Inline skates (aka Rollerblades) aren’t just for kids anymore. Rollerblading is a fantastic way to get outside and moving in the fresh air, which can help keep you from growing sedentary, improve your mood, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental health. It’s also a way to get some exercise and your heart rate up in a way that is fun, low impact, and allows you to choose your own speed and movement; you don’t have to stress about keeping up with a fitness instructor or gym mates, and even a leisurely pace can burn some calories and get your blood and heart pumping. Rollerblading can also improve your balance and posture, reduce fatigue, strengthen your arm and leg muscles, and improve your overall heart health. Even if you’ve never laced up a pair of skates before, there are options for adults at any level of experience, so there’s no reason not to start now. And other than the skates, a helmet, and pads, you don’t need any extra equipment or a special location beyond your local sidewalk or park to get started. If you want a fun, pressure-free, and relatively affordable way to increase your current activity level, rollerblading may deserve a good long look.

What to Consider in Women’s Inline Skates

Here’s what to look into when buying a pair of skates:

• Bearing: An inline skate’s bearing is measured by the ABEC scale, which rates a skate’s precision, efficiency, and speed possibilities. ABEC is measured in odd-numbered units between one and nine. Since lower ABEC numbers will offer more resistance, they help to better learn control. An ABEC-7 is the general standard of intermediate skaters, so if you’re a beginner you’ll want to look for a pair of skates with an ABEC-3. Alternatively, a skate marked with an SG5 bearing is also a good choice for beginners and intermediate skaters.
• Liners: The liner will help to ensure that your new skates fit you properly, as well as provide support and padding. Standard liners are made of foam to provide basic comfort. If you want extra comfort or a closer fit, look for skates with an auto-fit or memory fit liner. These will contour to fit the shape of your feet for a closer fit and more cushioning than standard liners. Some may be removable, which is convenient for cleaning the part of the skate that will see the most sweat.
• Frame: Most skates will have a frame made of plastic, aluminum, or carbon. Plastic skates are generally the most affordable, but they’re far less durable and are often heavier. Aluminum skates are lighter yet stiffer and stronger, though they’ll be pricier than plastic ones. Carbon is the lightest and toughest material of the three but also the most expensive overall. In general, (but not exclusively) beginner skates will be made of plastic, intermediate skates made of aluminum, and advanced skates made of carbon.

Top Choice: Rollerblade Bladerunner Advantage Women’s Inline Skates

An all-around well-equipped pair of women’s exercise and fitness inline skates that offer comfort, control, and stability all in one. The out shell is built to be supportive, providing extra foot support and balance, while the monocoque composite aluminum frame gives the skates more durability, stability, and energy efficiency for increased stride. They’re secured with buckles, laces, and a Velcro strap to keep your feet secure and firmly in place, reducing the risk of accidental injury from loose skates. The padded mesh liner gives you a snugger fit without pinching or discomfort, and the wear and tear-resistant wheels are just over three inches in size; coupled with the ABEC-7 bearings, this gives you moderate speed with less effort on your part. They’re available in sizes 5 to 10.

Best for Beginners: Rollerblade Zetrablade Women’s Inline Skates

If you’ve never gone rollerblading before or haven’t gone skating in a while, these are the ideal skates for you. They’re specifically entry-level skates, balanced and designed for people who are novices or who rollerblade on a more casual basis. The high cuff gives you added support, while the durable shell and monocoque frame increase stability and lateral support, providing a lower center of gravity to make it easier to learn to skate. The SG5 bearings are built with beginner and intermediate skaters in mind, with 82A wheels that give you a better grip and control with more moderate speeds. The skates are held snugly closed with laces, Velro strap, and an easy and reliable buckle for a more secure and safer fit. The padded liner cushions your feet to keep them comfortable during use. Sizing starts at a women’s size 6 and runs up to a 10; refer to the sizing chart for help figuring out which size will best fit your feet.

Most Colorful: PAPAISON Adjustable Inline Skates with Full Light Up Wheels

Who says that colorful and light-up skates are only for kids? These are a great choice if you want adult women’s skates with self-illuminating wheels that don’t require batteries. The frame is comprised of reinforced aluminum with carbon steel ABEC-7 bearings—ideal for most skaters. The wheels are built for high rebounding and are resistant to wear and tear for a smoother ride. The single brake is found on the right side for safety purposes, as a brake on both feet can cause you to fall back while braking. Refer to the sizing chart to determine which of the four sizes best suit you. The easy-press button on each frame allows you to better adjust the skates to fit your feet. A stable shoelace, buckle, and durable hook and loop straps keep these skates firmly on your feet and prevent them from coming loose and causing unintentional injuries. You’ll also receive a pair of complimentary socks with your purchase that will enhancing your skating experience.

Most Versatile: Roller Derby Women’s V-Tech Inline Skate

When many people rollerblade, they tend to prefer either skating out of doors or inside a skating rink. But what if you like to do both or you want to skate all year round, which may require skating inside during the colder months? If this predicament sounds familiar and you’re looking for inline skates that you can wear outside and inside, look no further. These bright purple, blue, and white ones have urethane wheels that can function equally well on a rink floor or concrete, pavement, and sidewalks. They’re nice and lightweight, great for casual, recreational skating. The triple-buckle closure is quick and easy to put on and undo, though it is no less secure for its ease. The race rating bearings will carry you further, thanks to the high-quality components, and allow for greater speeds. These skates can accommodate women with shoe sizes 6 through 9 and come equipped with a button that allows you to adjust the size to better fit your feet.