figure skate

sports equipment

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

A figure skate is a specialized skate used for the sport of figure skating. This sport involves individuals or pairs performing jumps, spins, lifts, and other graceful movements on ice.12

Figure skates have leather boots, often custom-fitted, with reinforced ankle support. The blade is approximately 4 mm thick and features serrations at the toe, known as toe picks. These toe picks help skaters gain purchase on the ice for jumps and allow for quick pivots for spins. The blade has two sharpened edges, though skaters typically use only one at a time for movements.23

Figure skating is a discipline within the broader sport of ice skating, which has a long history dating back to ancient times. The sport is governed by the International Skating Union (ISU) and is a popular event in the Winter Olympics.42

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figure skating
Boots and blades
The figure skate’s blade is about 3/16 inch (4 mm) thick. It is hollow-ground to emphasize its two edges, although the skater usually uses only one edge at a time. The front of the blade, called the toe pick, contains serrations, which are planted into…
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The figure skate’s blade is about 3/16 inch (4 mm) thick. It is hollow-ground to emphasize its two edges, although the skater usually uses only one edge at a time. The front of the blade, called the toe pick, contains serrations, which are planted into…
Read More