The primary difference between inline skates and roller skates is the shape of their wheels and how those wheels are positioned under your feet. Inline skates have three to five narrow wheels in a straight line under the center of the boot, while roller skates use wider wheels that are arranged in a two-by-two pattern, like a car or skateboard. These wheel configurations have a significant impact on balance, speed, braking, and the overall feel of a pair of skates. In this guide we will break down the differences and help you decide if you want to be an inline skater, a roller skater, or both!

Besides individual skill and experience, balancing on any pair of skates is largely dependent on its wheelbase. A skate's wheelbase is kind of like its footprint, or the area in which its wheels are contacting the skating surface. Inline skates have a long and narrow wheelbase, while roller skates have a shorter and much wider wheelbase. As you might imagine, this means that inline skates are often easier to balance front to back, while roller skates offer more side to side stability. In our experience, most new skaters have an easier time starting on inline skates, but it does vary from person to person.

Inline skates are faster than roller skates when all other conditions and factors are the same. This is due to the fact that inline skates have larger wheels that have much less contact with the ground. They create less friction and so maintaining speed requires less overall effort than it would in quads. Roller skate wheels have a lot more contact with the skating surface and that is great for stability, but it also means that they require more work to get up to speed and then keep it.

While they do have different braking systems, stopping or slowing down on skates is all about creating friction against the skating surface. This can be achieved by applying force to your wheels and letting them create the resistance needed, but if that technique sounds intimidating, don't worry - many inline skates and almost all roller skates also have brakes. Beginner inline skates usually have a brake attached to the rear of one skate and almost all roller skates have stoppers located at the front of both skates. Both braking systems take some practice to get used to, but inline brakes are generally easier to beginners to learn and use effectively.

Is there a difference in how much inline skates and roller skates weigh? The short answer is no. Most skates weigh between five and ten pounds regardless of which wheels are on the bottom. A skate's weight depends more on materials and what kind of skating it is designed for than on its wheel configuration. For example, speed skates are always going to be relatively lightweight, while bulkier aggressive skates are going to be heavier. Similarly, skates with a bunch of plastic parts will usually weigh less than skates with more metal components. Weight should not be a consideration when choosing between inline and roller skates.

Depending on your prior skating experience and intended use, one type of skate is likely to feel more natural and comfortable. As we discussed earlier, if you are just beginning your skating journey, many people find it easier to learn on inline skates, and they are better suited for fitness skating long distances or at higher speeds. If you're looking for something more versatile and maneuverable, roller skates could be it. Skateboarders will likely feel more at home on roller skates, while skiers and ice skaters tend to appreciate the feel of inline skates. There's no wrong answer, as both types will take time to master, but skating is a fun and fulfilling activity no matter what kind you are doing!