Urban skates have been created out of a new demand for innovative skating features for skating in unique and different ways. Urban skates are the standard recreational inline skates crazy uncle, you know, the one that’s ready for anything at a moments notice.
What are Urban Skates?
The outward appearance of an urban skate will remind you of the 90’s with the plastic hard shell boot but the boots offered on these skates offer great breathability and more comfort. Urban skates are a mixture of aggressive inline skates and recreational inline skates taking good qualities from each to make one solid urban skate.
Designed for skaters going through various environments which may prove to be too much for a standard skate but an aggressive skate would be too slow. Urban skates are designed much differently than regular skates with additional features to aid to functionality and durability. Below is a diagram outlining many of the features that make an urban skate unique; below the diagram we explain the importance of these features.
Removable Liner with Shock Absorber:
Having a removable liner is great as there are plenty of reasons to take the liner out of your skates. You can easily take the liner out to add padding, clean the liner and easily access the bolts for the chassis. The shock absorber is found underneath the liner and offers a couple mm’s of soft shock absorption to ward off bruised heels and add extra comfort and confidence.
Velcro Power Strap:
A Velcro power strap gives the urban skates some extra support in a thick and durable strap almost like the kind you find on a ski boot. This offers adjustable support that can withstand the elements and the abuse that comes along with everyday skating. Note some urban skates don’t have Velcro power straps and have regular ratcheting straps; both function great depending on your preference.
Ratcheting Power Strap:
This strap found roughly midway up an urban skates boot offers an additional support that really gives the foot a “wrap” feel. This middle ratchet strap will pull your heel back in the skate and offer you the ability to tighten this as much or as little as possible.
Hard Plastic Boot:
No you did not go back to the 90’s when hard plastic booted inline skates ran the streets. Urban skates offer a hard plastic boot shell much like these skates of the past only a bit more technologically sound. These hard boots are being brought back due to their added protection while skating and their ability to be very breathable.
Smaller Diameter Wheels:
Smaller wheels keep you under control and will offer a more stable landing if jumping obstacles. Still large enough to gain momentum and a decent amount of speed the wheels on urban skates offer a great balance between speed and control.
Shorter Frame:
Due to the wheels being smaller and closer together on urban skates you get a shorter frame. A shorter frame gives you better ability to control your feet in crossovers and in tight situations. The shorter frame makes the wheels a bit closer to each other which makes for a stable platform for landings and for launching from obstacles.
Breathable Outer Shell:
The hard plastic shell used on urban skates offers great breathability to allow the liner and foot to breath so you will not get overheated. Skaters who use urban skates often skate for many hours so having a comfortable and breathable boot can make a huge difference.
Tags: Blogs, inlineskates.net
I came across these and thought they were a great idea, but ultimately went with recreational skates with 100mm wheels (I bought a pair of 2011 K2 Mach 100 Customfit Boa). Speed was my ultimate concern because I wanted to be able to keep up with friends who are biking. How much more speed did I gain with those instead of going with urban skates?
Thanks!
Doua,
For the type of inline skating that you’re doing you made the correct choice with the K2 Mach 100. You gain a considerable amount of speed with the larger wheels and longmount frame. In comparison to the urban skates the Mach 100 will be more at home with longer skate sessions going greater distance at a decent speed. Urban skates are more geared toward control and intricate maneuvering which is why they are popular in busy cities. Have you used the K2 Mach 100’s yet, how do you like the Boa system?
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Chris,
Thank you for the response and for reaffirming my action. I was thinking maybe I made a mistake in choosing recs over urban, but that’s not the case afterall. As for the BOA, it is awesome! Well worth it over the standard quick zips, or whatever. I still own a pair of 2005 Saloman Pilot 9 Pros, and while they are still great, it was time for an upgrade.
Thanks for the great place, awesome selection, and best of all–bestest prices to do high-end skate shopping! Would you believe, I bought a package that ended up costing less than the skates ALONE! WOW!
Thank you!
Doua,
I am very glad you were able to save some money on inline skates from us! We absolutely love to get people active and inline skating, as skaters ourselves it’s great to get more people involved.
Thanks for the feedback on the Boa it’s great to hear it’s working so well for you. I am actually thinking about getting those same skates so we really helped each other out here, hooray for teamwork! Have fun out there with your new skates and please feel free to let us know if you have any further comments, questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Hello there, I am going to be buying a new pair of skates soon and ive been having my eye on the Rollerblade Twister 80's, since I believe an urban boot would be best for me, however, one question that I have been wanting to ask for a while is if the Twister 80's have soul plates on the underside, since I know that the Fusion X3 had them, but i would prefer the Twister 80 over that one. thank you.
Hello Joshio,
Unfortunately the Twister 80 does not have sole plates like the Fusion X3. If you have any further questions please let us know!