Skating in all its various forms has shown increased popularity worldwide. Olympic speed skating champions are coming from areas of warm climate, and ice hockey teams are starting up in almost every populated geographical location. There are three major types of ice skating: hockey skating, figure skating, and speed skating. All these forms of ice skating have similarities and differences with respect to footwear and biomechanics. A close cousin to the three major types of ice skating is in-line skating. This is a similar biomechanical activity and an increasingly common recreational and fitness endeavor.