Olympic figure skaters wear boots that are heavily reinforced with thick, stiff leather interiors and extra ankle bracing. Figure skates are made with wide tongues, with rubber or sponge padding for flexibility. Skates should be tied tightly to afford maximum control.

Figure skaters select outfits that match the style of their programs and mood of their music. Costumes should complement a performance and not be a distraction. Women in singles and pairs can wear a skirt, pants or tights. Until recently, women in ice dance were required to wear a skirt but now also have the option of wearing pants. Men in all disciplines must wear full-length trousers. Accessories, props and apparel that give "the effect of excessive nudity" are not allowed. Decoration on the costumes must firmly attach and a 1.0-point deduction is issued if any part of a skater's costume detaches unintentionally. 

Yes! Skate blades have a shallow hollow running down the length of the blade. This creates not one, but two sharp outer "edges" that contact the ice. Each blade has an "inside" and "outside" edge, corresponding to the athlete's foot. Skaters regularly will have their blades sharpened by a specialized tool to remove any nicks and maintain the sharpness of their edges.

Each blade has a very slight curve from toe to heel, and the "sweet spot" of the blade is below the ball of the foot. The width of a blade is about 0.15 to 0.25 inches.

Toe picks, or teeth cut into the toe of the blade, provide a non-slip surface and often are used for launching off some jumps, stabilizing spins, and for choreographic moves.

During competition, figure skaters do not wear any protective gear. However, in training, athletes frequently wear padding to soften falls, and singles skaters often will learn and perfect jumps in a harness aided by their coach.

The skating area must be rectangular, and if possible, should measure 60 meters (196 feet, 10 inches) by 30 meters (98 feet, five inches); it cannot exceed this size. The minimum rink size is 56 meters (183 feet, nine inches) by 26 meters (85 feet, four inches).