7 Best Rollerblades for All Levels, According to Experts
Roll on safely and in style.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
A great form of exercise or even the perfect summer date idea, rollerblading, otherwise known as inline skating, is a fun activity you can do with your SO, best friend or all on your own with your earbuds on. "Rollerblades is a brand name that became synonymous with inline skates, much like Kleenex for tissues," explains Matthew Nelson, Chief Technology Officer at EcoMotionCentral, an organization dedicated to carbon-free commuting. While roller skates have two wheels in the front and two in the back, "inline skates have wheels arranged in a single line," says Nelson.
Our experts spent hours scouring the internet for top-performing brands and reading customer reviews. We paid close attention to fit, material and durability, as well as spoke with industry experts to learn more about what to consider when shopping. Whether you're new to the activity or have been rollerblading for years, we found the best rollerblades of 2024 for all skill levels, style preferences and budgets.
Our top picks:
Scroll down to find more details on our top-rated picks as well as more expert advice on how to rollerblade safely. By the time you reach the bottom of this article, we think you'll be convinced to add rollerblades to your shopping cart — even if you didn't ace the rollerblading unit in P.E. And if you're in the market for other sports gear, check out our guides to the best pickleball shoes or spin shoes.
K2's unique soft boot design makes its inline skates more lightweight and comfortable. We appreciate the Alexis 84 Boa's aluminum frame designed with durability and speed in mind. You can easily adjust the skate to your desired fit via the knob on the front of the skate, which makes putting them on and taking them off fast and simple. The snazzy teal color is a plus too.
One Amazon reviewer who gave this pair five stars has never skated before and writes that "They fit nicely, look good, are easy to adjust and roll smoothly." Note that this soft boot style may not provide the most amount of stability for true beginners. For the men's version, check out the F.I.T. 84 Boa.
Wheel size: 84 mm | Frame material: Aluminum | Boot type: Soft
Rollerblade Zetrablade Men's Inline Skates
With a 4.7-star rating across more than 5,000 Amazon reviews, it's safe to say these rollerblades are a solid choice among inline skaters. The top-seller has a comfortable soft boot design with a cushioned liner as well as a built-in rear break. While a soft boot may feel less stable, we like that the shell and frame are designed to be lower to the ground so you can feel more in control.
One reviewer wrote, "I bought these two years ago and they've been great! I've used them well over 600 miles and just now have to replace the wheels."Although these skates are marketed as great for beginners, we think all levels will appreciate the support and comfort the Zetrablade offers. You can also shop the women's Zetrablade, which also has over 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
Wheel size: 80 mm | Frame material: Monocoque composite | Boot type: Soft
Roller Derby Women's Aerio Q-60 Inline Skates
While a lot of rollerblades can go for a couple hundred of dollars, Roller Derby offers a more affordable pick, great for skaters shopping on a budget. The Aerio Q-60 still has all of the hallmarks we look for in quality skates, including a flexible semi-soft boot and a solid aluminum frame. One stand-out feature is the interior memory foam padding that will help make you feel even more comfortable during long skate routines. The Amazon best-seller has 3,400 five-star ratings from shoppers who describe the inline skates a great beginner option that is good quality. The men's Aerio Q-60 are also under $100 so it's a smart choice for those not looking to make a big commitment.
Wheel size: 84 mm | Frame material: Aluminum | Boot type: Soft
While safety and function should come first when choosing the right rollerblades for your needs, style is also a factor. And these pale blue skates with yellow laces and a hint of light pink are definitely one of the more fashionable options on the market. It has a hard plastic shell with a breathable, padded lining for comfort, and comes with a heel break that you can add on if needed. The Lightspeed Inline Skates have a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with five-star reviews describing them as having a super cute retro-look. One satisfied customer did note that it took a day for them to break in the skates even though the manufacturer claims there is no break-in period.
Wheel size: 72 mm | Frame material: Plastic | Boot type: Hard
Rollerblades Women's Macroblade 80
If you're just starting out, it's important to do the research so you can find an inline skate that's comfortable and supportive. The Macroblade 80 is designed with entry-level and casual skaters in mind. A high cuff, power strap and lace closure system work to improve security and balance while skating. Padding inside improves comfort and a breathable tongue will help keep your feet cool as you build up a sweat. While some online reviewers love the fit, others report that the lacing makes it difficult for them to get snug enough around their ankles.
One five-star reviewer writes, "The brake worked well for slowing my speed when my dog got going too fast and there are a lot of adjustments you can make to make the boot fit just right and stabilize your ankles." We appreciate the rear break as some shoppers do note the large wheels can be fast. The men's Macroblade 80 is Amazon's choice with a 4.6 rating.
Wheel size: 80 mm | Frame material: Aluminum | Boot type: Soft
Powerslide PS Next Core 80 Skates Size
Meanwhile, if you've been skating for a few years or find yourself craving a challenge, consider splurging on a pair of rollerblades designed for intermediate or advanced skaters. While these skates by Powerslide are around $300, the upgrade may be worth it for those logging a lot of skating time. On top of a rigid aluminum frame and grippy wheels, the Next Core 80 Skates also have memory foam padding for built-in comfort. These are the most expensive rollerblades on our list, but again, if you're a dedicated skater, purchasing a durable pair of skates will pay off in the long run (or should we say "long skate").
Wheel size: 80 mm | Frame material: Aluminum | Boot type: Hard
These inline skates are loaded with a ton of features, all for about $100. Plus, they have over 2,500 five-star Amazon reviews that vouch for their high-performance. One reviewer who got back into rollerblading after 15 years writes: "I love how tight I can make these. It provides great stability for my hyper-mobile ankles." We like that the skates have a safety buckle on top of a strap and lace system, as well as ventilation holes in the boot for breathability. The skates come with removable and washable memory foam padding as well as a rear break. Some Amazon customers did find the wheels and bearings to not be of the best quality, which may be due to the slightly lower price tag.
Wheel size: 80 mm | Frame material: Aluminum alloy | Boot type: Hard
How we choose the best rollerblades
We interviewed experts in the industry to gain insight into top-performing skate styles and brands. We then read through online reviews, paying attention to frame and shell material as well as price, wheel size and additional features like padding, rear breaks and buckle or lace systems to find the best rollerblades for women, men, beginners and more.
What to keep in mind when shopping for rollerblades
✔️ Fit: It's important to pay close attention to fit as you want to feel comfortable while skating and avoid ending up with painful blisters. "Skates should be comfortable and snug, providing good ankle support without being too tight," says Deniz Efe, founder of Fitnessequipped, a fitness equipment guide. Most inline skates run true to size, but make sure to check the brand's site as well as shoppers' reviews to see if you need to size up or down.
✔️ Wheels: All inline skates have their wheels in a straight line, but you can have three or four wheels. "The number and size of wheels will impact speed, maneuverability, and the surface they can be used on," explains Andrew Nasr, orthopedic and sports physical therapist at athletic brand Rudis,
- Wheel size: This measurement refers to the wheel's diameter in millimeters (mm) and can range from 55 mm to 125 mm. The lower range below 80 mm is better for aggressive skating and hockey, while the higher end above 90 mm is best for speed skating. The sweet spot for recreational freestyle rollerblading or fitness skating is between 70 mm to 90 mm. If you prefer speed rollerblading outdoors or on smooth surfaces, look for an inline skate with larger wheels. A wider wheel creates getter grip. If you are just starting out and won't be skating for as long or as fast, opt for wheels in the 70 mm to 86 mm range.
- Number of wheels: "Typically, inline skates have four wheels, but some may have three larger wheels," says Efe. The four-wheeled styles are more common and provide more stability for most skaters. Three-wheeled models offer more speed for advanced skaters.
✔️ Boot type: Also called shell, the boot type is the outer part of the skate that keeps your foot secure and provides support, explains Efe. "A hard plastic shell provides stability, while a soft boot is more breathable," says Nasr.
✔️ Frame: The frame holds everything in place and can vary in length and material. "Often made from aluminum or reinforced plastic, [the frame] should be sturdy yet flexible," says Efe.
✔️ Style: While some rollerblades can be trendy with fun colors, you'll want to ultimately choose the right style based on your intended use. The boot type and wheel configuration will change depending on whether you plan to use your rollerblades recreationally or for speed or aggressive skating, explains Efe.
How to safely rollerblade
"Always wear a helmet, wrist guards and elbow and knee pads," advises Nelson. If you're a beginner, it's best to locate a traffic-free area where you can practice the basics without worry and you may want to consider taking lessons from an experienced skater. "Start out gradually to build skills and endurance," says Nasr.
Learning the proper stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent and arms up at waist-level is key. Equally important is practicing how to stop. There are multiple ways to stop, but a popular method is the "T stop" which involves putting one feet behind you, turning it outward and dragging the wheels until you slow down. You also want to be sure to practice falling with your hands and fingers up to minimize the risk of injury, recommends Efe.
Regardless of level, always make sure to pay close attention to your surroundings and consider going with a friend so you can help each other if needed. Choose a smooth surface free of debris, water or cracks, advises Efe, and "use reflective gear or lights if you'll be skating in low visibility conditions." It's a good idea to steer clear of areas with steps and inclines as well.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates across Labs to ensure our product guides reflect accurate pricing and information. She has reported on a variety of topics from the best pickleball bags to the best tennis shoes for women and men. Elizabeth is prone to falling down (and getting back up again) when rollerblading, which is why she interviewed experts in the field so you can find the best inline skate that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Watch Next
The Best Gas Ranges
The Best Solar-Powered Generators
The Best Hybrid Mattresses in a Box
The Best Dog GPS Trackers
