Inline skating remains a common sporting activity and a great way to have fun and exercise. However, for you to participate in inline skating, you need specially made shoes, commonly referred to as rollerblades. This common name stems from the fact that the first company to manufacture these shoes used for inline skating was called Rollerblade Inc. They can also be called inline skates, and contain between two to five wheels aligned in a single line under the shoe.
Fitness rollerblades are stable enough for workouts and recreational purposes. They are known for their excellent fit and comfort as well. As such, they are a great way of burning calories as you get fresh air into your lungs. Inline skating is also a great social activity that can be done with friends, partners, or family members. If you are interested in inline skating, the following guide will help you get along with this exciting activity.
The History of Inline Skating
Surprisingly, the idea of inline skating or rollerblades came long before roller skates. So to say, Dutch Han Bricker could be the first person to create skates with wooden wheels at the beginning of 18th C. While there are no documents and archives to justify the initial inventor of rollerblades, some references date back to 1743 in London. According to initial skating experts, nobody can explain exactly if the wheels of these skates were inline or not. Nonetheless, the first pair of inline skates were largely inspired by ice skating.
John Joseph Merlin – 1760
You could be wrong to believe that roller skates are a recent invention. In reality, the first models created more than two centuries before were quite different from the skates available currently. The inception of roller skates is credited to John Joseph Merlin from Belgium. He adapted the idea of ice skating by fixing metal rollers on wooden plates in 1760. His passion for skating led to the first known skating accident when he crashed to a value mirror, which almost cost him his life.
Tyers’ Skates with Inline Wheels and Other Evolutions
After the beginning of skating, particularly inline wheeled skates by Tyers, then called “Rolito,’ frames had minimal similarities with the current 5-wheel inline skates. Since then, advanced technological evolutions in the 18th century saw the idea of inline skating gain ground in France. Petibled was the first to create a patent for three-wheeled inline skates in 1819 with a stopper brake.
Other inventors soon copied Petibled idea, as skating increasingly became a trendy activity as established cities created their own special roller rinks. Inline skate materials used in the second half of the 19th century limited the manufacture of performing wheels, as wood, horn, and brass were used. While these materials provided precarious grip, they had awful rolling as the surfaces were far from being smooth as they are today. Nevertheless, significant transformations on rollerblades went on, renewing and evolving to different trends.
The Turning Point of Inline Skates: The use of Ball Bearings
An English man, Joseph Gidman, brought filed a patent that made a significant change in roller skates in 1852. His idea of skating included the use of ball bearings. However, 30 years went before rollerblades with ball bearings came into existence. This is because ball bearings were not invented at that period. Therefore, the idea remained at the invention stage, as the technical fulfilment for ball bearings was not there yet.
The period following this was quite calm as manufacturers offered cheap mass-produce inline skate models with metal wheels and low-quality bearings. Other competitors with performing skates had wooden wheels, which were better in rolling but fragile. Wooden/boxwood wheels would wear out fast, and skaters had to change their tires amidst long-distance races.
Over time, rubber wheels were used, specifically in France starting from early 1912. Inline skate models with rubber tires and air tubes made their appearance in 1987 as well. Polyurethane wheels started being used in 1979 as plastic wheels saw the light from 1980. Such continuous inventions significantly revived inline skating in the USA by the 80s before spreading to Europe in the early 90s. Since then, skating was then proposed as an exhibition in 1992 at the Olympic Games of Barcelona.
The Birth of Rollerblade and Boom of Inline Skating
With such significant advancements over the years, the first brand to file an inline skates patent was “Chicago” from the USA in 1960. The inspiration for their models came from the proprietors of the initial Rollerblade brand, American hockey players, and understood the advantage of inline skates to their practice. They designed and mounted their first models in their parent’s garage, which was a redesigned model from an old inline skate they bought in 1979.
Some years later, following some promotional campaign, their redesigned inline skate hit the streets OF Minnesota, and more skiers joined the movements looking to train during summertime. This is when Rollerblade Inc. was born. Rollerblade took off in 1985 after Robert Naegele purchased the company, becoming a branch of the larger Benetton Sports System Group. It later changed to Tecnica in 2003.
Rollerblade Inc. developed significantly that it became a generic term for inline skates. In the early 80s and 90s, the best selling inline skates were made from hard plastic shells. It was until 1995 when K2, another manufacturer, launched the first soft boot, a skate model that combines plastic and textile. Other brands followed suit, with rigid shells skates being a reserve for street/aggressive skating.
The surge in interest for inline skating in the following years saw five more brands get into the industry. This dimmed the hopes of Benetton Sport System that they would have approximately 50 percent of the world inline skating market by 1998. However, some brands, such as the Salomon, which were successful in the European market, disappeared with time leaving Rollerblade as a leading industry leader to date.
Year after year, Rollerblade leveraged resources from various industries to improve the quality of their skates. For instance, the use of polyurethane wheels and boots, double row ball bearings, and heel brakes, refined the designs of inline skates. The company later designed the first inline skates wheels with hubs, which provided for more speed. Another significant innovation was the use of composite frames, which reduced the weight of the skates while adding on comfort.
Rollerblade introduced the active brake technology in 1994 on their skates, which is a heel brake simply activated by straightening the skater. This invention made skating easier for beginners and offered excellent speed control. To date, the brand has filed more than 200 patents of inline skates, with more than 30 models of skates for men, women, and kids.
Having the Right Gear for Inline Skating
To begin inline skating, you should have the right inline skates. Fortunately, you can choose the right skates from various online stores, majorly Amazon. Note that there are different types of inline skates, ranging from beginner to pro inline skates. For beginners, consider a multi-use skate that fits your feet snugly. You should avoid inline skates with loose-fitting, as they pose a serious danger when learning how to skate.
Apart from inline skates, having the right safety equipment is also essential for a successful skating experience. Both beginners and professional skater should have protective gear at all times to avoid injuries from unexpected accidents. For beginners, you will likely undergo several falls before getting the concept.
This is why you should have the following safety equipment:
- An appropriate helmet that fits in your head comfortably. Like other sporting activities with risks of falls, helmets come in handy to prevent head injuries resulting in death. The safety helmet should feature an adjustable chin strap that provides for adjustments all the time.
- You need appropriate skating clothing and wrist guards that offer protection against friction burns in case you fall. If you haven’t acquired special skating clothes, you can wear long-sleeved shirts and heavy trousers as you learn how to skate.
- You should also have knee and elbow pads that protect your joints when skating.
- If you will be learning how to skate on roads with busy traffic, you should also have a reflective jacket to increase your visibility to cars passing by.
Inline Skates Buying Guide
With the wide range of inline skates that suit various skating types, you might find it challenging to find the best rollerblades, especially as a beginner. However, the guide below will take you through the various options available with accurate product descriptions to help you find the right inline skater. Below are some vital considerations to look into when searching for the best inline skates.
Brand
Like any other sporting equipment, different brands have their equipment on the market. While others offer specific types of skates, others have a plethora of options to choose from. Choosing a specific brand definitely comes down to personal preference. However, your choice of brand should give you inline skate options that are most beneficial. Avoid inline skates that are uncomfortable, flimsy, and can break easily.
Gender
Inline skates are also categorized according to gender. There are options for men, women, unisex skates, young boys, and girls. Manufacturers often alter the color, fit, and sizing based on the designated gender.
- Men’s Skates – they are generally designed to suit any man’s foot.
- Women’s skates – these models are designed for women. As such, they have slightly lower cuffs compared to men’s designs. The forefoot is also slightly wider to allow a better fit for the female anatomy.
- Unisex skates – they are another common type of inline skates. However, they are commonly based on men’s sizing but designed to be used by both men and women. Women who feel the specifically designed women’s options are quite lacking should consider unisex models.
- Boys and girls skates – sizing and the fit of boys and girl skates are quite similar, only that they vary in color. Kids’ designs often come with adjustable sizing. In most cases, green, red, and blue skates are reserved for boys while pink, white, and purple skates are best for girls.
Skate Type
While some inline skates suit specific styles, others are versatile to be used across various skating styles. Some of the common skating styles include;
- Recreational skates
These skates are a good choice for casual and beginner skaters. Recreational skates focus on providing unmatched comfort and stability, thanks to the relaxed fit that doesn’t need much break-in time. They forego high-end skating performance features for a low price, thus suited for short and less demanding skating sessions.
Beginners should begin with recreational skates with small wheels, approximately between 78 and 80mm. This will enable them to maintain a low speed with excellent control. Recreational skates with 3 wheels often have large wheels, approximately 100mm. However, with their short maneuverable frames, they are remarkably easier to control. You will also benefit from the long rolls that get over small cracks and bumps easily.
- Speed skates
As the name suggests, speed skates are best for distance and marathon skating aficionados who are skating on competitive levels. They provide optimal power transfer, especially when they fit your leg appropriately. Due to this, they require slight heat molding and thus not comfortable right out of the box.
Speed skates feature a low-cut design, which allows for a full range of motion that enables them to get a better edge with large wheels and allow for long and strong strides. Due to their nature, skaters should progress to this type of boot, rather than begin their skating experience with this.
Entry-level speed skates feature slightly higher cuffs that provide additional support. Prices for these skates fluctuate based on the design and engineering ingenuity of the skates.
- Cross-training skates
Otherwise referred to as X-fit skates, cross-training skates target skating enthusiasts with some experience on these wheels. They are best for skating individuals who skate as part of their workout routine. As such, they feature some performance features, including a countered fit that improves performance. They also feature a higher break-in time.
However, for cross-training skates, your skating ability and location should be key considerations when choosing between various wheel sizes. Just to note, top speed often increases with the wheel size. Similarly, the ability to maintain stability and roll over cracks and bumps depends on the wheel size.
- Aggressive skates
Another popular type of inline skates are aggressive skates, which suit sliding, jumping, and grinding on skate parks and other areas with good ledge and drops. They feature wheels with 60mm diameters, which create low center gravity that help skaters perform various tricks. Since such small wheels may limit on speed, experienced, aggressive skaters should go for skates with slightly large wheels, approximately 80mm.
Aggressive skates are made from hard molded plastic shells with a few high-end brands using carbon. Skilled aggressive skaters will likely benefit more from expensive, lightweight, and stiffer carbon boots.
- Urban skates
Urban skates are a hybrid between freestyle skates and cross-training skates. While this makes them more versatile, they make them variable, based on the specific discipline with more inclination. Judging from the name, urban skates are best for use in urban areas. Be it for commuting, exercise, or just fun, you will benefit from the hard shell design that provides the much-needed durability and response.
The 3 and 4-wheel models of urban skates use the large 90 to 125mm wheel size to achieve great ground coverage and speed. However, some 4-wheel models feature smaller 80mm wheels to provide more quickness and ground control.
- All-terrain skates
As the name suggests, all-terrain skates are best for skating on pavements and off-road. They feature large tires that enable them to easily overcome twigs and other small obstacles. However, they are relatively slow compared to urethane wheels, thus suit downhill skating or skating with poles for off-season training. All-terrain skates are fun and lack many limitations.
Skill Level
Apart from the skate type, you can achieve successful skating y choosing a skate that suits your skating abilities. When looking for good inline skates, consider skates that are slightly above your current skating level, as you will be getting better with time. However, you should be cautious not to underestimate your learning curve by selecting a skate way beyond your skill level. Doing this will take the fun out of your skating experience, predisposing you to injuries.
- Beginner skates – they suit new and returning skating persons with no or little confidence in their abilities. All beginner skates feature supportive and stable designs to provide support. They also come with small wheels and brakes for controlled speeds.
- Intermediate skates – unlike beginner, intermediate skates require slight skating experience. You should have the confidence to turn and brake with ease. If you haven’t skated for some time, consider a beginner skate or intermediate skates with small wheels.
- Advanced skates – they suit individuals who have skating as part of their regular routine. Your skating ability and experience will give you the confidence to control the skate in all situations.
- Expert skates – they are best for individuals who have clocked years of experience in skating. They should have mastered the strides, can skate for short and long distances or forward and backward with ease.
Other Features
Apart from the skill levels, skate types, and gender, you should consider the following skate features.
- Wheel Size
You should consider your skating distance before settling on the wheel size. Long distances, for instance, are well done by inline skates with large wheels. They will make it easier to maintain speed and use less energy. The recommended wheel size should range from 90 to 100mm. On the other hand, short distances, such as city skating, are best suited for skaters with small wheels. Small wheels, ranging from 80 to 84mm, make the skates maneuverable, easier to stop, and turn.
- Wheel durometer
Wheel durometer of inline skates is indicated with an A. The majority of inline skates come with wheel durometer ranging from 78 to 85A. The higher the wheel durometer, the harder the wheels and vice versa. That said, the wheel durometer affects the grip, speed, shock-absorbing effect, and lifespan of the wheels. Soft wheels provide better grip and shock absorption, but short lifespan and less speed. on the other hand, hard wheels assure of longer lifespan and high speed, but average shock absorption and less grip.
- Boot Type
Inline skates can feature either soft boots, molded plastic, or carbon/composite boots. Soft boots are comparably light and better ventilated, thus suited for skating for long hours and long distances. Hard/molded plastic boots are best for those looking for durable and limit stretch boots. They are highly responsive as you push off, but are quite heavier that they cause fatigue when skating for long periods. Composite shells, on the other hand, are very rigid and lightweight. They provide unmatched performance and power transfer.
- Heat Molding
Inline skates that are heat-moldable provide for a customized/personalized fit. This allows them to be comfortable and high performing. They allow skaters to skip common natural breaks when engaging in high-level skating. However, note that they will not perform or fit properly until they have undergone heat molding.
- Closure System
All inline skaters feature a sophisticated closure system made of buckles and laces. Some models even feature a special wire tightening system that allows the skates to tighten as you turn the knob. However, buckles are comparably faster than laces and easier to get a uniform fit. With these options, you can choose a closure system of your personal preference.
- Brakes
Rollerblades come with one of the two types of brakes. They can be traditional or advanced braking options. Traditional brakes have rubber stoppers behind the roller skate while advanced brakes have an additional arm that facilitates braking.
Rollerblades often come with a pre-mounted braking system. However, you can switch the brake from one foot to another. Note that brakes can wear down with time, thus you should always stock an extra pair.
- Frames
Inline skate frames are made from plastic, carbon, or aluminum. To choose a good frame, consider the weight, durability, and stiffness of the frame. Below are some details about the various frames:
- Plastic frames – they are common on beginner-level inline skates. Plastic frames are less expensive, less stiff, and less durable compared to other frames. They are also heavier, which increases the weight of the skate.
- Aluminum frames – compared to plastic frames, inline skates are lightweight and stiffer. They don’t give in to stress as well, making them more efficient and durable. They are a common frame of choice for intermediate inline skates and priced slighter higher than plastic frames.
- Carbon frames – the use of carbon on inline frames provided further reinforcement to aluminum frames, reduced weight, and enhanced durability for expert skaters.
Roller Skates are becoming the New Must Have, Thanks to TikTok
Recently, roller skating has made a significant comeback, thanks to TikTok and viral videos on the internet. If you have been following the happenings during quarantine, you shouldn’t have missed TikTok videos of people blissfully roller skating in aesthetic places that would certainly pique your skating interests.
All the credits go to Ann Coto, a dancer and actress based in Los Angeles who made a huge splash on the online application with her roller-skating videos. Coto, who joined TikTok in February, admitted that her quick spike in followers, currently surpassing one million, came as a surprise.
While roller skating around the empty parking lots of Los Angeles, her boyfriend admitted that he had never heard of Jennifer Lopez’s music. She went ahead a played the popular “Jenny from the block” Jlo’s track from her phone and effortlessly glided on her skates are her boyfriend recorded her.
Coto uploaded the video in late April to TikTok, where it received millions of views, just like other roller skating videos on her profile. Coto said that she picked up skating about three years ago after a friend told her of a dream she had where they had gone skating. Though she couldn’t skate immediately, continuous practice has made her better at it.
Since the video went trending, Coto has been credited for being an inspiration and a cause for the surge. Due to this, most Twitter users bemoan that they are waiting for their roller skates to arrive or cannot purchase a pair as they are largely sold out.
The Bottom Line
Inline skating is undoubtedly an easy and overly fun activity to do. However, you should ensure that you have the right gear before heading off to skate. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or well versed with inline skating, you should ensure that you find an inline skater that suits your needs. Ensure that the skates match your skill level, comfortable, and supportive to your feet and ankles. By identifying the features that you need, you will find it easy to find the best inline skates that heighten your inline skating experience.
