What skates to choose



Short answer

Choosing the right skates involves focusing on fit, boot stiffness, frame length, and wheels. Here's how to find the perfect pair.

Skates to choose

Choosing the right skates can be a daunting task with so many options available. From fit and boot types to frame length and wheels, there are several factors to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect pair of skates that suit your needs and style.

Fit: The foundation of control

A common myth when deciding which skates to choose is that they need to be 1–2 sizes bigger than your regular shoe size. In reality, a proper skate fit should feel snug. The tighter the skate, the more control you have over your wheels, making it a key factor in selecting the right skates.

Advanced skaters often prefer their skates to fit as tightly as possible, even if it feels cramped at first. Beginners may lean toward a looser fit, but this reduces control and stability, which is something to consider when choosing your skates.

To ensure the correct fit when deciding on skates to choose, remove the liner and place your foot in the empty shell. There should be about 1.5 fingers of space behind your heel. Less than one finger is too tight, and more than two fingers is too loose, so finding that balance is crucial.

When trying on skates, always lace them up properly and bend your ankle into a skating position. This method helps you truly feel how the skate will fit while skating, ensuring you’ve made the right decision.

Boot types: Choosing the right style skates

Inline skates come in many styles, each designed for specific skating disciplines. Choosing the right type is essential when deciding which skates to choose for your needs. Below is a breakdown of skate types and their key features:

Types of inline skates

  • Aggressive skates: Designed for tricks, grinds, and skatepark use.
  • Speed skates: Built for maximum velocity with long frames and large wheels.
  • Hockey skates: Tailored for quick turns and agility on smooth surfaces.
  • Slalom skates: Ideal for precision and maneuverability, often used for cone skating.
  • Figure skates: Focused on artistic moves and routines, similar to ice figure skating.
  • Recreational skates: Versatile and suitable for casual skating and fitness.

Key considerations for all-round use

  • Stiff and durable boots: Provide better control and responsiveness by reducing unnecessary movement.
  • Hard boots: Feature removable liners, offering good value and performance.
  • Soft boots: Have non-removable liners, often cheaper but less stiff and durable.
  • Best for beginners: Freestyle or aggressive skate boots, as they offer excellent stability and control, even for speed or hockey skating.

By understanding these options and focusing on your needs, you can confidently select the best skates for your skating journey.

Frame length: Balancing speed and maneuverability

The frame length of your skates influences how they handle. Think of frames as gears in a car:

Long frames, like a high gear, are harder to accelerate but great for maintaining top speed. These are ideal for distance skating. Short frames, like a low gear, are easy to accelerate and highly maneuverable but harder to sustain speed. They are best for tricks and city skating.

A good starting point is a frame that matches the length of your foot or is 1–2 cm shorter. For beginners, stability is key, so avoid overly long or short frames on chosen skates.

Wheels and bearings: Keeping it simple

For beginners, it’s best to stick with wheels below 90 mm to stay low to the ground and maintain stability. Larger wheels may feel fast but reduce control and make braking harder, which is an important consideration when deciding which skates to choose.

The wheels and bearings that come with branded skates are generally high quality. Once your wheels wear out, consider upgrading to top brands like Undercover, Matter, or Rollerblade Hydrogen. Bearings rarely need an upgrade unless heavily worn.

Ready to choose your skates?

The right skates should feel snug, offer solid boot support, and have a frame length suited to your skating style. For beginners, prioritize control and stability over speed and flashiness.

If you’re unsure, visit us at This Is Soul in Amsterdam to try on different skates and get expert advice. Not in the area? Convince your partner or parents to take a fun weekend trip to Amsterdam—they’ll love it!

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