For beginners or pros, there's a great selection of roller skates for indoor and outdoor use. Here are the 14 best roller skates and rollerblades to buy now.
You probably have your go-to cardio workout set in stone. Whether you're into cycling, running, swimming, jumping rope, or rowing, you've got a good handle—and plenty of options—to get your heart pumping.
But one activity you might want to consider adding to your regimen is rollerblading or roller skating. According to Harvard Medical School, for a 185-pound person, just 30 minutes of skating can burn anywhere between 461-503 calories (depending on speed). And all you need is a pair to strap on your feet and some fresh air (or roller rink access) to get going.
It’s a great mix of both cardio and strength, focusing on your lower body. Roller skating requires focus, balance, strength and coordination making it an efficient exercise on both your mind and body. Whether you’re a beginner to the extreme sport or a seasoned vet, ahead we share the best roller skates and rollerblades for your goals. We cover both inline and quad skates, so you can make an informed purchase.
This is the number one most asked question from most beginners. While the two terms are frequently used interchangeably, when speaking technically, they are very different. Rollerblades, also known as inline skates, are exactly what they sound like: a group of three to five wheels in line with one another to historically mimic the blade of an ice skate. Roller skates, on the other hand, are a set of four wheels, set in a quad or box-like figure. Roller skates are usually quicker to learn because your center of gravity is already set, making it easier to find and keep your balance. Rollerblades might take a little longer to practice with, but they definitely allow more speed and potential for jumps and tricks.
Check out the 14 best roller skates and rollerblades for beginners, pros, and everyone in between.