A Brief Overview of Inline Skates

While the photo to the right may be of a recreational skate, the boot, wheels, and frame are essential traits of any skate, regardless of its type. The brake pictured on this skate is optional, meaning that it can be removed if desired. Brakes are typically only found on recreational and fitness skates. It is uncommon to find a brake on a roller hockey or aggressive skate. You may already know the skate type that is correct for you, but if you do not, the first question you must ask yourself to determine the skate type that is best for you is: What kind of inline skating will I be doing most? To help you answer this question, review the following sections that describe each of the inline skate types. Once you have done so, you should be able to determine the most appropriate skate type for you. 

 

 

 

 Recreational Inline Skates

The most popular type of inline skate is the recreational inline skate. Designed for anyone looking to simply go out and enjoy all that inline skating offers. This description itself is the closest you will get to the previously described, "strap on skates and take off." Recreational skates can be used for a quick skate around the neighborhood, a stroll down the local bike trail, or basic fitness. Unless you are in need of a specific skate type, a recreational skate is going to be the most likely selection for you. Recreational skates are offered in a variety of models, from a number of manufacturers, and for all level skaters. 

Skate materials, closure systems, and features will vary from skate to skate. Recreational skates will typically have a soft boot construction. This type of boot is constructed of reinforced mesh and cloth with hard plastic cuffs in the back for support. Soft boot construction allows for a more comfortable skate that is also lighter and more breathable. Back in the day, inline skates were constructed of uncomfortable, hard plastic shells. Over the years, this construction was abandoned in favor of the previously described soft boot style. Recreational skates will also feature a number of different closure systems. Standard lacing, ratchet buckles, and power assisted (quick lace) systems are some of the options you will see on recreational skates. 

Fitness Inline Skates

Modern inline skates were originally designed for fitness training for ice hockey players, by ice hockey players. Today, fitness skates are designed specifically for those individuals who seek to utilize their skates for getting in shape, or skating very frequently. In a nutshell, fitness skates are high performance recreational skates. Their design is similar in practically every aspect, with the exception being that it is geared towards individuals who skate longer distances. Variances between recreational and fitness skates exist in the bearings, wheel size, and overall weight. Fitness skates will typically have faster bearings and larger wheels to generate speed for lengthy skates.

 

  Additionally, skate weight is lower for this same reason. Fitness skate boots will likely be more comfortable due to liner construction, as well as circulate air better via ventilation differences. Fitness skates offer numerous advantages when it comes to exercise, most notably, it is not boring! Skating is a fast-paced, exciting activity that offers a lot more than your treadmill or yoga ball will. Furthermore, fitness skating is a low impact activity that will generate little wear-and-tear on your joints and bones. Also, fitness skating can burn as many calories as running. The list of benefits is long, but the bottom line is that inline skating is a great fitness activity. If you plan on using your skates to get in shape via long, fast skating adventures, then fitness skates are likely the best option for you.