Bust out your cutoff jeans and slap some fresh AAs into your Walkman, because Rollerblades (erm, ‘inline skates’) are hip once more!
When I was 20, I loved my Rollerblades. I mean, I loved them. Whether commuting to and from campus, cruising around the lake, or grabbing a cup of Dippin’ Dots, they were as much a vehicle as a fashion statement. And like most people who’d lace ’em up while listening to their favorite mix CD, I assumed everyone thought I was pretty damned cool because of it.
But as I graduated into adulthood, inline skates, often known by the brand trademark Rollerblade, suddenly became unhip. Meanwhile, bike-shares, scooters, and good old-fashioned running took hold as widespread forms of urban transportation and exercise.
That is, until now. Like fanny packs and pinball machines before them, Rollerblades made a surprise comeback! According to Tom Hyser, a marketing manager with Rollerblade, the brand has seen a 300% increase in demand in just the last couple of months.
“It’s going crazy at the moment!” he told me.
And even anecdotally I’m seeing that boom. Whether it’s an Instagram post of my friend walking her dog (or more accurately, being pulled by it while on skates) or the increasing number of socially distanced park-goers gliding around the paths, there is an uncanny uptick in inline skating.
It’s happening everywhere. And K2 skate ambassador Richard Williams has a name for it.
“‘Glide envy’ is the term of the day, because inline skating is rad. And people aspire to be rad,” Williams said.
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Inline Skating Is Cool Again
![Inline skates Inline skates](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/05/inline-skates.jpg)
No Place to Ski? Inline Skates Take Off
Inline Skates: How to Choose & Maintain Your Blades
![Rollerblades Rollerblades](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/05/Rollerblades.jpg)
Types of Inline Skates
How Many Wheels?
Inline Skates: 3-Wheel vs. 4-Wheel
- 3-Wheel
- Maintains higher speed
- More maneuverable
- Lighter weight
- 4-Wheel
- Better for beginners
- More stability and balance
- Quicker acceleration
- Easier braking
Wheel Hardness
![inline skating inline skating](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/05/waves-on-skates.jpg)