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The Best Inline Fitness & Recreational Skates 2023

What we looked for:

The quality, fit and performance of inline fitness skates (also known as Rollerblades) has been good for over 20 years so no one is reinventing the wheel in this category of skate. All of the fitness skates that I have tested from all the big brands like Rollerblade, K2, Fila and Roces are very good. I would warn against unknown brands from eBay and Amazon. I have had some skates where the shell has cut into my feet and others where the air ventilation holes have not been cleaned properly causing blisters. Stick with famous brands. All of the top brands have good plates, reasonable bearings, and average wheels. If you want to upgrade any part of the skate, the wheels would be the main area. There are a lot of better wheels on the market than what come packaged with these skates but they are trying to sell the skates at a reasonable price point so you get average wheels. A lot of your preference for buying a pair of fitness inline skates will come down to which one is cheapest, on sale, being discounted or you just love the look of that skate.

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Best Urban Skate

Rollerblade MAXXUM EDGE 125

The Rollerblade Maxxum Edge web site is full of complicated jargon such as ‘anti torsion box’, ‘superior anatomical fit’, and ‘enhanced wrapping shell’ which all make the inline skate sound very complicated. It isn’t. It’s a simple skate, that does everything right and gets the job done. You can skate for hours in it as it is very comfy indeed. The buckles are long-lasting, the frame is well constructed, wheels are decent and bearings spin well as they come loaded with Twincam bearings. The boot actually is not an anatomical fit as the web site states and this term is misused in the industry. That aside, you will love skating in the Rollerblade Maxxum Edge.

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Best Kids Inline Skates

BONT Scoot Kids Skate

The Bont Scoot takes over as our favorite new kids skate for 2023. 
 

  1. Versatility: The Bont Scoot skate is a versatile skate that can be used for both inline skating and skateboarding. It is designed to be used with both types of wheels, making it easy for kids to switch between the two sports. This versatility means that kids can use the same skate for different activities, saving money and reducing clutter.

  2. Easy to learn: Learning to use the Bont Scoot skate is easy, even for beginners. It has a wide base that provides stability and balance, making it easier for kids to stay upright while skating. Additionally, the skate's low profile design means that kids are closer to the ground, making it easier for them to control their movements.

  3. Improved balance and coordination: The Bont Scoot skate is an excellent tool for improving balance and coordination. The skate's wide base provides stability, which helps kids maintain their balance while skating. Additionally, the skate's design encourages proper posture and weight distribution, which can help improve coordination and control.

  4. Durability: The Bont Scoot skate is built to last. It is made with high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Additionally, the skate's wheels are designed to be long-lasting, so kids can skate for hours without worrying about their wheels wearing down.​

  5. Fun: Last but not least, the Bont Scoot skate is incredibly fun! Kids love the feeling of freedom and speed that comes with skating. The Bont Scoot skate combines the best of both worlds - skateboarding and inline skating - making it a fun and exciting activity for kids of all ages.

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Best Women's Inline Skate

K2 ALEXIS Pro

The K2 ALEXIS Pro is our #1 pick for women’s inline skate of the year 2023. It looks cool, is very comfortable and the Boa dial makes it really easy to tighten. I like that it has a genuine Boa dial on it rather than a Chinese knock off which often have problems. Boa dials are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. The frame on this skate is not the best but it gets the job done as long as you don’t need to change wheels too often. The wheels are sufficient for this price point. You’re really paying for a good looking skate that you will just get months or years of enjoyment from.

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Best Aggressive Inline Skate

Roces M12

The Roces M12 is another durable skate from the Roces company. Roces is a brand you can trust and they make quality skates. The liner is durable, I have skated in them for a year without any noticeable wear. Just make sure you dry them after skating as you should do with all skates. When jumping over objects, the landings are cushioned by the padding in the innersole. It’s a good mix of being able to feel the surface you are skating on and giving you impact cushioning.

FAQ

  1. What are fitness skates used for? Fitness skates, also known as inline skates or rollerblades, are used for a variety of activities including fitness, recreational skating, and commuting. They are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride while also offering a good workout for your legs and core muscles.

  2. What skates are better for exercise? Fitness skates are generally the best type of skates for exercise, as they are designed specifically for this purpose. They typically have larger wheels and a longer frame than recreational skates, which allows for a faster and more efficient ride.

  3. Are skates a good workout? Yes, skating is a great workout that can provide a full-body workout while also being low-impact on your joints. It can improve your cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination, while also toning your legs, core, and glutes.

  4. Are roller skates good for exercise? Yes, roller skates can be a good workout as well, but they are generally better for recreational skating or roller derby. Roller skates tend to have smaller wheels and a wider base, which can make them less efficient for long-distance or high-speed skating.

  5. Why do skaters put leggings over skates? Why do skaters wear tights over their skates? Skaters wear leggings or tights over their skates to protect their skin and prevent blisters or irritation caused by the friction between the skates and their skin. It also helps to keep the skates clean and prevent scratches or scuffs on the surface of the skates.

  6. Does skating help lose weight? Yes, skating can be an effective way to lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and other forms of exercise. Skating can burn a significant amount of calories while also toning your muscles, which can lead to weight loss over time.

  7. Is skating better than running for fitness? Skating and running both provide great cardiovascular workouts, but skating can be a better option for those with joint pain or injuries. Skating is low-impact and puts less stress on your joints than running, making it a good alternative for those who can't run due to injury or arthritis.

  8. What are the disadvantages of roller skating? Some disadvantages of roller skating include the risk of injury, particularly from falls or collisions with other skaters or obstacles. Skating can also be difficult for beginners, and it may take some time to develop the balance and coordination needed for more advanced skating. Additionally, some people may find that skating is not as enjoyable as other forms of exercise, which can make it harder to stick with long-term.

  9. Is 30 minutes of skating a day enough? 30 minutes of skating a day can provide health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and leg muscle tone, but may not be enough to see significant weight loss results. For weight loss, it's recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, which can be achieved through skating, other forms of cardio, and strength training.

  10. Can you lose belly fat by roller skating? Yes, skating can help you lose belly fat along with fat from other parts of your body. However, spot reduction (losing fat from one specific area) is not possible through exercise alone. To lose belly fat, it's important to combine skating with a healthy diet and other forms of exercise.

  11. How long should I skate everyday to lose weight? To lose weight through skating, it's recommended to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity skating 5 days per week, or a total of 150 minutes per week. You can also increase the intensity or duration of your skating sessions as you progress.

  12. How long should you skate for a workout? The duration of a skating workout can vary depending on your fitness level and goals. Beginners may start with shorter sessions of 20-30 minutes, while more advanced skaters can aim for 45-60 minute sessions. It's important to warm up and cool down properly and to listen to your body to avoid injury.

  13. Does skating tone your body? Yes, skating can tone and strengthen your legs, glutes, core, and even upper body muscles through the movements and balance required for skating. Skating is a full-body workout that can improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility as well.

  14. Does skating keep you fit? Yes, skating is a great way to stay fit and active. It provides a full-body workout, improves cardiovascular health, and can be a fun and social activity. Skating can also be low-impact and easier on your joints than other forms of cardio, making it a good option for people with joint pain or injuries.

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