Definition & Meaning of "figure skate"

What is a "figure skate"?

A figure skate is a type of ice skate that is designed for figure skating, a sport that involves a combination of jumps, spins, and other intricate movements performed on ice. They are distinguishable from other ice skates by their long, curved blades, which have a concave edge that allows the skater to perform specific figure skating moves. The stiff boot of the figure skate provides ankle support and helps the skater maintain balance, while the blade is made of high-carbon steel and is typically sharpened to a thin edge for precision and control. Figure skates may also feature additional design elements such as a toe pick, and a jagged protrusion at the front of the blade that is used for take-offs and landings during jumps. Figure skating is a popular sport around the world and is performed at both amateur and professional levels.