Inline Speed Skates

An inline speed skate is special type of the inline skate used for the sport of speed skating on the road or track. The inline speed skate’s boot has less padding and a lower cut boot compared to other types of inline skates. The specialized boot of an inline speed skate is typically made using a combination of lightweight leather, carbon fiber, and/or fiberglass.

Inline Speed Skating Boot

There are both stock and custom inline speed skates boots that vary greatly in cost and quality. The shoe like skating boot must fit the foot well and conform closely to the foots natural shape. Many top inline speed skaters use custom boots that are created using an actual mold of the skaters feet. Most stock or semi-custom inline speed skating boots are heat-moldable.

Inline Speed Skating Frame

The frame of an inline speed skate is used to hold the wheels to the boot, and are usually made using aircraft-quality aluminum or carbon fiber. Different frames will flex to varying degrees depending on the manufacturer and the materials used. Each skater has their individual preference for the amount of flex they like when skating, and heavier skaters usually prefers a more stiff frame, while a lighter skater may prefer a more flexible frame for the added stability in the corners.

One feature all inline speed skaters desire, and that is a light-weight frame that is reliable when they skate. The lighter the frame is, the less fatigue a skaters leg will get when stepping when they skate. A shorter frame will help a speed skater navigate tight turns, and a longer frame will help in longer distance races, helping the skater mainting high speeds once maintained.

The common inline speed skate frames mounting is usuallay 195mm, which is a little larger than the typical ice mounting of 165mm. The inline speed skating frame can mount three, four, or five inline skate wheels.

Inline Speed Skate Wheels

Inline speed skate wheels are made of polyurethane, and each wheel holds two ball bearings separated by an aluminum spacer that is held in place with an axle that is screwed into the frame.

Wheels for indoor use are hardest and last longer than a more soft wheel, usually used for rougher outdoor conditions. While harder outdoor wheels can be used effectively indoors, especially when the skating surface is slick. Inline speed skaters often combine wheels with different hardness depending on skating conditions.

Types of Inline Speed Skates

Custom Inline Speed Skate Boots

Stock or Semi-Custom Inline Speed Skate Boots