It’s nearly three decades since I last hopped on a skate.
On my last encounter, my parents thought that it would be a good idea for me to skate to my grandparent’s home, about a mile away.
Let’s say things didn’t go as I planned, and I ended up wiping out a lot.
But after taking a hiatus, I’m now starting to toy with the idea of getting back to rollerblading.
See, what was considered an old-fashioned sport is slowly having its moment.
With the COVID and strict social distancing rules in play, rollerblading is slowly re-emerging as the alternative sport for the gyms and keeping fit.
There’s also no homophobic stuff with the sport, and today, I see a lot of guys in my neighborhood rollerblading, so I guess I won’t be a social pariah.
Personally, getting on inline skates seems like the opportune time to bust out my favorite oldie gear and even listen to some skate punk.
And if that’s not enough, there’re numerous studies encouraging users to take up rollerblading because of its health benefits.
I mean, it can’t get any better than doing a fun activity that will also allow me to burn on some calories and much more!
Of course, getting into this sport requires a quality set of blades.
The good news is I’m a born-again newbie, and I dug deep to uncover some of the best rollerblades in the market.
I’ll share some of my favorite fitness rollerblades that might interest you in the guide below. I’ve also compiled a definitive guide that will help with the selection.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Fitness Rollerblades For The Money
#1 Rollerblade Zetrablade Men’s Skates - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Zetrablade inline skates open up our list of the best fitness inline skates.
In my opinion, these are the best rollerblades in their class and for the price.
Their quality exceeds competition by far, and I’m happy with their performance.
They’re also excellent to learn and relearn.
And for the short period I’ve been using them, I’m impressed at how comfortable they feel, and they don’t hurt anything.
Out of the box, I love their intimidating inline skating structure, consisting of a sturdy integrated shell system.
There’re several benefits with this durable shell design, and one of them is that it stands up to rough usage.
Personally, I’ve taken hits severally, hitting the curbs and the patches of dirt on top of concrete. My skate has also borne the brunt of those bumpy-grippy rides on the angled part of sidewalks but has nothing to show for it, except a few dings here and there.
Secondly, the hard shell is responsible for a low center of gravity.
I can’t tell you how important this feature is, especially for a first-time skater like me who is relearning to get on their feet again. It allows me to stay balanced, stay stable, achieve better balance, and makes me immune to crashes even at high speeds.
And here’s the kicker!
The shell also has an amazing later support technology. In other words, it offers incredible ankle support for fast skill progression.
I would give the support a 10/10, especially if you tighten the straps correctly because I’ve not experienced ankle pain, blisters, or even twitched my ankle.
In addition to the reliable structure, Zetrablade Men’s Skates are also quite comfortable.
The skates boast extra lining and padding for interior cushioning. It’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t fatigue even after extended hours of roller skating. I’ve not experienced any chafing on the ankle portion, and I’m enjoying the softer landings on this fitness skate.
Fit is also amazing, and unlike my previous skates, I don’t experience a pinch or ankle rub.
Of course, I must say I was a bit skeptical about buying these inline skates as it seemed like it’s something I should try in person.
I bought my size like my regular shoe size, and it fits well. There’s a bit of wiggle room in the toes, and there’s no slipping at the heel.
It’s important to note that the inline skate might feel a bit tight on the first few wears and may even hurt your skin/ankle area. But once you break into them after some time, they’re quite comfortable. Also, ensure you keep the roller blade tight/pull the power strap; it helps.
Speaking of the strap, I commend the Rollerblade Inline Skates, especially how they close.
A buckle and power strap system secures your feet quite well and is easy to use. I don’t struggle to secure my inline skates anymore.
Performance-wise, these rollerblade skates are light and maneuverable.
I’ve taken them and skated around my neighborhood on everything from smooth sidewalks, brick paths, yellow tiles on the street crossing to the bumpy and choppy sections with large rocks and cracks.
The 80mm large wheels have held up quite well, and I’m sold out with their rolling performance.
Meanwhile, the bearings also seem to be high-quality too. They’re quite tough and have a smooth rolling performance. I’m enjoying it.
Overall, the Rollerblade Zetrablade Men’s Fitness Inline Skates are a pretty decent choice and probably the best roller skates you could get for the money.
Pros
- Maximum comfort
- Incredible rolling performance
- Stable even at high speeds; low center of gravity
- Snug fit
Cons
- Catches dirt easily
#2 K2 Men’s F.I.T. Pro Skate 84 Inline Skates – Best inline skates for Men
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our second pick, the K2, is a nice skate for beginners or skaters taking inline skating, especially after a long hiatus like mine.
They’re soft boots, and as I had hoped, they’re more comfortable than the traditional roller skates.
Plus, they’re pretty wide, good enough for my wide feet and this pair of skates fit fairly well.
The first impression with the K2 is they match up well to the demanding tasks of recreational roller skating.
They look not only great in person but also sturdy. I’ve smashed my inline skate into guardrails and benches loads of times, but the lightweight aluminum frame and clasps stand up to abuse.
What about support?
It’s simply amazing, especially for a soft-style inline skate. I thought it would be lacking and probably crash when taking corners.
But in reality, K2 inline skate has incredible support. The arched support is so good that it keeps my feet supported for cruising and fitness skating.
On top of that, the skates boast lateral reinforcement technology. It lowers the center of gravity and keeps you stable and in control of the inline skate.
Comfort-wise, I’ve not faced any issues so far.
The antimicrobial bed and plush performance liner keep the odor and bacteria away while eliminating blisters and ankle rubs. I can even use these inline skates without the skate socks, and I don’t feel like my ankles are hurting.
Of course, I’ve seen some users complain about their ankles, but they need to check on the weight rating because most of them are overweight.
The boots aren’t overly heavy; they breathe well and feel secure.
Using the K2 inline skate is also a breeze and is no brainer.
The skates boast a pro-speed lace system, which in my opinion is superior to the standard lace system and an upgrade to the B.O.A. system.
It’s so much easier to tie the inline skates, and this is why most beginners enjoy using the skate.
Performance on the road is also impressive.
The 84mm wheels are great for use indoors and outdoors. I’ve used them on various surfaces, including asphalt and concrete, and I love every bit of it.
Along with the ILQ-5 bearings, I find them suitable for recreational skating and not too noisy. They offer an ideal combination of smooth-rolling resistance and smooth glide.
Plus, they maintain more speed and are soft for my liking. I don’t have to worry about the cracks and bumps because they’re forgiving to use and absorb most of the shock and impact.
Overall, the K2 inline skate is a nice purchase and seems to tick on all the boxes or the best fitness entry-level skates.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Secure grip
- Comfortable ride
- Ideal for recreational skating
Cons
- Lacks an integrated shell system
#3 LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates – Lightweight Inline Skates
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
So far, so good.
I’m using the LIKU Black pair of Inline Skates and enjoying everything these roller skates offer.
They perform great and are versatile for terrains such as concrete and asphalt.
And even after skating in them for hours on end, they don’t get uncomfortable around the top of my ankle.
Out of the box, I’m also impressed with the one-piece integrated, durable shell and aluminum frame.
The shell is well-built, firm, and stable. You can’t beat it for the price.
I love how the integrated aluminum frame keeps me stable on my feet, even when braking or taking on the nimble turns.
Plus, it seems quite durable, and even after using them for several seasons, they don’t feel like they’re going to break or anything.
Comfort-wise, I’m impressed by the buffering heel design, which works well to shield my feet against the impacts during the hard runs and crashes.
On top of that, the skates feature a removable cotton interior lined with ventilation holes.
It’s lined like a sock and comes in handy, especially for the days when it’s extremely hot. I no longer have to deal with sweaty boots.
Fit on this pair is also impressive, as the rollerblade comes with a series of straps on to ensure your skates hug your feet every time you go rollerblading.
The buckles, straps, and laces, for example, work together to strap your feet perfectly. The fit is snug and comfortable.
To give you an idea of how well they fit, I’m a size 7 in almost everything, and the size 7 in these blades fits perfectly. Exactly what I was looking for!
On the trails or roller derby, the wheels on this pair of inline skates don’t feel wobbly or anything unless, of course, you’re overweight or haven’t tightened the screws.
Otherwise, the skating performance gets a 10/10 for me.
The 80m wheels are designed to take you anywhere, including the gravel roads, concrete, park, paved trails, and so much more.
And the good thing is they’ve a generous soft rating of 90A durometer, so they’ll pretty much absorb much of the impact and hard landings. I personally do experience headaches or back pains, even after using the skates on my bumpy neighborhood paved roads.
Along with the nice ABEC bearings, these inline skates’ rolling & skating performance is smoother and faster.
Overall, I love the Liku skates and everything they offer. They’re a nice purchase and have so far exceeded my expectations.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable frame
- Easy to use skates
- Comfortable skates
- Ideal for roller derby and all skill level
Cons
- Wheels tend to wear out fast but can be replaced
#4 Zuwaos Boys Kids Adjustable Inline Skates – Best Rollerblades for Kids
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
This was a birthday gift for my son. He has been using them almost every day for a year now,
He’s still a beginner, though, and doesn’t do the fancy tricks, but he has been using them on the street, and he loves it.
The first thing Mike was attracted to on the Zuwaos pair of Inline Skate was the light-up wheels, which produce a stunning display of bright colors.
The wheels light up automatically when they start spinning, and I can’t tell you how impressed my son is with these.
And the good thing is I don’t need batteries to power the lights because they use a self-sustaining power system.
Another plus with the Zuwaos Inline Skates purchase was fit.
See, my son is on 8.5, and so it’s a little bit hard to find the right shoes for him, leave alone the skates.
But these inline skates have an incredible adjustable function across four sizes from the preset size.
Using a simple preset size, he can freely control the size and fit and even confidently share the boots with friends.
They feel snug, and that his feet aren’t slipping or toes getting crushed is a lifesaver.
The sturdiness on these skates is also on point and doesn’t feel cheap.
See, I come from a rollerskating family, so I can tell you whether these inline skates are good or trash.
I love them because my kid isn’t the most careful human there. He carelessly handles and trashes his stuff, but the pair of Zuwaos Inline Skates have held up well to the abuses.
The aluminum frame is resistant to dinging, crashes and impact. It’s now over one year, and they seem like I bought them yesterday.
Performance-wise, the wheels are super decent and not hard plastic.
They’re soft, which makes them perfect for indoor use. However, I’m still pleased with their outdoor skating performance, especially on the smooth concrete, asphalt, and paved sidewalks.
The wheels hold up pretty well and haven’t experienced any cracking or major wear yet, even after hitting jumps and transitioning in a different direction.
And before I forget, the ankle support also seems quite solid, especially for the price.
Pros
- Adjustable design
- Available in different colors
- Wheels light up
Cons
- Ideal for indoor use
#5 Rollerblade Macroblade 80 ABT Women's – Best Women’s Rollerblades
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
My partner loves these skates.
Initially, I was hesitant to spend this much on skates, but after several seasons of using them, we’re happy with the purchase.
The materials are quality, and they’re so cute.
Comfort is next level, and my wife is a size 8 and still has a bit of room at the toe, but nothing that makes it hard to skate.
Rollerblade Macroblade’s design is also pretty unique, perfect for use for beginners and intermediate skaters, so it caters to a majority of the users.
But because it can also achieve tremendous speeds, the advanced roller skaters can also enjoy speed skating with the Rollerblade Macroblade skates.
Comfort is also elevated on these skates.
They’re so comfortable to use, and unlike the previous blades that gave my wife bruised ankles, these seem like the ideal option.
The high-performance form 5-star liner and training offer plenty of comforts, fresh air, and breathability. I love how it absorbs more shock during the hard impact landing or when trailing on the bumpy concrete.
Plus, there’s also an aluminum stability cuff buckle that keeps the boots hugging your feet nicely, no matter where you go.
My wife is size 8 in Nike, and we were not sure if size 8 of these boots would have fit. But size 8 of these boots fits well, feels comfy, and is true to regular shoe size.
On the road, the skating performance of these inline skates is simply amazing.
First, the casting aluminum is ultra-lightweight and provides excellent power transfer. I’ve not heard or seen my wife get grumpy over the longer rides for the longest time because she no longer feels fatigued.
Secondly, the Supreme wheels have an excellent grip, rebound, and response.
She uses them on various terrains, including leisure walks on the sidewalks, smoothly paving roads, and hasn’t experienced any problems.
However, most of the time, the wheels aren’t suited for the asphalt because when the ground gets chunky, they tend to be hard to stabilize.
Otherwise, they work on other smooth terrain and will require minimal effort to go faster, thanks to the professional bearings.
Overall, my partner is happy with these skates, and I don’t see her wanting to replace or upgrade them any time soon.
Pros
- Comfortable skates
- Easy to wear skates
- Great rolling & skating performance & smooth ride
- The nice active braking system
- High cuff for a secure fit
Cons
- Don’t work well on chunky asphalt terrain
Best Rollerblades Buying Guide
As promised, I’ll share a comprehensive guide outlining everything you need to know when selecting the right rollerblades for your needs.
The section below looks at the important actors to consider in your next skates selection.
Adjustable Fit
I can’t mention how important it is for a rollerblade.
Like your regular shoe, a rollerblade should be snug and fit like a glove.
It shouldn’t be too loose or tight to avoid discomfort and fatigue.
Padding
Padding is necessary for comfort and a smooth ride.
Well-padded skates should have ample padding to eliminate discomfort and ensure a proper fit.
Silhouette
A rollerblade’s silhouette is necessary, especially for entry-level skaters.
Their choice of rollerblades should help with stabilization. Beginner skaters should opt for a sturdier and heavier inline skate.
A stable inline skate helps with balance and control.
On the other hand, the more advanced skater should stick to the lightweight and low-profile boots with bigger wheels.
Styles
Style isn’t important when selecting a rollerblade.
However, finding a pair you love wearing can make a difference in how frequently your rollerblades are.
And the good news is there’re plenty of nice rollerblades around, so you’ll hardly get torn choosing between pretty and practicality.
Critical Features to Consider in Skates for Inline Skating
In the section below, we’ll look at the features skaters should consider in their choice of rollerblades.
Wheel Size
Size is important for skates because it determines the ease of use, skating performance, speed, and control.
Generally, fitness rollerblades are available from size 70 to 90 mm.
Usually, the smaller wheels, typically between 80-84 mm, are more maneuverable. They allow intermediate skaters to turn and stop effortlessly.
The smaller wheels are perfect for new skaters and are considered the all-standard wheels. They tend to work best for smooth streets and shorter distances.
On the other hand, the larger wheels, typically 90-100mm or more, are suitable for long distances with harsh terrains.
These wheels allow intermediate skaters and advanced skaters to conserve energy while maintaining speed.
Wheel Hardness-Durometer
Next on after the wheel size, you need to consider the wheel durometer or hardness.
Fitness skates can be hard or soft.
The durometer of a pair of rollerblades is usually measured by hardness, expressed by the letter “A.”
The harder wheels have a higher A number, while the softer wheels have a lower A rating.
Now, harder wheels (82 A and above) are handy for the rough conditions and can maintain higher speeds. They also have a longer lifespan but have low cushioning and minimal shock absorption.
On the other hand, the softer wheels (80 A and below) are ideal for indoor or smooth outdoor surfaces, like asphalt.
Bearings
Along with the wheels, bearings are also essential in determining your blade’s skating performance.
Bearings determine the ability of the wheels to spin.
Generally, wheels with a higher ABEC bearing rating have a lower roll resistance, allowing for effortless rolling and just the right amount of spin.
Boots and Liners
Boots hold your feet, so you need to ensure they’re comfortable to wear.
Usually, boots come in hard-shelled or soft-shelled options.
The hard-shelled inline skates are sturdy, stable, and offer more control.
On the other hand, the soft-shelled boots are less sturdy but offer better ventilation and comfort.
Brake
Brakes aren’t a requirement, but we recommend choosing a pair of rollerblades with pre-mounted brakes.
It’ll help you when coming to a stop.
Closure System
A closure system is necessary for keeping your rollerblades in place.
The system allows for a customized, snug fit, letting you strengthen or loosen the fit according to your requirements.
Rollerblades or Roller Skates?
Both these terms are used interchangeably but are different.
Rollerblades are also known as inline skates and usually refer to a group of wheels inline on a composite frame. They resemble ice skates.
These blades have a steep learning curve but offer the benefit of higher speed and the potential for performing more tricks and jumps.
On the other hand, roller skates are a set of four wheels, usually mounted on a box-like figure.
Usually, the skates are more stable and beginner-friendly because of the lower center of gravity.
Difference Between Three Wheel Rollerblades and Four-Wheeled Rollerblades?
Rollerblades are usually available on three or four wheels.
Both setups are great, and their only difference is in the speed.
The three-wheeled rollerblades are faster but less stable than the four-wheeled rollerblades.
Therefore, I would highly recommend you start on the four-wheel rollerblades if you’re new to the sport, then move to the three-wheel rollerblades at the intermediate and expert level.
Best Rollerblades Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
Q: How do I select the right size for my rollerblade?
A: A rule of thumb is the size of your rollerblade should be the same as that of your shoe size.
Q: Do rollerblades have a weight limit?
A: Yes, generally, most of the rollerblades can support a weight limit of 220 pounds, but there’re others with an even higher capacity.
Most of the brands usually list the weight capacity for their boots.
Q: Does rollerblading offer a good workout?
A: Yes, it does.
Rollerblading is a good form of cardio workout and will particularly work on your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
We’re through with our review of the best rollerblades for fitness, and our winner is the Rollerblade Skates.
I love these roller skates because they deliver on their promise.
They’re comfortable to use, reliable, secure fit, and have a nice rolling & skating performance.
Plus, they come at a reasonable price and are superior to their competition.
