Purchasing Fitness Skates

In your search for fitness inline skates, consider three key factors: Opting for a size roughly one European or half a UK size larger than your usual footwear, reflecting on wheel size, and deciding on either a soft-boot or hard-boot.

Watch this video, where we swiftly walk you through essential points before purchasing your initial set of recreational or fitness inline skates.

Fitness skates are ideal for both exercising and leisurely rides, offering smooth and comfortable skating experiences. Renowned for their excellent fit and high comfort, they are also breathable and pleasant for the feet, enabling effortless skating. Individuals of all ages, from children to seniors, can enjoy fitness inline skates.

Fitness Inline Skates - for wellness and sociability

Engaging with fitness skates is an enjoyable way to burn calories whilst infusing your lungs with fresh air. More so, it serves as a fantastic social activity to enjoy with family, friends or a partner.

Numerous doctors advocate for inline skating as a substitute for running if knee pain is a concern because skating involves extended, smooth movements that are gentler on the knees compared to the pounding encountered during running. Plus, you can still delight in spending time in nature.

A multitude of recreational inline skate models and designs are available, facilitating the discovery of a pair that suits your taste.

Wheels for fitness inline skates

Wheel size

Your choice of wheel size depends on the desired distance to skate.

Larger wheels are preferred for extended distances (e.g., a marathon or standard workouts) as they help maintain speed and reduce energy expenditure. Wheel sizes of 90-100 mm or even 110 mm are recommended.

Smaller wheels are better for shorter distances (e.g., city skating) offering greater manoeuvrability, facilitating easier stopping and turning. We suggest wheel sizes between 80-84 mm.

Wheel durometer

The wheel durometer is identified by an A. For fitness inline skates, an ideal durometer ranges from 78-85A.

A higher A rating indicates harder wheels.
A lower A rating means softer wheels.

The wheel's durometer influences longevity, grip, speed, and shock absorption.

Softer wheels provide superior grip and shock absorption but have a shorter lifespan and reduced speed.
Harder wheels offer longer durability and greater speed, yet with reduced grip and shock absorption.

For additional information on skate wheels, read our Wheel terms explained guide.

Bearings

To achieve optimal skate performance, taking good care of the bearings is crucial. This involves:

Limiting exposure to water and moisture inevitably.
Keeping clear of sand and dirt.

The bearing resides within the wheel and is essential for the wheel’s spinning ability. At SkatePro, we typically categorise bearings based on the ABEC scale, which denotes the bearing's precision.

A higher ABEC rating signifies greater precision with reduced roll resistance, thus easing speed maintenance and improving roll quality.

Whilst purchasing bearings, consider renowned brands rather than merely focusing on the ABEC rating, since bearing quality relies on multiple factors, not just the ABEC measure. Consequently, an ABEC 5 bearing from one brand could outperform an ABEC 7 bearing from a different brand. For detailed insights into bearings, refer to our guide on Buying bearings.

Boots and liners

Soft-boot vs. hard-boot

Your preference will determine whether you opt for a soft or hard-boot/shell.

Soft-boots/shells typically offer more comfort and ventilation.
Hard-boots/shells usually provide stability and enhanced control.

Liners

With some skates, separate liners (inner boots) can be purchased to enhance comfort. However, fitness inline skates are typically crafted with comfort-focused liners, negating the necessity for additional liners – a quality these skates are renowned for.

Women's and Men's inline skates

Inline skates often come in distinct designs for women and men, though usually the differences are only visual. Certain brands, however, design models tailored specifically to the foot structures of women and men. If cross-gender fitness inline skates from our shop interest you, do not hesitate to reach out for additional advice.

Size/Fit

Always consult the size guide available on the specific product pages, if provided.
Select approximately one EU size larger than your regular shoe size, unless otherwise advised in the size guide.
Try the skates for around 10-15 minutes. Only test them indoors if considering a return.

Ensure some freedom for toe movement. They should not make contact with the front of the skate. If inline skates are tight from the start, they will cause discomfort during longer exercise sessions. Note that boots may expand with time, particularly soft-boots as compared to hard-boots.

Individuals with slim feet often favour models like K2 skates due to their snugger fit. Alternatively, Rollerblade and Powerslide are brands frequently preferred by those with wider feet.

Since skate fit is a subjective matter, and feet differ greatly, the initial fit might not be perfect. It is crucial to experiment with different options – akin to selecting regular footwear. Rely on the size guides provided – they significantly aid in the process.

Closure System - Buckles and Laces

Fitness inline skates are commonly fitted with closure systems combining buckles and laces. Some models feature a unique wire tightening method where the fit is adjusted by turning a knob. Buckles are quicker than laces, allowing simpler fit recovery. Laces, however, permit variable tension across the foot.

Your choice of closure system depends on personal taste. Most crucially, select skates with a closure system that ensures an ideal fit, granting full and optimal control over your inline skates.

Brake

Skates typically include a pre-mounted brake, which can be switched to the opposite skate based on your preferred braking foot. As brakes wear down eventually, purchasing an additional set from the start is recommended.

In this manner, replacements are always ready, and you mitigate the risk of brakes becoming unavailable. Notably, respected brands tend to provide brakes for the same model for many years.

Frames

Fitness inline skate frames are frequently constructed of aluminium, offering more rigidity and stability, thereby enhancing power transfer compared to nylon or composite frames. If your priority is improving lap time precision, opt for an aluminium frame. For use focused on fitness and leisurely experiences, the choice of frame material is less critical.

Skate Protection

We strongly advise using certified safety gear. Hence, equipment found here adheres to EN 1078 standards. Furthermore, most of our gear has undergone further testing by skaters.

A skate helmet is at least recommended, for added protection to the back of the head, along with wrist guards, as hands are usually involved during a fall.

Remember, skate protection not only safeguards you but also enhances your sense of security, encouraging you to explore further and learn faster. Should a fall occur, it significantly reduces the potential for injury compared to falling without safety gear.

Explore our extensive collection of fitness skates

Contact us for additional guidance if you have further inquiries. Our customer support team is consistently available to assist you. :-)