Helpful Articles
How to Choose Urban Inline Skates
Urban inline skates are designed to be highly responsive and versatile skates that are capable of navigating crowded settings and unexpected obstacles with ease. Also called freestyle or freeride skates, this category has grown well beyond urban transportation and into a wider range of skill levels and skating types, including slalom and wizard skating. This guide will walk you through the basic characteristics of urban skates and the differences between them so that you can find the right skates for you!
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://img.inlinewarehouse.com/watermark/rsg.php?path=/emails/24SRBCLO4.jpg}È Çset/block_2.script{Female inline skater on a city sidewalk}È Çset/block_4.script{Rollerblade RB Pro X Women's Skates}È Çblock_single_img/has_caption=yesÈ Çset/block_1.script{Wheel Size}È Çblock_headingÈ Çset/block_1.script{Urban inline skates are offered with wheels ranging in diameter from 76mm to 125mm, and it is important to select a wheel size that suits your skill level and the environment in which you intend to skate most.
Smaller wheels help keep speed under control and they lower your center of gravity, which is better for stability and maneuverability. That is why we recommend 76-80mm wheels for entry-level skaters, or anyone who skates in confined spaces or needs to make frequent, quick changes in direction (such as slalom/cone skating). Beginners should also seeks skates that come equipped with brakes, which become less common as wheel size increases.
Larger wheels benefit long-distance and high-speed skating,but that benefit comes at the cost of maneuverability, so use caution when selecting large wheels for crowded spaces or obstacle-heavy environments. Intermediate skaters should feel comfortable in 90mm - 110mm sizes and and should definitely familiarize themselves with the difference in wheel configurations by reading our Three vs Four Wheel Skate Comparison. 3x110mm setups might seem intimidating, but they are no more difficult to skate than a 4x90mm skate. And finally, 3x125mm configurations are best saved for strong inline skaters that have considerable ability and experience.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://img.inlinewarehouse.com/watermark/rsg.php?path=/emails/22AFRUFR2-mailer.jpg}È Çset/block_2.script{}È Çset/block_4.script{Left to right: 4x90mm, 4x80mm, and 3x110mm FR Urban Skates}È Çblock_single_img/has_caption=yesÈ Çset/block_1.script{Boots}È Çblock_headingÈ Çset/block_1.script{Most urban skates have a molded plastic shell with removable soft liners inside. This design is tough and durable on the outside, responsive to the skater's input, and comfortable to skate in. The number of cutouts or air vents in the boot will also impact how it feels. Fewer cutouts will limit ventilation but increase rigidity and response, while more vents will improve air flow and can even create a more relaxed fit and feel from the flexibility they allow. Ultimately, this is up to the skater's preference, but performance-focused skaters usually favor responsiveness over ventilation while the opposite is true for casual skaters.
The few models of urban skates that do not use molded plastic boots will use materials like carbon fiber and carbon composites. These boots are very stiff and snug-fitting, with integrated, non-removable liners that offer optimal energy transfer. These features - and the higher price tags that go with them - are meant for advanced urban and freestyle/slalom skaters.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{Frames}È Çblock_headingÈ Çset/block_1.script{Nearly all urban skates have strong extruded aluminum frames, most of which are removable and adjustable. A few models may have frames that are riveted to the boot, and these we label as non-removable. When frames are removable, skaters are granted the ability to adjust the position of the frame to better suit their unique stride and other preferences. It also provides the opportunity to replace the frame with a different model altogether, as long as the mount spacing on the frame matches that of the boot.
Frame length is another important characteristic, one that impacts how agile and stable skates will feel. Shorter frames are more agile and easier to turn, while longer frames add stability thanks to a longer overall wheelbase. Your preference of agility vs stability may be the difference when comparing two models that have the same wheel configuration. Keep in mind that just because two skates have the same wheel setup does not mean they have the same frame length!
One last thing urban skaters may want to look out for is whether the frame offers a "flat" setup or one that is "rockered". A flat setup is one in which all wheels are in contact with the ground. These are more common as they are smooth, stable, and easily controlled. Rockered setups, however, have one or two wheels set slightly off of the ground, just a couple of millimeters higher than the other wheels. Different combinations of rockered wheels offer various benefits for advanced skaters. Some rocker frames even allow for the adjusting of which wheels are offset, or permit switching from rockered to flat and back again!
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{Additional Resources}È Çblock_headingÈ Çset/block_1.script{/Urban_Skates/catpage-UST.html}È Çset/block_2.script{Shop Urban Inline Skates}È Çset/block_3.script{https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/fitlc/}È Çset/block_4.script{Visit Our Learning Center}È Çblock_buttons/second_btn=yesÈ Çset/block_1.script{/Best_Urban_Inline_Skates/catpage-24SBUS.html}È Çset/block_2.script{Best Urban Inline Skates (Article)}È Çset/block_3.script{/fitlc/skates/inline-skate-sizing-instructions.html}È Çset/block_4.script{How to Measure Feet for Inline Skates (Article)}È Çblock_buttons/second_btn=yesÈ Çset/block_1.script{Featured Urban Inline Skates}È Çblock_headingÈ Çblock_prod_carousel/ccode=URBISCÈBest Urban Inline Skates
Our Inline Warehouse staff has chosen the best urban skates for 2025.
based on comfort, ease, and value. Urban inline skates are meant to be durable and provide high control for freestyle or commuting skaters.
Many models carried over to the new year, with some managing to hold on to their position as our top picks. IW will certainly update should any new releases make their way to market and win us over.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://img.inlinewarehouse.com/watermark/rsg.php?path=/content_images/BREAK2.jpg}È Çset/block_2.script{Page Break Line}È Çblock_single_imgÈ Çset/block_1.script{Best Value}È Çblock_heading/select_head=1È Çset/block_1.script{Now offered in both men's and women’s models.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://img.inlinewarehouse.com/watermark/rsg.php?path=/emails/23SRLS4.jpg}È Çset/block_2.script{2024 Rollerblade Lightning Skate}È Çset/block_3.script{https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/2024_Rollerblade_Lightning_Skate_Line/catpage-FITRBLP.html}È Çblock_single_img/image_link=yesÈ Çset/block_1.script{Comfort: 9.5/10
These are one of the most breathable urban skates from Rollerblade with a lot of ventilation holes. Inside, the liners support the breathability with holes in the bottom with material that is sporty and very durable. The liners have anatomically shaped padding, and they are removable if you’d like to replace them. They also come with foot-board sizers so that you can get the perfect fit in between sizes.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{Ease: 10/10
Rollerblade intended to make getting in and out of your skates as simple as possible so that you can skate wherever and whenever. They have memory buckles on both the cuff and 45-degree section which can be micro-adjusted to your exact size so that you can fully un-hook and hook them onto your feet. The only thing in your way is the standard lacing, which provides a comfortable wrap in the molded shell.
Not only are the boots easy, but the mounting is also easy as the boots have metal mounting blocks that allow you to customize the position of the frames. This also makes the energy transfer so much better with the aluminum frames which are also compatible with more mounting options.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{Value: 9/10
We’ll be honest, they are not cheap but they do come at an incredible price considering all of their advanced materials and components. Metal mounting blocks are an advanced feature and so are aluminum frames. Even the bearings are good quality at SG7 with wheels that are durable and fair in quality. The molded shell although heavily ventilated have a very sturdy structure with bumpers that are replaceable.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çblock_prod_carousel/ccode=RBLIGHTSÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/2024_Rollerblade_Lightning_Skate_Line/catpage-FITRBLP.html}È Çset/block_2.script{2024 Rollerblade Lightning Skates}È Çblock_buttonsÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://img.inlinewarehouse.com/watermark/rsg.php?path=/content_images/BREAK2.jpg}È Çset/block_2.script{Page Break Line}È Çblock_single_imgÈ Çset/block_1.script{Best Performance}È Çblock_heading/select_head=1È Çset/block_1.script{FR Skates FR1 Deluxe Intuition Skates
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://img.inlinewarehouse.com/watermark/rsg.php?path=/emails/24SFRC1.jpg}È Çset/block_2.script{FR Skates FR1 Deluxe Intuition Skates}È Çset/block_3.script{https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/FR_Skates_FR1_80_Deluxe_Intuition/descpage-1DLXB20.html}È Çset/block_4.script{FR Skates FR1 Deluxe Intuition Skates}È Çblock_single_img/image_link=yes&has_caption=yesÈ Çset/block_1.script{Comfort: 9/10
This skate is the free-ride or freestyle skater’s dream skate. The dream skate starts with the best liners on the market, the Intuition liners take some breaking into but once they do they mold to the shape of your foot by heat naturally from skating or you can heat-mold them as well. They are also lightweight, low in volume, and made of high-density foam that is perfect for the most precise power transfer.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{Ease: 7/10
We said that these skates are a dream skate but is the dream ever super easy? A beginner may not appreciate how un-simple these skates are but an advanced skater would crave this kind of complicity. The boots have adjustable cuffs, micro-adjustable buckles with metal buckles, lacing that goes into the liners, and outer lacing that all wrap together for an incredible fit. Underneath the frames are compatible with different mountings but the boots have a 7-hole energy plate that makes mounting seem limitless. In conclusion, they are not simple skates but they are the perfect skates for a die-hard urban skater.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{Value: 9/10
The price may seem high, but it is right! We’ve mentioned them above but the Intuition liners are the best and on their own are $220 which is almost half of the price of these skates. They also come stock with premium wheels, FR Street Invaders which are well-loved by many freestyle skaters. FR Skates was created by freestyle skaters in France, Sebastian Laffargue and Gregoire Pinto who designed them to be the ultimate urban skate. Again, the mounting blocks and aluminum frames are great for skating in precision but also add to the skate's overall quality and durability.
}È Çblock_textÈ Çset/block_1.script{https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/FR1_Urban_Skates/catpage-FR1URBAN.html}È Çset/block_2.script{FR Skates FR1 Deluxe Intuition Skates}È Çblock_buttonsÈ Çset/block_1.script{Shop Honorable Mentions}È Çblock_headingÈ Çblock_prod_carousel/ccode=BOUSHM23È Çset/block_1.script{https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Urban_Skates/catpage-UST.html}È Çset/block_2.script{Shop All Urban Skates}È Çblock_buttonsÈHow to Measure Feet for Skate Sizing
How to Try on Inline Skates
Skates are meant to fit more snugly than shoes but sizing often comes down to preference. What is recommended by the manufacturer may work for some, but not others. The proper fit will not have the toes cramped against the front of the skates. Toes may slightly brush the front as heels will settle back into the padding when in the skating position.
It is important to try on skates before tearing down the driveway. This will make returning and/or exchanging easy. Read and/or watch the below step-by-step instructions.
- Remove the skates from their box along with any paper within the toes.
- Sit in a chair (preferably on a carpet to prevent unwanted roll).
- Lace and/or buckle both skates.
- Remaining seated, tap both heels to the floor to set heels into the padding.
- Stand and bend your knees to simulate the skating position.
You are almost ready to roll. Should your skates fit how you like, perform the Before You Skate Check prior to skating. IW recommends performing these checks before each skate and wearing protective gear.
}È Çblock_textÈ