First steps on skates 2. The blade of the figure skate is wider and has a more pronounced hollow than hockey skates so that the edges grip the ice. The profile or rocker is intended to have the right radius of curvature along the blade for moves where you are shifting your weight to the front or back of the skates. There are different styles of blades for dance, figures and free-style.
Hockey skates have a longer radius for more speed.
Hockey skaters tend to skate more hunched over and are much more concerned with quick stops, starts, and changes of direction. While figure skaters tend to skate more upright, and have more fluid movements. The boots are usually made of leather and require maintenance. Figure skates should not be used for playing hockey. The blades protrude more and can cause injury.