Inline Skates 101: Different Parts Of Skates Explained

Inline Skates 101: Different Parts Of Skates Explained

Inline skates come in all shapes, sizes and designs. They are customisable and consist of several components that you can choose to create the perfect pair for you. These skates consist of four wheels on an axle attached to the boot. From the boots to the wheels, there are many different variations to parts of inline skates that can affect your skating experience. We have compiled a guide for you on the different parts and how they can affect your skating.

 

Cuffs

 

Inline freestyle skates typically have high cuffs that provide greater support on the ankles. Inline freestyle skates are an excellent choice for beginners or recreational skaters as these high-top skates absorb the shock from any falls, preventing injury. Inline speed skates tend to have lower cuffs and are used by advanced skaters. The lower cuffs allow skaters to skate faster due to the increased ankle mobility.

 

Boot

 

High-top boots typically have high cuffs, as mentioned above, and are recommended for beginners due to their support. In addition to being low-top, mid-top and high-top, boots come in different hardness. Hard and soft boots have their own respective advantages.

 

Hard boots provide higher stability and balance on top of the ankle support. They also allow beginners to have better control over their movements. These hard boots also tend to have thicker liners, increasing the comfort of these skates.

 

Soft boots are used by experienced skaters who want to move at higher speeds. Soft boots weigh less and feel light. This allows skaters to skate faster and longer. However, these boots have less support and are not suitable for beginners.

 

Brakes

 

Depending on the design, inline skates may have brakes at the back of the skates in contrast to roller skates which have brakes at the toe, known as toe stops. Inline skate brakes are recommended for beginners, especially children, and most junior inline skates come with built-in brakes. However, aggressive skates or speed skates for intermediate and advanced skates do not have a brake system.

 

Wheels

 

Wheels make all the difference in your skates. Beginner, aggressive, speed and urban inline skates all have different wheels in various shapes and sizes.

 

Wheel size affects the speed and mobility of the skates. Smaller wheels have greater agility, suitable for freestyle skaters interested in picking up tricks. Larger wheels have lower stability but allow you to move faster. Larger wheels are great for speed skaters or for travelling longer distances.

 

Wheel shape also differs from skate to skate. Larger wheels tend to have pointy wheels that help you achieve higher speeds as there is less rolling resistance. Meanwhile, wheels for aggressive skates tend to be flat, providing greater stability as they have a larger landing surface and more grip– perfect for performing tricks and turns.

 

Conclusion

 

Inline skates are highly customisable and come in many forms to fit your skate styles. Understanding the differences between the styles can help prevent injury and help you achieve your personal skating goals. Looking to buy skates online? We are here for all your skating needs, from inline skates to roller skates. At Hvper Sport, we also let you build your own roller skates so that you have your unique pair of skates. Find out how to find the perfect skate for you with us today!