The ultimate guide to the best aggressive inline skates describes in detail the best ones on the market and their pros and cons.
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The Ultimate Aggressive Inline Skate Buyers Guide
Seeing so many former skaters and new fans embracing the sport I love over the past few years has been incredible. To help everyone navigate the current skate options, I’ve created a guide on the best aggressive inline skates available. Many returning skaters are unfamiliar with all new models and feel overwhelmed by the many choices. Luckily, classic skates like the Razors Cult and Roces Majestic 12 are still available, now with upgraded liners and frames. Additionally, many of the newer models have significantly improved designs and components from the skates of the ’90s.
To make your choice easier, I’ve compiled a list of best-quality skates from brands that give back to the community by supporting professional riders and events. This guide will be regularly updated with classic models and special limited edition skates. If you see a skate you like, it’s best to buy it quickly, as it may not be available again once sold out.
Jan Welch with a Kindgrind on the Patterson Park mini ramp in Austin, Texas
Our Top Aggressive Inline Skate Picks for 2024
We have compiled a list of this year’s Best Aggressive Inline Skates sorted by brand below, but if you’re in a time crunch and want to skim through some of our top picks, here they are!
| Best Old School Aggressive Skate | Roces M12 | $189 |
| Best Aggressive Skate on a Budget | Razors Cult | $189 |
| Best Aggressive Skate for Beginners | TNEC 58 | $220 |
| Best Aggressive Skate for Wide Feet | USD Sway | $199 – $329 |
| Best Boot Only Aggressive Skate | Iqon AG20 | $329 |
| Best Uni-Body Aggressive Skate | USD Aeon | $249 – $409 |
| Best Skater Owned Aggressive Skate | Them 909 | $330 – $550 |
| Best Kid’s Aggressive Inline Skate | Razors Genesys Junior | $179 |
Sizing Tip: To find your perfect skate size, measure your foot using the Mondopoint method, which is the most accurate. Learn how to measure your Mondo size here.
FR UFR
The FR UFR aggressive inline skates are a high skate at an affordable price with durable plastic boots and UFR soul plates, compatible with any UFS mount frames. The boot provides solid support, and the FR Liners have memory foam around the ankles for comfort and heel security. You can also remove the soul plates to attach UFS frames directly, offering a sleeker profile for big wheel or Wizard setups. Available in sizes 6-13.
The FR UFR Street Diako Diaby skates come with the Oysi x FR collaboration 4x60mm UFS Frames. Inspired by the classic Oysi design, these frames let you ride flat with a large groove and a wide center wheel split (115mm) for stability and control. This design offers a low, stable ride height in a sleek and compact form. The skates also feature 60mm 88A FR Wheels and FR Twincam MW9 bearings for smooth performance. ($300.00)
Smooth and Comfortable Performance: The OYSI frame feels pre-grooved on your first royale, with no wheel bite, while the soul plates slide smoothly and lock perfectly on tricks. The padded liner fits snugly without blisters, and the skates deliver solid performance on street, park, or ramps, featuring responsive cuffs, fast bearings, and 88A wheels for great grip on sharp turns.
Related: Best Pads for Inline Skating
Gawds
Gawds is a brand created through a partnership between pro inline skater Franky Morales and the well-known skate manufacturer Powerslide. This collaboration blends Morales’ street-skating experience with Powerslide’s technical skills, resulting in high-quality and innovative skates for the rollerblading community. Gawds skates are available in sizes 7 to 12.
The GAWDS Michael Prado II Skates are built for intense skaters, featuring a durable hand-lasted hybrid composite boot for top-notch performance. Michael Silva Prado, known for his fearless skating, relies on these strong and reliable skates. They offer a comfortable upper with leather details and built-in microfiber liners for excellent control and comfort. The straps and lacing provide a secure and stable fit. With wide soul plates, Kizer Fluid IV UFS Frames, an anti-rocker wheel setup, and 60mm wheels, these skates are perfect for grinds and tricks, reflecting Michael Prado’s bold style. ($309.97)
Things to consider: The Kizer Fluid IV frames are designed only for anti-rocker, so if you prefer a flat setup, you’ll need different frames. If you’re an anti-rocker skater, this setup is perfect for you. One thing to note is the skates come with straps instead of buckles, which might not suit everyone. I personally swapped the straps for buckles and found I prefer the closure they provide.
Related: The Best Aggressive UFS Frames
IQON AG 20
The IQON AG 20 Boots are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and highly durable, thanks to their glass fiber reinforced plastic construction. They offer a stiffer feel compared to the USD Carbon Free shell and have a higher cuff position, making them more supportive. Paired with the Myfit Prime liner, these boots provide excellent stability and limit forward-backward flex, making them a great choice for those looking for comfort and control. The heat-moldable MyFit Prime Liners are lightweight and feel comfortable straight out of the box. Available in sizes 7-12.
The IQON AG 20 skates have a secure 45-degree Velcro strap mounted with screws and a sturdy aluminum buckle that’s well-protected by the cuff’s shape. They come with the same sole plate as the USD VII, which slides smoothly and offers plenty of room for both soul and negative grinds. However, the sole plate doesn’t align perfectly with the boot, which can make them look a bit off when you look down at them. Comfort-wise, these were one of my favorite boots that I’ve ever skated. ($289.97)
Recommendations: The AG20 comes as a boot only, so you’ll need to add frames, wheels, and bearings. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I recommend pairing these boots with TNEC Frames, Dream 58mm Wheels, and Wicked ILQ-9 Bearings. This is the exact setup I use on my AG20 skates, and I absolutely love it.
Related: The Best Big Wheel UFS Frames for Enjoying the Streets
Razors Cult
The Razors Cult is a classic aggressive inline skate that’s perfect for skaters of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and offers excellent value. With over 20 years on the market, it’s one of the most iconic skate lines out there. The Cult (except for the Level One model) is the only skate with a replaceable backslide plate. It’s fully customizable, letting you swap out the buckles, cuffs, frames, wheels, liners, and soul plates. Available in sizes 6-13. Each pair comes with Ground Control Featherlite frames, 57mm wheels outer wheels, plastic anti-rocker wheels, and ABEC 5 bearings.
The Razors Cult Level One skates are the latest addition to the Razors lineup, offering a budget-friendly option by featuring a single-piece soul plate instead of the traditional removable backslide plate. This design makes them perfect for beginners and skaters on a budget. Razor’s Pro Andrew Broom has been using them, proving they’re tough enough for advanced skaters too. They are customizable and come with a redesigned Razors Cult Liner with an improved toe box, tongue, and ankle padding for added comfort. ($169.95)
The Razors Cult Aggressive Inline Skates, available in black and blue models, is a classic skate design from the 90s, trusted by some of the best skaters in the sport’s history. Its durable shell and timeless design have made it a staple in aggressive skating, with many legends using Cults at some point in their careers. Known for its reliability and replaceable backslide plate, the Cult remains a top choice for skaters looking for performance and style. ($189.97)
Liner and Wheel Quality Consideration: The Cult is budget-friendly, making aggressive skating accessible, and it’s proven its durability over time, making it a top choice. However, the lower price means some components are of lesser quality. Although comfortable at first, the liner loses its comfort over time, so upgrading it is recommended. The stock outer wheels aren’t the best quality, and the plastic anti-rocker wheels should be replaced with urethane anti-rocker wheels or 58mm Dream Wheels for a complete flat setup.
Related: Dream Urethane Launches First Line of Wheels
Razors Shift
Andrew Broom’s first pro-model aggressive inline skates from Razors have finally arrived, and they truly reflect his talent and style! Andrew has been dominating the street skating scene for years and is recognized as one of the top street skaters today. He’s known for his impressive video parts, often filmed by Anthony Medina, and is a key member of the popular Jumbo crew on YouTube.
The Andrew Broom Pro Shift Skate features a sleek gray boot with a white cuff, soul plate, and purple accents. It comes with purple Ground Control Featherlite 4 Frames and 60mm/99A Wheels for a smooth ride. The comfortable Reign V3 Liner ensures a great fit, while durable aluminum cuff buckles and secure lacing provide a snug closure. For the perfect setup, consider adding Andrew Broom’s signature Dream Wheels! ($269.00)
Instant Frame Change, Great for Wide Fit: Features an Instant Frame Change System, allowing quick switches between aggressive and urban setups with a push-button slider plate removal. The frame mounts under the boot and can be secured with a screw if needed. It has a wide fit for various foot sizes and is available in sizes 6-13.
Related: The 15 Best Helmets for Inline Skating
Razors SL
The Razors SL is a great option for skaters of all levels. It has a lower center of gravity for better balance and is super lightweight (that’s why it’s called SL). The skate has a roomy design, shock-absorbing heel pads, and fully customizable parts like replaceable cuffs, buckles, soul frames, backslide plates, and wheels. The comfortable Razors liner offers a precise fit, even in half sizes, and is available in sizes 6-13, including 7.5, 9.5, and 10.5.
The Razors SL Sky inline skate features a stylish white and silver design, with Ground Control Featherlite 3 frames, 57mm 92A wheels, and ABEC 5 bearings. Its low center of gravity helps make tricks easier, making it a great choice for skaters returning to aggressive skating or beginners learning grinds. ($259.00)
Things to Consider: The stock outer wheels aren’t the best quality, and the skates come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels in the middle. Upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels is recommended. If you want to ride flat, you’ll need to purchase at least four additional wheels.
Roces Fifth Element
The Roces Fifth Element is ideal for beginners and those returning to aggressive skating. It’s wider than the Roces M12, making it easier to learn tricks with its two-piece soul plates that slide smoothly. The low cuff allows great maneuverability, and the dual-injection boot provides flexibility where needed and durability where it counts, offering a better fit. The skates feature a comfortable Memory Foam Liner straight out of the box and are available in sizes 6-12.
The Roces Fifth Element Nils Jansons Saule Pro aggressive inline skates have a stunning color scheme with gold details, including gold eyelets and aluminum memory buckles. They come equipped with a Roces UFS Frame, 60mm 92A wheels, and ABEC 5 bearings for smooth performance. ($229.97)
Sustainability: Roces is embracing sustainability by making their boots with 47% cornstarch-based plastic and high-grade polyurethane. They come in 100% plastic-free packaging and feature recycled liners with recycled lining and padding.
Roces M12
The Roces M12, updated from the original 90s Majestic 12 street skate, is a functional, light, and simple aggressive skate. Available in the classic M12 and M12 Lo (with a lower cuff for more motion), both versions are eco-friendly, made from 47% cornstarch-based PU, with 99% plastic-free packaging. They come with memory foam liners, Roces UFS frames, wheels, and bearings, and are available in sizes 4 to 15.
The Roces M12 revives the classic Majestic 12 aggressive skates from the late 90s with a modern design, updated soulplates, and UFS frames. It features 58mm 88A wheels on the outside with ABEC 3 bearings and anti-rocker wheels in the middle. This skate is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experts, delivering high quality at an affordable price. ($189.99)
Although these skates might look like something from another galaxy, they’re not a Boba Fett Pro-model. The Roces M12 Lo Team Juno Skates feature a lower-cut cuff (Lo) with a cool spacey grey and salmon color scheme. They have aluminum memory cuff buckles and regular lacing, plus upgraded liners for better comfort compared to the standard M12. The skates come with Roces frames, 58mm 88A wheels on the outside, and anti-rocker wheels on the inside. ($239.97)
The Roces M12 Lo Goto Namikaze skates feature aluminum memory buckles for a quick, no-fuss fit. They have glass-fiber reinforced polyamide UFS frames that are perfect for grinds, along with 60mm 93A wheels and anti-rocker wheels in the middle for added support. ($269.00)
Fit and setup: The skates run small and narrow, and come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels to cut costs. I recommend upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels or switching to a flat 60mm Dream Wheel setup for better performance.
Rollerblade Blank
The Rollerblade Blank is a modern update of the classic Rollerblade Solo aggressive inline skates, with significant improvements. Designed by Kyle Sola, the streamlined soulplate is lighter, more durable, and allows direct frame mounting to the shell, making it easy to switch to big wheel UFS setups. The recessed areas in the soulplate let you use larger UFS frames, like Oysi, without modifications. The cuff has been redesigned with a standard buckle and built-in protectors to prevent damage from falls. The strap is now secured with three screws for a tighter, more efficient fit.
The Rollerblade Blank Team aggressive inline skates feature the new Blank V2 Liner with memory foam, providing comfort and strategic padding. The V2 Liners have a stretch neoprene toe box and are available in sizes 5-12.5. They include a footboard sizer for adjusting size and Performance-Plus Insoles with a rubber outsole and silicone strip for stability. The skates come with 60mm 92A Hydrogen Blank Wheels, 42mm plastic anti-rocker wheels, and Twincam ILQ-9 Classic Plus Bearings. The V2 Liner is lighter, slimmer, and offers an improved lacing system. ($299.00)
Weight and Wheel Setup: The Blank skates are solid and durable but can feel a bit heavy, depending on personal preference. They come with plastic anti-rocker wheels, so consider upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels. If you want to ride flat, you’ll need to buy at least four additional wheels, such as the 60mm Dream Wheels.
Them 909
Them Skates, created by Jon Julio, has made a big impact in the skating world with innovative products and streetwear influence. The flagship Them 909 aggressive inline skates, designed with Kyle Sola, come with the Them UFS street skating frame, wheels, bearings, and either regular or Intuition Liners. The latest models feature engraved aluminum buckles, V3 soulplates with a better royal groove and wider positive and negative soul space, and improved stability with eight mounting screws. The thicker soulplates are durable yet keep the skate lightweight. The redesigned liners offer great heel lock and foot positioning. These skates are available in sizes 6 to 11.5.
The latest Them 909 aggressive inline skates come in sleek black and white models. The V4 liners have been redesigned for a deeper, more supportive fit, and the cuff reinforcement offers improved flexibility. The tongue is wider with extra padding for added comfort. They include Them UFS Street Frames, which come flat with 4x58mm 90A wheels but also work with anti-rocker setups. The frames are durable, low-friction, and made from injection-molded glass nylon with custom one-piece steel axles. ($339.00)
TNEC 58
The New Everything Company (TNEC), originally a skater-owned frame company, has expanded into making boots with their TNEC 58 entry-level aggressive skate. These skates are affordable for beginners but are also popular with expert skaters. The cost is kept low by using a one-piece soul plate and frame combination. They are available in sizes 6-11.
The TNEC 58 Skates are a budget-friendly choice for beginners in aggressive skating. They have a single-piece, riveted soul plate and frame design, which makes them lightweight and easy to maintain. These skates offer a comfortable fit with a roomy toe box and soft liners featuring neoprene toes. They come with a flat 58mm 88A wheel setup and ABEC 7 bearings for smooth performance. ($220.00)
Maintenance and customization: These skates require minimal maintenance but have limited customization options, as the frames are non-replaceable, and the soulplate and cuff are riveted on, making them difficult to replace.
USD Aeon
The USD Aeon aggressive inline skates are a lightweight unibody option, perfect for beginners and experts looking for an easy flat setup. They combine the shell, soulplate, and frame into one piece, offering a wide wheel split and impressive groove for smooth grinds. The design prevents wheel bite, and the flat setup provides a stable, smooth ride for those learning to skate. The lower center of gravity improves control, and the non-UFS design allows wheels up to sit low. Available with soft or hard cuffs, adjustable in two height positions, they come with quality liners, Wicked bearings, and are available in sizes 5-11.5.
The USD Aeon 60 Team skates have a simple, clean look with a sleek white design. They come with a flat setup, featuring 60mm 90A USD Team Big Core Wheels and fast Wicked ABEC7 bearings. Inside, you’ll find comfortable USD Basic Dual Fit Liners with a 4-way stretchable toe for extra comfort. ($249.00)
The USD Aeon 60 Mery Munoz II inline skates come with comfortable MYFIT 2nd Skin dual-fit liners, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and 4x60mm wheels with Wicked ABEC9 Bearings for a smooth ride. ($349.00)
The USD Aeon 60 Richie Eisler skates have a white reflective upper and come with Richie Eisler’s 60mm 88A UnderCover Wheels and Wicked ABEC 9 bearings, providing smooth and durable performance. ($369.95)
Unibody design: The Aeon’s unibody design offers a lower center of gravity and makes the skate lightweight, making it perfect for beginners and easy to learn grinds on. It’s solid and extremely responsive, but the one-piece design means limited customization options, as the frames cannot be replaced or upgraded.
Related: The Absolute Best Socks for Inline Skating
USD Sway
The USD Sway aggressive inline skates have greatly improved over the years, evolving from an affordable beginner option to high-quality skates suitable for all skill levels. Available in sizes 5.5 – 12. All new Sway models now feature a redesigned soulplate, created with input from Chris Farmer, which looks more stylish, fits the shell better, and has a wider contact area on both sides, making negative tricks easier.
The USD Sway Team 60 Skates have a sleek grey and black design and are made to be breathable. They come with spacious soulplates, removable USD Basic Liners, 60mm 90A USD Team Wheels, and Kizer UFS Fluid V Frames. The skates have standard lacing with an extra hook and a new low-profile metal Kizer Supreme Buckle with added protection. ($199.99)
The USD Sway 58 XXIV skates have a stylish grey design with rare white Kizer Fluid IV frames. They offer a comfortable fit with USD Basic Dual Fit Liners and come with 58mm wheels, anti-rockered frames, and ABEC7 carbon pro steel Wicked bearings, making them a great value for skaters. ($219.95)
The USD Sway Chris Farmer Pro skates feature a fun and unique giraffe print that even covers the soulplate and matching the MyFit Crown Pro liners. These skates provide a secure fit with standard lacing, top liner lacing, a 45-degree Velcro strap, and a strong Kizer Supreme Buckle with built-in protection. They also come with Kizer Fluid V flat frames for better grind control and include USD Pro wheels in a 4x58mm setup with ABEC 9 bearings for a smooth ride. ($269.97)
Universal fit: These skates are designed to accommodate almost any foot shape, making them an ideal choice for people with medium and wide feet.
Best Kids’ Aggressive Inline Skates
Several great adjustable aggressive inline skate models are available for kids starting out or already enjoying skate parks. These skates, which can adjust to growing feet, would have been a blessing for us as kids instead of having to make do with oversized skates. They are also perfect for women with smaller feet.
Note: While adjustable kid’s skates may not be as rigid or sturdy as adult skates, they are an excellent choice for kids starting aggressive skating. Check out this video on adjusting the size of kid’s adjustable inline skates.
Related: Best Skate Helmets for Kids
Razors Genesys Junior
The Razors Genesys Junior is adjustable from sizes 3-6 without losing strength or performance, making it perfect for active young skaters. The skate adjusts both in the front and back by removing the front wheel and frame mounting bolt, creating a sturdy connection that keeps the balance consistent. It features an upgraded buckle from earlier models, and the liners are just as high-quality as those found in Razors adult skates. ($179.00)
Related: The Best Safety Pads for Kids
USD Transformer
The USD Transformer Kid’s Adjustable Aggressive Inline Skates are perfect for children learning to grind, jump, and skate ramps. Available in adjustable sizes 1.5-3.5 and 4.5-7, they grow with your child, offering great value. The skates feature a durable boot, supportive cuff, and comfortable liners for cushioning. With Kizer Junior UFS Frames and an anti-rocker setup, they provide stability, speed, and ample space for grinds. ($189.95)
Suitable for Adults with Small Feet: These skates offer an adjustable and supportive fit, making them ideal for women and men with smaller feet who want a reliable and comfortable option for aggressive inline skating.
Related: The Best Inline Skates for Kids Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2024
Why Trust Big Wheel Blading?
I’ve been active in aggressive inline skating industry since 1995, witnessing its development from its early days. I’ve contributed to and worked for several skating magazines, such as Scum Magazine and Daily Bread, and worked with brands like 4×4 Urethane, Vicious Bearings, and Nimh Skates. Currently, I run Dream Urethane, bigwheelblading.com and host the Then and Now YouTube Channel. Over the years, I’ve tested numerous aggressive skates, gaining a deep understanding of their features, strengths, and weaknesses. With my background and expert knowledge, I’m excited to share insights in this buyer’s guide on the latest aggressive inline skates for adults and kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Aggressive Inline Skates?
Aggressive skates are designed for tricks on the street or in a skatepark. They’re heavier than recreational skates and have lower frames with small wheels (56-62mm) and a short wheelbase. Made for jumps, airs, and sliding on ledges and rails, they don’t have heel brakes and aren’t meant for recreational or long-distance skating. However, you can switch to different big wheel frames using the UFS (Universal Frame System) for various styles like urban or wizard skating. Aggressive skates have a gap between the second and third wheels for perpendicular grinds and a hard plastic soulplate for parallel grinds, preventing wheel bite. Most skates in this guide use UFS, except the USD Aeon with its unibody design. The UFS system lets you mix and match any UFS frame with UFS-compatible boots for more setup options.
How to Decide Between a Flat or Anti-Rocker Setup?
The aggressive inline skates featured in this guide come in two different wheel configurations, flat and anti-rocker. For a beginner skater, figuring out which option is best can be confusing. I will discuss the pros and cons of the two configurations to help you make a more informed decision.
What is Anti-Rocker?
An anti-rocker setup uses larger, softer outer wheels and smaller, harder inner wheels, so only the outer wheels touch the ground. Common configurations have 58-62mm outer wheels and 46-52mm inner wheels (100-101a hardness). This setup makes grinding easier and the skates lighter but reduces mobility, speed, and control, especially on rough surfaces. Most skates come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels, which wear unevenly and don’t spin. Urethane anti-rocker wheels with bearings, like the Eulogy 47mm 101a, are a better, longer-lasting upgrade option.
What is a Flat Setup?
A flat setup means all four wheels in a frame are the same size and touch the ground. This setup offers great mobility, increased speed, stable landings, and better control, making it ideal for beginners and fun for rolling around. It’s also beneficial for intermediate and expert skaters who want more speed and smoother landings on rough surfaces. The main drawback is the risk of wheel bite on h-block tricks like royales, as the middle wheels can catch on ledges or rails, leading to unexpected falls.
How do I Prevent Wheel Bite When Riding Flat?
If you desire the agility and smooth ride of a flat setup and want to prevent wheel bite, there is an excellent way around it. The solution is to put harder 92-95a wheels in the middle of your skate while using softer 88-90a wheels on the outside. Having the harder wheels in the middle will prevent the wheel from sticking to a ledge or rail and causing the dreaded wheel bite, which can cause you to fall unexpectedly.
How do you Measure Your Mondo Foot Size?
To choose the correct size for inline skates, it’s essential to measure your foot in centimeters using the Mondo system, which accurately reflects your foot’s exact length. This standardized measurement helps ensure consistency across different footwear types. Even slight differences in measurement can significantly affect fit. To measure, wear your skating socks and use the wall method: place your heel against a wall on a piece of paper, mark the longest point of your toe, and measure the distance.
Consult specific skate model size charts and compare your measurements, adjusting them as recommended since sizing may vary among brands. Please avoid using your regular shoe size as a guide, as it can be inaccurate for skates. Instead, refer to customer reviews for insights on whether the skates tend to run true to size, small or large.
