made of carbon fiber, which will reduce its weight.
(2) Boot material: Hockey players need durable and comfortable skates to play ice hockey, the skates are made of leather and plastic, and the boots are narrow and deep for fast movement , The front of the boots has padding, which is anti-collision and anti-smashing. The skates are welded to the boots and cannot be replaced. Figure skating boots are usually made of inner leather and have no padding. The boot also has a wooden sole on the inside for support and a small heel on the outside. It is also lighter, thinner and shorter. Since the toe is used for balance, the front of the boot will be wider. The skates are not designed for comfort or speed, but for precision and movement, with the skate blades mounted directly on the boot and removed once off the ice. The speed skating knife shoes are sewn with high-quality thick cowhide, with a half-high waist and elongated shape. The heel is rigid to surround and fix the heel. The sole is hard leather, and the skate is fixed on the sole with screws or rivets.
3. Differences in protection measures
Ice hockey shoes have ankle pads, the blade is relatively high, and the blade is thicker, which is convenient for standing and running, and the middle of the ice hockey blade There are grooves, and the distance between the knife and the sole is far; figure skating shoes and speed skating knife shoes should have a hard plastic protective cover on the skate jacket
. , then use a soft cover to protect the ice blade.
The above three points are the main differences between the three types of ice skates. The difference between ice hockey shoes and figure skating shoes, and the difference between ice hockey shoes and speed skating shoes are still relatively big. Be careful not to confuse them.