Posted by John Giddy on August 15, 2007 at 01:26:04 from 58.175.114.217 user jgiddy.
In Reply to: Re: nordic skating or anything but Beckfoot! posted by Pam Adams on August 14, 2007 at 16:00:19:
OK, I'll bite !
Skates work because the very small area of contact with the ice causes high pressure, and ice melts under high pressure. This gives a thin film of water between the blade and the ice which lubricates the movement.
Also, the thin blade provides some directional control so that the skate doesn't move sideways.
Having done a small amount of skating at an ice rink in my childhood, where I used boots with the blades permanently screwed to the sole, I used to be a bit confused by AR's description of straps, and fitting skates to normal walking boots. The link given by andyb has cleared up this misunderstanding for me . Thanks.