Cargo pants, slip dresses, scrunchies — 90s trends are having a big resurgence. But it’s not just fashion that is throwing it back a few decades. More and more people are slipping on Rollerblades (also known as inline skates) to exercise, to get from place to place or to just have some fun.
Whereas roller skates have two sets of side by side wheels, inline skates have wheels that are in a line. This requires a bit more balance but also allows you to go faster, says Teshia Robinson, owner and general manager of RollATL. But don’t let that scare you away if you are a beginner, Robinson says people of all ages and abilities can pick up inline skating. Your skill level should factor into the type of inline skate you buy. Other factors that can influence your inline skate choice include where you’ll be skating and the type of support you’ll need. To help you shop for inline skates, we consulted skating experts on what to look for, plus got some general skating tips.
Our top picks
- Best overall for men: Rollerblade Zetrablade Skates for Men
- Best overall for women: K2 Women’s Skate Kinetic 80s
- Best unisex option: Liku Black Professional Inline Skates
How we picked top-rated inline skates
When shopping for inline skates, experts said these are the three things to pay close attention to:
- The boot: Choose between a soft or hard boot — both of which have pros and cons. “Hard shell skate boots are quite a bit more supportive which typically makes them easier to balance in,” says Robinson. Alex Shulgan, a professional skater and co-owner of In Move Skates, says that hard boots are better for beginners. “Soft shell boots don’t provide as much support, but they are more lightweight and breathable, which some people prefer,” says Robinson.
- The size and number of wheels: Most inline skates either come with three wheels per skate or four. Three wheeled options allow you to go faster, while four wheeled options feel more stable and are better for beginners, says Shulgan. The size of your wheels also matters. “A larger wheel (110mm-125mm) will be faster and smoother over cracks in the pavement. However, since they’re faster and larger, they’re a bit harder to control,” says Robinson. “Smaller wheels — such as 80mm, 84mm or 90mm — are closer to the ground and easier for control and balance.” We focused on four wheeled options with smaller wheels, but did include an option with three wheels for advanced skaters.
- The frame material: Inline skates have frames that are made of plastic or aluminum. “Plastic frames tend to be lightweight and less expensive, but they are typically less durable,” says Robinson. “Aluminum frames on the other hand offer great durability without adding a significant amount of weight or cost.”
Related
Top-rated inline skates
Using guidance from inline skating experts, we sourced highly rated options for men and women, as well as some unisex styles from top brands like Rollerblade, K2 and more.
Rollerblade Zetrablade Skates for Men
4.7-star average from 4,993 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 80mm wheels, which Robinson notes means they are closer to the ground and easier to balance on for beginners. They also have lace closures and two buckled straps to keep your foot secure as you move, says Rollerblade.
Boot type: Soft | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Plastic
5th Element Panther XT Inline Skates for Men
4.2-star average from 409 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 | Wheel size: 82mm | Frame material: Aluminum
K2 Women’s Skate Kinetic 80s
4.6-star average from 446 reviews on Amazon
This soft boot style 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 | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Plastic
Roller Derby Women’s V-Tech 500 Button Adjustable Inline Skate
4.6-star average from 4,998 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. These skates 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 | Wheel size: 76mm | Frame material: Plastic
Liku Black Professional Unisex Inline Skates
4.2-star average from 3,808 reviews on Amazon
These hard shell boots come with holes in the toe and heel area for ventilation and a removable lining that you can take out to clean. These boots 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 | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Aluminum
Jeuwith 3 Wheel Unisex Inline Skates
4.4-star average from 471 reviews on Amazon
These skates are better for advanced skaters, according to Shulgan. Larger wheels, like these, 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. These skates 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 | Wheel size: 110mm | Frame material: Aluminum
Lionix Pro Hardshell Inline Skates
4.6-star average from 259 reviews on Amazon
These skates are made for a style of skating called slalom, which involves good maneuverability and performing tricks around a line of equally spaced cones. However, the brand notes that the hard shell and aluminum frame makes them a durable option for any outdoor skating. These skates do not have a heel break, so you will have to drag the wheels to stop when wearing them.
Boot type: Hard | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Aluminum
Related
Staying safe while inline skating
Just as important as finding the right inline skates for your needs is arming yourself with information that will help you stay safe when you skate. The experts we talked to say these are the top safety tips beginner skaters should know:
- Wear protective gear: If you are new to inline skating, you will likely fall at some point. As a beginner skater, wearing protective gear can help keep you safe and prevent injuries, says Shulgan, who says that “a helmet is a must-have.” If you have a bike helmet, you may be tempted to just use that. While that is better than no helmet at all, a roller helmet like this one from Triple Eight, which is rounder in shape, will better serve you. It’s not uncommon to fall backwards when you skate and a skating helmet is designed to protect the back of your skull. In addition to a roller helmet, knee pads and wrist guards can cushion you if you fall forward, says Shulgan.
- Learn how to brake: “Any inline wheel size can gain momentum quickly, even on moderate downhills,” says Robinson. “So you should practice braking.” How you brake will depend on your skates. Many skates have a rubber piece near the heel that serves as a brake — some pairs have these on both skates, others on just one skate. If your skates have a built-in brake, you simply need to lean your heel back to slow to a stop. If you purchase skates without a heel brake, you’ll need to learn what is called a “T-stop.” “This is when you break by dragging the wheels of one skate behind you so they’re perpendicular to the ground,” says Robinson.
- Practice: When it comes to being a beginner skater, practice may not make perfect but it will go a long way. You really should spend a good deal of time practicing breaking, turning and skating on a smooth, flat surface before attempting more difficult terrain, says Robinson, who notes that It’s also a good idea to skate in low traffic areas as you are starting out to avoid accidental collisions.
Meet our experts
At 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.
- Teshia Robinson is the owner and general manager of RollATL.
- Alex Shulgan is a professional skater and co-owner of In Move Skates
Why trust Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two experts to gather their guidance on what to look for when shopping for inline skates.
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