Purchasing Fitness Skates

When selecting fitness inline skates, consider three key factors: Opt for about one European or a half UK size larger than your usual footwear, ponder the wheel size, and decide on either a soft-boot or hard-boot style.

Watch this video for a swift overview of essential information before purchasing your first pair of recreational or fitness inline skates.

Fitness skates are perfectly suited for exercise activities as well as leisure use, providing smooth and comfortable rides. They are heralded for their excellent fit and high comfort, being breathable and gentle on the feet for effortless skating. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, can utilise fitness inline skates.

Fitness Inline Skates - for the active and sociable

Engaging in fitness skating is an enjoyable way to burn calories while inhaling fresh air. Additionally, it serves as a fantastic social activity to enjoy with family, friends, or your partner.

Many medical professionals recommend inline skating over running for those with knee issues, as skating involves extended, gliding motions that are kinder to the knees compared to the impact experienced when running. Plus, you still get to relish being out in nature.

There is a wide range of recreational inline skate models and designs available, allowing you to find a pair you truly admire.

Wheels for Fitness Inline Skates

Wheel Size

The selection of wheel size is dependent on the distance you wish to skate.

• For longer distances (such as a marathon or routine workouts), larger wheels are advisable. This facilitates maintaining speed while conserving energy. A wheel size of 90-100 mm in diameter, or even 110 mm, is recommended.

• For shorter distances (such as urban skating), smaller wheels are ideal. They enhance manoeuvrability, simplifying stopping and turning. A wheel size of 80-84 mm is recommended.

Wheel Durability

The wheel's hardness is measured by a durometer with an A rating. For fitness inline skates, a durometer of 78-85A is suitable.

• A higher A value signifies harder wheels.
• A lower A value implies softer wheels.

The durometer influences the wheels' lifespan, grip, speed, and shock absorption.

• Softer wheels offer better grip and shock absorption but have a shorter lifespan and reduced speed.
• Harder wheels provide a longer lifespan and increased speed but offer less grip and shock absorption.

Consult our guide Wheel terms explained for more insights into skate wheels.

Bearings

For optimal skate performance, it's crucial to maintain your bearings well. This involves:

• Minimising exposure to water and moisture.
• Avoiding sand and dirt.

The bearing, located inside the wheel, is crucial for its spinning capability. At SkatePro, we typically determine the bearings based on the ABEC scale, which measures the precision of the bearing.

• A higher ABEC rating equates to higher precision and reduced roll resistance, making it easier to sustain speed and achieve a smoother roll.

We advise purchasing from a reputable brand rather than solely focusing on the ABEC rating, as a bearing's quality is not solely defined by ABEC but by several combined factors. Consequently, an ABEC 5 bearing from one brand may have a superior roll compared to an ABEC 7 bearing from another. For more details on bearings, refer to our guide Buying bearings.

Boots and Liners

Soft-boot vs. Hard-boot

Your preference will dictate whether you choose a soft or hard-boot/shell.

• A soft-boot/shell usually offers more comfort and ventilation.
• A hard-boot/shell generally provides more stability and control.

Liners

Some skates allow for the purchase of a separate liner (inner boot) to enhance comfort; however, fitness inline skates typically feature a comfortable built-in liner, which is part of their renowned high comfort level.

Women's and Men's Inline Skates

Inline skates are often differentiated between women's and men's versions, although the primary difference is typically visual design. Some brands do offer models specifically tailored to the structure of men's or women's feet. If you're interested in purchasing fitness inline skates from the opposite gender section on our website, feel free to reach out for personalised advice.

Size/Fit

• Refer to the size guide provided on the specific product pages, if available.
• Select roughly one EU size larger than your normal shoe size unless indicated otherwise by the size guide.
• Try the skates on for approximately 10-15 minutes, ensuring to test them indoors in case a return is necessary.

Your toes should have a bit of room to move and should not touch the front of the skate. Initial tightness can cause discomfort on longer runs, but remember that boots naturally expand slightly over time, with soft-boots expanding more than hard-boots.

Individuals with narrow feet often gravitate towards models like K2 skates for their snug fit. Conversely, brands such as Rollerblade and Powerslide are favoured by those with broader feet.

Since fit is subjective and individual foot shapes vary, achieving a perfect fit on the first try isn't guaranteed. Hence, you must explore different options, much like with regular footwear. Adhering to the specified size guides can also provide substantial guidance.

Closure System - Buckles and Laces

Fitness inline skates frequently feature a closure system comprising both buckles and laces. Certain models even boast a unique wire-tightening mechanism, allowing for quick tightening by rotating a dial. While buckles provide swifter and more consistent fastening, laces offer the flexibility to adjust the boot's tightness along the foot.

Your choice between these systems should be based on personal preference. Most importantly, choose a closure system that ensures a secure fit to guarantee full control over your inline skates.

Brake

Most skates are equipped with a pre-installed brake which can be moved to the other skate if you prefer braking with that foot. Since brakes are subject to wear and tear, we suggest acquiring a spare set at the outset.

This ensures you're always prepared with a replacement and avoids the inconvenience of a discontinued brake model. Renowned brands typically continue offering brakes for specific models for extended periods.

Frames

The frame of fitness inline skates is often constructed from aluminium, providing greater stiffness and stability and allowing for improved power transfer compared to a nylon/composite frame. If shaving seconds off your lap time is crucial, opt for an aluminium frame. For leisurely exercise use, either option will suffice.

Skate Protection

We strongly advocate for the use of certified protective gear, which is why our selection is certified according to EN 1078 standards, with most items further tested by skaters.

At a minimum, we recommend a skate helmet for added protection to the back of the head, along with wrist guards, as they are often used during falls.

Proper skate protection not only safeguards you but also imparts a sense of security, allowing you to attempt new moves and learn at a quicker pace. Should you fall, the protective gear significantly reduces the impact compared to skating without any safety equipment.

 

Explore our comprehensive range of fitness skates

Contact us for further assistance should you have any remaining queries. Our customer service team is ever ready to assist you. :-)