How to Choose Inline Skates

Skate Styles

Recreational
These skates are the most popular beginner models. They feature high-cut boots for good support. These skates typically have smaller wheels for more controlled speeds.

Fitness/Training
Fitness skates are similar to recreational skates but are usually lighter, offer a lower-cut boot and have larger wheels for higher speeds.

Speed
Racing skates have five wheels, a long wheel base and no brake. The longer wheel base stabilizes the skates at higher speeds but also makes them less maneuverable than 3- or 4-wheeled skates. They are typically designed with lower-cut boots to allow more ankle flex in the racing stance. Racing skates are for very experienced skaters and not recommended for the novice.

Cross
Cross skates are for all-terrain use: on mountain bike trails, ski slopes or just about any open area. Each skate consists of a shelled, double boot on a long steel platform with two 10-inch-diameter rubber tires. More than just skates, they can also be used as cross country striding skis or to carve downhill or Telemark turns year-round. They are typically used in conjunction with ski poles.

Aggressive
Aggressive skates are engineered to be super strong so they can withstand all the jumping, sliding and landings of an extreme skater. Currently, REI does not carry skates of this type.

Hockey
Designed for use inside on a smooth-floored rink, these brakeless, unlined skates are usually made of stitched leather or hardened nylon and they lace up for a very close fit. REI does not carry skates of this type.

Next, Concentrate On Comfort

After you determine what kind of skating you'll be doing, explore the different models in your category. Price and quality may be prime factors in your final decision, but comfort definitely should be. If you buy skates that don't feel good, they'll end up in the corner of the closet. It's much wiser in the long run to get yourself a truly comfortable skate now—you'll reap the rewards every time you put them on.

Here are some considerations:

The Liner
This is the cushioned bootie that lines the inside of the boot. It's removable, so you can take it out and wash it. This also makes it easy to determine the fit of a boot. When your boot arrives, remove the liner from the boot and place it on your foot. Does it fit comfortably? Put it back into the skate and see how it feels inside the shell. The liner should be of good quality and of consistent thickness and density throughout the boot, with just a little more padding in the toe area. If you can't seem to get an adequate fit, don't lose hope—special inserts are available, and they can be placed between the shell and the liner to help you create a more customized fit.

Laces or Buckles?
Decide on which closure system fits you better. Many boots now come with laces, or a combination of laces and a top buckle, though other boots come with buckles only. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems. Buckles can create pressure points, called "point loading," on certain areas of your foot. Your liner can alleviate most point loading problems, but this extra cushion between the foot and the shell is not sufficient for everyone. Laces are much less prone to point loading because they tend to distribute pressure more evenly. However, laces can eventually work themselves loose as you skate.

Sizing
REI makes every effort to provide you with accurate sizing information for each pair of skates. Check our product information pages for specific sizing information.

Socks
When your skates arrive, try them on wearing the kind of socks you'll wear when you skate. They should not be too thick or too short. They should cover enough of your leg to cushion your leg from the collar of the boot shell and your leg (usually at least 5 inches or more above the ankle bone). If you have problems with blisters, try wearing polypropylene sock liners under your regular socks. Or simply wear 2 pairs of sock liners. They will keep your feet drier and make them less prone to blistering.

Fit
For both comfort and control, skates should fit like a glove—that is to say, you want as snug a fit as possible without pain. In fact, it's OK for your toes to be loosely in contact with the front of the boot. You tend to lose control over your skates if your feet move around too much in your boots (without the proper leverage that comes with a snug fit, your feet may start to change direction without the boot following). So when your skates arrive, make sure they allow your feet and skates to feel, and move, as one.

You Get What You Pay for
While it's possible to pay over $1,000 for a pair of inline skates, consider these rules of thumb. For a recreational skate of sufficient comfort and quality, you should expect to spend at least $150. A higher-quality fitness or multi-purpose skate will probably run you around $250-$350. Skates in this range offer the comfort, performance and durability you'll want for serious performance. You can pay more, of course, but unless you're a very experienced or seriously competitive skater, the law of diminishing returns kicks in for skates above this price range.

A Primer on Wheels

Size
The smaller the wheel, the easier and quicker you can accelerate. Small wheels are also the most stable and maneuverable choice. Bigger wheels may let you cruise faster, but they take longer to spin up (reach maximum speed) and are less maneuverable. Small wheels are also generally cheaper, but they tend not to last quite as long because there's less material to wear down. The most common sizes you'll come across for recreational skating are 72mm and 76mm. Skaters wanting maximum speed tend to use 76mm or 80mm (depending on conditions). Aggressive skaters use smaller wheels that allow them to do rail slides, ranging from 43mm to 76mm, depending on the situation.

Maximum Wheel Size
Low-end skates generally come with 70mm or 72mm wheels, while most higher end skates come equipped with 76mm and 80mm wheels. That's because most experienced skaters eventually want more speed, and taller (bigger) wheels are a little faster. But not all skates can accommodate larger wheels, so consider this when choosing your skates. Pick a frame that has room for at least 76mm.

Wheel Hardness
Wheels are typically made out of urethane, a plastic material which can be manufactured to varying levels of hardness. This hardness can be measured on a "durometer" using the industry "A" scale, with 0 being the softest and 100 being the hardest. Softer wheels absorb more bumps for a smoother ride, but they tend not to last as long, nor are they as fast as harder wheels. Most wheels feature dual-density urethane, that is, a soft core with a hard shell, measured at 78A or 82A. Wheels rated at 78A are the standard on most skates REI offers (you'll find the rating on the side of the wheel). If you prefer harder wheels, it is possible to replace your originals with a harder set such as 82A. For indoor surfaces, most skaters go with really hard wheels (85A or higher) since there are no bumps to absorb. Conversely, for really rough outdoor terrain, you might want to consider softer 74A wheels.

Bearings
Your wheels roll on precision ball bearings, which are housed inside the hubs of the wheels where the turning action takes place. Bearings come in various ratings, but the difference is irrelevant to all but the most competitive skaters. If you're looking for speed and ease of skating, it's far more important just to keep your bearings clean and well-lubricated. While they are shielded to keep dirt and grime out, bearings aren't dustproof or watertight. You should avoid getting them wet or muddy for this reason.

Brakes
While a few skates are equipped with hand-activated "automatic" braking systems, nothing takes the place of knowing how to brake effectively with your skates under different conditions. It may take some practice, but in the long run, mastering the fundamental skating skills will make you a far safer skater.

Frame
The frame, or chassis, is the part of the skate that attaches the wheels to the boot. Frames are made of super-hard plastic or metal, and you may want to check that they allow for larger or smaller wheels to be used. The better the skate, the more likely it is that the frame will be rigid, properly aligned, and securely attached. Rigidity is a key factor in skate performance. A frame that's too flexible will dissipate your stroke energy. And proper alignment is important, too. If wheels aren't properly aligned they can track poorly, and wheels tend to deliver a better ride when they are all going in precisely the same direction. REI carefully chooses its skates so you can be sure you'll get quality frames.

Shell
Soft boots have become increasingly popular lately. These are generally one-piece uppers that resemble an athletic shoe. They eliminate hard plastic construction and are comfortably form-fitting. The more-traditional plastic boot usually has 2 parts: a shell that surrounds your foot and a cuff that closes around your ankle. Both parts are designed to be flexible, yet supportive. The most noticeable difference will be vents. Some have them, some don't. Vents cool your feet and make the skate lighter. But for those of you who like to pound on your skates, vents make skates a bit less sturdy than non-vented skates. Which style you prefer is largely a matter of personal preference.