You can tell the mangaka has actually never skated if you look at the cool girl's ice skates. They aren't properly tightened at all. Ice skates are really stiff and must be tight. They reduce ankle movement compared to wearing regular shoes or no shoes. This is necessary due to the physical realities of ice skating (actually also roller skating). Similarly to downhill ski boots. Even hiking boots are meant to protect the ankles if you are moving in difficult terrain.
Of course if you travel back in time, the first ice skates were just attachments to regular shoes/boots, but you can bet the folks wearing those would always lose to people wearing modern ice skates.