Best Inline Skates For Rough Roads – Off Road Rollerblades

If you’ve ever fancied taking up off road rollerblading, you may have wondered what the best inline skates for rough roads are.

With so many inline skates available in the market, it can be challenging to find the most suitable off road rollerblades. Thankfully, we’re here to help!

Off road rollerblades typically prioritize durability, responsiveness, and a lightweight feel.

They also tend to be designed with three large soft wheels, as the larger wheels can generate faster speeds and better navigate the cracks on rough roads. The softer wheels are also more responsive and durable in off road conditions.

The first known bespoke off road rollerblade design was the Rollerblade Coyote in the 1990s, with other well-known brands such as Powerslide and K2 subsequently developing their range.

In this article, we outline 10 of the best rough road rollerblades for you to consider to equip you well in challenging terrains.

10 Best Inline Skates For Rough Roads (2023)

Finding the perfect inline skates for rough roads is a tricky task if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Generally, rough road skates are three-wheeled, durable, and lightweight.

In our reviews, we look at the design, performance, pros, and cons, to give you insight into some of the best products out there. 

1. Rollerblade Twister 110 

Best Inline Skates For Rough Roads (Editor’s Choice)

Design

The Rollerblade Twister 110 Urban Inline skates are three-wheel inline skates that utilize the latest Rollerblade technology to provide leading comfort and performance levels.

The lightweight feel of the skates is due to the boot construction, particularly the vented molded plastic boot material which is lighter than previous versions.

High comfort levels are guaranteed with the Skate Liner Plus v-cut liners which are breathable and provide an improved fit.

The key to off road skating is foot security and stability. The Twister 110’s Comfort Flex Tongue which includes cushioned wings enables this by securely wrapping the feet and creating a snug fit without any lice bite.

The Twister 110 is also designed to have versatile sizing.

The combination of Footboard sizers placed under the Performance Plus Insoles and the Neoprene stretch toes, allows skaters to adjust the boot size by half.

Performance

The Twister 110 delivers the level of responsiveness needed from off roading skates.

The aluminum frames are strong and adjustable, and they are mounted to the boot directly for added skater control.

A smooth roll in tough terrain is supported with the Twincam ILQ-9 bearings and three 110mm hydrogen 85A wheels.

The soft-rated wheels are very responsive which perfectly suits off road skating. Given the three-wheel design and price point, these skates are targeted at experienced, high-level skaters. 

Pros

• Feature latest Rollerblade technological advances
• Responsive frame and wheels
• Quality footwrap
• Breathable materials 

Cons

• Premium price

2. Powerslide Zoom Renegade SUV 125 

High Performance

Design

The Powerslide Zoom Renegade SUV 125 Skates are purpose-built for high-performance skating on rough terrain and are constructed from premium range materials.

The skate boot is constructed from Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic which is an incredibly strong and durable material, capable of taking many hits and scuffs while off roading.

The boot closure system includes a cuff buckle, a micro-adjustable ratchet buckle, and standard lacing for extra support.

These design features ensure your foot remains stable, thereby giving maximum control when handling tricky off road terrains.

The MyFit Dual Fit Liner provides good comfort levels and breathability while also not being too thick or heavy. 

Performance

The Renegade SUV 125 skates are built for off roading. The skate is designed with Trinity mounting which ensures skaters have a low center of gravity and can perform sharp agile movements on challenging terrain.

The frames are also removable so if you wanted to skate on smooth terrain you can re-fit it with an appropriate frame.

The Renegade SUV 125 is fitted with three 125mm Innova Pro Air tire wheels.

These wheels look like miniature bicycle wheels as they are equipped with tire tread for extra grip and stability. They run with ABEC7-rated Wicked bearings that are rustproof.

Pros

• Purpose-built for off road skating
• A tire like wheels provide extra grip and durability
• Skate boot is strong and durable
• Breathable and light liners

Cons

• Premium price
• Skate fit is not true to size, adding 5cm is required

3. Rollerblade RB110 3WD

Budget Friendly

Design

The Rollerblade RB110 3WD inline skates are an affordable option for skaters wanting to try out off road skating but don’t want to break the bank.

The skates have a great aesthetic appeal, with a majority of black and grey, with yellow colored lace and branding.

The RB110 is lighter than many premium rival products due to the vented molded plastic boot construction. The boot design has good breathability to ensure the feet don’t overheat.

The medium to high cuff position provides extra boot stability and ankle protection which is needed when tackling off road terrain.

The interior boot design features high-performance liners and a heel shock absorber. These features provide extra comfort and responsiveness.

Performance

The RB110 skates are designed with a 3WD extruded aluminum frame which has a low-profile design to keep the skater at a low center of gravity.

This design improves performance as skaters can achieve better maneuverability and faster speeds.

The skates are fitted with Supreme 110mm 85A wheels and run on SG7 bearings.

The large, soft-rating wheels provide great responsiveness, grip, and speed on challenging terrains. They are also durable and can handle frequent off road use.

The skate does not include a brake but it is compatible with the Rollerblade 3WD brake mount. This is a great option for beginners who want extra control of their speed.

Pros

• Quality off road skates at an affordable price
• Lightweight and breathable boot design
• Compatible with a brake if required
• Responsive frames and wheels

4. K2 Tri LT 100 Off Road Inline Skates

For Women

Design

The K2 Tri LT 100 Women’s Inline skates are a great choice for women skaters looking to take on tough terrains.

The skates are designed with ultra-soft boot material compared to the K2 fitness range. The soft material allows the skates to be more responsive and better performing when off road.

The LT 100 is designed to be lightweight with the overall skate weighing 300 grams lighter than the S 100 model.

Lighter skates reduce the tiredness of skaters doing endurance activities. The lightweight feel is enabled by the aluminum frames and Stability Plus Cuff.

The LT 100 skates provide a secure wrapping around the skater’s feet due to the design of the cuff buckle, 45-degree Velcro strap, and secure lacing.

Secure strapping equips skaters with the extra stability required to navigate off road skating.

The skates have an appealing color scheme with primary black contrasted against pink notes on the wheels and the skate boot.

Performance

In terms of performance, the LT 100 compares very favorably against rival products. Although capable of performing off road skating, the skates also perform well in fitness skating.

The three skate wheels are 100mm in diameter, 83A hardness, and fitted with TwinCam ILQ7 bearings.

The soft wheels provide extra responsiveness while ABEC7-rated bearings ensure a smooth roll. This combination is ideal for handling rough roads.

Pros

• Lightweight materials
• Suited to long skating adventures
• Appealing design
• Responsive wheels

5. Powerslide Next 100 Inline Skates

Design

The Powerslide Next 100 skates provide rough road skaters with a beautiful-looking, strong-performing skate option.

The boot is designed in a primarily white color with black contrast for extra aesthetic beauty.

The skates include customizable features which can be altered based on the skating style.

For example, the cuffs are adjustable in height and also have cutouts to alter the skate flex. While the Trinity mounting is removable and can be swapped in with any other Trinity frame.

The interior of the Next 100 skates is highly comfortable thanks to the MYFIT Dual-Fit liners which either mold to feet naturally or are heat moldable.

This guarantees that your skates will directly mold the specific contours of your feet for extra comfort and stability.

Performance

The Next 100 skates are targeted at intermediate or better-level skaters.

The skates perform remarkably well and generate plenty of speed, this is due to the Powerslide Spinner wheels which are 100mm in diameter and 88A wheel hardness, running on ABEC 9 bearings.

The wheels are slightly firmer compared to other off roading skates and provide a fast and smoother roll.

Although no brake is included in the purchasing package, the skate is compatible with HABS SM/MD mount if a brake is required.

The key to off road skating is agile performance. The Next 100 skates are fitted with a low center of gravity Elite Cast aluminum frame which is very responsive and agile.

Pros

• Slick black and white color scheme
• Smooth and fast roll speed
• Heat moldable

Cons

• Narrow fit so not suitable for wide feet 

6. Rollerblade Maxxum 125

Design

The Rollerblade Maxxum 125 3WD inline skates feature Maxxum’s plastic shell that is molded and well-ventilated as well as large hydrogen wheels that measure 125mm to ensure fast rolling.

Most thrill-seekers will be satisfied as this inline skate is an urban cross-trainer hybrid that is fast and highly responsive.

The redesigned boot is lightweight and comes with a mold that is better ventilated to keep your feet and provides more advanced comfort.

To ensure that your skate fits you perfectly and make sizing easy, included in the package are footboard sizers.

Performance

The Rollerblade Maxxum 125 3WD features removable performance skate insoles and skate liner plus as well as a new padding design to ensure that you enjoy an anatomical fit.

The forefoot has a perforated mesh that is breathable while the toe area features a lycra to ensure comfort.

For enhanced fit, flex, and control, the Comfort Flex tongue in this rough road inline skate has wings with median bars that easily wrap around your shin.

The adjustable and removable aluminum frames provide great energy transfer and strength.

For a secure, snug fit and ample ankle support, the Rollerblade Maxxum 125 features three closures including standard lacing as well as micro-adjustable buckles used at 45-degree and cuff positions.

The 85A wheels have a shock absorber under the heel and ILQ9 bearings to ensure you have a smooth roll.

A brake is also included in the box. This rollerblade is recommended for advanced and intermediate skaters.

Pros

• Superior wheels
• Durable
• Provide long-term usage
• Incredible closures

Cons

• Makes a noise when rubbing the boot

7. K2 Trio 110 Inline Skates

Design

The boot of the Trio line is constructed with more material compared to K2’s line, which makes them better in rough-road settings and more responsive.

The cuff in K2 Trio 110 meets the demands of rough-road skaters who need lateral support which enables them to change directions quickly.

The heel is kept down while your feet are secured as this inline skate features a combination of three oversized Velcro straps as well as standard lacing on the boot. This also provides extra rigidity over your toes.

Performance

The K2 Trio 110 inline skates feature a UFS mounting that holds aluminum frames that are not adjustable but removable and can be rockered in three positions by rotating the frame spacer.

The frames are shorter compared to the K2’s 4 by 90 frames which provides great speed and makes them more maneuverable.

The three 110mm wheels have a hardness of 90A and feature ILQ9 bearings for a smooth roll on rough terrain during your adventures.

The overall design of the Trio 110 makes it become maneuverable, innovative, and high-performance.

Pros

• The bearings are very smooth.
• Comfortable soft boot.
• Rolls over hills and bumps easily.
• Maneuverable and fast.

Cons

• Ankle support is not very good.

8. FR Skates UFR 310

Design

The FR Skates UFR 310 features three big wheels that measure 110mm which enables you to skate fast on rough roads.

Since this FR skate is a UFR model, it uses UFS mounting for the frame which makes it versatile in that you can use the skate for different types of skating such as aggressive, freestyle, and urban as well as rough road.

The versatility of this skate makes it perfect for individuals who are passionate about wanting to skate or like skating in several disciplines. It is suitable for intermediate and expert skaters.

Performance

The boots of FR Skates UFR 310 are constructed using molded plastic that is very strong to offer excellent response and support, especially when rolling over rough surfaces.

Your feet are made comfortable with removable FR liners and premium insoles. You will also get good ankle support with the memory foam and heel lock function.

The high cuff can be adjusted into four positions. The closure system consists of four parts that provide you with a secure fit which includes regular lacing as well as a ratchet, safety cuff, and 45-degree buckles.

3 Downtown wheels measure 110mm making them big enough to handle the rough terrain. The 85A hardness on the wheels gives it a bullet speed when it is combined with MW9 bearings and UFS frames.

If you want a break when using this inline skate, it is compatible with the FR -wheel brake mount.

Pros

• Versatile
• Great ankle support
• Good padding
• Comfortable
• Secure fit

Cons

• Not suitable for beginners

9. Powerslide Next Core 100

Design

The Powerslide Next Core 100 skates are an ideal choice for rough road skaters who want a strong-performing skate that is not too pretty to get muddy.

The skates utilize the best Powerslide technology to offer comfortable and agile performance.

The skates are designed with Trinity mounting which allows you to lower the skate position for extra power and stability which is required when tackling difficult terrain.

The skates offer versatile performance options, working well in urban and off road environments.

The Next 100 core skates are highly comfortable thanks to the MYFIT Dual-Fit liners.

These liners are heat moldable, but can also mold naturally to your feet, allowing your skates to feel part of your feet when skating.

The skates also provide a secure wrap around the foot due to the 45-degree ratchet buckle adding an extra layer of security beyond the cuff buckle and standard lacing setup.

The Elite Cast aluminum frame is lightweight to make longer skating sessions easier to handle.

Performance

The Next Core 100 skates are best suited for intermediate or experienced skaters.

Due to the wheel and bearing configuration, the skates are purpose-built for speed and a smooth roll. The wheels are 88A softness while the bearings are ABEC 9 rated.

The Spinner wheels are known for providing great slide and grinding capability which is perfectly suited to rough roading environments, where sharp turns are needed.

The Next Core 100 skates also perform well in protecting your feet from injury.

The 180-degree toe protectors, along with the adjustable cuff position, allow you to skate with confidence and have the ability to withstand any knocks on the skate boot.

Pros

• The black design is suited for rough road skating
• Fast roll speed
• Heat moldable

 Cons

• Narrow fit around the ankle

10. FR Skates FRX 310

Design

The FR FRX 310 skates are built to provide rigidity and stability when skating in challenging environments.

The skates are constructed with lightweight molded plastic that is highly durable, ensuring it can withstand knocks.

In addition to the hard plastic boot shell, the FRX 310 skates provide additional foot protection with the thick FR liners in the boot interior.

These liners are removable if you prefer a lighter skate. The skates are also designed with a heel shock pad that can absorb skate shocks and provide extra responsiveness.

The FRX 310 skates provide great foot stability due to the robust closure system which includes a cuff buckle, 45-degree Velcro strap, and standard lacing.

The boot cuff is also adjustable to four different positions, allowing skaters to find their preferred fit and feel. 

Performance

The FRX 310 skates perform well in multiple environments. The skates come fitted with three 110mm Street Kings wheels which are 88A durometers.

These wheels roll on TwinCam MW7 bearings which are built for smoothness and speed.

The skate frames are made with extruded aluminum which is lightweight and adjustable to offer a low center of gravity.

The lower skate position affords skaters greater control and maneuverability.

FR also provides a list of all available parts which can be accessed to help customize the skates to your desired specification.

Pros

• Durable boot material
• Adjustable frame position
• Fast and smooth roll

Cons

• The Ratchet strap is not tight enough

What Exactly Are Off Road Rollerblades?

Off road rollerblades are inline skates that are specifically designed for unforgiving and uneven surfaces and can be taken into the woods or over mountain tracks to help you navigate the wilderness.

These rollerblades feature big wheels to provide enough grip on rough surfaces, cobblestones, as well as wet ground.

The right type of off road rollerblades that you get will depend on your skating preference and style.

Generally, off road rollerblades can be divided into downhill and cross-country skating styles.

Downhill off road rollerblades have a similar set-up as the normal inline skates as they come with a heavy-duty frame that is constructed to handle a lot of pressure.

These skates feature either two or three wheels, that are made to provide great maneuverability and withstand high speeds when rolling on a dirt road or inside a forest.

Cross-country rollerblades on the other hand only have two air tires and their frames are designed to offer great power transfer and stability. For added safety, these rollerblades come with cuff brakes.

Off road wheels have a diameter of between 125mm to 150mm, however, the diameter for some models used in cross-country can be up to 200mm.

The liners for off road rollerblades are heat-moldable to offer better comfort and fit.

The Difference Between Road Rollerblades Vs Urban Rollerblades Explained

Road rollerblades feature extremely large wheels that are soft with a durometer reading of 80A to provide smoother and faster rolls when skating on bumpy and rough surfaces.

Road rollerblades also come with a hard-shell boot that is properly fitting to provide a better transfer of energy as well as lots of ankle support.

Road rollerblades have a high rating on the ILQ rating scale or ABEC scale to optimize speed.

They feature a shorter frame that is made of carbon or aluminum which makes them more maneuverable and easier at making turns.

On the other hand, urban rollerblades have smaller wheels than road inline skates of about 80mm to 100mm with a round profile that increases their maneuverability.

They also have a shorter frame which enables you to dodge cars and people while skating on the streets.

Urban rollerblades come with brakes, but most city skaters do not attach them. The boot for urban inline skates has the grinding groove that most aggressive inline skates have.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Rough Road Inline Skates

Wheel Size / Diameter

The wheel size determines more than the speed you roll with.

The diameter of the wheel will also determine whether you will trip on small rocks or you will roll over twigs and pebbles without noticing.

Larger wheels are faster than smaller wheels and have a smoother ride. Large wheels are more efficient because a large area of the wheel is in contact with the surface.

Larger wheels are more efficient because when you stride the larger or more efficient wheel turns a large amount of energy exerted into forward motion.

This will make you gain more speed for every push than it is with smaller wheels.

An ideal wheel size of the finest uneven surface is a diameter of 100mm or larger.

Some great skates for uneven surfaces have a diameter of 150mm or more. For example, Nordic skates have their wheel standing at 150mm in diameter.

However, larger wheels are less easy to maneuver so don’t assume larger wheels result in easier off-road skating.

Wheel Durometer / Wheel Hardness

The degree of softness or hardness of a skate wheel is expressed using Durometer. The specific number of wheel durometers is between 1 and 100+.

The manufacturers of the skate wheels use the letter A or B to get a specific wheel durometer.

A wheel that has a durometer close to 100 is harder, while a wheel with a lower number is soft. For example, a wheel with an 80A durometer is softer than a wheel durometer of 85A.

The best wheels to use for rough surfaces are about the 78A to 87A range.

Soft wheels are the best option for rough-surface inline skating because they are great at absorbing vibrations. Soft wheels give you smooth rides when traveling over uneven surfaces.

3-Wheel vs 4-Wheel Skates 

Inline skates with more wheels are easier and more stable ride, which is why most recreational, or beginner inline skates have four regular size wheels.

However, the nature of off road skating is a different beast, prioritizing speed and agility.

Therefore, off road skates typically have three large wheels to generate more speed and better navigate rough surfaces.

Weight 

Lightweight rollerblades are recommended for off road skating to improve speed and maneuvrability.

Also, as off road skating is often an adventure activity taking place over many hours, lighter skates will reduce fatigue levels.

Most modern boot construction materials such as vented molded plastic or glass fiber plastic are lightweight and durable.

Frames

Frames also play a big role in off road skating.

Off road rollerblades should be durable so that they can handle the body weight of the user.

Off road inline skate frames are often made of aluminum frames because they are stable and stiff hence providing better power transfer compared to composite/nylon frames.

Most brands such as Powerslide or Rollerblade make inline skates with aluminum frames that produce quality rollerblades for rough roads.

Bearings

Bearings contribute immensely to the speed of skates. The ABEC-9-rated bearings are known to be the fastest skates’ bearings.

The majority of the off road skating boots roll on ABEC 7 bearings, but some such as the Powerslide Next 100 are fitted with ABEC 9 bearings.

However, the quality of the bearings is also significant. For example, cheap ABEC 9 bearings will not necessarily be faster than premium ABEC 7 bearings.

If you prefer ABEC 7 bearings over other bearings types, it is okay. Wheels with ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 are good enough to power your rough road inline skates.

Off road adventure rollerblades come with high-quality rust-proof bearings that have removable protective shields.

The seals keep out the dirt, grime, and grit so you can ride without worrying about your wheels seizing up.

Final Words 

Hopefully, you now feel well-placed to identify the best inline skates for rough roads. Our Editor’s choice is the Rollerblade Twister 110 Urban Inline skates.

The skate frames and wheels offer the maximum responsiveness needed for off road skates, while the lightweight design and vented boot material offer great breathability.

Rough road skates are built for handling challenging terrains.

Therefore when prioritizing available options you should find skates that have three large, soft-rated wheels, a durable, lightweight boot material, and a low center of gravity frame for extra maneuverability.

Due to the broad range of products available, there are products at the premium and budget-friendly end so you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy off road skating.