Freestyle skates or Slalom skates are defined by the fact that they have a short wheel base and a stiff upper boot with lots of support. They mostly all have 80mm wheels placed close together for optimum maneuverability. They are broadly used for lots of different types of skating with the focus being on skating disciplines where you might need a tight turning circle and responsive maneuverability such as Slalom skating, city skating and confined indoor skating. (As a tradeoff, these might be less suitable for beginners because of slightly reduced stability, for whom recreational skates will be a better bet.)
Freestyle slalom skating is a highly technical field of skating that involves performing tricks around a straight line of equally spaced cones. You might have seen skaters practicing their moves at your neighbourhood park.
Here are two highlights from the freestyle skates collection:
The Rollerblade Maxxum 100 Urban Inline Skates are the ultimate hybrid of urban skates offering a synthesis of superior lateral support, comfortable padded liners, and a versatile wheel setup that can be used for commuting, cruising, or training. A vented, molded hard shell provides plenty of support, paired with Specialized Fit liners that ensure comfort for all activities. The extruded aluminum frame fits 3x100mm and 1x90mm wheels enabling excellent power transfer, stability, and maneuverability. These skates come with the new Rollerblade Hydrogen Wheels that enhance your rolling experience and produce good speed with the Rollerblade SG9 Bearings.
- Bearings: SG9 Closure: Micro-adj cuff buckle, 45° buckle, laces (extra laces in the box
- Frame: Extruded Alu, 12.2” (310mm) (brake in box)
- Wheels: Hydrogen 3x100mm, 1x90mm/85A (Made in the USA)
- Shell/Upper: Vented, molded Liner: New Specialized 5 Star Fit, Specialized footbed, Shock absorber, V-cut
The Rollerblade Twister LE Urban Inline Skates for 2015 exceed the demands of urban inline skating. A limited release (only 200 released) in the red and white shell, the Twister LE feature all the great design capabilities from the standard Twister skate models, with an upgraded frame and liner to add even more performance advantages. The Twister LE skates are a great choice for any level skater. Reliable for any skating style from fitness workouts to urban city transportation, or for serious urban assault skating. The classic, versatile shell is a favorite among many and new improvements include replaceable skid plates, and reinforced heel plates. The Hot Rod ALU frame allows better power transfer and response. Rollerblade SG9 bearings and Supreme wheels provide a fast, smooth, durable roll for most any outdoor surface.
- Bearings: SG9 Liner: Specialized 5 Star Fit
- Wheels: Supreme Urban 80mm/85A Shell/Upper: Vented, molded
- Closure: Cuff strap, 45° buckle, laces (extra laces in the box)
- Frame: Hot Rod Alu 243mm with racing axles (brake in the box)