How to choose inline skates

Based on our experience, the most important factor when choosing new inline skates is the wheel diameter. The next most important is obviouslyJana Meszaros Mrazova and also picking the correct size is pretty important too. If you want to find out your exact shoe size, read are "How do I know my skate size" article. 

In general, the smaller the wheels are, the more frequent your push will be, to gain more speed. The bigger the wheels are, the harder it is to get the skates going, but the easier it is to keep them going in higher speed. We like to compare the wheel size to gears on a bicycle. Last but not least, bigger wheel size means also higher center of gravity, which makes the skates a bit less stable and more suitable for advanced skaters. 

Wheel diameter is also directly connected with length of frame which has an impact on the way you can control the skates.  The bigger the wheels are, the longer frame they need to fit inside. The longer the frame is, the harder it is to maneuver and the bigger turning radius it has. On the other hand, longer frame is more stable in higher speeds. Smaller wheels can fit in shorter frame which mas better maneuverability. Disadvantage is less stability in higher speeds. 

Theory regarding the frame lengths changes a bit when 3-wheel skates come in to play. While with 4-wheel skates the bigger the wheels are, the longer the frame is, with 3-wheel skates it can vary. 3-wheel skates can have an extra short wheel base, which will give the skates maximum maneuverability, while keeping the overal speed of the skates still high, but we will dig deep in different 3 wheel frames later.  

Which wheel size should I pick

One of the most popular wheel setup sizes for pre-intermediate and intermediate riders in our store are 4x90mm and 3x110mm. Both versions are very similar speed-wise, while 3x110mm is slightly faster. Deciding proces can get interesting with different frame lengths by 3-wheel setups. With a short wheel-base a 3-wheel version can be faster and more agile then 4x90mm setup. In gerneral, if you allready own an old pair of skates equipped with 80 or 84mm wheels and you want to step up performance of your skates, 3x110mm or 4x90mm will be a great choice. Your new skates will be faster and more performance oriented. You will be able to push harder and skate with longer strides. These two wheel setups are at the same time an "end station" for a lot of riders, as they do not need to go for bigger wheels anymore. 

If you do not feel confident on your skaters or you consider yourself a beginner, it is better to go for a smaller wheel diameter. 4x80mm, 4x84mm or 3x100mm setups are much easier to control and are more agile. These setups are ideal for all beginner levels and for everyone who wants to progress with skating technique. Lower center of gravity of smaller wheels helps also with better stability. On the other hand, beginners are not the only ones who can take advantage of smaller wheels. Smaller wheels are very popular amongst all street and urban skaters who prefer smaller diameters for more agility. 

With setups beginning with 80mm up to 4x90mm and 3x110mm we have covered the most popular versions of skaters which will suit most of the skaters. Other wheel setups can include 4x100mm versions of skates. There is not many of these on the market right now, as most of the 4x100mm setups has been replaced by 3-wheel alternatives. In general 4x100mm setups are considerd to be faster and  more performance oriented then 4x90mm and 3x110mm setups. They will be ideal for everyone looking for a marathon skate, but dont feel like going for 4x110mm or 3x125mm setups.

Setups with 3x125mm and 4x110mm are meant for everyone hungry for speed and experienced enough. For speedskaters 4x110mm wheels and 3-wheel setups with 3x125mm wheels and longer wheel base are obvious choice. Especially with 3x125mm and frame length 12.6IN is the overall wheel base the same as with a 4x110mm setup. Both version have similar performance, while 3x125mm is slightly faster especially on flat/straight courses. On the other hand 4x110mm wheel versions can be easier to accelarate often. Both wheel setups are usually sold with a low cut carbon boot which gives skater a maximum power transfer and maximum movement freedom. Shorter wheel base of 3x125mm setups is popular too and is usually combined with hardboot boots, which gives the skater a good powertransfer and also a good support.  

Which skating boot should I pick

Inline skates are almost everytime bought as a complete setup. Thats why we will analyze this skate boot guide on real life examples which are being a part of the most popular manufacturers offer. Wheel setup is very important when choosing a new inline skate, but choosing the right boot will be extra important as well. 

Soft fitness boot

Most popular boot type at our store. Skate complete including a fitness boot combines soft tenis shoe like boot which is light, breathable and comfortable and also provides sufficient support. You can tighten up the boot with regular laces or some kind of speedlacing system. Ankle buckle and velcro strap takes care of the rest. This boot type is usually available equipped with 3x110mm or 4x90mm wheel setups meant for pre-intermediate and intermediate riders or as 4x80mm, 4x84mm or 3x100mm setups meant for beginner or pre-intermediate riders. Bigger wheel setups are for these types of boots less usual as they do not provide the required support. 

You should pick a fitness boot if you prefer comfort, maximum breathability or low weight of your skates. These are ideal as trainning skates, but there are more performance oriented skates on the market. Also if you feel like you could take advantage of more ankle support, we recommend to consider urban/freeskate boots. 

Hardboot, urban and freeskate boots

This type of skates is a classic one and everyone calls it a bit different. The way these types of skates look, have not changed for very long time at all. Hard plastic shell, which works practically like a ski boot, soft inner liner, which can be taken out of the plastic shell and sturdy buckles on the ankle and above the instep accompanied by classic laces. Some years ago, these types of skates were often equiped just with 3 buckles on one skate without any laces.  Hardboot skates are often also more performance oriented compared to regular fitness skates. First they are equiped with sturdy boot and they have also a stiff frame with much better power transfer.

The most common wheel setup with hardboot skates is 4x80mm. All 4 wheels are fitted in extra short frame. it is usually 243mm long and that is the shortest frame which can fit 4x80mm wheels. Short frame gives the skates great manoeuvrability and stability. A lot of skaters use this type of skates for trainning and also for city skating or commuting. 

Sturdy boot gives the skates much more stiffnes, support and performance. These types of skates are regarding the riding features very close hockey skates. These days setups with 3x110mm wheels and short frame are getting more and more popular. Skates equiped with bigger 110mm wheels are much faster and more versatile compared to 4x80mm skates. 3x110mm skates are almost asmaneuverable as 4x80mm. On the other hand3x110mm have higher center of gravity, which makes them more suitable for advanced riders. Hardboot skates with lower center of gravity and 4x80mm wheels will serve beginners much better.  

Next wheel setup which has gained much more popularity in last years is the one equipped with 3x125mm wheels and short frame. Characteristics of how bigger wheels in shorter frame behave are obvious allready. Combined with a hardboot, these types of skates are often sturdy, agile, versatile and extra fast. 
Other wheel combinations are less usual and based on the mentioned combos, you can guess their properties when skating anyway. 

Go for hardboot / freeskate skates if you are looking for good ankle support abd if you are looking also for good performance in your skates accompanied with good power transfer. Downside of hardboot skates might be a bit higher weight. 

Racing boot

Racing skating boot gives you a skate with low weight, freedom of movement and maximum power transfer. Usually its made of carbon or fiberglass material. If you do not feel like you can handle a low cut boot, there is always a possibility to go for racing/performance boot equiped with higher cuff for more support. You basically get all the racing boot advantages with less freedom of movement and more ankle support.

Most popular wheel setups are 3x125mm and 4x110mm. Go for this type of skate if you are an experienced skater, who can handle a stiffer boot with lower cut. You will get a skate with maximum power transfer and low weight.

Have you found your ideal skates allready? Maybe you will find handy also our "How to" articles, which are skate category specific.