In our Rollerblade Microblade review, we take a close look at one of the most sought-after adjustable inline skates for kids.
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Rollerblade Microblade Review: A Perfect Fit for Growing Feet
The Rollerblade Microblade is a very popular adjustable inline skate for kids that comes in two versions, with the upgraded Microblade Free offering an enhanced fastening system. Both models come in Girls’ and Boys’ options, yet they share the same fit, making them unisex skates suitable for any gender. In our Rollerblade Microblade Review, we take a close look at the skate, exploring its features, advantages, and drawbacks in detail. If you’re interested in learning about more skates designed specifically for kids, take a look at our article on the 10 Best Inline Skates for Kids.
Microblade | Microblade | Microblade Free | Microblade Free | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gender | Boys, Unisex | Girls, Unisex | Boys, Unisex | Girls, Unisex |
Sizes | Y11 – 8 | Y11 – 8 | 2 – 8 | 2 – 8 |
Wheels | 72mm/80A | 72mm/80A | 72mm/80A | 72mm/80A |
Bearings | SG3 | SG3 | SG3 | SG3 |
Frames | Monocoque Composite | Monocoque Composite | Monocoque Composite | Monocoque Composite |
Closure | Cuff Buckle, 45º Strap, Laces | Cuff Buckle, 45º Strap, Laces | Locking Cuff Buckle, 45° Powerstrap, Lace Free Toe Box | Locking Cuff Buckle, 45° Powerstrap, Lace Free Toe Box |
Features | Size Adjustable | Size Adjustable | Size Adjustable | Size Adjustable |
Rollerblade Microblade
The Rollerblade Microblade is an excellent inline skate for kids from one of the most respected brands in the industry. Rollerblade is known for its high-quality yet affordable skates for adults and kids; I love them so much that I have owned several pairs since the 1990s. If you are a parent who grew up rollerblading yourself, you will be impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of the Rollerblade Microblade. The quality and craftsmanship are miles beyond the skates we grew up with!
With the comfort of sneakers that kids adore, these skates have an easy-to-use system that can adjust them by four full sizes, perfect for growing feet. Whether your child is a beginner learning to skate or a more experienced skater seeking an upgrade, the Microblade is an excellent choice. It’s versatile, too, and suitable for outdoor use on streets, sidewalks, and indoor roller rinks.
Your kid is going to love these skates! They’ll want to take them out for a spin around the neighborhood as soon as they get them. And if you’ve have a smooth floor at home, be ready for them to turn your living room into a mini skating rink. They will have so much fun skating that they won’t even realize it’s good for their health. It’ll make their core stronger and help them balance better. If they’re into ice hockey or figure skating, these rollerblades are perfect for practicing their moves on solid ground. And even if they’ve only skated on ice before, they’ll zoom around and have a blast on these rollerblades!
Fit
The Microblade shell features a stylish and streamlined appearance that can be customized for a perfect fit to ensure a snug and comfortable fit while offering excellent control and ankle support. Inside, there’s ample padding to shield against discomfort and blisters. The skates use engineered mesh for breathability, enhancing overall comfort. While the buckle, power strap, and lace closure system ensures a secure fit. If your child is just starting out with skating, it’s normal for them to experience some falls and tumbles. Don’t be surprised if you see some scuffing and fraying of the fabric in the toe area.
Related: The 10 Best Inline Skates for Kids
Size Adjustable
Children play hard and require quality skates that can withstand frequent use. The Rollerblade Microblade is very well made and will withstand the wear and tear that kids will put them through. You might have initially wished to avoid spending this much, but you’ll be happy you didn’t opt for cheaper alternatives. Even other skates on Amazon around the same price can’t match the quality and comfort these provide. The Rollerblade Microblade is a high-quality skate that holds up for a long time, even with heavy use.
Parents find the adjustable sizing incredibly convenient because their kids can use and cherish these skates for a long time as they expand with their growing feet. Adjusting the skate size is easy with the push-button expansion mechanism. Just push up the silver tab while pulling or pushing the toe box, and you can set the skate to any of the four sizes indicated on the toe cap. It’s so simple that kids can adjust the sizing themselves! The beauty of adjustable skates is that you don’t need to purchase new skates for your child each time their feet get bigger. This makes them a cost-effective choice! It’s hard to disagree with that logic.
Related: The Best Safety Pads for Kids
Frames, Wheels, and Bearings
With the 3WD composite frame design, you can mount either 4x72mm or 3x80mm wheels on them. The skates come with 72mm 80A wheels crafted from high-quality urethane, setting them apart from the plastic wheels commonly found on cheaper kids’ skates. Thanks to the SG3 bearings, your child can have a smooth and quiet ride that is not overly fast but still offers an exciting rolling experience.
This design also brings down the center of gravity, enhancing stability and control, which is particularly helpful for beginners, making balancing and turning on the skates much easier. With the composite frame and smooth wheels, they will experience more control and a nice cushioned ride on pavement. When your child’s skating skills improve, and they feel confident with their skates, transitioning to a 3×80 setup will boost both speed and performance. This upgrade will signify their readiness to take their skating to the next level.
Will your child be skating during the evening or at the roller rink? If that’s the case, you can enhance these skates with aftermarket Luminous LED wheels. These light-up wheels introduce an entirely new level of enjoyment to skating that kids truly will love!
Brakes
A brake is attached to the right skate for your child’s safety. Once your child becomes skilled at stopping and no longer needs the brake, you can remove it using the hex keys provided and replace it with the included spare bolt.
Related: 5 Best Skate Helmets for Kids
The Perfect Gift
If you’re considering gifting skates for Christmas or to a birthday child, they could potentially guess it’s the top item on their wish list from the size and weight of the box. When they turn out to be right, their excitement will be through the roof. However, remember to save giving them the skates for last. They might just stop midway through unwrapping their other presents, plop down to the floor, and quickly slip on the skates before gliding away from you. Watching them move away with the grace of a seasoned skater will leave you and your guests in awe.
Sizing
Ordering the Microblade based on your child’s regular shoe size usually suits most kids. If your child falls between sizes, it’s recommended to go for the next skate size up. To ensure the right size, measure both of your child’s feet while they are wearing socks similar to the ones they’ll skate in. The Microblade is also an excellent choice for adults with small feet. Then, use the measurement of the longest point and refer to the sizing in the Rollerblade Microblade Review Speficications start below.
Rollerblade Microblade Review Specifications | |
---|---|
Best Use | Recreational Inline Skating |
Frame Material | Monocoque, Lo-Bal Composite |
Boot Material | Engineered Mesh |
Wheels | 72mm 80A |
Bearings | SG3 |
Brakes Included | Yes |
Number of Wheels | 4 Per Skate |
Weight | 4 lbs. 6.4 oz. |
US Sizes | Y11 – 2 | 1 – 5 | 4 – 8 |
EU Sizes | 29 – 34 | 32 – 37 | 35 – 40 |
Price | $119.00 (Inline Warehouse), $119.00 (Amazon) |
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
• Size Adjustable • Pretty • Comfortable • Durable • Ankle Support • Smooth • Quite | • Pricey • Fabric Can Scuff from Falls • May Run Small • Size Up if at the Cusp |
Related: The 36 Best Inline Skates and Rollerblades
Rollerblade Microblade Free
The Rollerblade Microblade Free is a kids’ adjustable inline skate that shares all the features of the standard Microblade, but it comes with an even simpler closure system that young skaters can handle independently. The lace-free upper makes it effortless for kids to put on and take off the skates on their own, allowing them the freedom to skate whenever they please. Like the base model, the Microblade Free maintains a low center of gravity for superb stability, ensuring an exceptional inline skating experience. Designed for comfort and ease of use, these skates can be adjusted by 4 full sizes.
US Sizes | Y11 – 2 | 1 – 5 | 4 – 8 |
EU Sizes | 29 – 34 | 32 – 37 | 35 – 40 |
Price | $119.00 (Inline Warehouse), $119.24 – $120.16 (Amazon) |