How to Choose Inline Skates

If you are looking for exercise that is fun, healthy, and easy to do then inline skating is for you. Here are some tips on how to choose the right skate.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Skating Accessory Shop or Sporting Goods Store
• A Little Money to Spend
• Long Winding Paths With No Cars

1. Consider the type of skating you would like to do. Since the sport is constantly evolving there are different styles of skating and different skates for every occasion. Street hockey, aggressive free-style, speed-skating, and distance skating all use different kinds of skates.

2. 
   Standard Style In-line Skates with Laces and Straps

   Start at the top. Look at how the shoe portion of the skate is designed. Most will have a lock strap that snugs the top of the boot to the calf. Others will have these straps on the entire skate. I suggest find the first type, with laces that will snug the shoe more firmly around the contours of your foot. This will help protect your ankles and minimize blisters.

3. 
   Skates with no brakes on the heel

   Check the heels. Look for brakes that are easily removed and replaced. Some people prefer to only have the brake on one skate versus both.

4. 
   Speed Wheels

   Look at the wheels. Different types of wheels have different applications. Taller skinnier wheels are designed for speed while shorter fatter wheels are designed to be more durable.

5. 

   Consider bearings. Bearings are made by "grade" and this determines how efficiently they move. Normally the higher the number or grade on the bearing the "quicker" they are. A store consultant should be able to help you. Just make sure you don't get "sold" on what you "might need".

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have proper accessories like a helmet and elbow, knee, and wrist protectors
• Don't buy the high-end stuff right off the bat. Go less expensive because you WILL beat these up.
• Be wary of being "sold" on things you don't need.