What Are Freeskates?

Freeskates, also referred to as freestyle skates or urban inline skates, are versatile inline skates typically used in urban settings. They are designed with more rigid support and durability compared to regular fitness skates. Consequently, they feature a boot with a high cuff and hard shell, combined with a short frame, providing skaters with optimal ankle support and maximum maneuverability for executing tight turns.

Freeskates come with lightweight yet robust aluminum frames and are available in either three-wheeled or four-wheeled configurations. Freestyle inline skates can be selected with either small or large wheels, depending on the environment you plan to skate in and your specific needs.

Before purchasing a pair of freestyle skates, be sure to consult the sizing guides, as each brand constructs their boots differently.

Choosing the Right Freeskates

As mentioned, the right pair of skates for you depends on the environment you intend to skate in and your riding style. Freeskating riding styles can be categorized into slalom skating and urban skating.

Slalom skating is a discipline typically performed on smooth surfaces with the goal of "cutting" through cones and executing rapid turns and jumps. Wheels with a diameter of 80mm - 84mm are common for slalom freeskates, as they offer quick acceleration and optimal mobility.

Urban skating is a style suited for those who want to cruise through the city and achieve high speeds. For this discipline, larger wheels ranging from 90mm - 125mm are ideal. Larger wheels provide less maneuverability but roll smoothly over various surfaces, allowing skaters to traverse small cobblestones and grass patches with ease.

Interested in learning more about freeskates? Check out our Guide to Buy Freeskates.