How to Choose Inline Skates
Updated: February 2024
There are so many brands and models to choose from that finding the right pair of inline skates can seem like an intimidating task. This guide will take you through the skate options presented on our site and provide guidance on how to use our product descriptions and skate filters to confidently find the pair of inline skates that are best for you.
One criteria that is not covered in this guide is manufacturer skate size. Sizing conventions vary from one manufacturer to the next, and it is important to size each specific model that you might end up buying. For an in-depth walkthrough of sizing, we highly recommend you explore our Skate Sizing Guide prior to your purchase.
Brand
We are proud of the strong relationships we have with the skate brands we choose to carry, and that allows us to confidently recommend skates that we ourselves use and trust. Some brands specialize in specific skate types, while others offer models across many skating disciplines. You may have a brand preference that comes from personal experience or a trusted recommendation, but if not, then we suggest skipping brand and using other parameters to narrow your search so that you get the most options.
Gender
Many brands sort their inline skate catalogs by gender and label their offerings as men's, women's, boy's, and girl's skates. Other brands simply release unisex skates, which are meant for any gender and reside in both the men's and unisex categories on our site. This does not mean women should not consider men's models (or vice versa), but sometimes gendered skates have unique characteristics like volume and fit that are important to know.
Gender |
Description |
| Men's Skates | Men's skates often have a wider heel cup and a higher rear cuff height than women's models. Unisex skates are included in our men's skate filter, since unisex skates are usually based on men's sizing. |
| Women's Skates |
Women's skates often have lower rear cuff heights and the forefoot is also sometimes slightly wider than men's skates. Unisex skates are not included in our women's filter. |
| Unisex Skates |
Unisex skates are non-gendered and designed to be enjoyed by both men and women, though they usually follow men’s sizing. For this reason, unisex skates are included in men's filters but not women's. |
| Boy's & Girl's Skates |
Size and fit are the same between boy's and girl's skates; color is the only difference, so feel free to browse both and see what color suits your child best. Skates for kids often have an adjustable range of sizes to allow for growth. |
Skate Types
Some skates are specialized for a certain type of skating, while others are more versatile and can be used across different styles. Inline Warehouse has two unique home pages dedicated to these various disciplines of skating: IW Fitness and IW Street. On the IW Fitness page, you will see Recreational, Cross-Training, and Speed skating featured, whereas on IW Street, you will be immersed in the adrenaline-filled world of Aggressive, Urban, and All-Terrain skating.
Skate Type |
Description |
| Recreational Skates |
Targeted at entry-level and casual skaters, recreational skates are affordable and have relaxed fits that prioritize comfortability over performance. Best for brief, low-intensity skate sessions. |
| Cross-Training Skates | Also called fitness skates, these skates are for working out and working up a sweat. Cross-training skates have close-fitting boots, varying performance features, and a wide range of models and wheel sizes, which makes them popular with many skaters. |
| Speed Skates |
Specialized for distance and racing, speed skates are low-cut and ultra-stiff to maximize range of motion and power transfer for high-intensity skating. Generally for advanced skill levels due to the unique fit and large wheel sizes. |
| Aggressive Skates | Designed for jumping, sliding, and stalling on obstacles like those found at a skatepark, aggressive skates have supportive hard-shelled boots, smaller wheels, and lower centers of gravity to help perform tricks. |
| Urban Skates | Urban skates are highly maneuverable and give skaters the freedom to skate however they want, which is why they are known as freeskates or freestyle skates. Hard-shell boots and strong, rigid frames provide durability and the necessary response to navigate busy environments. |
| All-Terrain Skates | Primarily focused on an off-road skating experience, all-terrain skates have large, air-filled tires that easily roll over dirt, debris, and small obstacles. They are usable on pavement, but won't be as fast as urethane wheels and require specialized tires to fit their unique frames. |
Skill Level
To truly enjoy skating, you need a pair of skates that suit your current abilities and allow you to grow as a skater. Using skates that are too far above or below your skill level can take the fun out of skating, stall your progress, and even cause injuries!
| Skill Level | Description |
| Beginner | New and returning skaters who have little comfort or confidence on skates. Beginner skates prioritize stability and comfort, are equipped with smaller wheels, and often have brakes. |
| Intermediate | Skaters with some skating experience and confidence in their ability to turn and stop. Intermediate skates vary in wheel sizes, have some performance features, and only occasionally have a brake. |
| Advanced | Experienced skaters with a lot of confidence in any situation, including crowds and obstacles. Advanced skates are usually less forgiving when it comes to fit, but have lots of performance features. |
| Expert | Athletes who have mastered the art of skating and are looking for best-in-class performance. Expert skates are made using the highest quality materials and recent innovations to maximize their potential. |
Wheel Size
The size of the wheels on an inline skate have a large impact on that skate's top speed, acceleration, comfort, and stability. As a result, wheel size should be a determining factor when deciding which skate is best suited for your skill level. Smaller wheels are recommended for lesser skilled skaters because they lower your center of gravity, which makes the skates more stable and easier to control. Larger wheel sizes are typically reserved for more skilled skaters looking for more speed and an easier time maintaining that speed.
Other Options
Boot Type
There are three main types of boot construction: soft boots, molded plastic boots, and composite/carbon boots. Soft boots are light, ventilated, and have a relaxed fit that makes them good for new and casual skaters. Hard molded plastic shells are more durable, won't stretch, and are highly responsive, but they can be heavier and cause fatigue if skating for long periods. Composite or carbon shells are extremely rigid and lightweight to focus on power transfer and maximizing performance.
3 Wheel Skates
If you are interested in the benefits of large-wheel skating but worry about the loss of stability and control, we recommend looking at 3 wheel inline skates. These skates allow lower skill levels to gain access to the large wheel experience because their frames are shorter and more maneuverable, which makes up for some of the responsiveness that is lost when going to a larger wheel. Visit our Three Wheel Skates Tech Insight for more details.
Heat Moldable
Heat molding is a process that involves heating up the skate boot and then forming it as it cools to better fit the unique shape of your feet. This creates a customized, personal fit that improves comfort and performance, and it also reduces or eliminates the need for break-in. Heat molding is usually optional, but there are some high-end skates that require it!
Boot Only
Some skate boots are available on their own - without frames, wheels, or bearings - so that you can have the freedom to choose those components and create your own specialized setup. Boot only options create more flexibility for skaters to customize a pair of skates the way they want them.