Inline skates, also commonly referred to as rollerblades, are a special category of roller skate. The name ‘inline skates’ comes from the fact that the wheels are arranged in a single line. Inline skates can be used for a range of activities, from speed skating and roller derby, to skating for fitness and pure enjoyment.
We reviewed dozens of inline skates for women, to identify the best of the best. We considered features such as wheel and bearing types, closure systems, and liner types. We also looked at the intended use for each skate and whether or not they came with brakes, as well as the type of frame.
For our Top Pick, we selected the Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Women’s Adult Inline Skate. These skates are perfect for both beginners as well as more advanced skaters looking for great value for their money. The integrated frame helps to provide durability, as well as stability and comfort.
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The 5 Top-Rated Inline Skates and Roller Blades for Women
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Pawstruck Natural Cow Hooves for Dogs | 4.1 |
| Runner Up | Top Dog Chews Hooves | 3.6 |
| Best Budget Buy | HDP Large Hooves Naturals | 3.9 |
| Best Stuffed Hooves | 123 Treats Filled Cow Hooves | 4.1 |
| Best Bulk Hooves | Jones Natural 60ct Hooves Bulk |
3.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Women’s Adult Inline Skate
After reviewing all the inline skates for women, we selected the Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Women’s Adult Inline Skate as our Top Pick. This skate comes packed full of features to help you get the most out of your skates, combined with a budget conscious price which is perfect for the entry-level skater. The boot section of this skate provides excellent support and stability, thanks to the integrated frame. This provides a low center of gravity, which allows you to feel more confident on the skates, sooner.
The wheels and bearings have been specifically designed to allow medium-speed rolling, without too much effort. This makes these skates perfect for fitness, roller derby, and any other inline sport you wish to try for the first time. These skates come with a brake on the right boot, which can be switched over to the left boot, if you prefer.
Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Women’s Adult Inline Skate Key Features:
- Reliable and secure 3-step closure system
- Cushioned liner provides comfortable padding around the ankle
- Suitable for beginners
Our Runner Up Pick: Rollerblade Zetrablade Women’s Adult Fitness Inline Skate
Our Runner Up is the Rollerblade Zetrablade Women’s Adult Fitness Inline Skate. These skates use a combination of 80 mm/82A wheels as well as SG5 bearings, which are perfect for learning how to inline skate. This blend provides both speed and control, allowing you to enjoy a smooth and easy skating experience.
The high cuff located at the top of these skates is designed to provide added support, making the learning process easier. This is combined with a durable frame which is integrated with the shell to give a lower center of gravity, which helps to improve your balance, stability, and control.
Rollerblade Zetrablade Women’s Adult Fitness Inline Skate Key Features:
- Suitable for beginners to intermediate skaters
- Comfortable liner
- Supportive frame
Best Budget Pick: Roller Derby Women’s V-Tech 500 Button Adjustable Inline Skate
Offering a combination of value for money and excellent features, our Budget Pick is the Roller Derby V-Tech 500 Button Adjustable Inline Skate. If you’re looking for a custom fit, or for inline skates for a teenager with growing feet, these are a great choice. Using an easy-to-adjust system, the size of these inline skates can be changed from a size 7 through size 10.
The triple buckle closure makes these skates quick and easy to put on–great if you want to stop off somewhere while skating. The lightweight design also means they’re easy to carry, using the integrated carrying loop. The combination of 76 mm speed wheels and Silver-5 speed rated carbon bearings make these skates suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor sports.
Roller Derby V-Tech 500 Button Adjustable Inline Skate Key Features:
- Available in 3 colors
- Push-button size adjustment
- Padded liner for comfort
Best Speed Inline Skates for Women: VNLA X1 Adjustable Inline Skates for Women
If you’re looking for the top-performing speed inline skates for women, then the VNLA X1 Adjustable Inline Skates for Women is our suggestion. The custom fit of these skates is achieved thanks to their leather boot and carbon fiber heel. The boot can be heat molded (full instructions provided) for an even closer fit if desired.
These skates have a lower profile than recreational skates, but still use a 3-step closure system with laces, adjustable ratchet buckles, and Velcro cinch straps. The combination of 100 mm 85A hardness wheels and Vanilla Reaction ABEC 9 bearings mean you can safely attain fast speeds when skating both indoors and out.
VNLA X1 Adjustable Inline Skates for Women Key Features:
- Ultra lightweight
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Professional racing wheels
Best Fitness Inline Skates for Women: Roller Derby AERIO Q-60 Women’s Inline Skates
For the best inline skates for fitness, we selected the Roller Derby AERIO Q-60. These inline skates use a soft boot design, with comfort memory foam padding around the ankle and a 3-step closure system for ultimate security.
The 80 mm Elite Speed wheels are combined with Bevo Gold 7 race rated bearings. This provides both high speed, and a smooth ride. The aluminium Tri-coil frame is designed to provide strength without excessive weight, and the ventilation means you can use these in the height of summer and your feet will still stay cool.
Roller Derby AERIO Q-60 Key Features:
- Ventilated boot
- Suitable for a range of fitness activities
- Hybrid soft boot for comfort
Who Should Buy Inline Skates for Women
Inline skates for women are suitable for a wide range of activities. Skating offers a great, low-impact alternative to running, and can be done almost anywhere. If the weather is bad, you can head to an indoor roller rink instead.
Skating is an excellent and healthy activity that can also be enjoyed by the whole family. Benefits include improved balance and endurance, as well as coordination and core strength.
Important Features to Consider
Women’s inline skates should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best inline skates for your needs:
- Type of inline skate. Depending on what your intended use for your inline skate will be, it’s a good idea to select a skate designed for that specific purpose. Recreational skates provide a good selection of entry-level skates with excellent fit and feel. Fitness skates can offer features which allow you to skate faster, for longer. Speed skates will often have more advanced features, such as carbon fiber frames, and no braking systems.
- Women-specific features. While it may be tempting to select a skate designed for men, it’s better to choose one with specific features for women. Women’s skates usually have a more narrow fit, as well as a lower cuff around the calf.
- Braking system. The majority of recreational inline skates will come with a brake on the rear of the right skate. By using your left foot to press down on the brake, you can slow yourself down. Many brakes can be switched onto the left boot, if you prefer. Speed skates often come without brakes.
- Cuff design. The cuff around the calf and ankle of an inline skate boot is used to provide additional support and comfort. Many recreational skates come with a plastic cuff. Higher end models tend to use a smaller carbon fiber cuff, which offers a greater level of response and a more precise feel.
- Closure system. It’s vital to make sure your skates are securely attached, and the closure systems on modern skates provide a variety of methods to ensure they are secure. Many inline skates use a 3-step closure system using laces, Velcro, and a ratchet buckle at the top of the cuff. You may have a preference for a boot that uses just ratchet buckles for speed, or you might prefer the security of a 3-step system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are inline skates and how do they work?
Inline skates are specialized boots, with wheels on the underside. The wheels are arranged in a line, or ‘blade’, similar to an ice skate. By pushing each skate against the floor, you can accelerate and ‘glide’ along a flat surface. The wheels use bearings to help reduce friction, which means you can skate smoothly and quickly before having to accelerate again
Is there a difference between rollerblades and inline skates?
The only difference is the name. Rollerblade is a brand of inline skates. When first launched, they were the only brand of inline skates with worldwide distribution. This means they became very well known and as a result, many people now refer to any type of inline skate as a ‘rollerblade’, no matter the brand.
Are inline skates easier than quads?
Quads, or roller skates, have 4 wheels arranged in a square, while inline skates have 3 – 4 wheels in a line. Whether or not you find one easier than the other really depends on your individual preferences. What you find easier may not be the same for someone else.
Some people prefer to start with quads as they give better stability for beginners who struggle with side-to-side stability. This is thanks to the wheel arrangement. As you improve though, you may find them to be slower and harder to maneuver than inline skates.
Inline skates can help with finding your point of balance between front and back, as the wheels extend further beyond the boot’s toe and heel. They’re also easier to steer once you start moving faster.
Can you use inline skates outside?
You absolutely can! Many people love to skate outside for fitness, using sidewalks and travelling over long distances on their skates. In some areas, organized events allow you to skate on streets or roads as part of a group. You may also see people using their inline skates at outdoor skate parks.
Some inline skates are specifically designed for outdoor use, so bear that in mind when making your selection.
Other Inline Skates for Women We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other inline skates for women. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best inline skates for women, they’re the “best of the rest” and each can still be considered a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Speed Inline Skates for Women
- Fitness Inline Skates for Women
- Inline Skates for Kids
- Urban Inline Skates for Women
Speed Inline Skates for Women
Epic Skates Engage 3-Wheel Inline Speed Skates
These inline speed skates feature a hard shell upper, combined with high ankle support, and a comfortable liner.
Key Features:
- 3-step closure system
- 7 speed bearings and 125 mm wheels
- Gold polished, aluminium frame
Cost: $182
These aggressive skates are designed to help you reach optimum speeds on the track.
Key Features:
- Available in 2 colors: black and red
- 4 large gauge wheels
- 3-step closure system
Cost: $250
HONGAO Carbon Fiber Professional Speed Inline Skates
These speed inline skates are designed for track racing, with premium features and performance.
Key Features:
- Ideal for racing
- 2-step closure system
- Low profile ankle
Cost: $178
Rollerblade RB 110 3WD Inline Skate
This choice by Rollerblade provides a versatile and durable entry-level speed skate.
Key Features:
- 3-step closure system
- Extruded aluminium frame
- Supportive, vented design
Cost: $250
VLNA Carbon Speed Women’s Inline Skates
These speed inline skates come with either 3 or 4 wheels, depending on the size.
Key Features:
- Available in 3 colors: black, blue, and green
- 3-step closure system
- Fiberglass and carbon fiber boot, with aluminium frame
Fitness Inline Skates for Women
5th Element Stella Plus Women’s Inline Skates
These inline skates are designed to provide a combination of speed, comfort, and performance.
Key Features:
- All-aluminium frame
- Soft-shell style boot for comfort
- 84 mm wheels, and ABEC 9 bearings
Cost: $85
Roces Women’s Model Icon Fitness Skate
This inline stake has women specific sizing, and is designed for fitness activities.
Key Features:
- Anatomical footbed
- No brakes
- 3-step closure system
Cost: $100
Rollerblade Macroblade 84 ABT Women’s Fitness Inline Skate
This premium boot is designed to provide comfort and confidence, thanks to its height adjustable brake and high level of support.
Key Features:
- Aluminium frame
- Performance 84 mm/84A wheels
- Combines flexibility with lateral support
Cost: $165
Rollerblade Twister Edge Women’s Inline Skate
This versatile inline skate combines women specific fitting with a molded shell for excellent support.
Key Features:
- 3-step closure system
- Antimicrobial liner
- 80 mm wheels, and Twincam ILQ-7 Plus bearings
Cost: $250
Xenon 2.0 Women’s Fitness Inline Skate
The brake-free design of this fitness inline skate is perfect for intermediate to advanced skaters.
Key Features:
- Polypropylene shell
- 90 mm/82A wheels
- Aluminium frame
Inline Skates for Kids
2PM Sports Vinal Girls Adjustable Inline Skates
These skates can adjust between 4 different sizes, making them perfect for growing feet.
Key Features:
- Available in 4 adjustable sizes
- Light-up wheels
- 2 color options
Cost: $65
ANCHEER Inline Skates for Kids
These brightly colored inline skates are perfect for getting your young daughter interested in the sport.
Key Features:
- Available in 4 colors
- Push button size adjustment
- 70 mm wheels
Cost: $40
Hikole Adjustable Inline Skates
Easily adjustable, these inline skates can vary from sizes 5 – 10.5.
Key Features:
- 3-step closure system
- Comfortable, performance liner
- Durable frame
Cost: $40
These inline skates use an easy push-button system to adjust between 4 sizes.
Key Features:
- Available in medium, and large
- Aluminium frame
- Durable wheels
Cost: $50
Roller Derby Girls Tracer Adjustable Inline Skate
Depending on which skate you choose, these boots are adjustable from sizes 12J – 1, or 2 – 5.
Key Features:
- Washable boot liner
- Available in small and medium
- Pink glitter color
Urban Inline Skates for Women
5th Element ST-110 Urban Inline Skates
This versatile inline skate is designed for a range of urban environments.
Key Features:
- Less wheels for more control
- Strong chassis
- High-density, tough wheels
Cost: $150
5th Element ST-80 Urban Inline Skates
These inline skates provide the perfect combination of speed and maneuverability.
Key Features:
- 80 mm wheels for an urban environment
- Lightweight aluminium frame
- 3-step closure system
Cost: $140
ANCHEER Adjustable Urban Inline Skates
These inline skates for urban environments are adjustable from sizes 5 through 8.
Key Features:
- 3-step closure system
- Breathable mesh sections
- Illuminating wheels
Cost: $40
K2 Trio 100 Women’s Urban Inline Skates
These streamlined inline skates have women-specific fitting, and are perfect for urban settings.
Key Features:
- Composite frame
- 3-step closure system
- 100 mm wheels, and ILQ 7 bearings
Cost: $280
LIKU Black Professional Roller Inline Skates
These inline skates use a variety of wheel sizes from front to rear, in order to provide exceptional maneuverability.
Key Features:
- Removable lining
- Variable sized wheels for maneuverability
- 3-step closure system
Cost: $99
