Best Inline Skates of 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Inline skating is getting incredibly popular because it’s not just entertainment but one important fitness reason. For new skaters, it can be a bit tricky but soon you will get used to it. Do you know skating can burn 360 calories in one hour?

Perhaps this is one of the prime reasons most people use inline skating to lose weight. Not only it turns fat into muscles bit improve your core strength. It is one of the best ways to cross-train and polishes your skills, especially when you have the best inline skates of 2021.

Selecting the best inline skates entirely depends on your skating expertise, intended purpose and above all, your budget. The case is a bit confusing because there are a number of inline skates available on the market with versatile features.

We have analyzed different brands and their products on the basis of quality material, features and user reviews and selected the top ten inline skates for you. It will not only help you to make the right decision but to save time and money. Whether you are a beginner or an expert skater, these best inline skates will never disappoint you at any point.

Best Inline Skates of 2021

1. Advantage Pro XT Women Inline Skates Bladerunner – Best for beginners

Quick Features:

Wheel Size 80mm

Bearings ABEC 7

If you are a beginner or a casual skater, Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT Women’s Inline Skates are the best option for you. They are produced with ideal comfort for beginners. When using inline skates for the first time, most skaters are worried about the stability.

This pair of skates features a foot-supporting shell structure. Especially, the boot part cradles the foot and provides a low center of gravity essential for balance. It is joined with an excellent lateral support system for ankles protection and gives maximum control over everything.

You also enjoy three-part closing system with power strap, elegant lace system and buckle to utilize. All these things combine to protect your foot. It pushed the foot to the back of the boot and maintains it in the perfect skating position. This ensures the best possible fitting by adding control and stability for skating.

You have 80mm sizing wheels that are ideal for beginners. Also, there are ABEC 7 bearings which are best for moderate speed. Remember they are not made for fast skating.

2. Roller Derby V-Tech 500 Button Adjustable Inline Skates

Quick Features:

Wheel size 76mm

Bearings ABEC 7

Best for beginners

Offering soft boot support system with comfortable fit padding, this adjustable Roller Derby Women’s V-Tech 500 Inline Skates is another best option for beginners. Both these features make it easier for girls to get rolling.

The Cam-Lever bucklers are easy and quick to use with no laces to tie. At the push of the button, the frame adjusts up to four sizes.

They are best for growing feet with ideal comfy padded liner. Just push the button and then pull the toe box forward to increase the size. The reinforced polymer frame features a brake on the right skate for safe rolling.

The silver-5 speed-rated carbon bearings offer to cruise the dart or sidewalk around the rink with quick speed. Its 76mm Urethane Speed Formula wheels are ideal for both indoors and outdoors.

One of the best features of these Inline Skates is it’s ultra-lightweight which makes it a perfect choice for both casual and recreational inline skating. With 6 to 9 adjustable women sizes, there are three colors (blue, grey and mint) available to choose from.

The Roller Derby Women’s V-Tech Button Adjustable is a perfect choice for amateurs and intermediates to polish their inline skating skills.

3. Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Men Fitness Inline Skates Bladerunner

Quick Features:

80mm Wheels

ABEC 7 Bearings

Best for Beginners

For amateur skaters looking to begin and building their skills, the Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT Men is a great choice. Such Inline Skates easy to use, super comfortable and supportive.
The pair comes with some interesting features that will really appreciate. One of the best features of these Inline skates is its durable lacing system. They are great and you can comfortably tighten or loosen laces for a snug fit.
The buckle tightening additional offers firm ankle support and fitting. The heel retention is compressed with the help of a Velcro strap. Now, these features ensure firm fitting on the feet and let you focus on polishing your skating skills rather than to worry about your feet.

Support, speed and traction are the main factors projected with this Inline skates. These are ensured with its ABEC 7 bearings and 80 mm wheels.
Both wheels and bearings provide smooth and comfortable riding experience even on the rough terrains. They are designed and manufactured with the premium quality materials that can comfortably beat the test of the time.

4. Roller Derby ION 7.2 Inline Skates with Aluminum Frames

Quick Features:

72mm wheels

ABEC 7 Bearings

Deluxe comfort liner

Featuring a soft boot with deluxe comfort liner, Roller Derby Ion 7.2 Inline Stakes is one of the best budget options for you. With a simple push of a button, inline skates can easily adjust up to four sizes.
A perfect combination of the straps and laces offer a comfortable fit. The supportive lightweight ankle cuff with the soft, comfortable hybrid boot provide smoothing riding on uneven terrains.
There is a locking Cam-lever buckle to prevent your ankle from injuries. The hook and loop power strap lock the heel for control, power and stability.

The most attractive aspect of these best inline skates are the grippy and bouncy urethane wheels that work best for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Featuring super-fast Gold-7 speed rate carbon bearings, Roller Derby Ion 7.2 Inline Stakes is a perfect pick for adventure lovers. Few other features are reinforced polymer frame which is durable and lightweight and non-marking brake on the right side.

5. ITurnGlow Adjustable Inline Skates for Kids and Adults with All Illuminating Wheels

Quick Features:

82A Wheels

ABEC 7 Bearings

Adjustable sizes

With 8 illuminating wheels, the ITurnGlow Adjustable Inline Skates for Kids and Adults illuminates at night and makes your kids distinctive.
The inline skates are available in four different sizes which can be adjusted with just a single button. They feature a high-quality ABEC 7 bearings and 82A PU smooth wheels for smooth, secure and comfortable skating.
The reinforced aluminum frame with a thick anti-impact toe cap ensures the safety of your child.

For additional safety and comfort, there is a triple protection system that includes laces, strap and cam lever buckles. Its aluminum alloy frame offers safe ankle support with the breathable inner boot.
One of the best things about ITurnGlow Adjustable Inline Skates is their customer support team that is extremely responsive and satisfies the customer from each and every aspect.

6. XinoSports Adjustable Inline Roller Skates

Quick Features:

70mm wheels

ABEC 7 Bearings

LED Lights

The first thing that you are going to notice about this inline skates is its front wheels light up. Besides attention, the purpose of this feature is to illuminate front wheels for a safe ride at night.
Xinosports Adjustable inline skate for kids is available in different sizes (1-4 Medium and 58 Large) with the versatile color combination of black and blue.
The 70 mm 82A polyurethane wheels are more than enough to provide a smooth ride even on difficult terrains. The skate also comes with the comfortable padding and highly durable aluminum frame.

The boot is overall frame and supported with thick plastic that will not break, crack, bend or fade and is attached with metal rivets. The three-part closure includes Cam lever buckles, laces and Velcro straps which is simple for kids to put on and off.
For ankle support, soft foam inner lining has been added to the skate. The premium ABEC 7 bearings offer quiet, smooth and safe glides. In order to ensure a smooth ride, try to lubricate the bearings every four weeks.

7. Roller Derby Boy’s Stinger 5.2 Adjustable Inline Skates

Quick Features:

ABEC 5 Bearings

64mm (small size) Wheels

70mm (medium size) Wheels

Washable liner

Featuring molded cuffs, the Roller Derby Boy’s Stinger 5.2 Adjustable Inline Skate offers ideal support and comfort while skating. The skate comes with an easily adjustable system that offers snug fitting.
For additional stability and comfort, it has frame manufactured of polymer and liner. The polyurethane wheels are strong and durable with the ability to last for a long time.
The reinforced polymer frame is reliable and lightweight with a non-marking brake on the right side. It is created with the pull and tightens lace system.

The adjustable sizing makes it easier for your kids to keep it in a perfect position. The perfect support is further improved by the reliable molded cuff.
The fitted ABEC 5 bearings along with the Cam-lever ensure the skates keep their ideal performance and great fit. Due to their perfect balance, they are best for people who are new to the skating world.

8. Rollerblade Zetrablade Men’s Adult Fitness Inline Skates

Quick Features:

80mm wheels

SG 5 bearings

Monocoque Composite Frame

Featuring four-wheel design to offer perfect support for roller skating, the Rollerblade Zetrablade Men’s Adult Fitness Inline Skate is another best option for newbies.
The wheels of the skate form part of the low-balance structure which combines a frame and a shell system together. In other words, such a structure makes a low center of gravity, so users have very less risk of falling over.
Also, the design keeps the boot closer to the ground. It helps the beginners to maintain the balance and get the best feel for skating.

There is plenty of padding to protect your feet and make you feel comfortable. The padding is then combined with the lateral support system to protect ankles and prevent sprains.
The wheels are specially designed for the beginners. With 80m size and SG5 bearings, it creates the perfect balance for skating.
The great control helps you to polish your skills by learning new moves and getting comfortable on the skates.

9. LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates

Quick Features:

80mm wheels

ABEC 7 bearings

Durable Shoes Shell

The LIKU stakes are one of the coolest designs available on the market. They are available in 6 different women and men sizes.
The largest women size is 10.5 while the men’s is 9.5. LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates are for both women and men that are looking for professional-level gear.
But this is not made for newbies, so better to stay away from them if you are new to skating. There is an additional ankle support sock added by the manufacturer for your safety.
With practical ventilation holes, the detachable inner boots are breathable. You are going to love the thick foam padding of these inline skates.

The safety features include a safety buckle, high-density laces and an included brake. Due to their low balance structure, they are extremely stable.
Also, the aluminum alloy bearings make them extra-stable to skate with confidence. Overall, these inline skates fit well and perfectly comfortable to ride in.

10. YF YOUFU Adjustable Inline Skates Roller Skate/Blades with Triple Protection

Quick Features:

82A wheels

ABEC 7 bearings

Adjustable size

It’s their soft and breathable lining that makes these inline skates safe and comfortable for kids. The detachable and washable design keeps the lining neat, clean and comfortable. Featuring the adjustable sizing design, the YF YOUFU Adjustable Inline Skates ensure that they can be used for a long time as the kids grow. Its high impact strength shell with aluminum alloy trick provides stability and control during staking.

The 82A polyurethane wheels along with the high-speed bearings offer premium grip track and bounce. With its triple protection system that includes 45 degrees strap, heavy-duty cuff buckle and traditional lace, these inline skates ensure your feet are perfectly locked in and ankle is supported.
The laces work with the reinforced uppers to make an extra wrapping effect when these skates are laced properly. The frame is created with reinforced aluminum which is premium precision and firmer to improve control and stability for new skaters.

 

Inline Skates Buyer’s Guide

Buying a good inline skates may not be tough but can be a tricky process. There are different sizes available for men, women, boys and girls. For instance, a woman wants a narrower fit with lower height on the cuff whereas men have wider feet with high calf muscles. Before you make a purchase, there are some important things you need to consider.

Comfortable Boots

An inline skate boot must fit the ankle and foot snugly but allow the ankle to flex forward for an ideal balance. For beginners, a supportive ankle cuff is great whereas advanced skater should go with flexible and lower ankle cuff for more fun.
High-Quality Bearings
To check the quality of the bearings on your skates, take a look at the skate’s ABEC or ILQ number. Such number shows how fast the skates can run and how precisely the bearings were manufactured. If you want speed stakes, select ABEC numbers that are 7 to 9 bearings.

Ventilated Boots

Such boots have ventilation channels that help the feet to stay cool and comfortable on a hard work out or a hot day.

Quality Wheels

The wheels type depends on the type of skating you want to perform. Buy skates with larger wheels to go faster and small wheels for maneuverability. Aggressive skates feature small wheels with fitness skates and speed skates with wheels which are 100 or 110mm.

Secure Closures

Loose closure skates are potentially dangerous. Make sure to buy the skates that feel secure once fastened and use a snap-down buckle, ratchet buckle or lace as a closure.

Control

When larger wheels such 100mm, you will be wearing recreational skates but they can be too quick for beginners to control. The skate with longer wheelbase makes them feel highly stable and also make it easy to control while the small wheelbase is more maneuverable.

Skate Type

There are various forms of inline skating that helped manufacturers to create different styles of inline skates. Take a look at the four prime types of inline skates.

Fitness

Fitness inline skates are made for experienced skates who are looking to get more from the skates. There is a wide range of such skate style and they are faster and for more distance as compared to recreational skates.

Recreation

They are best for beginners to intermediate skaters. The Recreation style is one of the most popular inline skate styles. They offer maximum comfort with perfect fitting.

Race

With highly stiff boot design, the race-style inline skate provides great performance. Not only they are the most comfortable skates, but also made for those who are interested in racing.

Urban

Urban is the newest inline skate style that has a similar boot design to the aggressive stake. With the relevantly short and nimble frame, such skates are perfect for city, street and zipping around.

Skill Range

These inline skates are created for different skill ranges such as advanced, advanced intermediate and intermediate just like other types of athletic equipment. New skates with plastic frame begin out the skill range with cheap bearings and small wheels. For improved skill range, skates feature better components such as wheels, bearings, boots and frames. It is essential to match the skate with your ability level or purchase the one that is slightly above so you can get used to it soon.

Liners

Liner is another essential part of the skate. An ill-fitting liner leads to an ill-fitting skate. Take a look at the most popular types of inline skate liners.

Standard

Manufactured of foam materials, the standard liner offer basic padding and comfort to the feet. You don’t have any special feature with such liner but they are best for beginners to polish their skates.

Auto-Fit

Normally using pads with gels, the auto-fir liners automatically contours to the feet when you wear them. Auto-fit liner offers maximum support and is commonly more comfortable when compared to standard liners.

Memory Fit

Just like an auto-fit, the memory fit utilizes a liner which can contour to and remember the foot pattern.

Heat Moldable

Such liners are removed and then heated at a skate shop and contoured to the foot. These liners are allowed to cool and then harden again.

Cuffs

Support is offered to the ankles with the cuff area on inline skates. A high-quality cuff not only produces maximum power when pushing off but also offers support when you skate for a long time period.

High Cuff

High cuffs are manufactured of plastic and are commonly present on recreational inline skates. A plastic cuff doesn’t mean an inferior skate because it makes them durable and responsible. Also, they provide skaters with a feeling of support and performance.

Low Cuff

Usually found on marathon and race inline skates, such cuffs are created of carbon and provide more support and response for hardcore skaters.

Closure Systems

There are different lacing systems available for inline skates. Skaters commonly have a lean and preference towards such types for all of the skates.

Standard Lacing

Standard lacing was the only original type of closure system. But nowadays they are seen with other systems such as Velcro strap and ratchet buckles.

Ratchet Buckles

Two or three buckle system was introduced to replace the lacing system and then became the only closure system. There are ratchet buckles along with the lacing system such as quick lace, Boa and standard lace closure system.

Velcro Straps

Velcro straps are also known as power straps. They are used with the standard lacing system and ratchet buckle to keep your heel in the perfect place.

Quick-Lace

Such type of lace closure system is incredibly useful as it helps in quick pull motion for fast on and off to save time. The quick lace system utilizes a narrow cable which is durable and works like standard laces.

Boa Lacing

Just like the quick lace system, the boa lacing utilizes a pull and tightens system. The dial on the top of the skate loosens or tighten easily the inline skates with a gentle turn of the knob.

Frames

Inline skates frames need durability, stiffness and durability to be considered a good frame.

Plastic Frames

Commonly found on beginner skates, the plastic frames are relevantly less expensive to manufacture which results in cheaply priced skate. When plastic is compared to aluminum or carbon, they are not as stiff or durable as the companion materials. They are also heavy which makes you feel heavier.

Aluminum Frames

Aluminum frames are stiffer and lighter. They don’t torque under stress when compared to plastic frames. That’s why they are considered as highly efficient and durable. They are commonly available on intermediate level inline stakes that are expensive than beginner skates.

Carbon Frames

Carbon reinforces aluminum frames, reduces weight, and creates a highly durable inline skate for advanced skaters.
The power of the skater is produced from the frame and its stiffness is an essential aspect of your skate frame as it provides a maximum direct energy transfer. When skating, you force the legs forward to create energy which makes your skate go.

Wheels

There is countless advancement made in the wheels. Modern inline skates have wheels made out of polyurethane. There may be very few plastic wheels available which were common in the ’80s and ’90s.

Bearings

One of the most essential components of inline skates, the bearings decide how the ride will be and determine the ability to reach a higher speed. The bearings used in inline help to decrease friction which occurs between the non-mowing, fixed frame along with a moving wheel on the skate.

Brakes

Brakes are another integral aspect of an inline skate. This is one of the crucial parts of a skate, especially for new skaters. A brake comes with most of the inline skates but some model types may not have them.

Skates with Brakes

On all recreational and fitness skates, brakes are commonly attached to the right skate. The brake may be replaceable between the two skates.

No Brake

The skates for professional skaters such as race and roller hockey skates don’t have brake system because the brake affects their performance and aggressive skaters don’t need them.

Conclusion

Whether you are a professional, amateur or a beginner skater, it is essential to know what the best inline skates are and which one is perfect for your needs. Make sure that your inline skate matches your skill level with great comfort and support for your ankles and feet. For beginners, lightweight and easy to maneuver skates whereas, for experts, high-speed inline skates serve best. The choice is yours but don’t buy the one that doesn’t suit your needs. Consider your needs first; carefully check the available products and their material and they make a decision to buy the best inline skate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What do I need to start inline skating?
Buy a good quality pair of inline skates. If you are new to skating, above mentioned inline skates with the buying guide can help you to make the right decision. Make sure you are properly equipped with protective gear. Also, take some advice from experienced Inline skater or hire an instructor to get things started.

Are Inline Skates and Rollerblades the same thing?
Rollerblades and Inline skates are almost the same things. The rollerblades were a bit more on the chunky side but whereas inline skates do have similar design principles but they tend to be more sleek and comfortable.

Are there any risks with inline skates?
Well, there are some risks associated with skating. First of all, you may fall in initial attempts. That’s why it is important to wear protective gear that includes a helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards and kneepads. Don’t practice in a crowded place or the one with vehicles.

Are Buckles better than laces?
Both laces and buckles have their own merits for skating. Laces offer more individual fitting closure for tightening or loosening. Buckles are a lot faster to protect.

Which place is best for skating?
Bicycle trails are one of the best places for inline skating. You can use paved bike paths or any side with minimum or no traffic or vehicles.

What type of Socks are best for inline skating?
Don’t wear thick socks for skating because they can cause friction inside the boot that may lead to painful blisters. You can find specially design skate socks for snug-fitting over the foot. Such socks are extremely thin but very comfortable.

How to Maintain Inline Skates?
Maintenance of every product is important to keep them performing well for a long time. Clean them after using especially after outdoor activities. Indoor skating needs less cleaning. There are tools available with the skates to remove its wheels for thorough cleaning. Usually, the liners are removable so you can wash them or at least air out them. Keep the bearing lightly oiled regularly for smooth performance.