Skates, suits and safety equipment
ISU · 2026Skates must operate as passive mechanical extensions of the legs, using energy generated by the skater. Artificially heating the blades is prohibited. Racing suits must follow the natural body shape and comply with the restrictions on attachments. Equipment that changes the body’s shape artificially is not automatically permitted simply because it improves aerodynamics.
The rule
Skates must operate as passive mechanical extensions of the legs, using energy generated by the skater. Artificially heating the blades is prohibited. Racing suits must follow the natural body shape and comply with the restrictions on attachments. Equipment that changes the body’s shape artificially is not automatically permitted simply because it improves aerodynamics.
In practice
Required identification and timing devices must be worn as specified. Mass start adds particular safety equipment requirements; required transponders go on both ankles. Non-compliant equipment can mean refusal of a start or disqualification. Consult the applicable safety specifications for the event rather than treating every item described as optional in ordinary racing as optional in mass start.
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