Over 30 events require ice skates. Every skate is highly specialized to give each athlete a unique edge - whether to take off for a triple axel or to stop on a dime. Learn the basics about the different skates you will see in the Winter Games.

Custom fit
Made out of carbon fiber or fiberglass and leather, speed skates are molded to the shape of each athlete's foot. The boot has minimal padding and fits very tightly.

Going the distance
With the heel free in a long track skate, the athlete can leave the blade on the ice longer and get a better push-off. The blades are made of carbon steel. They are about 1 mm thick and between 42-46 cm long.

Hand sharpened
Using a special sharpening jig and a stone, skaters sharpen their blades by hand, a process that takes 15 to 20 minutes a pair.

Grace and grit
Thickly padded, custom made leather boots with steel blades define the figure skate. Ice dancing skates have higher heels made of wood, centering the athlete's weight on the ball of the foot to help with edge control. For signature moves like jumps, skaters use the blade's pick for push-off.

Hard edges
To protect the foot, hockey skates are made from extra durable leather and Kevlar or graphite. Plastic toe boxes and guards over the Achilles tendon add further protection from the razor sharp steel blades. In hockey, the edges of the blade are sharpened according to position - goalies have flatter edges for better lateral movement and other players have sharper edges for maneuverability.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS