We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Activity + Adventure Sports + Leisure The 12 Best Rollerblades of 2024 Whether you’re a casual skater or daily commuter, these are the best rollerblades for all occasions. By Kaitlyn McInnis Kaitlyn McInnis Kaitlyn McInnis is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer with bylines in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Tatler Asia, CNN, The Points Guy, and more. Born and raised in Canada, she specializes in writing Canadian and international travel guides. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on May 16, 2024 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa I received my first pair of rollerblades in my Easter basket when I was about six years old; it was the early aughts and skating culture was the height of cool. I remember my dad strapping the skates to my feet and — while I wasn’t immediately graceful or coordinated — I was hooked. Rollerblading is a whole lot of fun once you work your way through the initial learning curve and is something that has stuck with me into adulthood when I need a boost of serotonin. It wasn’t until recently that I realized the major health benefits that come with regular rollerblading outside of just having a good time. The art of skating is low-impact and easy on the body while working the core and improving overall balance and confidence. If you’re considering investing in a pair of rollerblades — whether for commuting to the office or just enjoying the breeze on your face as you hit your local trail — consider some of my favorite options all listed here. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Zetrablade Adult Fitness Inline Skate at Dick's ($220) Jump to Review Best for Beginners: LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates at Amazon ($90) Jump to Review Best for Racing: K2 Skate Alexis 84 Boa at REI ($220) Jump to Review Best Budget: Roller Derby Vtech/Cobra Inline Skates at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Most Stylish: Papaison Adjustable Inline Skates at Amazon ($73) Jump to Review Best Three-wheel: Epic Skates 125mm Engage 3-Wheel Inline Speed Skates at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: JetHok Inline Skates Advantage Pro at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Large Feet: Roces Big ZYX Inline Skates at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Uneven Terrain: Powerslide Hardcore Evo Pro 90 Skates at Powerslide.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Commuting: Doop 90 at Inlinewarehouse.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Zetrablade Adult Fitness Inline Skate PHOTO: Amazon $220 at Dick's $194 at Walmart View on Rollerblade.com Why We Love It They are comfortable and well-priced for the high quality. What to Consider The straps tend to fray with heavy use. The Zetrablade Adult Fitness Inline Skate tends to be popular with “born again rollerbladers” who have experience with skate styles from the '80s and '90s. The classic silhouette and adjustable fit make this pair a great option for both beginner and more advanced rollerbladers looking for something comfortable and reliable that won’t break the bank. Plus, they come in both men’s and women’s sizes, so every skater can find their perfect fit. The breaks hold up well over time while the lightweight design allows for noteworthy control and an overall smooth skating experience. It’s also worth noting that these skates have a frame system with a lower center of gravity that helps with balance and overall comfort while skating. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that the straps wear down relatively quickly and might look prematurely frayed. The Details: Size 6-13 men’s and 6-10 women’s | 80mm wheels | 4 wheels | Aluminum Best for Beginners LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates PHOTO: Amazon $90 at Amazon Why We Love It They feature a secure and reinforced upper that provides a snug fit. What to Consider The sizing runs a bit small. Starting out with a new hobby like rollerblading can be a bit intimidating — so you’ll want to ensure you’re investing in skates that will give you the best experience without spending a whole lot of money. The Liku Black Professional Inline Skates are a great pick if you’re just starting out; they offer a secure and reinforced upper that helps ensure a snug fit from toe to ankle. This will help prevent injury while getting your sea legs and also foster a better sense of balance while skating. Keep in mind that this pair tends to run a bit small — so if you’re between sizes, you might want to consider sizing up to ensure a comfortable fit. The Details: Size 6-11 men’s and 7-12 women’s | 80mm wheels | 4 wheels | Vinyl Best for Racing K2 Skate Alexis 84 Boa PHOTO: Amazon $220 at REI View on K2skates.com Why We Love It They are crafted for speed without sacrificing control. What to Consider There’s minimal interior padding. Basic rollerblades are fine for leisure skating, but once you hit a certain comfort level on your skates, you’ll likely crave something that lets you move a little more efficiently and rapidly. That’s where something like the K2 Skate Alexis 84 Boa comes in. Seattle-based K2 has been producing rollerblades for over thirty years and understands what is required for a comfortable and efficient pair of skates. This pair in particular offers a durable aluminum frame and ILQ 7 bearings that allow you to effortlessly increase your speed without feeling like you’re letting go of control or efficiency. This pair also offers a decent amount of support and flexibility, but you might find the minimal interior padding to be less comfortable than other models. The Details: Size 4-11 | 84mm wheels | 4 wheels | Aluminum The 10 Best Bike Helmets of 2024 Best Budget Roller Derby Vtech/Cobra Inline Skates PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon $45 at Walmart View on Rollerderby.com Why We Love It They have a lightweight and comfortable design. What to Consider The plastic tongue wears down with regular use. The barrier to entry when it comes to rollerblading is pretty low — as long as you’re able to muster up the confidence to strap on your first pair of skates — and you can get a decent pair of rollerblades for a pretty fair price. The Roller Derby Vtech/Cobra Inline Skates with Adjustable Sizing are a great example of that: the classic design and lightweight material make these skates very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time while the adjustable sizing means you can find the perfect fit for your feet. The only thing we found about these skates that wasn’t great was that the tongue is made of plastic and can wear down or even crack with very heavy and regular use. The Details: Size 6-9 | 76mm wheels | 4 wheels | Polyurethane Most Stylish Papaison Adjustable Inline Skates PHOTO: Amazon $73 at Amazon Why We Love It This option has a cheeky design without sacrificing comfort. What to Consider The sizing options run small. Style is subjective — but we happen to believe nothing to be cooler than a light-up pair of rollerblades (that comes in adult sizes!) These cheeky rollerblades feature 64mm wheels that can light up for your entire ride, which doesn’t just evoke eighties roller rink vibes, but can actually function as a safety feature if you plan to rollerblade at night. This pair also offers superior comfort by way of a thickened liner designed to provide stability and prevent blisters as well as an integrated thickened shell and frame system with a lower center of gravity that will help with balance and overall control while showing off your moves. The Details: Size S-XL | 64mm wheels | 4 wheels | Thermoplastic polyurethane Best Three-wheel Epic Skates 125mm Engage 3-Wheel Inline Speed Skates PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon $139 at Walmart $200 at Dick's Why We Love It They feature a cool, jet black and gold design. What to Consider The boot could be more comfortable. We love that Epic Skates 125mm Engage 3-Wheel Inline Speed Skates offer a cool design and are incredibly durable (especially considering the price!) even with regular use. Three-wheel rollerblades aren’t going to be your best option if you’re a beginner or you’re at all worried about falling over while cruising. The three-wheel design tends to prioritize speed over stability, which can be great if you do want something that will give you a little extra oomph while on the go. The only thing to keep in mind is that this set isn’t exactly the most comfortable; you might have to wear an extra pair of thick socks in order to prevent blisters as you break them in. The Details: Size 6-13 | 125mm wheels | 3 wheels | Aluminum The 6 Best Electric Scooters of 2024 Best for Narrow Feet JetHok Inline Skates Advantage Pro PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon Why We Love It They have a comfortable and adjustable design. What to Consider The sizing options are fairly limited. If you have narrow feet, you’ll want to make sure you find a pair of rollerblades that really fit rather than just settling for something a little loose; your blades need to be snug in order to ensure you won’t hurt your ankles or lose your balance. The JetHok Inline Skates Advantage Pro are a great option for those with narrow feet. The set provides a snug fit thanks to the padded interior and also includes buckles, laces, and an adjustable strap that will allow you to tighten your skates as much as you need to feel comfortable and secure. The Details: Size 9-11.5 | 84mm wheels | 4 wheels | Polypropylene Best for Large Feet Roces Big ZYX Inline Skates PHOTO: Big Shoes View on Amazon View on Roces.com Why We Love It They include special reinforcements for more support. What to Consider While these are great for large feet, they don't come in wide sizes. If you have an above-average shoe size, you’ll want to consider strapping on a pair of Roces Big ZYX Inline Skates. The rollerblades are available up to men’s size 18 and are also reinforced with glass fiber in order to help provide additional support for those with a taller or heavier build. We also really like that this option is crafted with a breathable inner cushion that provides a snug fit without getting too hot. It boasts a memory buckle and velcro strap that also helps to ensure a comfortable fit that will help you feel stable and secure while skating. The Details: Size 16-18 | 90mm wheels | 4 wheels | Glass fiber reinforced polypropylene Best for Uneven Terrain Powerslide Hardcore Evo Pro 90 Skates PHOTO: Amazon View on Powerslide.com Why We Love It They have a lightweight and very responsive design. What to Consider It’s a bit pricey compared to other options. The Powerslide Hardcore Evo Pro 90 Skates are a rollerbladers dream skate; they’re incredibly lightweight and responsive, which makes them a pleasure to use on pretty much all terrains or extreme sporting situations. The rollerblades also feature a Japanese carbon composite shell that is heat-moldable, meaning you can achieve your exact fit (hence improving the responsive design even further). These blades are also designed with a slight 5mm heel, which helps encourage you to lean forward and lower your center of gravity for better performance and speed. The only downside is that these rollerblades are incredibly expensive compared to other options — but are well worth it if you’re looking for high-performance skates that will last on uneven terrain. The Details: Size 36-46 | 90mm wheels | 4 wheels | Aluminum The 12 Best Beach Wagons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Commuting Doop 90 PHOTO: Inline Warehouse View on Inlinewarehouse.com Why We Love It This slip-on option is great for hybrid commuting. What to Consider It’s not as streamlined as traditional options. Rollerblading to the office is a great way to sneak in a workout and get some sun before the work day starts — and the Powerslide Doop 90 are by far the best option for city dwellers. This rollerblade is super convenient and well-designed; it fits right over your existing sneaker so you don’t have to go through the trouble of getting out of your straps and into a shoe if, say, half your commute is via subway. The convenient design is just as secure and stable as your average rollerblade with elite casted aluminum frames that provide a lower center of gravity and overall comfort. The Details: Size 5-13.5 | 90mm wheels | 4 wheels | ADC10 Aluminum Best for Kids Sowume Adjustable Inline Skates PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon Why We Love It It comes in four fun colors with light-up wheels that kids are sure to love. What to Consider The tongue can be itchy. It’s just as important to find a great-fitting rollerblade for kids as it is for adults — and the Sowume Adjustable Inline Skates for Girls and Boys is a great option. This budget-friendly rollerblade is available in three different sizes, but each size can be adjusted to properly fit their growing feet. We love that this option is available in a variety of cool colorways for little ones to pick from and the flashing wheels are a total bonus both for style and as a safety precaution if they skate at dusk. Note that the tongue can be a bit itchy, but the right pair of socks will help protect the skin against any irritation. The Details: Size S-L | NA | 4 wheels | Aluminum Most Comfortable MammyGol Adult Inline Skates PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon Why We Love It They provide a very smooth overall experience. What to Consider The wheels are a bit thin. Comfort is truly key when it comes to a good rollerblading experience — you don’t want something that fits loosely or irritates your feet when you’re doing your best to balance and feel secure on your blades. That’s why we’re big fans of the MammyGol Adult Inline Skates. These skates are equipped with superior ankle support that helps mold your foot and ankle into the boot, ensuring stability and control. The adjustable fit also allows you to customize your rollerblade to fit the exact size of your foot for additional comfort. The only downside is that the wheels are a bit thin, which makes this pair a bit challenging for beginners. The Details: Size 3-12 men’s and 4.5-13.5 women’s | 76mm wheels | 4 wheels | Vinyl Tips for Buying Rollerblades Get the proper fit The best way to determine your size is to measure your foot length and compare it with the manufacturer’s size chart. “You’ll want to remember that roller blades should fit snugly, but not too tight." explains James Cunningham, a fitness coach from Total Shape. "Your toes should barely touch the front of the boot when you stand up straight, and there should be no side-to-side movement of your foot inside the boot. A poorly fitting rollerblade can lead to discomfort and even injuries, so it’s worth taking the time to get the right size.” Think about the frame materials When it comes to frame materials, Cunningham suggests looking for a balance between comfort, durability, and performance. “High-quality roller blades often have a shell made of plastic or carbon fiber for rigidity and support,” he says. “The liner should be made of breathable and comfortable material like foam or gel padding. Wheels are typically made of polyurethane, which offers a good balance between grip and durability.” Frequently Asked Questions How do I choose a pair of rollerblades? According to Cunningham, choosing the right pair of roller blades depends on your skill level and what you plan to use them for. For beginners, a pair with a high cuff and a brake is recommended for stability and safety. This is because the high cuff provides ankle support, which is crucial for beginners who are still learning to balance. On the other hand, the brake allows for safe and controlled stops.For more advanced skaters, or those planning to do tricks or aggressive skating, a lower cuff for flexibility and larger wheels for speed might be more suitable, he says. This is because the lower cuff allows for a greater range of motion, which is necessary for performing tricks. On the other hand, larger wheels allow for higher speeds, which is beneficial for aggressive skating. Is it better to have 3 or 4 wheels on rollerblades? Three-wheel setups, also known as tri-skates, typically have larger wheels and are great for speed and long-distance skating. The reason for this is that larger wheels allow for a smoother ride, especially on uneven surfaces. However, they may be a bit more difficult to control, says Cunningham, especially for beginners. Four-wheel setups, on the other hand, offer better stability and are generally easier for beginners. They may not be as fast as three-wheel setups, but they offer a more controlled and stable ride. Is it easier to rollerblade than roller skate? “Whether rollerblading is easier than roller skating can depend on the individual,” explains Cunningham. “Rollerblades, with their in-line wheels, can offer more speed and a smoother ride on uneven surfaces, making them popular for outdoor skating. However, they may require more balance and coordination compared to roller skates. Roller skates, with their wider wheelbase, can provide more stability, which may make them easier for beginners. They are also great for indoor rinks and smooth surfaces.”Ultimately, both can be enjoyable and effective forms of exercise, and the best choice depends on your personal preference and goals. “It’s always a good idea to try both and see which one you prefer,” Cunningham adds. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, writer Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as an experienced rollerblader, travel writer, and former lifestyle editor to curate the best options to suit most needs. She also interviewed James Cunningham, a fitness coach from Total Shape who advocates for using rollerblading to get additional activity into your day-to-day. The 13 Best Electric Bikes of 2024 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is the Commerce Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over nine years. learn more