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Which skates to buy? The answer to this question depends primarily on the skill level and driving style we prefer. Among the many types of skates, you can find those intended for advanced skates, as well as universal models for recreational skating. See what types of inline skates are there and what to look for when buying to make sure you ride safely and comfortably.

When trying to buy skates, it is worth getting acquainted with the most important features of each model. Then we should analyze which type of skates and what their parameters will meet our skills and expectations.

It is important to ask yourself the following questions before buying skates: what is our level of advancement? What kind of driving style do we like? How much are we able to spend on equipment? Having precise answers to these questions, it will be easier for us to make an informed choice.

Types of skates

Sports stores offer a wide selection of inline skates, each for a different type of skating. It is distinguished by:

  • adjustable skates- designed for children. They give the possibility of increasing the size of the shoe as the child grows (usually up to 4 sizes). They are not too fast, so they are perfect for learning and provide greater security.
  • skates with an exchangeable skid- usually dedicated to children and adolescents due to limitations in the user's weight - they can be used by people weighing no more than 60 kilograms (if, however, an adult fits within these limits, he can also buy such rolls). Their advantage is the possibility of skating skid dimensions. When you buy one pair of shoes, you have 2 in 1 - roller skates in summer and ice skates in winter.
  • recreational (fitness) skates- the most frequently chosen model, suitable for beginners and recreational riders. They work well when driving at a moderate pace on smooth terrain.
  • speed skates- recommended for advanced people who would like to enter a higher level of skills. They allow you to develop faster speeds than recreational inline skates. Their characteristic features are large wheels and a short boot that reaches up to the ankle.
  • aggressive skates- intended for professional roller skaters, performing tricks and acrobatics. The small dimensions of the wheels ensure greater maneuverability and driving dynamics.
  • rollshockey balls- designed to play roller hockey. They are very durable, fast and maneuverable. Their design reduces the risk of foot injuries and provides good control of movements.
  • freestyle skates- combination of recreational and hockey skates. They are lighter and more manoeuvrable than those intended for beginners. You can enter almost any place in them, and also perform complex slaloms.
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How to choose the size of the rolls?

When choosing the size of your skates, do not follow the size of your shoes. It's best to start by carefully measuring the length of your foot. This can be done by placing your foot on a piece of paper so that the heel fits perfectly against the shorter side of the piece of paper.

Then mark the point where the farthest finger ends and measure the designated length. We add 0.5-1 cm to the obtained result, because the leg swells during the ride and more space is needed in the shoe. We compare the final result with the size chart and read our size.

While in the store, we should try on each model of skates that interests us. To be sure that the size is right for us, we try on skates in thicker socks. After carefully fastening, stand up and bend the legs, checking that the shoe does not pinch us - the tips of the toes, the back of the heel and the calf are particularly vulnerable to abrasions. The toes should be able to move freely, but the foot cannot move inside the shoe.

What to look for when buying skates?

Once we have determined which type of skates suits us, it's time to take a closer look at their most important parameters.

  • shoe- should be airy and fit perfectly. It is important that it provides comfort while riding, and at the same time holds the foot firmly. For this purpose, it is worth choosing a soft lace-up shoe inserted into a composite upper - the material guarantees comfort, while the stiff upper immobilizes the ankle and stabilizes the entire foot. It is best if the bindings will be additionally reinforced with durable buckles. It is worth mentioning that the more expensive models of skates have an anatomical insert that adapts to the shape of the foot while riding and "remembers" it (the so-called Memory Fit).
  • wheels- should be made of polyurethane or urethane (synthetic rubber). Plastic wheels should be ruled out immediately due to the very poor quality. Medium-sized wheels are best for beginners. The larger the size, the faster the skates are, but also less stable and requiring more skills than the rider. The hardness of the wheels is important - the soft ones perfectly dampen vibrations and increase themgrip, however they wear out quickly. The hard ones do not offer much resistance, which makes them suitable for people who like fast driving.
  • bearings- the speed and smoothness of driving depends on the bearing structure. They are marked with the symbol ABEC together with an appropriate number, eg ABEC3. The larger the number next to the symbol, the greater the speed you can develop on the inline skates. Bearings marked ABEC5 or ABEC7 work best for recreational riding.
  • skids- can be composite, aluminum or carbon. The skids made of composite, i.e. plastic, are the best choice for beginners and intermediate riders, because they perfectly dampen vibrations and increase stability while driving. Aluminum and carbon skids are lighter and faster, so they are perfect for advanced people.
  • cena- good recreational skates should be allocated from 300 to 700 PLN. When buying equipment in this price range, you can be sure that the rollers are made of the highest quality materials and will serve us for a long time.

Read also:

  • Why is it worth rollerblading? 10 advantages of roller skating
  • How many calories can you burn while skating?

Which skates for beginners?

Beginners should pay special attention to the selection of the appropriate shoe size and the size and hardness of the wheels - these parameters determine whether learning to skate will be fast and without major difficulties.

For beginners, the best skates are:

  • with medium-sized wheels, diameter in the range 74-84 mm;
  • with relatively soft wheels that absorb unevenness well - the hardness should be 78-84A;
  • with bearings marked with numbers from 3 to 7;
  • with composite skid.

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Summer sports