Buzz
Has any trend ever lost its cool factor as fast as inline skating? In the early 1990s, riding the wave of the '80s fitness boom, Americans eagerly jumped on every new workout craze, driven by consumerism and the belief that spending money could fix their insecurities. When track suits and jazzercise fell out of favor, the futuristic appeal of inline skates took center stage. But by the 2000s, the optimism of the '90s faded, and inline skates became uncool—until now. With fanny packs making a comeback, why not inline skates? That’s why, for this month’s Mytour Fitness Challenge, I’m lacing up my skates and embracing the spirit of 1991. Inline skating, often called 'rollerblading' (though Rollerblade is a trademarked brand), dates back to the 1700s, predating traditional roller skates, which emerged in 1863. It gained traction in the U.S. during the '80s when hockey players in Minnesota used it for off-ice training. By the '90s, it became a nationwide fitness craze, tied to the era’s obsession with California cool: tech, big hair, and shows like Beverly Hills, 90210. Growing up in the Midwest, I was far from cool, but inline skates made me feel like I was part of something radical. From elementary to high school, I upgraded my skates regularly, though I never mastered any tricks. By the early 2000s, however, inline skating had lost its appeal, and I stopped. Arnav 'Sonic' Shah, a certified skating instructor and owner of Kinetic Expression Skate Shop in Queens, recalls how skating groups were dominated by older enthusiasts, with few young participants.
“I practically lived on my skates in college,” Shah shares. “In NYC, skating everywhere was easy.” Despite being active in groups like the Empire Skate Club, he noticed a lack of younger skaters. “Most people in skating groups were in their late 30s, 40s, 50s, or even 60s. There were hardly any young people joining.”
The decline of inline skating’s popularity is hard to explain. “Ask 10 people, and you’ll get 10 different reasons,” Shah says. “It became too popular too quickly, and people moved on to the next trend.” He also points out that many took up skating as a fad, leading to poor experiences. “Running shoe stores sold skates without proper guidance—wrong sizes, no advice on where to skate. One bad experience, and people gave up entirely.”
It’s astonishing that a city as vast as NYC lacked dedicated skate shops until Shah launched his venture last year, a project born out of the pandemic. Despite the resurgence of roller derby and the booming popularity of skateboarding, inline skating remained overlooked—until recently. During lockdowns, people sought outdoor activities, and some rediscovered the high-energy, '90s-inspired joy of inline skating.
“Trends tend to cycle every 30 years,” Shah observes, noting inline skating’s retro charm. “People forgot how cool skating can be. They associated it with fanny packs, knee pads, and awkward moves, but skating has evolved.” New styles like wizard skating, blending artistry and parkour-like agility, have emerged. Additionally, modern equipment has vastly improved. “Like skis, skates are now easier to use, allowing beginners to enjoy them without perfect form,” Shah explains. “Boots are more comfortable, frames are lighter, wheels are more durable, and three-wheel designs offer speed and maneuverability. The fun factor is undeniable—put them on, and they feel amazing.”
“Amazing” isn’t how I’d describe my mid-'90s skates. Curious about getting back into skating, I asked Shah for advice on choosing the right inline skates in 2021.
How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Inline Skates
Browsing online skate retailers, I was fascinated by the new technology but unsure what suited me. Three-wheeled skates are often marketed to “intermediate” skaters, but was I still at that level? It’s been nearly 20 years since I skated regularly. While I used to skate confidently without falling, I never ventured into skate parks or attempted tricks.
Three Wheels or Four: Which is Better?
Shah, who operates an appointment-only skate shop, emphasizes personalized consultations to determine customer needs—whether it’s aggressive skating, trail riding, commuting, fitness, or speed. For beginners or those returning to skating, he suggests starting with a four-wheel setup. “It’s easier to learn, control, and still faster than older models,” he explains. “Modern skates have better power transfer, lighter frames, and superior wheels, so I typically recommend four wheels.” For highly athletic individuals seeking speed, he might suggest three-wheel skates, but for most, four wheels offer stability, easier stopping, and manageable speed.
Essential Safety Gear for Inline Skating
Safety gear might not be the coolest, but as someone who’s more prone to injury with age, I prioritize protection. What safety equipment is essential for inline skating beginners? “This is tricky because opinions vary,” Shah says. “I always stress skating in controlled environments first.” He ranks safety gear from most to least critical:
Helmet: “While less critical than on a bike, a helmet can save your life.” (Shah himself wears one on city streets but skips it in parks.)
Wrist Guards: Falling often leads to hand injuries, with wrist fractures being the most common.
Knee and Elbow Pads: “The same reliable pads are still widely available.”
Hip or Butt Pads: For added protection, consider pads for your hips or tailbone.
Shah advises considering your risk tolerance: How confident are you on skates? What activities are you planning? How fast will you go? Where will you skate? And, as I added, how much do scraped knees bother you? Tailor your safety gear based on these factors.
Following Shah’s advice, I chose classic four-wheel skates and a helmet—both in Mytour green, of course (they truly feel great). Next week, I’ll share how my first few weeks back on skates went. Fingers crossed, I’ll be gliding smoothly by then.
