[header] How to buy ice skates [title] Look for skates that are specific to your child's needs. [step] Hockey skates won't work for figure skating, and figure skates won't work for playing hockey. [substeps] Figure skates have a longer blade and a toe pick on the front, while hockey skates have a curved blade and no pick. 
Figure skates are more stable than hockey skates and are better for recreational skaters. If you are purchasing a first pair of recreational skates for your child, you're probably better off starting with figure skates.