The best rollerblades in the UK 2023

Rollerblades or roller skates are excellent recreational tools. They can be used on sidewalks, in parks, on indoor rinks or in skate parks. For sports enthusiasts, rollerblades are much less damaging to the knees than running. And you can skate with others. Read our guide to find the right rollerblades for you.

Roces Majestic M12 UFS 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Roces Majestic M12 UFS

The best rollerball in 2021

These skates are strong and very fast, perfect for sports. They allow you to perform complicated tricks, such as triple jumps and various spins.

94,72 £ on Amazon

The Roces Majestic M12 UFS is a skate specially designed for adults. They are among the best aggressive skates on the market. Light, stable and with a super stylish look, the M12 are particularly appreciated by the pros. You can adjust them, especially by tightening them a bit if you have wide feet, in which case the size above might fit you better. For security, they have a safe and secure closure system thanks to the comfortable aluminum memory buckle and aggressive Roces lacing, resulting in safe and solid stability when skating in the skatepark.

These skateboards feature 58mm/88A wheels (including 2 special figure center wheels made with 97% recycled PVC), ABEC 5 bearings, Roces stock UFS mounting frames and the famous Roces memory buckle for a consistent seal. The interior of the boots is very comfortable thanks to the anatomical and removable Slo-Memory Foam Roces "Street" lining, padded with recycled polyurethane.

Apollo Super Blades X Pro 2
8/10

Best cheapest

Apollo Super Blades X Pro

The best entry-level rollerball

Comfortable and adjustable, these skates are designed for beginners. They come in several sizes (S/M/L). The little extra for children is that they light up in several colors when you roll.

55,96 £ on Amazon

The Apollo Super Blades X Pro are as comfortable as they are stylish. These soft boot skates are suitable for beginners of all ages and for low intensity practices. You can adjust the soft boots, which feature PP shockproof cuffs for maximum stability. The pair provides comfort and a secure feel with the grid closure, cam lever buckle, hook-and-loop strap closure, and laces. So support is assured.

Apollo Super Blades X Pro skates come in sizes 31 to 43. And the kids' models can easily be adjusted to 4 sizes with the push of a button, so these skates will last them longer. They also have a modern and cool design that will appeal to kids and adults alike. As for the wheels, they are equipped with LED wheels with ABEC 14 ball bearing system with dimensions of 70mm/82A.

Rollerblade Macroblade 80 3
9/10

Best high end

Rollerblade Macroblade 80

The best high-end rollerball

Very comfortable, solid and of good quality, the Rollerblade Macroblade 80 are designed for men. They will be perfect for the occasional skater, but also for the seasoned skater.

126 £ on Amazon
Roces Kolossal Roller Skates 4
9/10

Quad Rollers

Roces Kolossal Roller Skates

A very interesting quad rollerball

Here you have quad rollerblades that combine comfort, design and performance. Light, stable, easy to use, they will suit beginners as well as experienced skaters.

55,96 £ on Amazon

With their sturdy construction, the Kolossal Roller Skates from Roces are stylish and high performing. Featuring a quad alignment, they are suitable for street use (for your walks, for sports, for fitness sessions, for training, etc.). The anatomical footbed and ECOleather and mesh upper with tubular laces ensure a perfect fit for any foot. The sole, frame, wheels and toe box are durable enough for regular heavy use.

The boots of these purist rollerblades have a PVC sole for optimal power transmission, the frame is made of torsion-resistant polypropylene, while the aluminum axles ensure a clean and balanced straight run. Finally, they have 58 x 32 mm Casted PU wheels with a pleasant 80A hardness and ABEC 7 bearings. The Kolossal skates have an easily adjustable lace closure system.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best rollerblades

Any specific needs?

The best rollerball in 2021

The best entry-level rollerball

The best high-end rollerball

A very interesting quad rollerball

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best rollerblades

THE BEST CHEAP HIGH END QUAD ROLLERS
Roces Majestic M12 UFS 5
9/10
Apollo Super Blades X Pro 6
8/10
Rollerblade Macroblade 80 7
9/10
Roces Kolossal Roller Skates 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Roces Majestic M12 UFS
Apollo Super Blades X Pro
Rollerblade Macroblade 80
Roces Kolossal Roller Skates
These skates are strong and very fast, perfect for sports. They allow you to perform complicated tricks, such as triple jumps and various spins.
Comfortable and adjustable, these skates are designed for beginners. They come in several sizes (S/M/L). The little extra for children is that they light up in several colors when you roll.
Very comfortable, solid and of good quality, the Rollerblade Macroblade 80 are designed for men. They will be perfect for the occasional skater, but also for the seasoned skater.
Here you have quad rollerblades that combine comfort, design and performance. Light, stable, easy to use, they will suit beginners as well as experienced skaters.
Wheel material
97% recycled PVC and 3% black masterbatch, aluminum washers
Polyurethane (PU Ø 70 mm)
Aluminum
Polyurethane
Wheel hardness
88A
82A
80A
80A
Lock type
comfortable memory aluminum buckle, aggressive Roces lacing
grid, cam lever loop, buckle closure strap, hooks, laces
Buckle and strap
Laces
Material
Recycled polyurethane and aluminum
PU, mesh, PP high Impact
Synthetic-textile-aluminum
ECOleather and mesh
Color
Black
Red and black
Yellow and black
Black

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Buying guide - rollerblades

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How to choose your rollerblades

Before buying your pair of rollerblades, take the time to consider the following criteria:

#1 - The frame

The frame is the part of the skate that holds the wheels. Frames play a key role in generating power and forward momentum, as they are the median between your shoe and the wheels.

  • Plastic frames are inexpensive, but they are also heavy and not very durable. They can flex somewhat, which reduces the efficiency of energy transfer. As a result, these are common in beginner rollerblades.
  • Aluminum frames are much stronger and lighter and are usually found in mid-range rollerblades. Aluminum is fairly durable and will not flex as much as plastic.
  • Carbon frames are the lightest and most durable option, making them the best and most expensive type of frame available

#2 - The linings

Most rollerblades come with built-in liners for added comfort and support. In some cases, you may want to purchase an additional liner to make the overall fit softer. A good liner can be crucial to having more comfort when you need to cover longer distances.

#3 - The locking system

Finding the right fit is essential to rollerblading comfortably, and lacing mechanisms are imperative in determining the fit of the boot. A proper lacing system should hold your foot securely in the boot and should also mold the boot to the shape of your leg to prevent any slack, meaning unnecessary space between your leg and the boot at the risk of creating friction that could injure you in the long run.

There are a handful of closure systems to choose from, and most work in conjunction with one another:

  • Lacing is the classic choice, allowing for easy adjustment to suit your preferences.
  • Ratchet buckles are quick and convenient and are usually paired with laces.
  • Hook-and-loop, or Velcro, straps are simple and easy to adjust. They work well, even when wet. These are usually combined with ratchet buckles or lacing.

#4 - The braking system

Not all rollerblades include brakes. But when they do ship them, they are usually located on the back of the right roller and can easily be switched to the left roller if necessary. Brake pads tend to wear out pretty quickly, so it's a good idea to buy rollerblades that come with replacement pads.

#5 - The design

Perhaps every part of a pair of rollerblades is customizable, allowing for infinite self-expression in your rollerblade design. But to get the best results, choose rollerblades that already match what you're looking for. Rollerblades come in all sorts of different patterns and colors, so finding a rollerblade look you love shouldn't be too difficult.

What you need to know about your rollerblade wheels

Size:

Rollerblade wheels range from 2.2 inches to 5 inches. Larger wheels tend to be faster and smoother, while smaller wheels allow you to accelerate, decelerate and change direction quickly. As a result, different wheel sizes correspond to different types of rollerblades.

  • Aggressive rollerblades use wheels from 2.2 inches to 2.3 inches and are used for tricks and jumps.
  • Recreational rollerblades use wheels from 2.7 inches to 3.5 inches, which allows for easy stopping, making these small wheels a good choice for beginners. Field hockey rollerblades generally fall into this range.
  • Fitness rollerblades use wheels from 3.1 inches to 3.9 inches and are primarily used for cardio and short to long distance travel.
  • Speed rollerblades use wheels of about 4.3 inches to 4.9 inches to cover long distances smoothly and quickly. Speed rollerblades usually have five wheels rather than the standard four.

Hardness:

Wheel hardness can affect a roller's grip, ability to absorb shock and durability. A durometer rating scale goes from 0 to 100, but 68A is generally the softest option you'll encounter. Harder wheels are better suited for smooth surfaces like indoor tracks, while softer wheels are generally needed for rough surfaces to absorb shock.

  • Aggressive rollerblades use 88A and higher wheels.
  • Recreational and fitness rollerblades use wheels rated 78A and above. The wheels on the lower end are softer and will allow for better shock absorption, making them a good option for beginning skaters.
  • Speed rollerblades use wheels around 85A and higher, as they are typically used on smooth indoor surfaces.

Shape:

  • Inline skate wheels range in profile from flat to round and narrow.
  • Flat wheels offer more stability and are preferred by aggressive skaters for their ability to stick landings.
  • Moderately flat wheels are more oval in shape and are common in recreational rollerblades for their wider surface area.
  • Round wheels offer a more consistent amount of contact regardless of angle. Although these create less resistance and therefore more speed, they do not have the grip of flatter wheels.

The different types of rollerblades

On the market, there are 2 main families of rollerblades: those with soft boots and those with hard boots.

Soft-booted rollerblades

Soft-booted rollerblades are better ventilated and more flexible. This makes them the most comfortable option available on the market. Almost as comfortable to wear as a pair of sneakers. They usually work great with laces, which will give you a compressed fit.

These skates are lighter and therefore better for covering longer distances. Unfortunately, lighter also makes balance more difficult. These skates also offer less support on the ankles. This will not protect you from sprains and dislocations in the event of a fall.

Hard-booted rollerblades

Rigid boot rollerblades primarily use plastic or carbon fiber to create a rigid boot that is more responsive than a soft boot. The increased weight lowers your center of gravity and increases overall stability. In addition, they help you stand straighter by providing more support on the ankles.

Hard-booted rollerblades are also the most durable choice, not to mention that they will protect your feet from hard surfaces. However, this type of skate requires more effort on the part of the user, and while they are more stable and protective, they also offer less comfort due to the hardness of the boot.

Rollerblades or skateboard?

Rollers

Rollerblades are made of wheels mounted on boots. You have to put them on, secure them to your feet to avoid injury and then roll. So it's harder to balance on rollerblades than on a skateboard. However, when it comes to dealing with obstacles or moving in multiple directions, rollerblades will give you more leeway than a skateboard. And emergency braking is not known for its effectiveness.

Skateboard

The skateboard is composed of a board mounted on wheels. To balance on a skateboard, you must place one foot on the board and the other on the ground. Bend your knees slightly for stability. Then propel yourself forward until you get a continuous motion. You need to make sure your speed is manageable. Otherwise, you could fall and injure yourself. The skateboard can also respond more quickly if you need to brake in an emergency.

Verdict

Skateboard or rollerblades, the choice is yours. However, if you are more into extreme sports and you like to perform spectacular (and dangerous) tricks, a skateboard will suit you better. On the other hand, if you prefer quiet walks and if you like to practice a sport with your family or friends, rollerblades will be a more interesting alternative for you.

Why learn to skate?

Are you looking for a fun hobby or a new activity you can do in your spare time? Why not take up rollerblading? Millions of people skate in their free time every year, and for good reason!

Check out a few reasons why rollerblading is a great hobby:

  • It builds muscle definition: looking for a fun way to lose weight and build muscle at the same time? Rollerblading is the answer! After skating regularly, you'll notice a difference in your muscle definition and weight loss in areas like your stomach, thighs and legs.
  • It will help you lose weight in a gentle way: it is one of the best ways to lose weight without seriously damaging your joints. And for best results, you can even combine rollerblading with other types of exercise: jumping rope, hiking with friends, swimming, etc.
  • It will help you improve your balance: especially by teaching your brain to handle complex movements.
  • It will boost your emotional health: when you exercise, you release feel-good hormones called endorphins. Endorphins will actually help you feel more relaxed and happy. So when you take up this sport to improve your physical health and stamina, you are also taking care of your emotional health!
  • It's a great way to socialize: do you have activities where you can interact with people other than school or work? Strengthening a child's social skills or improving your own is an important part of life. When you rollerblade, you'll meet other like-minded people with whom you have something in common: fun!

The best brands of rollerblades

In our opinion, the best brands of rollerblades in 2022 are :

Rollerblade
Raven
Hudora
Roces
Fila

This brand belongs to the Nordica company, a subsidiary of the Tecnica Group of Giavera del Montello, based in Treviso, Italy. The rollerblades of this brand are known to be comfortable: they offer high quality with a design that is suitable for the young generation, but also for adults.

This brand has been around since 2005. It is a young brand in the field of rollerblades, that's why it offers products that meet the demand of young generations. The quality of its products is very good and their performances really meet the expectations of consumers.

This German brand Hudora is already known in 30 countries on 5 continents. It has forged its fame thanks to its high quality and reliable products. The specialty of this brand is focused on scooters, roller skates, skateboards and many more.

This Italian brand has been around since 1952. Since the early 1970s, Roces has been known for its production of ski boots and ice skates. It was also the first to guess the real potential of inline skating. This brand offers products for both youth and adults.

Fila Skates is a brand that is based on the concept of high performance products. This brand is aimed at professional and non-professional consumers looking for high quality rollerblades. The skates produced by this brand are perceived as very technical, not really reserved for beginners.

What is the price rollerblades

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
40 £ to 80 £
Mid-range
80 £ to 120 £
High-end
more than 120 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Clean the wheels on your rollerblades

The wheels are what make your rollerblades work properly. If they start to get noisy or a little slow, you need to take them apart, clean off the dirt with a cleaning solvent, and lubricate them before putting them back on your skates.

Swap the brake location if necessary

Most rollerblades have a brake on the right foot. You need to figure out what is most comfortable for you and possibly switch the brake to the other foot, if necessary.

Swivel your wheels

Wheels will wear out over time, even expensive models. To combat this, you need to rotate your wheels when they start to wear out. There are a few common rotation patterns, but the most important thing is that the worn edge faces outward, as the greatest abrasion occurs on the inside of the wheels.

When choosing your skates, choose small ones

When choosing the size of your rollerblades, the smaller the better. A roller that fits your foot will provide the most control while preventing blisters and overall discomfort.

Protect yourself!

Always wear a helmet when skating outdoors to protect your head. Also, don't forget to wear knee and elbow pads.

FAQ

Can I install larger or smaller wheels on my rollerblades?

Installing larger wheels is rarely possible, but by using new spacers, smaller wheels can usually be installed. However, for your own safety, for the integrity of your rollerblades, and for their durability, it is best to stick to the intended wheel size.

What are the differences between men's and women's rollerblades?

Generally speaking, rollerblades are designed to be unisex: all rollerblades, whether for men or women, are designed to perform and to provide the best possible fit and support. However, because men's feet are on average wider and their calves start higher at the ankle, rollerblades for them are designed with this in mind.

Are inline skates easier to learn than four-wheel skates?

Because inline skates have a longer surface from heel to toe, they are generally more stable. However, some people are more comfortable with the smaller, wider footprint of four-wheel skates. In any case, to make sure you find the right rollerblades for you, rely on our selection criteria.

Do rollerblades require any maintenance?

For safety and to make your rollerblades last a long time, it's important to keep them clean. Wipe any dirt and grit off the rollerblades with a damp cloth. Use a small brush to access hard-to-reach areas. Inspect your rollerblades regularly for damage, especially laces and buckles. Pay special attention to the wheels and brake pads to make sure they are not loose, damaged or worn.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Buying guide for fitness rollerblades, skatepro.com
  2. How do I choose inline skates?, skatefresh.com
  3. How to Choose the Correct Size and Type of Inline Skates?, insportline.eu
  4. Buying Guide for Inline Skates, inlineskates.com
  5. Beginners : how to choose your rollerblades, asgum.info
  6. The choice of rollerblades is made according to 2 criteria : the type of practice and the level of practice, decathlon.fr
  7. Buying guide for fitness rollerblades, skatepro.fr
  8. How to choose your good pair of rollerblades?, hotmer.com
  9. Rollers : how to make the right choice ?, radins.com
  10. Rollers : choose your rollerblades according to the practice you want !, nomadeshop.com
  11. Roller | Rollerblading store | Decathlon, decathlon.fr
  12. Rollers - buy cheap - GO Sport, go-sport.com
  13. Rollers : discover more than 120 models at the best price, nomadeshop.com
  14. Rollers : Children, women and men| INTERSPORT, intersport.fr
  15. Rollers for women, rollerblading for men | Rollers for adults, decathlon.fr
  16. Welcome to the French rollerblading specialist - LD Shop, ligne-droite-roller.com
  17. French Federation of Roller & Skateboard Home ..., ffroller.fr
  18. Rollers - Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org
  19. Welcome to Rollers | Rollers, rollersrennes.fr
  20. Rollers Men - Find your men's rollerblades online, skatepro.fr
  21. Rollers - Skateboard, Roller, Scooter - Black Week ..., cdiscount.com
  22. Rollers - Espace Pro Shop, espaceproshop.com
  23. Rollerscop's Pluvigner - Artistic Roller Association ...., rollerscops-pluvigner.fr
  24. Rollers - Decathlon, decathlon.ma
  25. Rollers, roller skates, quad kids and adults, Rookie ..., easyriser.shop
  26. rollerenligne.com - The magazine of roller information, rollerenligne.com
  27. Scooters, skates, rollerblades: all the equipment and ..., intersport.fr
  28. Buy rollerblades? The best brands! | Plutosport, plutosport.fr
  29. How to choose your rollerblades or roller skates in ..., rollerenligne.com
  30. Rollers in line with 3 and 4 wheels | Decathlon, decathlon.be
  31. Rollers | mini-golf bar Geneva, rollersgolf.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Roces Majestic M12 UFS 9
Roces Majestic M12 UFS
Apollo Super Blades X Pro 10
Apollo Super Blades X Pro
Rollerblade Macroblade 80 11
Rollerblade Macroblade 80
Roces Kolossal Roller Skates 12
Roces Kolossal Roller Skates

Lecteurs

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