Either is a high quality, great choice for any type of skating – no matter if it is urban, fitness, or recreational.

Both choices use a strong glass-fiber reinforced plastic boot for great support and responsiveness. They both have micro-adjustable 45¼ straps to lock your heel in place and removable liners. Both have good ventilation, and replaceable bumpers to protect the boot from wear and tear. Both boots have integrated heel shock absorbers and a tight heel cup for enhanced maneuverability and control.

The main difference is the frame mounting style, both boots have removable frames if you choose to change out your frames later. The Imperial utilizes the more traditional 165 mounting and the Next uses the newer Trinity mount. 165 mounting uses two bolts to mount the frame and will provide more options for third party frames. Trinity mount is Powerslide’s proprietary technology and uses three bolts; this provides a lower height to the ground and adds strength and stability compared to a traditional 2 point 165 mount. There are lots of after market options for both frame mounting styles.

One factor between the imperial and next is the toe box. The imperial has a traditionally sized inline skate toe box – best suited for normal to narrow feet. The Next has an aggressive inspired toe box – a bit roomier; best suited for normal to wider feet.

Currently the Imperial has color kits available to customize the look of your skates and the Next does not. The Next has a linear and retro aesthetic – inspired by the historical legacy of inline skates and the Imperial has a more organic look. Two other features the next offers over the imperial are: the next utilizes a rockerable cuff so you can adjust the height of the cuff to best suit your needs. The shell also has cut guides molded into the plastic so you can fine-tune just how much forward and side-to-side flex you want.