The first question to ask is, "what sort of inline skating do you intend to do?". There are many different inline skating disciplines (fitness, aggressive, speed, freestyle, hockey and artistic to name but a few) and most skates have been designed to suit a certain skating discipline.
Recreational Skates
Recreational skating is skating for fun. Recreational skates usually fit like trainers; very comfortably. They have a long frame for stability and large wheels for effortless skating long distances, along paths and trails. They will also generally come with a heel-brake, which is used to heel-brake stop: a beginner stopping method. If you are unsure which skating discipline is for you, recreational skates are a good first pair of skates to buy.
Aggressive Skates
Aggressive skating is often done in skate parks and spots around the city and involves grinding rails & ledges, riding stairs and jumping over objects & off ramps. For this style of skating, you want your skates to be strong, stable and virtually indestructible. This will also make them very heavy. They will have plastic frames and sole plates that can easily be replaced. They wheels will also be solid and very hard. The weight of the boot, combined with the small wheels, make it difficult to skate quickly or for a long distance.
Speed Skates
Speed skating is the name given to racing on inline skates, whether it be on a track, road or indoor circuit. The aim of the game is to go as fast as possible, which requires large wheels and a long frame. You'll be fast and stable, but not manoeuvrable. The low cuff also requires more ankle strength in order to be able to skate effectively.
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