How to Pick Out Roller Blades

Roller blading conjures up images of the 1980's--big hair, sleek, sun-tanned people scooting around California sidewalks on new-fangled "in-line" roller skates. The term Rollerblade actually refers to a specific brand of in-line skates, but it has become synonymous with in-line skates of any brand. Whether you're purchasing new or used roller blades, the most critical criteria are how the boot fits, wheel size and how fast the blades are designed to go. Cost may be a deciding factor for some, but give it the place of least importance, if possible. A good pair of roller blades is an investment that will last for years; it's worth paying for good quality.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton socks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Try on every pair of roller blades you're considering. Wear the same socks you intend to wear rollerblading--cotton usually does well--for every try-on session.

    • 2

      Lace the blades up or clasp them shut, just as you would for an actual outing, and scoot around a bit in the store. Imitate the actual blading motion as closely as possible. Be on the lookout for any hot spots or pressure spots, chafing, or boots that might not cinch up tightly enough to give you secure ankle support. This is also a good time to decide whether you prefer lace-up or clasping roller blades; the former allows more control of how tight the boot will be and is easier to replace if it breaks. The latter is quicker to use but, usually made of plastic, will break eventually and be difficult to replace.

    • 3

      Compare the sizes of the wheels on various sets of roller blades. As a general rule, the larger the wheels the faster the roller blades will go. If the wheels are as large as the palm of your hand, the blades are designed to go very fast; wheels of about half the size of your palm usually make for an average speed. Some roller blades are also deliberately designed for racing (they will usually be clearly designated with the word "racing" somewhere on their frame or boot) or are deliberately created to be slower for beginners, which will usually be marked on the product packaging but not on the roller blades themselves. Make sure to select wheel size and speed that fit your needs.