In the parks, in the streets and on any esplanade in the middle of the city. It is rare during these spring days to go out into the street and not come across one or more people on skates. Some use it to do tricks, others to train and others simply to get around, but the good weather is here and every year without exception the skating fever returns.
This is therefore an activity that never goes out of style and that neither skateboards nor longboards have managed to relegate to the background. The first patent for roller skates dates back to the 18th century, and was filed by the Belgian inventor Joseph Merlin, although his moment of greatest popularity came with disco music in the 1970s and 1980s, when there were many dancers who dared to choreograph on wheels. And, no matter how many years go by, when these dates arrive, skates are once again the kings of the street.
But what do skates have to continue being a mass phenomenon with more and more followers today? First of all, it is an activity in which all parts of the body work. Obviously, the legs take the lead in this exercise and in fact the calves and gluteus are two of the muscle groups that are most toned. But the shoulders and arms are also key to maintaining balance and powering the movement.
In turn, being an aerobic effort, it helps burn fat in the abdomen and waist. It is estimated that skating for about 30 minutes can help burn about 300 calories. And, like all these kinds of prolonged efforts, if practiced over the long term, they can help improve endurance.
But it is an activity that not only provides benefits on a physical level. Skates do not have to be used to go full speed or to do impossible stunts. Once they are well controlled, they can be used to relax and walk quietly. In short, they can also become a perfect instrument to disconnect after long days of work.
Now, the type of activity to be carried out must be taken into account before choosing one model or another. Beyond the obvious, to differentiate some quads from some online and their functions, some skates for jumping have nothing to do with some for walking or speed.
Lateral stability is one of the strengths in favor of traditional skates. It offers greater possibilities of mobility and the front block braking is more effective, although learning to use it is more complex. Another advantage is that on uneven surfaces or wet terrain they slide much better and make it easier to maintain balance. In fact, they are the ones used by roller dancers, skaters who have recovered the spirit of that movement of dancers on wheels that was so successful in the United States with the heyday of disco music.
But of course, when it comes to going fast, those with their wheels parallel can't compete with inline skates. The range is wider, since the market is mostly focused on this model, and it is somewhat more manageable and easier to learn to skate.
Among them we can find fitness ones, perhaps the most basic and the most recommended for beginners. They are indicated for recreational use, smooth routes and keeping fit. The boot is usually made of fabric and the cane is rigid (the rear part) so that the ankle does not suffer as much.
Then there are other more versatile models, the freeskate ones, with which you can do all kinds of exercises: slalom, skidding, going down stairs, doing tricks, turning over cones... Of course, they do not have a cue brake . In addition, the chassis is made of a much stronger material (usually aluminum) and the wheels can have different sizes. The central ones tend to be larger than the wingers in these cases and this allows greater freedom of movement.
Then there are other lighter models designed solely to go as fast as possible. Of course, the control with this type of skates has to be much greater. The rod is the lowest, although the most obvious difference is the wheels and the guide, bigger and longer, since this way more impulse is achieved for each stride. Very not recommended to do jumps and stunts with these skates.
When it comes to parallel skates, Roller Derby is one of the reference brands in the skater scene. This model imitates the shape of classic basketball shoes and is available in various sizes, all for children. Inside they are padded, so they do not become annoying after long skating sessions. Its 54-millimeter wheels and 608ZB bearings make it very easy to balance, which is why they are perfect skates for young and inexperienced skaters.
You can buy them here for 80.05 euros.
Skaters, by nature, have that point of, so to speak, overconfidence in themselves (yes, cockiness). With these parallel skates you can train skill and swagger. Their design looks like Converse Chuck Taylor's sneakers and they are available in various sizes and colors. The chassis has high impact resistance and the closure, logically, is laced. The wheels on some models have built-in LEDs that light up when the bearings begin to rotate
You can buy them here for 54.99 euros.
Classic fitness inline skates for kids. They are adjustable in size, so that they can last for several years, since in these moments of life the foot grows much faster. But it is that in addition to that, they are available in three sizes, each one with four adjustment segments so that the skate adapts to the foot.
Its four polyurethane wheels fit into high-quality ABEC-7 bearings and it has a rear brake on the right skate. Its cheerful design is available in two colors and the purchase includes a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads.
You can buy them here for 49.99 euros.
The German brand Hudora brings to Amazon these classic firness skates with a synthetic material chassis and adjustable length in four segments. They support a maximum weight of 100 kilos and have a rear brake. They have a ventilation system that allows the foot to breathe while being protected. The ratchet closure makes the skate fit perfectly to the size of the foot.
You can buy them here for 51.63 euros.
Although the name is not very original, Rollerblade is one of the reference brands in inline skating. It all started in the basement of brothers Scott and Brennan Olsen, from Minnesota. One afternoon, they adapted some primitive inline skates to train hockey and ended up founding their own company in 1983: Rollerblade Inc, which accumulated 200 patents and 116 registered trademarks until it became an international icon.
For this reason, these speed skates, with 80-millimeter wheels, in addition to the essential features for traditional skating, are a sure guarantee of quality-price. You will be able to ride on the road, because it also includes a cushioning system to absorb impacts from the ground.
You can buy them here for 264.96 euros.
Another model for children available in three sizes that seem ideal for them to take their first steps on inline skates. They feature a vibration-absorbing composite frame that is interlocked with the base, helping to keep the center of gravity lower. In addition, as is normal in this type of children's skates, it has five levels of adjustment to adapt to the growth of the foot. Rear block brake and 70-millimeter wheels.
You can buy them here for 119.90 euros.
The YWarx brand brings to Amazon these inline skates that adapt to both outdoor and indoor surfaces and have a professional finish to practice all kinds of modalities. Inside, they have a padded layer made of memory foam so that the foot fits perfectly and can also be removed for washing. For greater comfort, they also have an insole.
The wheels are 76 millimeters thick and the high-quality ABEC-7 bearings make hardly any noise when turning. They are available in 10 designs and various numbers, from 36 to 46 specifically. They have a triple security closure with laces and two ratchet straps.
You can buy them here for 119.35 euros.
Another speed model, as can be seen in its design with wheels that protrude outside the shoe, although this one is from a not-so-known brand like Rollerblade. Total adjustment and security thanks to its triple closure: velcro, laces and buckle. In turn, the interior is padded and has a pleasant touch thanks to its high-density foam, covered by a layer of velvet. The wheels, as is normal in this type of skate, somewhat larger than usual (90 millimeters).
You can buy them here for 53.51 euros (3% discount).
Another Rollerblade model, in this case a freeskate. Skates with a modern and unisex design that are perfect for beginners to do jumps and other types of tricks. Available in two sizes and two colors, one with a dark green tone like the one that can be seen in the image and the other in red. Its four wheels are 80 millimeters and it has a shock absorber. Double closure: laces and locking buckle.
You can buy them here for 199.99 euros.
The perfect Rollerblade model for those who already have prowess with jumps and tricks and are looking to take it a step further. The Twister Edge are very versatile and resistant urban skates. With molded boots, an anatomical fit and a sole designed with an anti-torsion box they provide greater control in turns and skids.
80mm Supreme wheels and ILQ-7 Plus bearings provide great grip at speed. In addition, it includes additional cushioning and other shock-absorbing padding in the heel. And don't worry, the brake is included in the model, although it can be removed.
You can buy them here for 259.99 euros.
Aggressive skates go one step further than freeskates. They are also used for jumps, ramps, drifts, stunts and even for hockey. The main difference, as can be seen in these from Roces, is that the wheels are smaller and thicker, thus lowering the center of gravity, since greater stability is required when making turns. In addition, they also have space between the wheels to be able to grind, one of the most famous movements in the world of skates and skateboarding that consists of sliding down rails or rails.
The Roces M12 skates have a very high shaft and are covered by a very resistant polyurethane shell. Despite the hard exterior, they have a padded lining that makes them very comfortable and have a snap closure that adjusts exactly to the shape of each foot.
You can buy them here for 159.95 euros.
Other aggressive skates, these with that rebellious touch that is part of the skater's DNA, even in the brand name, Anarchy Skates. The boot is made of high-impact hard polyurethane and with an extra-wide UFM nylon fiber surface, which makes them hyper-resistant to impact while being manageable. They also include a high-quality removable SAS shock absorber. The wheels are 57 millimeters/94A and the ABEC-7 bearings are smaller to make turns with better stability.
Another aggressive model from Roces, in this case only for men. It has a double closure, laces and strap and a design that combines the colors black and grey. The Fifth Element have ABEC 5 bearings and 60-millimeter wheels at the ends. Also, the frame has the perfect gap between the small wheels for grinding.
You can buy them here for 135.83 euros.
*As an Amazon Associate, Bazar earns revenue from qualifying purchases that meet applicable requirements.
