The 13 Best Rollerblades for Every Skill Level

Our best overall pick is Rollerblade Zetrablade Elite

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Best Rollerblades

Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Inline skating is an undeniably fun way to get around—fast and efficient with an air of 1980s nostalgia. It can also be a great form of exercise, offering heart-pumping cardiovascular benefits on par with running,¹ plus improved strength and balance.

"Rollerblading provides a serious burn for your legs, core, and shoulders," says personal trainer, Joe Vega. "Your quadriceps and glutes help generate power as you accelerate, while your hamstrings and calves assist in climbing hills and decelerating."

So, what type of skates should you get? New York skating coach Ari Bortz says to look for a supportive design. "Ample ankle support will give you the ability to fully enjoy the skating experience regardless of using it for fitness, commuting, or an urban adventure," he explains.

We conducted hours of research on the best rollerblades for every skill level, evaluating each model on design and fit, wheels, capacity for speed, and safety features. A personal trainer and skating coach offered expert recommendations that we used to compile this roundup. 

Ahead, find the best rollerblades for every skill level

Best Overall

Rollerblade Women's Zetrablade Elite Inline Skates

4.6
Rollerblade Zetrablade Elite Inline Skate

Amazon

What We Like
  • Supportive

  • Breathable

  • Low center of gravity

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Not ideal for advanced skaters

Versatile, supportive, and comfortable—there's a lot to love about Zetrablade Elites. The composite shells offer protective structure, while mesh ensures breathability and internal padding provides comfort, support, and a secure fit.

A lacing system anchors your heels, and a super-strong buckle helps prevent your ankles from twisting or spraining. The high-quality wheels are specifically designed to keep you stable at a moderate speed. What's more, these beginner-friendly rollerblades have a lower-than-average center of gravity, making it easier to balance.

Price at time of publish: $149

Shell Material: Composite | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: Beginner/intermediate | Padded: Yes

Best Budget

High Bounce Adjustable Inline Skates

High Bounce Adjustable Inline Skates

Amazon

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Adjustable

  • Lace-free design

What We Don't Like
  • Inexact sizes

  • Runs slightly small

Some of the best rollerblades are priced pretty steep, but this affordable pair holds its own in terms of quality. High Bounce Inline Skates boasts an adjustable lace-free design with buckle closure, reinforced nylon uppers, softly cushioned interiors, and smooth-rolling gel wheels. One thing to note is that they run slightly small, so we suggest sizing up.

Price at time of publish: $43

Shell Material: Reinforced nylon | Wheel Material: Polyurethane gel | Level: Beginner | Padded: Yes

Best for Beginners

Roller Derby Aerio Q-84 Women's Inline Skates

Roller Derby Aerio Q-84 Women's Inline Skates

Amazon

What We Like
  • Indoor/outdoor design

  • Memory foam padding

  • Reliable brake

What We Don't Like
  • No half sizes

If you're a rollerblading novice, Aerios might be your best bet. Perfect for practicing in indoor rinks, parks, or parking lots, these inline skates have a secure, supportive strapping system and memory foam padding for maximum comfort. The right-side brake is also reassuringly reliable, even on steep hills.

Price at time of publish: $81

Shell Material: Aluminum | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: Beginner | Padded: Yes

Best Intermediate

Powerslide Zoom Pro 80 Skates

Powerslide Zoom Pro 80 Skates

Inline Warehouse

What We Like
  • Supportive

  • Low-profile stability

  • Expert-recommended

What We Don't Like
  • Some users report the foam liners can be uncomfortable

Bortz also stands behind Powerslide Zooms. These high-end rollerblades have molded shells, plus adjustable straps with supportive buckle closures and MyFit foam liners for a custom fit. Good for intermediate-level skaters, they're designed to power you through your push-off and keep you low to the ground for better stability. And when you're ready to kick it up a notch, you can switch out the wheels for a more advanced configuration.

Price at time of publish: $230

Shell Material: Molded plastic, aluminum | Wheel Material: Glass-fiber reinforced plastic | Level: Intermediate | Padded: Yes

Best Advanced

Rollerblade Women's Macroblade 110 3WD Inline Skates

Rollerblade Women's Macroblade 110 3WD Inline Skates

Amazon

What We Like
  • High cuffs for balance

  • Supports faster speeds

  • Half sizes

What We Don't Like
  • Some users report braking can be challenging

For high-level bladers, we recommend Macroblades. These three-wheel-drive inline skates have higher cuffs to provide balance and lateral support at faster speeds. The aluminum shells offer rigid protection, while knit mesh uppers and padded liners ensure breathability and comfort.

Price at time of publish: $200

Shell Material: Aluminum | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: Advanced | Padded: Yes

Best Unisex

LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates

LIKU Black Professional Inline Skates

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Versatile

  • Secure, adjustable fit

  • Low-profile stability


What We Don't Like
  • Some users report the skate felt heavy, making it less comfortable than other models


Liku Inline Skates come in unisex sizes to accommodate all bladers at every skill level, and the all-black design is versatile, chic, and timeless. These sleek rollerblades have durable ventilated shells and a low profile to better control and balance. Laces, straps, and a safety buckle offer three layers of protection while ensuring a secure fit, and the removable lining provides padded comfort and support.

Price at time of publish: $96

Shell Material: Aluminum | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: All | Padded: Yes

Best Adjustable

FR FRW 80 Skates

FR FRW 80 Skates

Inline Warehouse

What We Like
  • Flexible braking

  • Rockerable

  • Expert-recommended

What We Don't Like
  • Beginners might have trouble braking

Adjustable designs help ensure a secure fit around your feet and ankles. Bortz is a fan of the FRW 80, which has standard laces, a velcro strap where the foot meets the ankle, and a cuff buckle around the top. These inline skates also have V-cut liners for more leaning and breaking flexibility, and they're rockerable, meaning you can raise and lower the axles to adjust the ride height.

Price at time of publish: $210

Shell Material: Molded plastic, aluminum | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: All | Padded: Yes

Best Light-Up

ITurnGlow Adjustable Inline Skate

ITurnGlow Adjustable Inline Skate
What We Like
  • Reasonably priced

  • Motion-powered

  • Adjustable


What We Don't Like
  • Inexact sizes


These inline skates come in children's and adult sizes, and we're here to say light-up footwear is certainly not just for kids. ITurnGlow rollerblades call on the power of motion to illuminate the wheels, so you never have to charge them or replace the battery.

Price at time of publish: $65

Shell Material: Reinforced aluminum | Wheel Material: Polyurethane | Level: Beginner | Padded: Yes

Best Splurge

Rollerblade RB Cruiser

Rollerblade RB Cruiser Inline Skates

Amazon

What We Like
  • Supportive

  • Shock absorbers

  • Expert-recommended

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

If you're willing to invest in higher-end skates, Bortz recommends RB Cruisers. The molded shells are supportive and durable but also ventilated to ensure breathability. These rollerblades also have plush padded liners and shock absorbers at the heels. Suitable for all skill levels, the low profile offers better balance and stability at faster speeds. Although this pick is expensive, we think its superior design that’s built-to-last and shock absorbency technology make it worth the spend.

Price at time of publish: $187

Shell Material: Molded plastic, aluminum | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: All | Padded: Yes

Best Color Selection

Impala Lightspeed Inline Skate

Impala Lightspeed Inline Skate

Amazon

What We Like
  • Statement colorways

  • Protective shells

  • Supportive

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

Who says you can't make a fashion statement while torching calories and building muscle? Impala's Lightspeed Skates provide the best of both worlds. Available in several pastel colorways and bolder hues with neon accents, they have protective rigid shells, padded interiors for comfortable ankle support, and smooth-rolling wheels. This pick runs a little bit more than others on the list; we think that the fashion-forward colorways justify the cost.

Price at time of publish: $140

Shell Material: Plastic | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: Beginner/intermediate | Padded: Yes

Best for All Skill Levels

K2 Alexis 80 Pro Inline Skates

K2 Alexis 80 Pro Inline Skates

REI

What We Like
  • Versatile

  • Absorbs shock and vibration

  • Enhanced ankle stability

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

No matter your skill level, you can't really go wrong with the Alexis 80 Pro. These versatile inline skates flaunt a protective frame with an FBI (frame base interlocking) system to absorb shock and vibration on the road while ensuring ankle stability. The brand's Softboot uppers are also incredibly comfortable, and the wheels promise a super-smooth ride. While this choice runs on the pricier side, we think the added comfort of their superior design makes it worth it—and we love that these skates work for all levels, making them a wise investment.

Price at time of publish: $150

Shell Material: Composite, polypropylene | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: All | Padded: Yes

Best for Exercise

Oxelo Oxelo Fit100 Inline Fitness Skates

Decathlon Oxelo Fit100 Inline Fitness Skates

Walmart

What We Like
  • Reasonably priced

  • Breathable

  • Half sizes

What We Don't Like
  • Limited colors

If rollerblading is more of a workout for you than a leisurely activity, go with Oxelo. The brand's Fit100 Skates feature semi-soft boots with mesh uppers to ensure breathability and keep sweaty feet as dry as possible. However, the cuff is rigid to provide ankle support, and a triple-fastening system offers a snug, secure fit. The soft rubber wheels are designed for better balance, shock absorption, and minimized vibration on the road.

Price at time of publish: $100

Shell Material: Plastic | Wheel Material: Rubber | Level: Beginner | Padded: Yes

Best Skates

Moxi Beach Bunny Roller Skates

4.7
Riedell Skates Beach Bunny Roller Skate

Courtesy by Walmart

What We Like
  • Beginner-friendly

  • Great color selection

  • Safety toe-stops

What We Don't Like
  • Braking might be challenging for some

If you're not quite ready to go inline, work your way up with a pair of roller skates. We're big fans of Moxi's Beach Bunny line, which is comfortably padded with supportive uppers, four grippy wheels, and safety toe-stops for easy braking. Reminiscent of fruity sherbet, the vibrant color selection is pretty great too.

Price at time of publish: $150

Shell Material: Aluminum, vinyl | Wheel Material: Thermoplastic | Level: Beginner | Padded: Yes

Final Verdict

Our number one pick is the Zetrablade Elite, a high-quality inline skate with a protective structure, breathable uppers, supportive cushioning, and a low profile for better balance. For bladers on a budget, we recommend High Bounce Adjustable Inline Skates. And if you're willing to spend a little more on a top-notch pair, go with the expert-approved RB Cruisers.

Meet the Expert

  • Ari Bortz is a skating coach, TikTok influencer, and urban rollerblader based in New York City. 
  • Joe Vega is a personal trainer based in New York City who specializes in fitness movement and physical rehab.

What to Look for in Rollerblades

Comfort

If you’re planning to spend a ton of time in any kind of footwear, you need to make sure it’s comfortable. If you’re a first-time skater, look for a sturdy boot cushioned with tons of padding. If you’re a more advanced skater, you might prefer something more low-profile and lightweight.

Control

It’s easier to have fun rollerblading if you feel in control as you skate, so look for a pair of rollerblades that'll meet you where you are. Beginners may crave a sturdier, heavier boot with smaller, easier-to-control wheels. Meanwhile, advanced skaters may prefer a lightweight, low-profile skate with bigger, quicker wheels. 

Style

Style may not be the top priority when it comes to finding a go-to pair of rollerblades. But finding a pair of rollerblades that you love to wear can be the difference between rollerblading a little and rollerblading a lot. And since great rollerblades abound, there’s no need to pick between practical and pretty—you can simply have both.

FAQ
  • How do you find the right size rollerblade?

    Generally, your rollerblade slide is the same as your shoe size. Some people like to size down a half size for performance. When you try on a rollerblade make sure that you have the shoelaces tied tightly and stand in a skating position with your heel backed into the shoe. It should feel snug and secure, but your toes shouldn't feel cramped. Also, take note of how it fits on your leg. You don't want the skate to cut off your circulation while you're skating.

  • Do rollerblades have a weight limit?

    Most rollerblade brands have a weight limit of around 220 pounds, although there are some that have a higher capacity. The weight capacity of a rollerblade is usually listed on the brand's website.

  • What's the difference between inline skates and rollerblades?

    There is no difference between the two. "Rollerblades" are an inline skate invented by the brand Rollerblade. Over time people used rollerblades/rollerblading instead of inline skate/inline skating to refer to the activity, thus the confusion.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in fitness and lifestyle within the commerce space. For this article, she compiled insights and product recommendations from two experts, including a skating coach and a personal trainer, then researched today's top-rated, best-selling rollerblade designs. She has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, covering exercise equipment, workout apparel, footwear, and wellness products.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261101214_Inline_Skating_for_Balance_and_Strength_Promotion_in_Children_during_Physical_Education

  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6797309/

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