Buying inline skates for yourself isn’t exactly a complicated process. It also doesn’t come with the hefty price tag of buying a car. But that doesn’t mean that you should just find the least expensive pair of inline skates on the market and expect them to perform like the most expensive pair on the shelf. Finding a pair of inline skates that are right for you is really all about knowing the level of inline skater you are, the type of inline skating you plan on doing, and understand the parts of the product your buying. It is the purpose of this guide to help you understand the components of inline skates and help you make an educated choice when purchasing a pair of inline skates.
Skate Boots
Video Tutorial: Choosing the Right Recreational or Fitness Inline Skates
- Video Tutorial: Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Inline Skates
- Video Tutorial: How to Buy Inline Skates for Kids
- Video Tutorial: Why Inline Skating is the Perfect Sport
- Sizing Guide | Inline Skates
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Skate Boots
The most important part of an inline skate, from a comfort standpoint, is the boot. The boot of the skate is what holds your foot in place and ultimately determines how much you will enjoy inline skating. If the skate you purchase has a good boot and keeps your feet feeling good then you will probably enjoy inline skating. On the flip side, if the skate you purchase doesn’t offer a decent boot, your feet will start aching and hurting after each skating session and you may end up tossing your skates in the garage, attic, closet, or other area that is prone for dust collection. This isn’t exactly what you want to do with brand new skates…you may as well take the money you spent and shove it down your garbage disposal. To avoid such calamity, it is best to understand the components of a solid inline skate boot so you know what to look for when shopping for the inline skate that works for you. If you do so, you can be assured that you won’t be throwing your money away…plus your feet will feel good too!
Inline skate boots literally consist of everything from the frame up. This includes the shell, the liner, and also the closure mechanism. If you aren’t familiar with where each of these items is located on an inline skate, please review the following illustration:
Video Tutorial: Different Types of Inline Skates
Most of the inline skates that you will find on the market today are manufactured with a soft shell boot design. However, when inline skating first started to gain popularity in the mid-to-late 1980s, inline skate boots were made of hard plastic shells with foam liner inserts (think ski boot). This design, better known as a hard shell skate, was uncomfortable but it got the job done. The introduction of the soft boot skate occurred in 1995, with skate manufacturer K2 developing the industry’s first soft boot skates. The concept was a revolutionary one and changed the landscape of the skating world. The only hard shell boot exceptions that exist in the market today are in the aggressive skate market and some entry-level children’s skates.
The idea of the soft boot design was, and still is, to provide a soft, comfortable feel, with durable materials and plastic reinforcements for high-wearing areas (e.g. base of the boot or the toe of the boot). A typical soft shell boot will have a plastic or carbon skeleton, commonly known as the cuff. This cuff goes along the back and under the skate liner to provide necessary support and rigidity. Without this cuff, it would be impossible for a skater to lean back, lean sideways, or even apply the brake. Last time we checked, these were some important elements of inline skating, and we think that you probably agree with that notion.
A soft shell boot has provides a number of significant advantages. First, it enhances the level of comfort that exists when inline skating. Think about this in terms of your shoes. Would you rather wear a pair of shoes that are made of plastic or a pair made with leather and mesh? Odds are you prefer the latter.
Secondly, soft shell boots allow your feet to remain much cooler. This advantage follows in close line with the comfort level previously described. The fabrics that are used are more breathable than plastic counterparts. This prevents excessive sweating of your feet in your skates, which ultimately keeps your feet more comfortable during a skating session.
The liner of your skate is the actual piece that you put your foot in. Typically this piece is removable and will look similar in shape to the image provided below.
Skate liners are available in a number of fabrics, stitchings, and types. Among the possible fabric options you will find are neoprene, mesh, vinyl, and leather. Different fabrics are utilized in different areas of a liner to add support, make a liner durable and breathable, and also to allow for easy entry and exit. A decent liner will utilize different materials, whereas a basic liner may only utilize one or two materials. Stitching is also an important aspect of your liner because it is the proverbial glue that holds it together. Basic liners will likely only use single stitching (a few may use double). Better liners will more than likely always utilize the more durable method of double stitching. This is done to increase durability and longevity of the liner.
In addition to fabrics and stitching, liners are also available in various types. The following is a list of liner types, ranked from good to best:
Standard – Constructed of foam materials and offers basic comfort and padding for your feet. Lack any special or customization features.
Auto-Fit – Typically utilize gels of pads that will contour automatically to your feet each time you wear your skates. Provides extra support and more comfort than standard liners.
Memory Fit – Similar to the gel/pad style of Auto-Fit liners. The difference exists with the liners ability to remember your foot pattern and contour to it. As time goes on, the gels and pads will continue to shape to your feet as you wear them.
Heat Moldable – The best option available. Liners are removed and heated (do not attempt at home, seek a skate shop professional). Once heated, the warm liners are placed on your feet. The liner material will contour to your foot as it cools and begins to re-harden. Once cooling is completed, your skates are now custom-fitted to your feet.
Boot cuffs will be present on an inline skate in the form of a hard plastic or carbon skeleton. Boot cuffs extend up the back of the skate boot and around the top as illustrated in the image below:
Inline skate boot cuffs are designed primarily to provide support around your ankles for lateral movement. The secondary purpose of a cuff design is to allow the skate to flex forward comfortably, yet remain stiff when you are leaning laterally or backward.
Similar to how a carbon frame instead of a plastic frame on inline skates for performance purposes, which is discussed below, so are carbon cuffs. Carbon cuffs are lighter and stiffer, thereby providing a higher level of performance. One benefit to a lighter cuff is that it reduces the overall weight of the skate and a lighter skate weight means a faster skate, a more maneuverable skate, and a more efficient skate. Furthermore, a stiffer cuff is more preferable because it offers a more direct transfer of motion. Basically this means that a carbon cuff will allow you turn faster and with less effort. If you’re looking for a performance skate then you’ll be interested in a carbon cuff for its performance characteristics. If you’re simply looking for a skate to take a quick skate around the block or neighborhood, a plastic cuff will suit your needs. The choice however, is ultimately up to you.
If you’re interested in a racing style skate, keep in mind that the cuff on a racing skate boot will be much lower than a recreational or fitness skate. This difference exists because a racing skate needs far less lateral movement. A taller cuff would add unnecessary weight to a racing skate. Most skating done by racers is in a straight line and a cuff for quick and frequent turning is not needed. As a comparison to the cuffs pictured previously, here is an image of a cuff on a racing skate. You can clearly see that the top of the cuff of a racing skate is positioned much lower than a recreational or fitness skate.
The evolution of inline skates over the years has not been restricted to only boot design and liners. Closure systems have also evolved so that your feet can be positioned properly and securely. Skates available on the market today offer a variety of closure systems, and often utilize more than one. Closure systems that you will typically find are:
Standard Lacing – Originally the only form of a closure system, standard lacing systems are generally never used as the sole means for a closure system. Instead, they are frequently partnered with ratchet buckles and/or Velcro straps.
Ratchet Buckles – At one time, this was a two- or three-buckle closure system that replaced lacing systems as the sole closure system on inline skates. It is still a method used on its own for some skates, but is typically represented as one ratchet buckle at the top of the cuff that is used in tandem with a lacing system.
Velcro Straps/Power Straps – Rarely, if ever used as the only means of skate closure, Velcro Straps/Power Straps are used in tandem with the aforementioned standard lacing and ratchet buckle systems. They help to keep your heel positioned correctly in the heel cup of the skate.
Power Assisted (also known as Quick Lace) – Power Assisted closure systems are very convenient. They allow for easy-on, easy-off skating and are a great time saver. The system consists of a thin but extremely durable cable that runs up the skate boot like a standard lace. With a single pull to quick lace mechanism on each of your skates, your skates can be fastened securely and comfortably. They are often present on skates with an accompanying single ratchet buckle.
To give you better idea of what each of these closure types looks like and their positioning on the skate, please review the illustration below:
When purchasing inline skates, the wheels, frame, bearings, and all other aspects are sold as a package. If you want any of these items to be different than what is in the box, you will have to purchase them separately and replace them. However if you have done your homework, you won’t have to spend the extra money to do that, and you can get a skate that offers all (or mostly all) of the features you desire.
One of the areas where having a solid understanding of what you desire is most important is the skate frame. Not all frames are the same, so knowing the differences will save you from confusion and frustration, as well as make your skating experience more enjoyable. Typically, the better the skate you purchase, the better the frame the skate is likely to have.
Well what is meant by better skate and better frame? Well, we won’t beat around the bush, better skates are typically associated with higher prices, but they also equate to more efficient skates and better overall skating experiences. The prices are not outrageous, but we figured you would appreciate us more if we told you the truth.
When it comes to what constitutes a better frame, you will be looking for three things: weight, stiffness, and durability. Each of these characteristics is largely attributed to the type of material the frame is made of. Skate frames are typically constructed from plastic, aluminum, or carbon.
Plastic frames are usually found on beginner level inline skates because they are less expensive to make, resulting in a lower priced skate. When compared to aluminum or carbon frames, plastic frames are the least durable and least stiff of the three materials. They also tend to be heavier, which increases the overall weight of the skate.
Aluminum frames, when compared to plastic frames, are lighter in weight and greater in stiffness. They do not torque under stress as plastic frames do, making them more efficient and also more durable. Aluminum frames are most commonly found on intermediate level inline skates, priced at levels slightly higher than those at the entry level.
Carbon was introduced to inline skate frames as a way to further reinforce aluminum frames, reduce weight, and increase durability for advanced level skaters. Adding carbon to aluminum increases the stiffness of the aluminum, making it more durable. Additionally, the weight of the frame is reduced because the carbon is lighter than the aluminum it is replacing. While the price of skates that have carbon frames is higher, the efficiency, longevity, and durability of the skate will more than make up for the little bit of extra money you spend.
While every skater is going to have his or her own individual preference when it comes to a skate frame, the bottom line is that the frame should be lightweight, durable, and stiff. A lighter frame equates to a lighter overall skate, which offers many benefits. Lighter skates help reduce fatigue and allow you to skate longer, allow you to skate faster if you desire to, and they are more comfortable on your feet. As discussed above, lighter frames are usually made from high-grade aluminum or a carbon aluminum mix. Often you will see frames that are composed of such material have sections cutout to further reduce the weight. Here is a photo that illustrates a frame with cutouts:
Frame stiffness is also an important aspect of your skate frame because it creates a more direct transfer of energy. When skating, you thrust your legs outward, creating energy to make your skates go. The energy from your legs travels through the boot of your skate, down to the frame, and ultimately to your wheels and the ground.
Throughout each step of the energy transfer process, the initial energy that is created by your legs is reduced by the flex of the skate materials. The flex allows energy to escape before it gets to the wheels and ultimately the ground. A stiffer frame has less flex and movement, reducing the amount of energy that is lost when energy is transferred to the wheels. The result is a more efficient skating experience, allowing you to skate farther and faster more easily.
Finally, durability is also a key trait you will desire. In large part the durability of your frame is essential because it is often difficult to find a replacement if it breaks. While some frames are replaceable, it is more common that once your frames are ruined, your skates are ruined too. Additionally, as the frame begins to experience wear-and-tear, it may loosen. This will cause your skating experience to become rougher.
Video Tutorial: Choosing the Right Recreational or Fitness Inline Skates
Like other elements of inline skating, wheels have seen their fair share of advancements over the years. Wheels that you find on modern inline skates are manufactured from polyurethane. Seldom will you find wheels made of any other material, unlike decades ago when inline skating began its emergence. Many skates manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s had plastic wheels, which were ineffective and cracked easily. Nowadays, very few skates (typically skates for children) offer anything but a polyurethane wheel.
When you’re shopping for and comparing inline skates, there are several items that you will want to consider regarding wheels, including wheel size, durometer rating (hardness), and the type of skating you will be doing.
Inline wheel sizing is measured by diameter and stated in millimeters (mm). Wheel diameters will vary in size from very small (57mm or below), to very large (up to 100mm). The variances exist due to the different types of skates that are available. Very large wheels are most commonly found on racing skates because larger wheels allow for higher speeds. Smaller wheels on the other hand offer faster acceleration and deceleration, which is why most skates do not utilize the larger wheel sizes mentioned previously.
To provide you with a general idea of the wheel diameters you will find across the different skate types, here is a short breakdown:
Recreational/Fitness Skates: Depending on the level skater the skate is made for, recreational and fitness skate wheel diameters can range from 76mm up to 90mm, and anywhere in between. Remember, 90mm wheels are rather large; therefore they should be used by skaters who are comfortable at higher speeds.
Speed Skates: Wheels for this skate type are usually larger than you will find on any other skate type. Commonly, the wheel diameter is larger than 90mm for the purpose of higher speeds. Additionally, speed skates are unlikely to use a brake, but instead will feature a wider wheel base, and also potentially use 5 wheels instead of the typical 4 wheels. Keep this in mind when you’re shopping for speed skates.
Aggressive Skates: Require high rates of acceleration to perform tricks and jumps. The typical wheel size found on aggressive skates is 56mm, and rarely larger than 59mm.
In addition to wheel size, wheel Durometer is another important characteristic to consider when comparing skates and skate wheels. A wheel Durometer is simply the hardness rating of the wheel. Durometer ratings are indicated by a number followed by the capital letter A. The hardness scale runs from 0 to 100, with 0 being the softest rating and 100 being the hardest. While the rating scale is from 0 to 100, it is not likely you will find a wheel that has a rating softer than 68A. A wheel softer than this is likely to wear down too fast, regardless of its use.
To determine what Durometer rating you need, you must determine what type of skating you will be using your skates for. Softer wheels are to be used on smooth surfaces such as indoor skating rinks. A softer wheel is ideal for this type of surface because it has better grip than harder wheels. It also equates to faster acceleration. If you are looking to skate outdoors, but desire a wheel that will absorb shock, you can use a wheel with a Durometer rating at the upper-end of the soft range, usually around 78A. Keep in mind however, that if a softer wheel is used too often on a rough surface, it will wear down very quickly, and in some cases chunk apart.
If you are planning on doing some recreational or fitness skating, the lowest Durometer rating you will want to use is a 78A. This rating will provide you with an excellent combination of grip and speed. Additionally, this Durometer rating will provide you the flexibility to take your skating indoors, without worrying about slipping and sliding on the floor. If your plan is to skate exclusively outdoors, you’re probably best to get a wheel with a Durometer rating that is slightly higher, perhaps 82A or 84A. This will offer increased speeds, and it will not wear down as quickly on the rough terrain.
Aggressive skaters will want to seek out harder wheels, usually no less than 88A. The reason for this is because of the terrain it will be used on, the abuse it will take, and the speeds that aggressive skaters require.
Inline skate bearings are an essential part of inline skates. Bearings ultimately determine the smoothness of your ride when you’re skating and also your ability to reach higher speeds .The idea behind an inline skate bearing is to reduce the friction that exists between a moving skate wheel and fixed, non-moving frame. When you’re shopping for inline skates, you’ll no doubt come across a few skates that interest you, but the real question will be how to determine their significant differences and what makes one better than the other. One such way to distinguish some differences is through the skate bearings. Bearings are rated using the Annular Bearing Engineer Council rating, better known as an ABEC rating. ABEC ratings typically have five levels, ABEC 1, ABEC 3, ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency and the less effort you will need to put forth for a longer roll.
For some specific information on how an ABEC rating is determined, you can check out our article, Skate Bearings 101. Be cautioned however, that when comparing bearings each manufacturer of bearings has their own definition of the system. This is important because what one company considers an ABEC 7 for example, may only be an ABEC 5 at another company. Often times this is attributed to the country of origin. An ABEC 5 made in China is not typically going to be as good as an ABEC 5 bearing made in the United States. But for the most part, you won’t have to worry about an ABEC 9 rating being the same as an ABEC 1 because of its country of origin.
In addition to ABEC rated bearings, you’ll also be likely to come across “precision” bearings. Precision bearings do not follow the ABEC rating scale and are present in forms such as Titanium, Swiss, or Ceramic. The lack of rating makes it difficult to compare them to ABEC rated bearings, but they are generally considered to be superior to ABEC bearings. If you wanted to rank the three from good to best, the scenario would be: Titanium, Swiss, and Ceramic.
Finally, you should also be aware that bearings not only come in a variety of different ratings, but they also come in different types. For years bearings that came standard on inline skates were Standard 608 bearings. As skates have changed throughout the years, so have bearings, best represented by the introduction of the Micro 688 bearing.
Standard 608 bearings are rated using the ABEC rating system described previously. Microbearings are not rated on the ABEC scale, but offer excellent performance. The performance aspects of Microbearings stem from their construction which involves more ball bearings per bearing than a Standard 608. The result of this construction is that a skater’s weight is more evenly distributed; allowing the bearing to operate more efficiently…efficiency is the key. Microbearings are also much smaller and lighter than Standard 608 bearings. The small size will allow for faster acceleration, and the lighter weight reduces the overall weight of the skate.
So if you’re shopping for skates and you’re either wondering what differentiates a skate with 608 bearings from one with 688 bearings, or what benefit you would receive from choosing a skate with 688 bearings over 608 bearings, you now know.
When it comes to braking systems on inline skates, you will find one of three types on any given inline skate: Traditional, Advanced Braking Technology (ABT), or no brake at all.
The traditional type of inline brake is position on the back of the skate, behind the last wheel on the chassis. If you’re familiar with the design of a roller skate, this position is quite different as it requires the use of your heel instead of your toe.
An advanced braking system, more commonly referred to as an ABT brake, is also positioned on the back of the skate, in the same place as a traditional brake would be. The difference between this type of brake and the aforementioned traditional braking type is that it utilizes a braking arm that runs behind the skate boot. To initiate the braking mechanism, you simply slide your foot forward and apply pressure to the back of the cuff. This pushes the braking arm down and the brake to the skating surface to slow you down.
Each of these types of brake systems are explained in further detail below, but here is a visual comparison on each of these brake systems to give you an idea of what we are describing above.
A traditional brake system is the most common type of brake, found on nearly every recreational and fitness skate. The brake itself is essentially a hard rubber pad that is attached to a plastic holder that is fastened to the back of one of the inline skates via the axle on the rear wheel. Typically, the brake will come attached to the right skate, but is often interchangeable between skates. This is done so that left-foot dominant skaters can switch the brake to the left skate.
The ABT braking system was introduced by skate manufacturer Rollerblade in the mid 1990s, and is found exclusively on Rollerblade and Bladerunner brand inline skates. Typically, this system is used only on their entry-level inline skates, as it was developed to help beginners gain confidence with braking on their skates. As mentioned above, it uses a braking arm that is attached to the brake at the rear of the skate frame
To initiate the braking mechanism, you simply slide your foot forward and apply pressure to the back of the cuff. This pushes the braking arm down and the brake to the skating surface to slow you down. The benefit to this type of system for the beginner is that it allows you to keep both skates on the ground and keep your balance while braking.
Although this may seem to be suicide to beginner and novice skaters, many skates do not offer a braking system. While it may not be common on beginner recreational or fitness skates, aggressive skates, roller hockey skates, and speed skates are just some of the skate styles that do not offer a brake system. The reason for this is that brake systems on these types of skates tend to get in the way of performance.
For more information on how each of these braking systems works, you can learn more by reading through our article on Inline Skate Brakes.
Tags: Buying Guides, Inline Skates
what are the skates called that have a single row of wheels but off to the side and at an angle
I believe the skates that you’re describing are known as V-Form or V-Formation skates.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks!
Thank you for this well written set of articles. I am planning on purchasing some skates for outdoor fitness and I now know a lot more about what I want to look at.
What an informative article! I own a 20-yr-old pair of Rollerblades where the hard plastic boot actually broke from age. I am now in the market for a new pair and was dumbfounded by the change in the designs. Your article helped me understand these new advancements and possibly what’s the best skate for me. Thanks.
I have found in my 15 years of skating that buying the exact correct skate to get the job done is the way to go, not buying what you can afford. If you cant afford the skates you want keep saving as skates are a long term sporting investment. For example, when i general skate at the local rink i use Mission hockey skates with performace wheels and bearngs because rec skates are not stiff enough to handle the power i can put down.
For my kids, I have found the adjustable skates as a great option since I didn’t need a new pair every year as they grew. However, I haven’t seen any adjustable skates with sizes greater than size 5. Are there any out there, or do I need to switch them to fixed size boots now? Thanks in advance
AJ,
There are actually a few models of kid’s inline skates that go bigger than a 5 and are adjustable. These skates are adjustable from size 5 to 8 so you can get some real use out of the skates. Below is a link to the skates we offer in the size range of 5-8 kids adjustable.
http://www.inlineskates.net/kids-skates/c1000005974/?opt_size=5-8
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Hi,
My son will turn 7 years old in November. He has been skating for a year and a half now. His first pair of skates were the Roller Derby Coyote adjustable skates, which he has now outgrown. He only uses his skates at the local skating rink, so far. At the rink, they have races and typically he wins the races for his age group. His skates now have the ABEC 5 Bearings. I would like to buy him a new pair for his birthday, but I am looking for something with the ABEC 7 bearings and the aluminum frame. Can you suggest a brand/style that is adjustable, ABEC7 and aluminum frame for a boys 2-5?
He really enjoys skating and the rink actually lets him skate in the advanced backward skate with the older kids and adults.
Thanks,
Becky
Becky,
None of the adjustable skate currently offer a bearing greater than an Abec 5 but there is a K2 skate that offers an aluminum frame and larger wheels which will result in greater power transfer and more speed. The K2 Moto Extreme is the highest end kid’s adjustable skate offered and gives great support for high end kid skaters. You can always swap the bearings out with an aftermarket set of Abec 7’s but the Abec 5’s should be great and speedy for a child’s weight and skating. Check out the Moto Extreme as I think this is exactly what you need.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Sorry for double posting, I accidentally posted in the wrong place.
Hi, I am hoping to purchase some skates for mostly recreational use and also fitness. Unfortunately i have small feet (size 8 width EE) and weigh around 200 pounds. I don’t know very much about differences in brands and the differences of the feel. I am 17 and was just wondering what you would recommend for brand and material.
Thank you,
Trenten
Trenton,
We have plenty of skates for a size 8 so no worries on that. Inline skates unfortunately are not offered in widths so you won’t be able to get the EE fit right out of the box. Luckily though inline skates have a softer fit like a cross trainer tennis shoe and will break in around your foot in a few times skating in them.
For recreational and fitness use I suggest a skate with a wheel size around 84-90mm and an aluminum frame. The middle to high wheel size will be smooth and fast for skating on outdoor and indoor paths and the aluminum frame will offer great support and stiffness to get the most power and stability into your stride. We have a lot of skates in your size right now, take a look at the links below for my suggestions based on your post.
http://www.inlineskates.net/mens-skates/c1000005976/k2-mach-90-inline-skates-2010-p178794.html
Great price for a last year model skate.
http://www.inlineskates.net/mens/c1000007288/k2-moto-84-inline-skates-2011-p211957.html
http://www.inlineskates.net/mens/c1000007288/k2-moto-boa-inline-skates-2011-p211982.html
Same as above but with added Boa lacing system. Boa allows you to tighten the skate simply by twisting the Boa knob.
http://www.inlineskates.net/mens/c1000007288/rollerblade-crossfire-90-inline-skates-2011-p214480.html
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Hey, I just got new wheels since the ones that came with my skates got worn down. Originally they were 80mm ont he back and 72mm on the front (hockey skates). I got wheels that were 76mm and 72mm. Will the bearings that came with skates fit on these wheels? Are bearings interchangeable with all wheel sizes? Thanks
Clayton,
Most all bearings are interchangeable between wheels. There was a smaller sized “micro” bearing but most all of these bearings and wheels have been phased out. Check the packaging and as long as it’s not labeled “micro” you should be all set. One word of advice, If you don’t have a bearing popper I would recommend getting one as it makes inserting and removing the bearings from the wheels a TON easier.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
My Rollerblade Macros purchased in 1993 finally just broke. Yes, I used them for 18 years! Now I’m not sure what type to buy. I’m obviously very used to my Macros and don’t love the lace-ups that I see in the all the stores now, not that many stores even carry inline skates anymore. Are there any recommendations anyone can give me? I’m looking at the K2 Alexis boa as well as the Rollerblade Twister but really don’t know what my options are – I wished there were shops around here that actually carried an inline skate inventory beyond the very beginner skates out there. I use my skates only recreationally outdoors, skating alongside my kids as they bike. I used to go for long rides when I was younger and am hoping to do that again, for the exercise. Thanks for any help and advice you can give!
Grace,
WOW! You definitely got your moneys worth on your old Rollerblade Macros, way to go!
One of the two skates you’re looking at would be perfect for you, that skate is the K2 Alexis Boa. The Rollerblade Twister is a fantastic skate but its intended use is urban skating so the skate is a bit stiffer with a shorter wheelbase. This extra stiffness and shorter wheelbase works great for the aggressive style skating urban skaters do but for the type of skating you are doing the Alexis is a far better choice.
As you don’t necessarily like the idea of a lace up design the Boa feature is fantastic. Not only do you not have to lace up the skate traditionally but you can also adjust it much easier on the fly. The Alexis Boa offers 84mm wheels which are going to offer a smooth and consistent roll when you are simply just pushing around with the kids but will also be able to give you a solid performance roll when looking to skate a bit faster for a longer distance.
For you, I firmly believe, the Alexis Boa is a clear-cut choice. This skate simply has all the bells and whistles to take your skating to the next level and also offers great durability for another 18 years of skating!
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Chris,
I’ve heard that the Boa system sometimes snaps or losens during rides. Do you know how common that is? Someone mentioned looking at the Rollerblade Activa 8.0. How is that?
Grace,
I have been using Boa in my snowboard boots for multiple seasons without a single issue. That being said issues do come about every now and then with this system but it’s very few and far between. I would not let that deter you one bit from deciding to go with the Boa system. Even if a malfunction occurs it’s easy to warranty the skates to have them fixed.
The Activa 8.0 is a great choice also. It uses a very similar system to the Boa system called TFS. It’s a fantastic deal if you fit into one of the sizes we have left; the skate was originally $320 so getting it for $149 is a steal!
I would not make your choice based on what you’ve heard about the Boa system, the old adage goes if someone has a bad experience they will tell 20 people, if they have a good experience they will tell 1 or 2 people. In the end the decision is yours so go with the skate that you feel will best fit your skating; both skates are great so I’ll let you make the difficult decision:).
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Great article! I was just wondering though on what type would be the best for me. I am about 135lbs and have never skated before. I wanted to try and get a pair that I would be able to skate around my college campus. What type would be the best? Thanks in advance!
Matt
Matt,
If you are just using the skates to skate around campus you could go with a recreational style inline skate. Since you will be using them fairly often you will want to get a decent boot and frame so you will have comfortable and smooth skating. Some great choices would be the Rollerblade Crossfire 90, K2 Mach 90, K2 Moto 84 or Rollerblade Spark 84.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
I’m going back to skating after 8 years and it kind scares me but I love a challenge.
But it’s so hard to find the right skate to be real right now I’m 27 and overweight after my 2 kids. recently I joined the Gym about 4 months ago I’m 280 pounds and only 5’4 I love to go back to skating can anyone suggest me a good skate within my budget $210. ???
Thanks I appreciate any help
Hey Michele,
Good for you for getting back in to the roller game! A great Womens skate that would give you the bang for your buck is the Rollerblade Spark 84. This skate may be labeled as an Intermediate – Advanced skate, but don’t let that fool you. This is actually a very comfortable skate and the Magnesium frame is both lightweight and very durable. A strong frame means it won’t flex and contort under weight, providing you with a stable ride. Also, since this skate is well within your budget, you will have some extra cash to fit yourself with some protective gear as well. You do not want to go back out there without at least some wrist guards and a helmet. I hope that helps!
Thank you,
Courtney
I decided to go with the K2 Celina 2011 before reading your comment . I don’t know if I made the right choice but have my fingers crossed
I’ll let you know how I liked it and if I don’t I’ll Try the suggested model !!!
Thanks a bunch
Take care
Michele,
The K2 Celena is a great skate. One thing to note that some people are not familiar with, is that K2 tends to run more narrow than other brands. So, this can make sizing tricky if you aren’t able to physically try the skate on. I would love to hear how they turned out for you!
Happy skating, Michele!
Courtney
Hi Courtney
Just got my skates finally lol
But my problem is that it feels tight in the front. It makes my kind feet numb and also it hurts me
on my calf as the boot is kind of low.
Any suggestions ?
Should I just exchange for the other ones or should I go a 1/2 size up ?
Thanks
Hey Michele,
It sounds like it may be a combination of size and model. If the skates are too tight in the toe box area as well as side to side I would suggest going up a half size. If your foot truly does go numb after having the skates on for a while, you might even want to go a full size larger. Now if the skate boot itself is too tight around your calf you may need to look at either a skate with a lower cuff on it or a different brand completely. Sometimes the cuff on a skate can be loosened enough to work but when it just squeezes too much even loosened all the way you will need to look at a model with a longer buckle strap. Hope this helps!
Regards,
Dru
Great videos. It’s great to see someone take the time to educate others as it can be difficult to find a knowledgeable person regarding specific topics. I’m pretty much a beginner, haven’t rode in 15 yrs. The city I live in has absolutely terrible streets and side walks, I often wonder how the folks skating do it. So I’m looking for something that will get me around easily. Originally I thought the larger wheel skates would be more appropriate for that, but learned about them just now. What would be your advice for a good pair to match up to my city’s bad concrete?
Hey Jen,
Generally yes, bigger wheels are going to make it easier to deal with imperfections and debris on roads and sidewalks. However, they do take a bit of use to get use to and most people just starting to skate (or just getting back into skating) find it very difficult to skate with the bigger wheels right away. I would suggest going with something around 84mm in wheel size. This is a pretty typical recreational wheel size on skates today and is typically big enough to deal with cracks, sticks, pebbles and whatever other obstacles the road wants to throw at you. Another option would be to order a skate with the 90mm wheels and then buy a seperate pack of 84mm wheels. This will allow you to get reacquainted with skating again using the 84mm wheels. Then once you are ready to step up to the next size up you can put the 90mm wheels back on and be comfortable skating with the larger wheels.
Regards,
Dru
OK. OK. OK.
MY NAME IS JUNE I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO PEOPLE THAT ROLLERBLADE I HAVE NEVER.
BUT HAVE THINKING ABOUT IT FOR AWHILE .MY KIDS HAVE BUT NOT OFTEN THE THE BEST
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AFFORD ARE WHET TILL THEY CAN HELP ME. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
THE PEOPLE I HAVE SPOKE TO HAVE TRIED TO HELP. I WAS STILL UNSURE AND ALMOST
CHANGED MY MIND,…BUT THEN I FOUND YOU. YOU ANSWER MORE ? THEN I EVER THOUGH
COULD BE ASKED .YOU ARE VERY KIND.. AND GAVE GRATE ADVICE I LIKE YOU.
I WILL TELL AVERY ONE ABOUT YOU AND THIS SITE.
YOU ARE GREAT .
I LOVE YOU.KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
PLEASE LET YOUR READERS READ THIS, I MEAN EVERY WORD.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
TRULY JUNE THANK. U.
Thanks June! Please email us at cs@inlineskates.net if you want any skate suggestions! We are always happy to help!
Hi! I’m Cat I’m 16 and I would like to buy a pair of inline skates! My friends and I have been going to SkateLand very frequently through out the year (almost every week) and inline skating has become one of my favorite things to do. I look forward to it all week. I have decided that I want a pair of skates of my own for two reasons;
1) I want to be able to skate around my neighborhood instead of just SkateLand!!
2) I am tiered of paying extra to rent roller blades that NEVER FAIL TO CAUSE BLISTERS at the rink. AKA I think a pair of inline skates for myself would be cheaper than all the band-aids and Mercurochrome!
I asked my father about it and he said make sure you get leather skates – I tried explaining to him that most skates are made with plastic shells and that they are still very good skates but he is very antipathic towards anything plastic that goes on feet. I do realize that hockey skates come in leather but I would like a pair of rec/fit skates or even an urban style pair. I’m not asking for help finding a pair of leather skates but I would like to find a good pair so I can tell my dad there wont be any problems.
Another thing is the pricing – I have about 160$ to buy skates with but I don’t want to end up saying “Oh these skates are more expensive so they must be better!” So any advice on that front would be appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
-Cat
Hello Cat,
Getting your own skates will make the experience so much more enjoyable! I would definitely suggest getting into a rec/fitness skate as hockey skates are not as comfortable and will not be equipped with a break. Also no one really makes a leather skate anymore, the rec/fitness skates are a combination of plastic and foam materials while hockey skates are a combination of synthetic leathers and composite materials. Here are a few skates that I think would work out good for you in your price range.
K2 Alexis
Rollerblade Spark 84
Since the wheel is a little softer on the Alexis skate that one would be the best for both indoor and outdoor skating. Please let me know if you have any further questions!
I need to buy new wheels and bearings for my K2 Mach 90 can someone tell me what is my best options ( I need fast wheels and bearings )
Thanks
Dear Michele,
That skate takes a 90mm wheel. I would suggest a durometer of 83A. If you want a fast bearing, go with ILQ or SG, 7 or higher.
I hope this helps!
My brother used to go rollerblading, but every time he did, he blew chunks out of his wheels. His birthday is coming up, and I want to get him some lasting skates. He uses them outdoors, and likes to go fast. His last pair was a size 11.5 boot, 82A durameter, 76mm wheel, standard bearings. I want to get him something that can take the kind of punishment he can dish out, so I was thinking something with size 100-110mm wheels, because I heard bigger wheels = more durability, 84A durameter, something built tougher, maybe alluminum frame. Any suggestions?
Hey Colin,
If your brother is getting back into skating after a period of being away, especially coming from 76mm wheels, I would highly recommend staying away from 100-110mm wheels. These are going to very hard to relearn how to skate on and are designed more for speed skaters and advanced level skating. I would recommend something in 90mm with an aluminum frame. I am not sure why the wheels are breaking down when he is using them but the typical reasons behind this is either stopping incorrectly or being too heavy for the wheels they are trying to use. I do think something a bit heavier duty is what you want to go with, though. I would recommend you take a look at the Roces Metropolis. With the molded boot, 90mm wheels and a super strong magnesium frame, these skates are designed to get the heck beat out of them and still be awesome skates. Personally, I find 90mm wheels to be perfect for a combination of speed and maneuverability. Take a look and let me know what you think!
Regards,
Dru
Hey Dru,
Thank you for your suggestions. It looks like those may be just what I was looking for, but with only one problem. My brother wears a size 11 to 11.5 boot( normally 10.5 shoe). These only seem to come in sizes 10 and 13. I am worried that if I get him these they will either be too small, which I know is kinda painfull, or much too large. I will look for something with the same specs you have suggested, and this will be a great skate for comparing what I am looking at to what I am looking for.
Many thanks,
Colin
Hey Colin,
Dru is not in today so I thought I would try to give you a hand! If the Metropolis is not available in your brothers size, a very similar skate is the Rollerblade RB – 10 I read over your previous messages with Dru and it sounds like this would be an ideal skate for him! It also appears that we have his size in stock currently. Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Hello I used to rollerblade a little while ago and am trying to get back in to the habit but need new skates. I am leaning towards the Rollerblade Fusion X3 Urban skates and was wondering if you could help me out with finding a similar skate in the Urban/recreational category, but maybe with an aluminum frame and around the same price range if possible. I’m looking for a men’s skate (preferably Rollerblade brand) because I have a wider foot fit and am open to any suggestions to find that enjoyable fun skate.
Hey Jasmine,
While Rollerblade doesn’t make the Fusion X5′s and X7′s anymore (which were pretty much the X3 but with a better set of wheels and metal frames), occasionally we are able to acquire them from vendors who have stocked former year models. Currently we have a couple year models of the X7 available (I don’t know which size you would need but for the price and specs you are looking for, these may be your best bet). After that I would highly recommend taking a look at the new Fusion 84′s we will be getting in soon. While the price does jump up for these, this will be a model not offered in the US before and will be very similar to the X3′s, but with upgrades in wheel size, bearing and frame design. The only other model that I would recommend for an Urban model after that would be the Twisters, but people with wider feet may have issues with the design on these, as they run a bit more narrow than the other Urban models Rollerblade offers. My best recommendation to you will be the X7′s if you can find them in the size you need. If not, than you may have to spend the extra on a newer set of Fusions such as the 84′s to get the fit and feel you are looking for. Hope this helps!
Regards,
Dru
I am interested in recreational skating, for fun and fitness purposes. I am looking at the K2 Mach 90, and the K2 Mach 100. I haven’t skated in 8+ years though. Living in Ohio, the only place I can really skate is on city street, some of which are not very smooth. Would you suggest the 90 or the 100 for back roads? Thanks!
Hello,
If you are looking for something that has a bit more maneuverability, I would go with the Mach 90, the shorter frame will allow you to turn a bit quicker and get around obstacles without sacrificing the ability to get over those cracks in the pavement. For speed and smoothness if you aren’t worried about faster turns, go for the Mach 100. The larger wheel is going to make it a bit smoother over bumps and gives you a bit more maximum speed.
Thanks,
Lisa
Have a pair of K2 rollerblades that were giving to me as a gift almost 10yrs ago and used them for exercise almost 3 times/week but then left for the air force and am just now getting back into it =o) my K2 blades are still pretty nice but not sure if i need to upgrade, what kind to look for, and so on. I will only be using them outdoors on cement (sidewalk-like trails/tracks), and only for exercise/fun. i’ll probably be doing about 5-8 miles at a time, but will eventually be working up to about 8-16 miles at a time. any suggestions on what to purchase? any help would be great! thanks, Crystal
Hi Crystal,
I’m glad to hear you’re getting back into skating – in my opinion, it’s one of the most fun ways to exercise! You definitely have some options. If you wanted to keep the old skates you have, you could look into getting new wheels and bearings to get them running smoothly. But, there are absolutely some benefits to getting into a new skate. For what you’ve described, I think you would really like something like the Rollerblade Activa 90. What’s nice about these is you get a great frame and great bearings for a smooth, efficient skate as well as an extremely comfortable, supportive boot. Their Activa wrap provides a semi-soft exoskeleton over the boot coupled with a speed lacing system to provide plenty of support through the top of the foot and ankle for efficient, powerful strides. Plus, with the 90 mm wheels, you get a lot of versatility – whether you want to skate for fifteen miles at top speed or fifteen minutes at a leisurely pace, you’ll have maneuverability and comfort in an awesome skate. If you wanted to go with something a bit more fitness-specific, you could consider something like the K2 Radical 100, a super lightweight, quick skate that is designed to go long distances quickly. The 100 mm wheels and longmount frame give you stability, although the boot is a bit shorter than the Rollerblade or other K2s, so if you’re concerned with ankle support, it may not be the ideal skate. That said, if you want a dedicated fitness skate, it’d be a great choice! Do note that the Rollerblade Activa 90 also comes in a 100 mm version, so if you like the idea of a larger wheel but don’t want to sacrifice ankle support, the Activa 100 might be the way to go. I hope this helps!
Best,
Kate