Aggressive Inline Skates Buying Guide

No-Nonsense Advice for Picking the Right Skates for Tricks, Grinds and Good Times

If you’re curious about inline skating, coming back to it after years off, or just eyeing up a pair of aggressive inline skates to start grinding rails like it’s 1999, this guide’s for you.

Aggressive inline skating is about freedom, creativity, and going big. The skates you choose matter a lot, they’re your main connection to the ground, rails, ramps, and everything in between.

This guide is written by people who actually skate. No robotic jargon, no sales fluff. Just real advice to help you pick gear that fits, feels right, and makes you want to skate more.

Let’s dive in.

What Are Aggressive Inline Skates?

Aggressive inline skates aren’t your average rollerblades. They’re made for tricks, grinds, jumps, stalls, spins the whole lot. These skates are built tough to handle impacts and help you stay in control while doing technical stuff.

Here’s what sets them apart:

• Small wheels (usually 56–60mm): Lower to the ground for better balance.
• Soulplates and H-blocks: Big plastic areas to help you lock onto rails.
• Hard shells with padded liners: Built to take hits.
• Modular design: Most parts can be swapped or upgraded.

If you want to cruise or go fast, look elsewhere. These are made to take a beating and give you full control while doing it. And while we’re at it, “inline skating” with aggressive skates is more about precision and power than covering distance.

Are Aggressive Inline Skates Right for You?

Let’s be straight: these skates aren’t for everyone.

You’ll love aggressive skates if:

• You want to grind rails and ledges
• You hang out at skateparks or plan to
• You’re okay with slower rolling in exchange for more control

But you might want something else if:

• You just want to skate around for fitness or fun
• You need to commute or go long distances
• You want smooth rolling over rough paths

Aggressive skates are a niche tool. But if you’re into tricks and technical skating, they’re exactly what you need. And if you’re already into inline skating, this might just be your next step.

Anatomy of Aggressive Inline Skates

Boots

There are two main types:

• Hardboots: Most common. Plastic outer with removable liner. Durable and supportive.
• Softboots: Usually high-end. Carbon or composite shells. Lighter and more responsive.

Liners

These are the padded insides. Some are basic, others are plush and form-fitting. Good liners make a huge difference in comfort and control.

Frames

The part that holds your wheels. Most aggressive inline skates use UFS frames that can be swapped between brands.

• Plastic frames: Softer and better for absorbing shocks.
• Aluminium frames: Stiffer, lighter, but less forgiving.

Soulplates and H-blocks

These are what let you grind. Soulplates are on the outside; H-blocks are the groove between your middle wheels. They help lock onto rails and ledges.

Wheel Setup: Flat vs Anti-Rocker

There are two main setups used in aggressive inline skating:

Flat setup = all wheels are the same size and touch the ground.

• Fast, smooth, more control in bowls and transitions.
• But you’ll need more accuracy when grinding, middle wheels can get in the way.

Anti-rocker = small, hard wheels in the middle that don’t really touch the ground.

• Way easier to lock onto rails.
• Rougher ride and slower speed, but most people learning to grind start here.

Wheel size: 54–60mm. Smaller gives control. Bigger gives speed. Hardness: 88A–95A. Harder wheels slide more; softer wheels grip more.

Use anti-rocker for technical inline skating tricks, especially when starting out.

Fit, Sizing & Comfort

Your skates should feel snug like a firm handshake for your feet.

Sizing Tips:

• Measure both feet. Use the bigger one.
• Stick close to your shoe size. Don’t size up unless absolutely needed.
• Toes touching slightly? That’s usually good.

Breaking Them In:

• Expect a tight fit at first.
• Use thick socks and short skate sessions to start.
• The liner will pack out after a few hours.

Bad fit = bad skating. Take your time to get it right.

Bearings, Frames & Upgrades

Bearings Forget ABEC ratings. What matters:

• Smooth roll
• Easy to clean
• Can handle side impacts

Frames UFS means you can swap them. Some advanced skaters upgrade to aftermarket frames for better grinding.

Upgrades give you more precision and let you personalise your inline skates as you progress.

Aggressive vs Other Inline Skates

FAQs

Can beginners use aggressive inline skates?
Yes, as long as you want to learn tricks. They’re not harder to ride, just different. Anti-rocker helps a lot at the start.

Can I use them to skate around town?
Not really. They’re slow and not comfy over long distances. Use fitness or freeskates for that.

Do I need pads and a helmet?
Absolutely. Even experienced skaters wear protection. You’ll fall, it’s part of the fun.

How long do wheels and bearings last?
Depends how often and where you skate. Expect 2–6 months for wheels, longer for bearings with maintenance.

What’s a soul grind?
It’s a type of trick where you slide with one skate’s soulplate and the other’s H-block. Basic but stylish.

Can I swap parts between brands?
Usually yes, if they use UFS. That includes most modern aggressive skates.

What about kids?
Some brands make junior aggressive skates. Look for solid frames and proper soulplates, not toy skates.

Are aggressive inline skates the same as regular inline skates?
Nope. Aggressive skates are built for tricks. Regular inline skates are better for speed, commuting, or fitness.

Can I use aggressive inline skates for ramps and bowls?
Yes, absolutely. Many aggressive skaters ride transitions. Just make sure your setup (especially frame and wheels) matches the terrain.

Final Tips Before You Buy

• Don’t buy oversized skates. Tight is right.
• Focus on fit, not colour or style.
• Break them in before judging the comfort.
• Stick with known brands.
• Watch videos, learn from others, and most importantly, have fun.

Aggressive inline skating is tough at first. But once it clicks, there’s nothing like it.