The Best Inline Skates for Men

You may think of rollerblading as an activity exclusively for kids and professionals in the sport, but this is not necessarily the case. People of any age, gender, or background can enjoy rollerblading as a recreational or athletic activity. It’s actually a great way to improve many aspects of your physical and mental health. Rollerblading is a very accessible and relatively inexpensive activity; all you need are a pair of skates, a helmet and pads, and a stretch of concrete or sidewalk. Like all exercise, it helps to get your heart pumping, burn calories, and release endorphins to help you feel physically and mentally better. People who rollerblade regularly may find their posture and balance improve while reducing their risk of diabetes and heart disease. Rollerblading is also a great way to strengthen your arms and legs and possibly even build some muscles in certain muscle groups like your glutes. There are inline skates for every experience level, so even if you’ve never strapped on a pair of skates in your life, there are options to help you ease in and learn. If you’re looking for a fun, low impact way to mix up your exercise routine or level up your physical activity, rollerblading can be a great way to do so.

What to Consider in Men’s Inline Skates/Rollerblades

Here’s what you’ll want to look into:

• Experience Level: If you’re new to rollerblading, be sure to check a skate’s ABEC rating before you buy. The ABEC scale measures a skate’s precision, efficiency, and speed possibilities, ranked in odd-numbered units between one and nine. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to look for a pair of skates around an ABEC-3. These offer more resistance, which offers you better control. Alternatively, a skate marked with an SG5 bearing is also a good choice for beginners and intermediate skaters.
• Material: The material of your skates’ frame will determine how heavy and durable they are. Most skates will have a frame made of one of three materials: plastic, aluminum, or carbon, with plastic skates being the heaviest and least durable, carbon the lightest and more durable, with aluminum falling in between. In general (but not exclusively), beginner skates will be made of plastic, intermediate skates will be made of aluminum, and advanced skates will be made of carbon.
• Type: Contrary to what many people might think, inline skates are not one type fits all. There are several types from which you can choose. Fitness skates will generally provide high speeds, so they’re great for experienced skaters. Urban inline skates are a newer type, built with a shorter and nimbler frame that’s ideal for city sidewalks and similar surfaces. Racing skates are the stiffest kind, fast but not necessarily the most comfortable. Recreational skates are built to fit the closest, more for comfort than performance, though they are by no means low quality or a bumpy ride.

Most Size Options: LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates

Finding inline skates that fit your feet properly is a vital part of selecting the right pair. Skates that are too big or too small will not only be uncomfortable to wear and skate in but can be dangerous as well; you risk your feet popping out of the skates during use or accidental injuries if they don’t fit properly. Fortunately, this pair comes in a good variety of sizes, so the odds are good that there is a suitable size for you and your feet. Sizes start at a men’s 6 and run up to 11, including all half sizes (except for 7.5). The lining that cushions your feet is made of EVA elastic cotton that offers comfort, protection, and good ventilation. It’s also removable, which makes it easier to clean and dry. The lining rests inside a thick, durable shell with front and back ventilation holes, shock-absorbing soles, and a low balance structure that gives you better control, balance, and lateral support as you skate. The bearing is made of aluminum alloy that is stable and anti-rust for a smoother ride. The wheels are wear-resistant, and there’s only one brake, so you don’t risk falling backward when braking. To top it all off, the skates have a triple closure coupled with reinforced uppers for extra security, safety buckles, laces, and a strap.

Best for Beginners: Rollerblade Zetrablade Men’s Fitness Inline Skate

If you’ve never gone rollerblading before or only use Rollerblades infrequently, these black and silver skates are worth your consideration. They were designed as entry-level skates with novice and casual skaters in mind. The SG5 bearings are perfect for anyone new to rollerblading since they offer better control and moderate speed to ease you into learning to skate. The wheels are resistant to wear, and the durable monocoque frame has a lower center of gravity for even better balance and stability. The shell has a higher than average cuff for better security and support. The liner is well padded to enhance your comfort as you’re skating. The double secured buckle and strap closure will keep the skates snug and secure against your feet to prevent injury. Sizes start at men’s 6 and go up to 13.

Most Durable: Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Men’s Inline Skates

Durability is a factor to take into consideration when looking for a new pair of inline skates. The stronger and more durable your skates are, the longer they’ll last you; and the less you have to keep buying new pairs, the more money you’ll save in the long run. These skates offer a composite, extruded aluminum frame that is durable and rigid, more effectively transferring energy for a longer, increased stride. Not only do these skates offer stability and durability but comfort and control as well. The shell gives your feet extra support and balance, while the padded liner gives a snugger yet more comfortable fit for your feet. The triple closure system of buckles, laces, and a strap adds to the security, and the ABEC-7 bearing is suitable for most skaters, allowing you to achieve moderate speed with less effort. Sizes run between men’s 7 and 13.

Most Comfortable: Roller Derby AERIO Q-60 Men’s Inline Skates

Comfort is an important part of the rollerblading experience. You don’t want to have to deal with your feet getting pinched or constricted the entire time, nor do you want to feel a rough, abrasive inner material. And since you’ll likely spend hours on your feet, you want to hopefully avoid sore or aching feet after the fact. If you have very sensitive feet or if comfort is the top factor for you, these inline skates are well equipped for the task. The soft boot has memory foam padding to give your feet plush cushioning and adhere to your foot shape for the most comfortable fit possible. The boot is also ventilated to keep your feet cool for additional comfort. The Tri-Coil aluminum frame is nice and strong to support the soft boot, equipped with a ventilated toecap for additional cooling purposes, carrying loops, and a brake on the right skate for safety purposes. The articulated shell provides both a full range of motion and excellent ankle support. The locking cam-lever buckle, Velcro strap, and laces all work together to keep the skates snug and secure against your feet and ankle.