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In-line Skates Buyers Guide - Find the Best Skates for Your Needs

Inline skates are the closest thing to wings that we have as humans. The feeling of flying on wheels is what got all of us hooked in the first place. That’s the sensation we want to share with you, and we hope this guide helps you find the right equipment to experience it fully—no matter your budget.

By inline skates - sometimes called urban skates, freeride skates, freestyle skates, or rollerblades, we mean skates for general use. There’s a lot of confusing terminology, but if you want skates for commuting, cruising, or general skating, this guide is for you.

Inline skates typically feature a plastic outer shell with a removable lining, four 80 mm wheels per skate, and a 243 mm frame length (the measurement from the middle of the front wheel to the middle of the back wheel). Most inline skates are unisex, but some brands market specific colour ways as men’s or women’s (usually offering smaller sizes in women’s versions and larger sizes in men’s versions).

TL;DR – Best Inline Skates Recommendations

Best Inline Skates for General Use – FR Skates Neo One

More money does buy a better skate, but we recognise that not everyone is ready to invest over £500 right away. With that in mind, the best general-use inline skate is the FR Skates Neo One Intuition Skates.

The outer plastic shell is dual density, meaning the lower part is firm for support, while the dorsum (top and sides of the foot) is softer for comfort. FR included premium Intuition liners (a high-end ski liner brand) for extra comfort and support. These skates also feature a low-riding design, keeping you closer to the ground for better control. Plus, let’s be honest, they look incredible!




Best Carbon Fiber Inline Skates – Wizard NR Base

The Wizard NR Base Skates represent the pinnacle of inline skating. The brand itself markets these skates as "for general purpose." While they come at a higher price, there are four major reasons why they’re worth considering:

  1. Perfect Fit: Available in 12 individual sizes, ensuring better comfort and performance than most skates, which offer fewer size options.
  2. Premium Intuition Liners: These liners alone cost £200 and provide the thinnest, most precise fit for maximum control.
  3. Proportional Frame Sizing: Unlike most skates that use one frame length across multiple sizes, Wizard NR Base adjusts frame length and wheel size specifically to your foot size, ensuring the best skating experience.
  4. Natural Rocker Frame: This design introduces a subtle pivot point on the third wheel, balancing manoeuvrability with stability—giving you an incredibly fluid ride.

If these points spark your interest, but you need more details, reach out! We’re always happy to start that conversation. Think of it like the iPhone. Apple didn't worry about the costs - they focused on making best phone possible that does everything you need it do,  and to a very high quality. 




Best Inline Skates for Beginners – Powerslide Zoom 80

For those just starting, we recommend the Powerslide Zoom 80 Skates. These are built for ease of use:

  • Riveted parts keep costs low while ensuring durability.
  • 80 mm wheels provide a stable ride without excessive speed.
  • Dual-fit liners make sizing easier, adapting slightly to your foot shape.
  • Low-riding frame keeps you closer to the ground for better balance.

We personally keep a pair of these in our cars—they're that easy to use straight out of the box!




Best Inline Skates Under £200 – FR Skates FRX 80

Our top pick for the best budget inline skates is the FR Skates FRX 80 Skates. These are our best-selling unisex skates, perfect for beginners and returning skaters alike.

  • Comfortable padded liners and a cushioned EVA footbed ensure a smooth ride.
  • Rockerable axles allow you to raise the front and back wheels 2 mm, making them perfect for slalom and technical skating.
  • Built for versatility, whether for city skating, long rides, or tricks.

With outstanding quality at a competitive price, these skates are a go-to recommendation.




Best Mid-Priced Inline Skates – Rollerblade Twister XT

The Rollerblade Twister XT Skate is an excellent mid-range unisex skate with top-tier features.

  • Strong build quality with metal plates embedded in the base for extra responsiveness.
  • Lightweight, comfortable, and efficient design that won’t interfere with your skating experience.
  • Comes in both "men's" and "women's" versions, but they’re identical aside from colour and size availability.






Best Inline Skates for Wide Feet

Wide feet can be problematic, but it’s not always as big an issue as certain users on blogs like to point out. All skates need to touch the side of your feet (so you're not moving around inside) and most boots will accomodate average to wide sized feet.

Nevertheless, if you use barefoot shoes, or you have a bunion, or you do happen to have exceptionally wide feet, there are some narrow fitting skates to stay clear of (tip: use our wide and narrow filters on skate collection pages).

If you're in this category, the best skates for wide feet are the Powerslide Next 80 Skates, which have a wide boot opening and come with long buckles to fasten around wider legs and calve muscles. The liners are heat mouldable which provides additional flexibility.



Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Choose the Best Inline Skates?

  1. Determine your budget.
  2. Decide on your intended use—commuting, fitness, or technical skating.
  3. Look at the skates recommended above as a starting point.

What Size Inline Skates Should I Buy?

  • Don’t size up unnecessarily—skates should fit snugly without crushing your foot.
  • Check the Fit Guide on our product pages for specific recommendations.

How Do I Maintain My Inline Skates?

  • Check screws and bolts regularly—they can loosen from vibrations over time.
  • If you skate in wet conditions, dry the bearings and add lubricant to extend their life.
  • Rotate your wheels occasionally to ensure even wear.

What Protective Gear Do I Need for Inline Skating?

We recommend a helmet, wrist guards, elbow, and knee pads, especially for beginners. A three-piece pad set is a cost-effective way to get started.

How Do I Stop on Inline Skates?

Some skates include brakes, while others don’t. Check out our How to Stop on Inline Skates guide for a full breakdown of stopping techniques.


Final Thoughts

Inline skating is an exciting adventure—there’s no other feeling quite like it. This guide should help skaters of all skill levels choose the right equipment, whether for commuting, general use, or advanced skating.

  • For general use, the FR Skates Neo One Intuition stands out for comfort and handling.
  • For a high-end experience, the Wizard NR Base is unbeatable.
  • Beginners will appreciate the Powerslide Zoom 80, while budget-conscious skaters will love the FR Skates FRX 80.
  • For a well-balanced mid-range choice, go for the Rollerblade Twister XT.

Our recommendations come from 30+ years of experience in skating. We assess products based on real-world performance, ensuring you get the best advice for your budget.

Still have questions? Check out our Inline Skates & Rollerblade Collection or email us at hello@locoskates.com for expert advice!