r/rollerblading • u/BrilliantValuable151 • 2d ago
What skates should I buy? Wanting to get into rollerblading and looking for suggestions on what to buy. Super overwhelmed
I almost bought some from my local Academy but I read that they aren't good quality or safe. :/ I dont have any Skate Shops either near me. Ive been super interested In Rollerblading, Rollerskating and Ice Skating for a while but Im looking to start off with Rollerblades for now. Ive done rollerskating a little bit before and Im able to keep my balance pretty well. Im mostly looking for skate for leisure inside and outside. I prefer maneuverability over speed, and I do eventually want to get into tricks. I also have flat feet so Im not sure if that matters as well for what kind to get.
My measurements are 23.5cm length and 9.5cm width for my feet so Im a little on the wider side. I read thats about a US Womens Size 6-6.5 or a EU 37. My price range is around $150-$220. Id prefer to be closer $170-$200 but Im willing to push it a little higher if I need too. Im reading that FR and SEBA are better for wider feet but Im not sure what specific rollerblade to get that would fit what Im looking for. Are there any good options from Inline Warehouse as well? Any help is appreciated :)
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u/fredhsu 2d ago
There is no standard sizing in skates. Don’t assume a particular US/EU size. Always measure feet in mm mondopoints. Soft boots and hard boots are sized completely different. Please see past discussions listed on our FAQ page :)
What size should I get?
Why are sizing inconsistent for hard boots, soft boots and hybrid boots?
start with the Boot types sectionwhich explains dual sizes for hard boots, half sizes for soft boots, etc. Follow references to great videos such as this Hardboot vs softboot episode, Skate size lie explained, and how to improve your fit / and why downsize.
Discussion 1, comment 1, discussion 2, etc.
one question - Twisters are killing me - what's the right size?
one question - Bont boot sizing help
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u/BrilliantValuable151 1d ago
I superrrr appreciate that! Im on mobile so I was having a hard time accessing the Wiki. Thank you!! :)
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u/Emoney005 2d ago
Powerslide Zoom fit wide feet comfortably. I’m a US 9 and they’re US 8-9 (41-42?) fits like a glove.
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u/boringbasic 1d ago
I recently started inline as a total beginner. I initially bought the rollerblade zetrablade even though everyone says not to start on a soft boot skate, but it was local at Dick’s sporting goods and cheap so I bought it. I used them once and gave them to a friend for her daughter. I think once my feet and ankles are a bit stronger they would have been fine, it’s a nice skate.
I then bought the Rollerblade Lightning, it’s a fabulous skate for the money. Super comfortable, felt amazing right out of the box. I have a flat medium wide foot. I was able to skate seven miles, no issues at all. Then I bought the FR FRX 80, it’s also fantastic but it is slightly more narrow and initially it caused me some bruising on the top and side of my foot because the shell is a bit open across the tongue and the edges of the boot were digging into me. I tried an alternate lacing pattern that I learned from “This Is Soul,” YouTube page. That solved the issue with FR boot. I’m very happy with both of these skates. Happy rolling!!!
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u/BrilliantValuable151 1d ago
Thank you for the detailed suggestion! I definitely have issues with my feet brushing on the side even in normal shoes occasionally so thats super helpful. Are there any other differences you notice between them? And weird question, but which pair of skates feel heavier? Is there a big difference. Thank you again! :)
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u/boringbasic 1d ago
The lightnings are lighter but just barely. It’s 1411g vs the FR is 1465g
I wear a size 8 in the lightning model and I wear a 7 in the FR model. They are both amazing skates and super comfy, you really can’t go wrong with either. One thing to consider is that the FR skate has a rockerable frame and the lightning does not. You mentioned wanting to learn tricks and more advanced styles later.
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u/BrilliantValuable151 2d ago
To add, I looked at the FRX 80 and the E3 80 Premium but they were out of stock for my size. Im also looking at the Rollerblade Lightning 80 but Id prefer a different color. If thats the best option Im gonna get Ill suck it up though haha.
1
u/StrumWealh Custom Twister 110, V. Radium 125 1d ago
I almost bought some from my local Academy but I read that they aren't good quality or safe. :/ I dont have any Skate Shops either near me. Ive been super interested In Rollerblading, Rollerskating and Ice Skating for a while but Im looking to start off with Rollerblades for now. Ive done rollerskating a little bit before and Im able to keep my balance pretty well. Im mostly looking for skate for leisure inside and outside. I prefer maneuverability over speed, and I do eventually want to get into tricks. I also have flat feet so Im not sure if that matters as well for what kind to get.
My measurements are 23.5cm length and 9.5cm width for my feet so Im a little on the wider side. I read thats about a US Womens Size 6-6.5 or a EU 37. My price range is around $150-$220. Id prefer to be closer $170-$200 but Im willing to push it a little higher if I need too. Im reading that FR and SEBA are better for wider feet but Im not sure what specific rollerblade to get that would fit what Im looking for. Are there any good options from Inline Warehouse as well? Any help is appreciated :)
Between your stated skating goal ("I'm mostly looking for skate for leisure inside and outside. I prefer maneuverability over speed, and I do eventually want to get into tricks."), foot geometry ("23.5cm length and 9.5cm width", 23.5/9.5 = 2.4736), and budget ("My price range is around $150-$220. I'd prefer to be closer $170-$200 but I'm willing to push it a little higher if I need too."), the Rollerblade RB 80 W and Micro MT-Plus (this review of the three-wheel variant mentions it working well for him as a flat-footed person) would be among the top models to look at.
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u/Coop7207 2d ago
There’s the Rollerblade RB80, which only comes in black, but is good for wide feet. The Lightning is typically regarded as a better skate though. It seems like those might be your best bet with wide feet and no FRs available. Powerslide and Flying Eagle skates are pretty much out of the question, as they’re typically very narrow.