Best Inline Speed Skates (2023)

Inline speed skating is one of the most intense forms of inline skating which sees specialist sprint skaters racing around an oval track.

Speed skating has more demand when it comes to the types of skates needed so finding the best inline speed skates can be challenging.

Wearing the right type of skates means getting one with the best boot that is constructed using high-quality material as well as components that will contribute to the durability and high performance of the skate.

Inline speed skates are characterized by having a close-fitting shoe with minimal padding. The skates are designed to be lightweight, low-cut, and streamlined to maximize speed.

Getting a high-quality speed skate should be affordable especially if you are buying it for the first time because you do not want to spend a lot of money when learning the sport for the first time.

It is advisable that you rent out one at first then buy one once you have mastered the skill and are sure that you want to be a speed skater in the long run.

This article will give you a list of the best inline skates for speed for you to choose from and a buying guide to help you find the right skate.

8 Best Inline Speed Skates (2023)

Inline speed skating typically takes place around an indoor track. Many ice sprint skaters participate in inline speed skating during the off-season, as the sport provides the best non-winter speed skating alternative.

With a lot of great options of inline speed skates available in the market, it can be challenging to find the right one that suits your style and fits you perfectly as well as compliment your budget.

Below is a list of the top 8 inline speed skates for you to check out and decide on the one that is right for you.

The reviews include a detailed explanation of the design, performance, advantages, and disadvantages of each speed inline skate:

1. Bont Jet Inline Speed Skates

Best Inline Speed Skates (Editor’s Choice)

Design

The Bont Jet Skates are ideal for all skill-level of speed skating and are a great value to get.

The Jet skates have been constructed to become more comfortable compared to previous models using lots of innovations.

The memory foam has fiberglass and carbon construction to be strong but still lightweight.

The foot-shaped last that Bont uses has been improved and modified by Mr. Inze Bont for over 45 years.

Performance

To ensure that this inline skate is performing well, the boot is made using anti-stretch technology which prevents it from stretching over time as well as the most heat-moldable epoxy resin.

The heat-moldable feature makes the boot comfortable and makes sure you have a high-performing fit.

The frame features 7000 series axles that will stay strong and not strip with repeated and heavy use.

The frame holds three or four wheels measuring 110mm with a plastic core reinforced with nylon and 85A hardness.

The level of wheel hardness makes this skate ideal for skating on any surface, especially outdoor roads.

The closures consist of waxed laces, a lace cover, and micro-adjustable buckles. The Bont Jet skates’ wheels come with ABEC 5 bearings to ensure that you ride smoothly and fast.

Pros

• The boot does not expand over time.
• It is easy to clean as it is a one-piece construction.
• Durable.
• Lightweight;

Cons

• Takes a bit of time to break in.

2. Rollerblade E2 Pro 125 Speed Skates

High Performance

Design

The Rollerblade E2 Pro 125 is designed for skaters who are looking for a high-performing skate and are involved in the marathon and distance skating.

The shell is constructed using carbon fiber to increase energy efficiency and it also features padding that provides comfort to your feet without heat molding.

Performance

The Rollerblade E2 Pro 125 comes with a removable cuff that you can easily change from a medium height that is supportive to a race-style skate, which enables you to customize the skating experience to suit your needs.

Rollerblade E2 Pro 125 is super comfortable and requires no break-in time, meaning you can go skating as soon as you buy this inline skate.

The adjustable and removable aluminum frame holds hydrogen wheels that have 85A hardness and measure 125mm as well as Classic Plus bearings that complete this versatile skate.

This speed skate is unisex, meaning it can be used by both women and men and you can use it to achieve both your racing and fitness goals.

It is suitable for advanced and expert skaters. The closures are made of 45-degree lace, a cuff buckle that is micro-adjustable, and standard lacing for a comfortable and secure fit.

Pros

• Versatile design.
• No or little break-in period.
• Easy to customize and adjust as needed.

Cons

• The tall ankle profile may minimize movement.

3. VNLA X1 Speed Skates

Budget Friendly

Design

The VNLA X1 Speed Inline Skates are suitable for beginners as they come with all the features that you need for a comfortable and precise fit including Velcro straps and ratchet buckle that are adjustable as well as laces.

This inline skate also comes with 100mm wheels with 85A hardness and ABEC 9 bearings to give you a long-lasting fast and smooth ride, whether you are skating outdoors or indoors.

Performance

The VNLA X1 features a comfort-fit leather upper and molded plastic shell to give comfort and longevity. The leather boot features a heel made of carbon fiber for the best durability and support.

To ensure that you have a complete custom fit, this inline skate provides you with instructions that you can follow to heat mold the boot.

The aluminum frame makes this skate lightweight enabling you to skate anywhere.

The VNLA X1 is the perfect skate for beginning fitness, speed, or frequent skaters. It is an affordable inline-speed skate.

Pros

• Secure fit.
• Comfortable.
• Durable construction.
• Cheaper.

Cons 

• Not suitable for pro skaters.

4. Powerslide Puls Speed Skates

Design

These are skates that offer great value and package high-performance features at a cheap price.

The compression molded carbon composite boots, race urethane wheels, quality frames, and trinity mounting are great features found in this skate.

They have the trinity X mounting that provides maximum power transfer and stability at very high speed. It has enhanced adjustability and is laterally from back to front.

The Powerslide Rapid Frames are made with 6061 series aluminum that is removable and adjustable. The Trinity X adjustment allows the skater to specifically tweak their stride for the best performance.

The Powerslide Infinity wheels along with WCD Wicked ABEC 9 bearings make the skate spin faster.

Performance

The skeleton of the skate is rigid and strong with great ventilation. The boot has a low-cut design and an easy-release tightening buckle placed on the upper shoe.

It is mounted at 45 degrees with an additional upper Velcro strap and waxed laces. This ensures a firm, secure and perfect attachment of the foot to the skate.

The trinity frame has two classic and straight screws for fastening. This allows the wheels to be close to the shoe hence reducing the center of gravity and improving stability.

This system dampens driving vibrations and also transmits rebound force and ensures more control when riding on your skates.

The PW Trinity aluminum chassis used wheels 125mm in size and 85A hardness. They have WCD Wicked ABEC 9 bearings that have good rolling with guaranteed quality speed and make the skate fastest.

Pros

• Well ventilated
• Strong and rigid
• Firm and secure
• Improved stability

5. Powerslide R2 100 Speed Skates

Design

This is a proven classic that has been redesigned with modern and innovative features. This skate belongs to those starting with speedskating to improve their racing performance to the next level.

It is a sleek and understated skate that is designed to improve your performance and your personal best.

The R2 100 is a skate for those who want to experience exhilarated speed skating. The skate features a comfortable padded liner with a precision-fit buckle system to keep the feet secure.

Performance

This skate’s shell is a glass fiber-reinforced composite shell with an integrated liner. It is both comfortable and lightweight hence ideal for long races ad marathons.

Its components are race-ready and of high performance. It also comes with an Elite magnesium frame which is strong light and precise.

It is complemented with 4 x 100mm wheels with WICKED ABEC 7 bearings so nothing can hold you back from breaking your barriers on your competition.

Pros

• Low-cut racing boot
• Comfortable and strong race-proven magnesium, casted frame
• Relaxed fitting for increased comfort.

Cons

• Heavier than some skates

6. Powerblade Elite 3WD 125

Design

It is a premium racing skate with superior components to provide any racer with an advantage. Designed for advanced skating and speed skating, it offers a full custom fit at an affordable price.

Whether you are an experienced speed skater or getting into the racing scene, the Powerblade 125 is the right choice for you.

The skate comes equipped with high-tech components that ensure a competitive edge for the skate.

Performance

The Rollerblade Powerblade Elite 125 has an anatomical liner and micro buckles to ensure a snug fit.

The boot is a heat moldable carbon boot customizable to fit preference and foot shape inclusive of detailed instructions.

It has Extruded aluminum 3WD frames that add the competitive advantage with faster power transfer, efficiency, less vibration, and increased maneuverability.

It is included with Twincam ILQ-9 bearings for maximum speed and excellent wear. This skating is for a professional racer.

Pros

• Laterally-adjustable frame for customization
• Lightweight design that ensures maximum control and speed
• High-quality bearing that ensures fast and smooth performance

Cons

• Pricey compared to other skates in the same category

7. K2 Redline 125 Speed Skates

Design

K2 came together with Madshus which is a renowned Nordic ski brand to design the next evolution of endurance skates.

It is an evolutionary and high-speed marathon skate. There is a removable carbon base and carbon cuff and for comfort ad high performance.

The extruded 6062 aluminum frame ensures a sturdy and lightweight skate.

The SoftBoot technology ensures maximum comfort during the game while the well-ventilated microfiber upper ensures a secure and snug fit.

Three 125mm Flash Disc wheels provide ultra-high energy urethane with the aerodynamic disc hubs for a great skating experience.

Performance

The skates feature a new supportive and anatomical chassis.

The skate also includes a cuff and base made from Redline carbon that are both based after the popular fit and shape of the Madshus Redline ski boot.

The skates provide strength and support for striding with an increased range of motion. Their unparalleled comfort and fit are achieved with the ventilated microfiber upper.

The microfiber is firm, snug, and light with pre-molded high ankle support. There are also 4 zones of macro closure and standard lace for customization.

Additionally, the Redline features flash disc wheels with ultra-high energy urethane and aerodynamic hubs.

Pros

• Smooth
• Lightweight
• Allows for customization
• Available in several configurations
• Cheaper than competing skates
• Extra hard shell making the boot durable

Cons

• Not many options for the wheels from the manufacturer
• Sizing may run large for women

8. Luigino Strut Striker 

Design

These skates are among the most popular skate package for racing and cross-training. This skate targets experienced skaters who are looking to improve their skating skills.

A stiff carbon fiber base and high-density foams strategically positioned to improve fit and performance are included in the Strut boot to provide comfort, confidence, and stability.

Performance

The Luigino Strut Striker skate requires heat molding to get a comfortable fit. This can be done through a traditional oven heat or using Aqua Technology.

The Poron ankle padding and high-density sole padding with pre-shaped latex foam around the tendon provide comfort where most skates do not.

This skate features a blended Carbon Fiber shell. There are also upgraded to Nano Buckles ad waxed laces to get an improved fit and ensure your heel is locked into place all the time.

The modified carbon shell accommodates up to 125m wheels.

The Striker Mark II frame is stiffer and lighter with a convertible frame that makes the choice of 3 wheels easy.

Pros

• Durable
• Easy to use
• Heat moldable
• Comfortable
• High stability

Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Inline Speed Skates

The following are some of the factors that you need to take into account before deciding on a speed inline skate:

3 Or 4 Wheels

There are two types of inline skates namely 3-wheel and 4-wheel and they have certain differences.

3-wheel or tri-skates have less stability compared to 4-wheel skates but they are faster and more maneuverable as they have bigger wheels.

However, tri-skates can be challenging to control making them not suitable for beginners.

On the other hand, 4-wheel skates are easier to learn and are more stable, but they are not as maneuverable and fast as 3-wheel skates.

Therefore, if you are looking for agility and speed, tri-skates are the best option but if you are a beginner, 4-wheel skates are for you.

Boot Material

Inline speed skates have boots that are made of different materials which makes them either hard shells or soft boots.

Hardshell is similar to ski boots and is made of molded plastic. The upper half of the hard shell supports and wraps around the ankle while the lower part protects and covers the foot.

The two halves of the hard boot are combined using a hinge system that enables the boot and ankle to naturally flex forward.

The soft boot is like a hiking boot and is made of a plastic cuff that offers support to your foot. They are lightweight and breathable and provide great performance and a good fit.

Durometer / Wheel Hardness

Wheel durometer refers to how hard or soft a wheel is and is represented by the letter A and it ranges from 0 to 100.

Softer wheels have a lower durometer reading compared to harder wheels.

Since softer wheels have a good level of grip, they are suitable for indoor skating while harder wheels are more durable and faster making them great for outdoor skating.

The ability of a hard wheel to change shape or deform under pressure is less, which makes it perform better on uneven or slippery surfaces.

However, this means that they provide a slightly reduced grip than the softer wheels.

Wheel Diameter & Profile

Wheel diameter refers to the size of a wheel and is expressed in millimeters which are represented by a number.

Typically, wheel diameter for inline speed skates ranges from 50mm to 100mm.

Smaller wheels that range from 50mm to 70mm are suitable for agile skating such as street skating and cruising.

Larger wheels that range from 80mm to 100mm have better stability and can go faster.

Final Words

Hopefully, you now feel informed of the best inline speed skates that are available to purchase in 2023.

Inline speed skating is a great alternative to ice speed skating and can be performed all year round. Inline skates are lightweight, and aerodynamic and are designed to maximize speed for track racing.

Our choice for the best speed inline skate is the Bont Jet Skates as it comes with a combination of good price and value.

This inline skate has been designed using great innovations to ensure that you get a long-lasting and comfortable skate including the fiberglass and carbon construction.

If you speed skate competitively, maximizing speed and durability are key factors to consider when purchasing inline speed skates.

The boot material, wheel size, and durometer all impact the speed and durability levels, so work out which specification is best for you.

Inline speed skates can also have three to four wheels depending on your preference and skating style.