What is the difference between inline skates and roller skates? The answer is pretty simple: the difference between inline and roller skates is their wheels and how they are positioned under your feet. Inline skates have three to five wheels in a straight line under the center of the boot, while roller skates have four wheels arranged in a two-by-two pattern like a car or skateboard. These configurations have a large impact on balance, speed, braking, and the overall feel of a pair of skates. It's important to us that you feel comfortable in whatever skates you choose so that you want to spend time skating and having fun! In this guide we will break down the differences and let you decide for yourself if you want to be an inline skater or a roller skater, or both.

Inline skates are excellent for front-to-back balance, as the wheels extend out past the front of your toes and the back of your heels, which creates a fluid, ice-skating-like feel. Because they have longer wheelbases and fewer moving parts, inline skates seem to be easier for beginner skaters to learn the basics of skating. Many new skaters rightfully fear falling forwards or backwards because the risk of injury is high, and inline skates can alleviate some of those fears because you're more likely to fall side to side. However, those long wheelbases can also be more of a tripping hazard while skating, especially when doing crossovers.

When you try on inline skates for the first time, you may notice that your legs are a bit wobbly and your ankles feel unstable because you are trying to balance on a slender line of wheels that want to roll out from under you. Don't worry! Focus on bending your knees, and that balance will improve quickly with a little practice.

Roller skates are much better at balancing side-to-side than inlines because the wheels are significantly wider and placed in a formation that creates a lot more contact with the skating surface. With two trucks on each skate that can move independently of one another, much like a skateboard, roller skates are considered more difficult for entry-level skaters to learn on. The benefit of having all of those moving parts is that roller skates offer greater agility and more maneuverability, which is why they are so great for roller derby, many different dancing disciplines, and street or park skating.

The downside is that the shorter wheelbase often makes new skaters feel like it is easier to topple forwards and backwards while they're learning to skate. Picture Charlie Chaplin running in place on his roller skates, and you may get the idea. Again, the best advice is to bend your knees, drop your hips, and practice, practice, practice!

Are inline skates faster than roller skates? The answer is a generalization, but yes, inline skates are typically faster than roller skates. Of course it depends on the individual, but inlines have larger wheels and much less contact with the ground, which means less friction and higher speeds that are easier to maintain. Roller skate wheels max out at about 70mm in diameter, whereas inline wheels can get as big as 125mm. Over the same distance, larger wheels require fewer revolutions and less effort.

While they do have different braking systems, there are many similarities between inline skates and roller skates when it's time to stop or slow down. The most basic approach to slowing down is simply angling your wheels so that they aren't facing directly forwards. This technique applies pressure and friction to the skating surface, which reduces your speed. Like skiers on a snowy slope, you'll gain speed when pointed forwards and reduce speed when you turn and engage your edges. Advanced skaters are even able to throttle the pressure they're applying to change how quickly or slowly they're coming to a stop.

If that sounds intimidating, don't worry - many inline skates and almost all roller skates have brakes. Beginner inline skates usually have a brake attached to the rear of one skate. These brakes are engaged by lifting the front of your skate and dragging the brake pad along the ground to slow down. Roller skates have toe stops at the front of both skates, rather than the back of just one. These can be used in multiple ways to slow down, stop, and even to walk around on when the terrain gets sketchy or obstacles get in your way. Neither braking system is necessarily better or easier to use than the other; they both take some getting used to.

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!