The 7 Best Rollerblades of 2023

Cargo pants, slip dresses, scrunchies — 90s trends are having a big resurgence. But it’s not just fashion that is throwing it back a few decades. More and more people are slipping on Rollerblades (also known as inline skates) to exercise, to get from place to place or to just have some fun.

Whereas roller skates have two sets of side by side wheels, inline skates have wheels that are in a line. This requires a bit more balance but also allows you to go faster, says Teshia Robinson, owner and general manager of RollATL. But don’t let that scare you away if you are a beginner, Robinson says people of all ages and abilities can pick up inline skating. Your skill level should factor into the type of inline skate you buy. Other factors that can influence your inline skate choice include where you’ll be skating and the type of support you’ll need. To help you shop for inline skates, we consulted skating experts on what to look for, plus got some general skating tips.

When shopping for inline skates, experts said these are the three things to pay close attention to:

Using guidance from inline skating experts, we sourced highly rated options for men and women, as well as some unisex styles from top brands like Rollerblade, K2 and more.

4.7-star average from 4,993 reviews on Amazon

This option from Rollerblade has a soft boot and high cuff, which gives you ankle support and prevents them from pronating as you skate, according to the brand. These skates have four 80mm wheels, which Robinson notes means they are closer to the ground and easier to balance on for beginners. They also have lace closures and two buckled straps to keep your foot secure as you move, says Rollerblade.

Boot type: Soft | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Plastic

4.2-star average from 409 reviews on Amazon

The soft boots of these skates are made with extra padding for ankle support and are constructed with moisture-wicking material to prevent sweaty feet, according to the brand. The frame is constructed of aluminum, which Robinson says tends to be more durable than plastic, though it is also slightly heavier. The 82mm wheels also keep you close to the ground, which helps you balance.

Boot type: Soft | Wheel size: 82mm | Frame material: Aluminum

4.6-star average from 446 reviews on Amazon

This soft boot style has what K2 calls a Speed Lacing System, which allows you to tighten and lock the laces in place with a single tug. These skates also have extra padding around the ankle for stability. K2 says that the composite plastic frames absorb vibrations from the road to provide a smoother ride.

Boot type: Soft | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Plastic

4.6-star average from 4,998 reviews on Amazon

With a push of a button, you can shorten or lengthen these skates to fit women’s shoe sizes six through nine. These skates have a hard shell with a removable, washable liner and a triple buckle closure. At 76mm, these wheels are the smallest of all the skates we feature and the brand says the small wheel size makes them a good option for beginners who are still learning to balance on skates.

Boot type: Hard | Wheel size: 76mm | Frame material: Plastic

4.2-star average from 3,808 reviews on Amazon

These hard shell boots come with holes in the toe and heel area for ventilation and a removable lining that you can take out to clean. These boots have a lace-up closure and two buckles, which the brand says keep your feet securely in place, making you feel less wobbly as you skate. The frame of these skates is aluminum, which tends to be heavier and may not be ideal for long skating sessions, says Robinson.

Boot type: Hard | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Aluminum

4.4-star average from 471 reviews on Amazon

These skates are better for advanced skaters, according to Shulgan. Larger wheels, like these, can be a bit harder to balance on, but they can also handle cracks in pavement and uneven roads if you are skating outdoors, adds Robinson. These skates don’t have breaks on the back. Instead, you’ll have to drag your wheels perpendicular to the road to stop. “This can help you stop faster than a heel break, but it will also wear your wheels out faster,” says Robinson.

Boot type: Soft | Wheel size: 110mm | Frame material: Aluminum

4.6-star average from 259 reviews on Amazon

These skates are made for a style of skating called slalom, which involves good maneuverability and performing tricks around a line of equally spaced cones. However, the brand notes that the hard shell and aluminum frame makes them a durable option for any outdoor skating. These skates do not have a heel break, so you will have to drag the wheels to stop when wearing them.

Boot type: Hard | Wheel size: 80mm | Frame material: Aluminum

Just as important as finding the right inline skates for your needs is arming yourself with information that will help you stay safe when you skate. The experts we talked to say these are the top safety tips beginner skaters should know:

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two experts to gather their guidance on what to look for when shopping for inline skates.

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Bethany Heitman has spent over fifteen years creating engaging content. She is the former editor-in-chief of People StyleWatch and has held senior leadership positions at Cosmopolitan, Health, and Seventeen.