9 things to consider when choosing the right inline skates for you
One of the questions new skaters ask the most is: "How do I choose the right inline skate?". Many are intimidated by the vast selection that is offered these days. Indeed, there are now hundreds of different models and it can be difficult to navigate for someone who is starting in the field.
At Solo Inline, the daily work of our advisers is to help customers choose the inline skate that suits them best. No matter the experience, the budget or what the customer wants to do with their skates, the enthusiasts at Solo Inline identify the needs of each person and help them find the best inline skate.
In the remainder of this article, the steps to choose the right inline skate will be presented. They make it possible to simplify this process which may seem complex for some:
- Establish your budget
- Do not forget the protections
- Determine what you want to do in inline skating
- Choose a scalable model
- Choose between 3 wheels or 4 wheels
- Find the right model
- Find the right shoe size
- follow his heart
- Contact an expert
1. Establish your budget
The first thing to think about when choosing an inline skate is the budget you want to devote to it. In this very personal decision, there is no wrong answer. The vast array of inline skates available today allows for different options for every $75-100 or so. Even with a modest budget, the equivalent of what one would have paid for a pair of running shoes, one can find quality inline skates. Of course, the more you invest, the more high-performance parts you will have on a skate: more durable wheels, more efficient ball bearings, more comfortable liners, a sturdier and better constructed boot... Some inline skates even offer options like a frame rocker, which can be interesting when looking for more agility. (This subject will be the subject of a blog post soon)
2. Do not forget the protections
When we determine our budget, especially when we start in inline skating, we must not forget to plan an amount for the protections. It is recommended to have at least a certified helmet and wrist guards, which you can get for around $100. A skater just starting out should also consider buying a complete kit of protections, including knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads. There are several options for these kits. It is generally necessary to plan around $150 for a certified helmet and a protection kit. The most important thing is to choose protections that will stay in place in the event of a fall, otherwise they will have been useless. Here are two examples of popular kits:
- Walk / skate: Kit Rollerblade x-gear
- Patin urban / skate park: Kit Pro-tec
3. Determine what you want to do in inline skating
Once the budget has been established, it is useful to determine what you want to do with your inline skates. Some just want to go for a walk, others to workout or use them to get around. The more adventurous will want to do jumps, tricks or even explore the skateparks. As there is not yet a skate that excels in all these disciplines at the same time, you have to prioritize what you prefer. Softer boots will be comfortable for long rides, but won't have enough support for doing tricks. Stiffer boots will provide more support and resist impact, but will be heavier and less ventilated. By knowing its main objectives, it will be easier to choose the most suitable models.
To learn more, check out our blog post on different types of skates.
4. Choose a scalable model
There are so many possibilities in inline skating, isn't that why the sport is so appealing? Most skaters see it as a way to be free or to express their creativity. Our needs change over time and it is important to consider this when buying an inline skate. Most models of inline skates these days are built with replaceable parts, which helps extend their lifespan. The most common changes are:
- Replace wheels or some ball bearings (bearings) by top performers;
- Replace a worn or uncomfortable liner with a upper shoe;
- Change frame to give a new vocation to your skate: 3 vs 4 wheels, short or long, anti-rocker, flat or rocker, ice blade, the options are multiple to transform the experience you have with a skate;
Choosing an upgradeable skate does not really have an impact on the purchase price compared to a similar skate which is not, but will make a big difference in the long run. Once we have found a skate that suits us, it is much easier to just change parts than to completely replace it.
5. Choose between 3 wheels or 4 wheels
In recent years, we have seen more and more 3-wheel skates and many are wondering what the difference is between the two. To learn more, see the blog post for know the differences between 3 and 4 wheel skates.
In the end, 3-wheel skates will help maintain greater speed, but also come with some challenges. For a first purchase or for a beginner skater, it is recommended to stick with a skate with 4 wheels, generally 76mm, 80mm or 90mm. Since you are closer to the ground in these skates, it will be easier to have the right posture and master the basic movements at first. And if we followed the previous advice by choosing an evolutionary skate, nothing prevents changing it to a 3-wheel skate afterwards!
6. Find the right model
Now that we have been able to narrow down the spectrum of skates to choose from by identifying your budget, the desired skating style and the number of wheels, it is time to choose the model that best suits you. According to our criteria, there should be 3 or 4 interesting models left, often from different brands. It is interesting to know that these models will fit differently, some narrower or others wider. This information is not documented by the manufacturers, but is known to those who work with inline skates on a daily basis. One of the most important criteria when buying an inline skate is comfort, and Solo Inline advisers know which models are best for each type of foot.
7. Find the right shoe size
To have a good experience in inline skating, you need to be comfortable and have good shoes. A skate that is too small will cause pressure points while in a skate that is too big, the foot will move, which can cause blisters. Since skate sizes vary a little from one manufacturer to another and they don't correspond exactly to shoe sizes, the best way to choose the right size is to use the size of your foot in centimeters (or millimeters). Indeed, to avoid problems related to the choice of size, all manufacturers now indicate the MONDO size expressed in centimeters. It generally represents the length available inside the liner. Check out our other blog post on how to choose the right skate size and the procedure to measure the size of his foot.
The recommended inline skate size is often equal to or smaller than the shoe size, which is normal. When we walk or run, the movement of each step causes the feet to lengthen in the shoes. It is therefore necessary to provide space for this movement, generally between 0.5-1 cm. In skating, the foot is fixed in the boot and must be in contact with the walls in order to properly transmit the movement. We will then look for a more fitted size. At first, when the skate is new, it is normal for the toes to graze or touch the end of the liner. You might even feel cramped, but after a few hours of use, the foam in the liner will compact and you'll have a perfect fit for a long time! To confirm the size of a skate, it is recommended not to just trust your first impression when you put it on and to keep it on your feet for at least a few minutes. It will then be obvious if the size is right or if the skate is too small.
8. Follow your heart
The first 7 steps in the process of selecting the right skate are quite technical and you should not get lost in them. For many, inline skating is actually a passion, a way to be free or to express one's creativity and one needs the right vehicle to get there. Surely we will fall in love during our research, which is just as important! Whether it is a particularly comfortable model or an attractive look, this must be taken into account. When we spend hours in skates, they must please us!
9. Contact an expert
Even though the process of selecting an inline skate now holds no secrets, there may still be questions. The best thing to do in this case is to contact a Solo Inline store expert. They are all passionate about inline skating and love to talk about skating. Whether in store, on the phone, by email or on the messaging system (chat), they will be able to answer questions and thus help you choose the best inline skate!
Always looking for tips, tricks and skills to learn, check out Rollerbearding's Instagram account!
