What is the equipment in Speed Skating?

Section 2: Equipment

Clap skate mechanism: Permitted since 1998. The blade is hinged at the toe, allowing the heel to lift during the push-off phase while the blade remains on the ice longer. This increases stride efficiency by an estimated 5–7%.
Blade length: 33–50 cm (13–19.7 in), depending on foot size and distance specialisation. Sprint blades tend to be shorter for quicker crossovers.
Blade thickness: Minimum 1.0 mm (0.04 in), maximum 1.3 mm (0.05 in). Thinner blades reduce friction but must meet minimum structural standards.
Blade radius of rocker: Typically 22–28 m for long distances (smoother glide), 21–24 m for sprints (tighter cornering). Athletes may adjust rocker profiles between races.
Blade material: Steel blades, polished and maintained between races. No coatings or surface treatments that alter friction properties are permitted.

Skin-tight speed suit: Maximum material thickness 3 mm (0.12 in). Single-piece or two-piece construction permitted.
No artificial devices: No panels, ridges, textures, or attachments designed to reduce air resistance beyond the base fabric properties (Rule 291, ISU).
Cut-resistant fabric: Mandatory on lower legs to protect against blade lacerations during falls and crossover manoeuvres.
Hood: Integrated hood permitted but must fit closely to the head and not create aerodynamic pouches.

Helmet: Not required for long track (unlike short track), but many sprint specialists wear thin aerodynamic helmets.
Cut-resistant gloves: Mandatory hand protection.
Neck protection: Cut-resistant neck guard recommended but not mandatory.
Glasses/Goggles: Permitted for vision correction or wind protection. Must not extend beyond the facial contour in a way that creates aerodynamic advantage.

Clap skate mechanism: Permitted since 1998. The blade is hinged at the toe, allowing the heel to lift during the push-off phase while the blade remains on the ice longer. This increases stride efficiency by an estimated 5–7%.
Blade length: 33–50 cm (13–19.7 in), depending on foot size and distance specialisation. Sprint blades tend to be shorter for quicker crossovers.
Blade thickness: Minimum 1.0 mm (0.04 in), maximum 1.3 mm (0.05 in). Thinner blades reduce friction but must meet minimum structural standards.
Blade radius of rocker: Typically 22–28 m for long distances (smoother glide), 21–24 m for sprints (tighter cornering). Athletes may adjust rocker profiles between races.
Blade material: Steel blades, polished and maintained between races. No coatings or surface treatments that alter friction properties are permitted.

Skin-tight speed suit: Maximum material thickness 3 mm (0.12 in). Single-piece or two-piece construction permitted.
No artificial devices: No panels, ridges, textures, or attachments designed to reduce air resistance beyond the base fabric properties (Rule 291, ISU).
Cut-resistant fabric: Mandatory on lower legs to protect against blade lacerations during falls and crossover manoeuvres.
Hood: Integrated hood permitted but must fit closely to the head and not create aerodynamic pouches.

Helmet: Not required for long track (unlike short track), but many sprint specialists wear thin aerodynamic helmets.
Cut-resistant gloves: Mandatory hand protection.
Neck protection: Cut-resistant neck guard recommended but not mandatory.
Glasses/Goggles: Permitted for vision correction or wind protection. Must not extend beyond the facial contour in a way that creates aerodynamic advantage.