If you have ever skated before, you must know how good roller skating is. Initially, skating looks pretty uncomplicated, but there is more to skating than meets the eye.
A regular roller skate for men may seem like a shoe attached to the wheels to the unseasoned. However, that is not the case.
If you are going to buy your first roller skate or consider buying a more professional one, you must be aware of all the roller skate components. Multiple pieces make up the skates that you love. There can be several types of roller skates.
Here are some components that can most commonly be found in roller skates for men. Knowing about these will help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Boot
It is the visually striking component of the skates. In many parts of the world, the boot is called by different names; some might call it a skating shoe while others refer to it as boot uppers.
Commonly, it is made of faux leather, but if you are buying high-quality roller skates for men, you might even find them in suede and leather.
These boots are heavily padded on the inside for the skater’s comfort. Moreover, a boot might even have velcro and laces to provide a proper grip.
Plate
It is a slate-like component that acts as a base for the skates. The boot upper is attached to the plate itself with all other components.
These plates are made from different materials, and the type of material you choose depends upon your purpose. For instance, the hefty metal plates are sturdy and used for common purposes, whereas a nylon plate might be better for those who skate professionally.
Wheels
If you are a beginner, you might be surprised to know that wheels come in various sizes and hardness levels. The hardness level of your wheels indicates the purpose of the roller skates. For example, you need a softer roller wheel for outdoors but a more rigid wheel for indoors.
Furthermore, the size of the wheel determines its ability in the men’s roller skates. The smaller the wheel, the more agile the roller skates are.
Bearings
If you look at any roller skate, you will see two nuts or screws in the middle of the wheels. That is actually the bearing, and it helps keep the wheel moving even with the slightest force. This helps the skaters glide as bearings help to reduce friction.
In a set of roller skates, you will find sixteen bearings as each wheel has two. As a skater, you must frequently clean your bearings to prevent dust build-up.
Toe stops
To put it simply, they are the brakes for your skates. You often need to alter your speed while skating, and these toe stops can be used to slow your pace. The stops are placed near the toes in regular skates, but inline skates come with stops at the back as it provides more control. These toe stops can be adjusted for height as per the skater’s preference.
So, these are some of the essential components of roller skates that you must know about when considering buying. Once you know these components, you can choose the roller skates for yourself.
