Ice Skates

winter sports · cool tools · ice

Metal blades underneath. Ice skates have thin, sharp metal blades attached to the bottom of boots that let you zoom across ice. The blades are so smooth and narrow that they create almost no friction, which is why you can slide so easily.

Perfect for ice. The metal blade works because ice is so slippery. When you push your foot, the blade glides forward instead of getting stuck, and you can keep moving with just a little push.

Two main types. Figure skates have short, curved blades and are used for fancy spinning and jumping. Speed skates have longer, straighter blades built for racing as fast as possible.

Hundreds of years old. People have been ice skating for hundreds of years. Early skates were made from animal bones tied to shoes, but modern skates have strong steel blades and comfortable boots.

Balance and pushing. To skate well, you lean slightly forward and push one foot sideways to move forward. Your arms help you balance, and practice helps you go faster and turn smoothly.