How to shop for Rollerblades, according to skating pros
Experts share what to look for when shopping for inline skates, plus tips on staying injury-free
K2 Women’s Skate Kinetic 80s
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$89.95
When shopping for inline skates, experts say to pay close attention to:
Using guidance from inline skating experts, I sourced highly rated options for men and women, as well as some unisex styles from top brands like Rollerblade, K2 and more.
4.7-star average from 5,353 reviews on Amazon
This option from Rollerblade has a soft boot and high cuff, which gives you ankle support and prevents them from pronating as you skate, according to the brand. These skates have four wheels, meaning they are closer to the ground and easier to balance on for beginners, according to Robinson. They also have lace closures and two buckled straps to keep your foot secure as you move, says Rollerblade.
Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Plastic
4.1-star average from 310 reviews on Amazon
The soft boots of these skates are made with extra padding for ankle support and are constructed with moisture-wicking material to prevent sweaty feet, according to the brand. The frame is constructed of aluminum, which Robinson says tends to be more durable than plastic, though it is also slightly heavier. The 82mm wheels also keep you close to the ground, which helps you balance.
Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Aluminum
4.4-star average from 2,714 reviews on Amazon
These inline skates have 80mm wheels and a soft boot with memory foam soles for comfort. The lever buckle at the tip ensures your foot stays firmly encased as you skate, while laces help you get as snug of a fit as you desire. There are also vents built into the toe to prevent your feet from getting sweaty, according to the brand.
Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Plastic
4.6-star average from 585 reviews on Amazon
This soft boot style, with 80mm wheels, has what K2 calls a Speed Lacing System, which allows you to tighten and lock the laces in place with a single tug. These skates also have extra padding around the ankle for stability. K2 says that the composite plastic frames absorb vibrations from the road to provide a smoother ride.
Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Plastic
4.4-star average from 5,171 reviews on Amazon
With a push of a button, you can shorten or lengthen these skates to fit women’s shoe sizes six through nine. They have a hard shell with a removable, washable liner and a triple buckle closure. At 76mm, these wheels are the smallest of all the skates we feature and the brand says the small wheel size makes them a good option for beginners who are still learning to balance on skates.
Boot type: Hard | Frame material: Plastic
4.2-star average from 4,029 reviews on Amazon
These hard shell boots come with 80mm wheels, and holes in the toe and heel area for ventilation and a removable lining that you can take out to clean. They have a lace-up closure and two buckles, which the brand says keep your feet securely in place, making you feel less wobbly as you skate. The frame of these skates is aluminum, which tends to be heavier and may not be ideal for long skating sessions, says Robinson.
Boot type: Hard | Frame material: Aluminum
4.5-star average rating from 4,575 reviews
Lots of padding throughout the entire boot provides extra support, making these skates a great option for beginners. The boots have laces, along with a buckle and velcro strap to make sure your foot stays firmly in place as you move. The 80mm wheels and ABEC 7 bearings also allow for moderate speed, according to the brand. Translation: Newbies don’t have to worry about picking up too much speed.
Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Composite
4.3-star average from 601 reviews on Amazon
These skates are better for advanced skaters, according to Shulgan. Larger wheels, like these 110mm ones, can be a bit harder to balance on, but they can also handle cracks in pavement and uneven roads if you are skating outdoors, adds Robinson. They don’t have breaks on the back. Instead, you’ll have to drag your wheels perpendicular to the road to stop. “This can help you stop faster than a heel break, but it will also wear your wheels out faster,” says Robinson.
Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Aluminum
While finding the right inline skates for your needs is essential, arming yourself with information that will help you stay safe when skating is also crucial. Our experts say these are the top safety tips beginner skaters should know:
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed two experts to gather their guidance on what to look for when shopping for inline skates.
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