Best Aggressive Inline Skates of 2023 – The Ultimate Guide

The ultimate guide to the best aggressive inline skates describes in detail the best ones on the market and their pros and cons.

We independently selected all products in the Ultimate Guide to the Best Aggressive Inline Skates article. We may earn a commission through affiliate programs if you click our links.

Buyers Guide: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Aggressive Inline Skates

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The Buyers Guide section of bigwheelblading.com, provides everything you need to make informed purchases online. 

Many aggressive inline skate options are available online, but researching and finding the ones that meet your needs can be overwhelming. To save you time and frustration, I have curated a list of the best aggressive skates available. These are high-quality skates from the top brands within the industry that give back by supporting professional riders and events.

This guide is a living article and will be continuously updated and modified. Some of the skates in this guide are staples that have been around for years and will always be available. The pro models and collaborations are limited and generally only manufactured once. If you like a skate, I recommend getting it when it’s still available because once sold out, you most likely won’t be able to get them again.

I have been working in the inline skating industry for 27 years and currently run bigwheelblading.com and host the Then and Now YouTube Channel. Having skated many of the aggressive inline skates in this guide, I’m familiar with what’s out there. I want to share my knowledge of the best skates and gear available for adults and kids.

FAQ

1. What are aggressive inline skates?
2. Deciding Between a flat or Anti-Rocker Setup
3. How to prevent wheel bite when riding flat
4. Fit and Sizing
5. Health Benefits of Skating

The best aggressive inline skates

We have compiled a list of this year’s Best Aggressive Inline Skates below, but if you’re in a time crunch and want to skim through the list and compare prices, here they are!

• Iqon AG20 | $395
• Them 909 | $320 – $339
• USD Aeon | $300 – $409.95
• USD Sway | $219.99
• Mesmer | $399
• Gawds Franky Morales | $368
• Roces M12 | $188.97 – $269
• Roces Fifth Element | $329
• Rollerblade Blank | $299
• Razors Cult | $179.90 – $199.99
• Razors Shift | $249.97 – $369
• Razors SL | $369.00
• FR UFR | $295.95)
• Faction Tactical | $425

Best Aggressive inline Skates for kids

• Razors Genesys Junior ($179 – $189)
• USD Transformer ($199.95)
• FR UFR ($295.95)
• Roces M12 ($188.97 – $269)
• USD Aeon ($320 – $409.95)
• Them 909 ($339 – $450)

Recommended Accessories

• S1 Lifer Helmet ($79.99 – $89.99)
• Ennui Elite Helmet ($69.99)
• Ennui Pads ($24.95 – $69.99)
• G-Form Pads ($49.99 – $119.09)
• SuperFeet Blue Insoles ($54.99)
• Intuition Skate Premium Liner ($222)
• Athalon Everything Boot Bag ($79.99)
• Sonic Pro Inline Skate Tool ($13.95)

Still with us? Great! Let’s review our list of the best aggressive inline skates.

Rollerblade Blank

The Rollerblade Blank is a reimagined iteration of the classic Rollerblade Solo aggressive inline skates. Although the skates look similar, they couldn’t be more different. The modernized soulplate, designed by Kyle Sola, is more streamlined, lighter, and robust. The frame is mounted directly to the shell so the soulplate can be removed for big wheel UFS setups. A benefit of this soulplate is that the recessed areas allow bigger wheel UFS frames, like Oysius, to be used without making modifications.

The cuff has been redesigned, given a standard buckle, and has exceptional buckle protectors built into the mold to protect them when missing tricks or falling. The strap is now mounted with three screws, allowing you to tighten the skate more efficiently. The Blank Liners are comfortable, have strategic padding, and stretch neoprene toebox. An included footboard sizer adjusts the size, and the Performance-Plus Insoles use a rubber outsole and a silicone strip to stay in place. The Rollerblade Blank aggressive inline skates come with Blank Frames, Hydrogen 60mm wheels, and Twinxam ILQ-9 Bearings.

Rollerblade Blank Team

The Rollerblade Blank Team aggressive inline skates come complete with the new Blank V2 Liner with memory foam, 60mm 92a Hydrogen Blank Wheels, 42mm plastic anti-rocker wheels, and Twincam ILQ-9 Classic Plus Bearings. The V2 Liner is lighter, slimmer, and has a better lacing system.

SIZES

Not true to size. Use foot measurement to determine the size (add .5cm for room at the toe).

• US: 5 – 12.5 US
• EU: 36.5 – 46 EU
• CM: 22.6 – 30.5 CM

PROS

• Extremely comfortable liner.
• Hydrogen Wheels.
• Twincam ILQ-9 Classic Plus Bearings.
• Performance Plus Insole.

CONS

• They come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels in the middle; I suggest upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels. If you want to ride flat, you must buy at least four more wheels.
• The skates feel heavy because the Blank UFS frames are on the heavier side.
• Not Heat Moldable.
• Not true to size.

IQON AG20

Iqon was founded in 2021 and is part of the Disroyal distribution family.

IQON AG20

The Iqon AG 20 Boots are made with glass fiber reinforced plastic to be lightweight and flexible yet remain very durable. They are a stiffer version of the USD Carbon Free shell with a higher cuff position. The cuff works well with the Myfit Prime liner, offering excellent stability while reducing the scope of forward-backward flex. The heat-moldable and lightweight MyFit Prime Liners feel great right out of the box. These are one of the most comfortable skates I skated last year!

The 45-degree Velcro strap is mounted firmly with screws, and an aluminum buckle is protected against damage thanks to the shape of the cuff. The sole plate is the same plate found on the USD VII, slides incredibly well, and has plenty of space for doing both soul and negative grinds. My biggest issue with these skates is that the sole plate does not line up well with the boot, so it does not look aesthetically pleasing when looking down at them. Comfort-wise, these were one of my favorite boots that I skated in 2022.

SIZES

• US: 7 – 12
• EU: 39 – 46
• CM: 25 – 29.6

PROS

• Lightweight.
• The aesthetics and superb craftsmanship of the soft material covering the shell are pleasing to the eye.
• The boot is made with glass fiber reinforced plastic to be lightweight and have a bit of flex yet remain very durable.
• The Myfit Prime Liners offer next-level comfort. These are some of my favorite liners I have ever skated.
• The soulplate performs great on grinds.
• The boot works well for aggressive, big wheel, and wizard skating.

CONS

• The price, they are costly for a boot only.
• My main issue with the AG20 is the soulplate does not line up well with the boot in the toe area, making it aesthetically unpleasing when looking down at them.
• The logo on the tongue of the liner rubs off quickly
• You still have to buy frames, wheels, and bearings.

Related post -> The Best Big Wheel UFS Frames for Enjoying the Streets

Them 909

Them Skates has had an immense impact inside and outside the industry through product innovation, collaborations, and its close association with streetwear culture. Them is the brainchild of Jon Julio, who, together with Kyle Sola, designed their flagship Them 909. The Them 909 aggressive inline skates come complete with the Them UFS street skating frame, 58 mm 90a Wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and either Them V4 Liners or Intuition Liners depending on the model.

The latest skates feature aluminum buckles with an engraved logo and V3 soulplates with a larger heel area. The interior walls of the soulplates are thicker and longer-lasting, yet the skate still feels lightweight. The soulplate is mounted to the boot with eight screws, making the skates more solid and stable. The H-block of the frame is lower, preventing wheel bite. The redesigned liners have an excellent heel lock and position your foot more forward. There are several models of the 909 skates currently available.

Them 909 Black

The Them 909 Black aggressive inline skates look super clean, and it is hard to go wrong in all black.

Them 909 x wknd skateboards

The Them 909 x WKND Skateboards Collaboration aggressive inline skates are their most unexpected and coolest collaboration yet. Inline skaters and skateboarders have not always seen eye to eye, but these two brands have put that all aside for this project. The bottom of the soulplates feature illustrations of inline skaters and boarders. There is another illustration on the back of the cuff of a droopy dog on skates holding a skateboard.

Them 909 x clarks originals

The Them 909 x Clarks Originals Collaboration aggressive inline skates are an instant classic with their blue and beige color scheme that looks like suede inspired by a Clark boot.

SIZES

Runs Small; It is recommended to size them up.

• US: 5 – 12
• EU: 36.5 – 45.5

PROS

• Harder plastic than the 908, making the 909 skates far more responsive.
• The clamp and lacing are innovative; with the proper lacing, the heel also sits well, and therefore, no 45° strap is necessary here.
• The flex can be adjusted by changing the cuff height position. The lower cuff position is recommended for aggressive skating. For distance skating on bigger wheels or wizard blading the higher cuff position is recommended.
• The heel area of the soulplate was enlarged in 2022, making alley-oop grinds easier.
• The soulplate is attached to the boot with eight screws making the skates feel more solid and stable.

CONS

• Not true to size.
• Limited sizing.

USD Aeon

The USD Aeon aggressive inline skates are an excellent lightweight unibody skate for beginners (and experts) overwhelmed with all the boot and frame options, making them the perfect flat setup out of the box. They combine the shell, soulplate, and frame into one single mold and offer a large wheel split with an impressive groove for easy grinds. Due to their wide and generous design, you don’t have to worry about wheel bite. The flat option is also great for people getting into skating because it allows for a smooth ride and helps your style while just skating between obstacles.

They have lowered the center of gravity to give considerably better control over the skate. The divergence from the UFS system allows for larger wheels up to 72 mm that sit as “low” as standard aggressive frames. The cuffs of the Aeon are available in two versions – soft and hard and can be set in two height positions to adjust flex. Include wicked bearings and great liners.

One of the most significant aspects of the USD Aeon skates is they introduced a 36-38 shell for adults and juniors with small feet. This 36-38 shell is by far the best option for children. All the other kid’s aggressive skates are a 2-piece size adjustable shell that is not as durable or long-lasting.

USD Aeon 60 Aaron Feinberg Pro

The USD Aeon 60 Aaron Feinberg Pro aggressive inline skates are part of USD’s 25th Anniversary Collection to show appreciation for legendary pros from USD’s past. The Feinberg model comes with heat-moldable MYFIT 2nd Skin dual-fit liners, 61mm 90A wheels, and Wicked ABEC 9 bearings.

USD Aeon 60 EQT

The USD Aeon 60 EQT aggressive inline skates come in all pink with white highlights and looks terrific. All sales support the female skaters on their team through a royalty program. The EQT I’m excited that this skate is available in all sizes, so anyone can skate them while supporting the team. The EQT model comes with heat-moldable MYFIT 2nd Skin liners, 61mm 90A wheels, and Wicked ABEC 7 bearings.

USD Aeon 68 Takeshi Pro

The USD Aeon 68 Takeshi Pro aggressive inline skates are part of USD’s 25th Anniversary Collection to show appreciation for legendary pros from USD’s past. The Takeshi model comes with heat-moldable MyFit Recall Dual Fit Liners, 68mm 90A wheels, and Wicked Abec 9 Bearings. The frame fits up to 72mm wheels.

SIZES

• US: 5 – 11.5
• EU: 36 – 46
• CM: 22.9 – 29.6

PROS

• Excellent price.
• The perfect skate for beginners.
• Easy skate to learn grinds in.
• The single-piece design provides a super solid ride.
• Very responsive.
• Frames wear very slowly to extend the life of the skate.

CONS

• The frames are non-replaceable.
• Footbeds aren’t very padded and can cause some discomfort when doing gaps. Some people like to swap out the footbeds with ones with built-in gel shock absorbers.

Related post -> The Absolute Best Socks for Inline Skating

USD Sway

The USD Sway aggressive inline skates have experienced several changes and advancements in the past few years. They’ve transformed from an affordable beginner skate into high-quality precision skates for all skill levels with a universal fit that can accommodate nearly every type of foot.

Some newer Sway models come fitted with a brand new soulplate designed jointly with Chris Farmer. The new soulplate is more aesthetically pleasing, compact, and fits better to the shell. Chris ensured the contact area was wider on both sides, making negative tricks more effortless.

The basic models still come with the previous soulplate. The newer models also feature a 45-degree strap and heat-moldable MyFit Crown liners with memory foam, while the basic models feature the non-heat-moldable USD basic liner. All models of the Sawy come with the Kizer Fluid 5 Frames.

USD Sway 60 XXI

The USD Sway 60 XXI aggressive inline skates are fitted with the USD Basic Liner and come set up flat with 60mm 88a wheels with Wicked Abec 7 Bearings on the Kizer Fluid V Frames.

SIZES

• US: 5.5 – 12
• EU: 37 – 46
• CM: 23.6 – 29.6

PROS

• Excellent Price.
• Great for wide feet.
• High quality.
• Great durability.
• Comfortable out of the box.
• Great ankle support.
• Heat-moldable liner in newer models.
• Fluid V Frames.

CONS

• Wheels on basic models wear quickly.

Mesmer

Mesmer resurrected the Classic USD Throne boot and updated it with modern features, including a raised heel and modified cuff. The boot is lightweight and durable, with significant flex while resisting cold temperatures and retaining its shape, thanks to their use of PEBAX. The nylon-based soul plate is partly made of glass fiber, making it durable and long-lasting.

You can find interchangeable PU shock absorbers, dual-density insoles, and new heat-moldable MyFit Mesmer memory foam liners inside the boot. UFS mounting goes through the soulplate to the boot for a more secure feeling. Kizer Fluid V Frames are attached to the soul plate and include Mesmer 60mm 90a wheels with Wicked ABEC 9 bearings inside them.

On top of making fantastic aggressive inline skates, there are a couple of other things I love about Mesmer. Those are their incredible team and their emphasis on art. The entire pro team shreds, and Mesmer pays some of the highest royalties in the industry. Many artistic details are featured on these skates, from the cuff bolts to pad printed art on the bottom of soul plates, making Mesmer aggressive skates a unique product on the market.

Mesmer Dominic Bruce Pro

Mesmer’s second pro model is the Mesmer Dominic Bruce aggressive inline skates. I love the look of the faded green boot mounted with cream-colored souls and frames. The Dominic skate includes heat-moldable MyFit Mesmer Slayer memory foam liners, Kizer Fluid V Frames, 60mm 90a Wheels, and Wicked Abec 9 Bearings.

SIZES

• US SIZES: 6 – 12.5
• EU SIZES: 38 – 47
• MONDO SIZES: 24.2 – 30.3

PROS

• The excellent colorway, art, and attention to detail help create a skate with striking aesthetics.
• The one-piece soul plates feature pad-printed artist collaborations on the bottom of them.
• The MyFit Mesmer Slayer Liner with memory foam padding and microfiber lining help reduce pressure points.
• Features excellent shock absorbers and dual-density soles.
• Come stock with Fluid V Frames, 60mm / 90A Mesmer wheels in the outside and 60mm / 95A Wheels in the middle, and Wicked ABEC 9 bearings, creating the optimal flat setup out of the box.
• Noticeably quieter ride because Mesmer fills the extra gap between the shell and the soul plate with a thick layer of rubber padding.
• It is made with PEBAX, which allows more flex yet is very light and responsive. PEBAX also offers excellent resistance to temperature fluctuations, which is perfect for winter skating.
• Come with reflective laces.

CONS

• The tongue is pretty high compared to the rest of the liner.
• There is no protection of the inside buckle when doing negative tricks.

Related post -> The 15 Best Helmets for Inline Skating of 2023

Gawds Franky Morales

The Gawds Franky Morales pro skates are inspired by the aesthetics of the Air Jordan. The lightweight boot is hand-lasted with a hybrid composite and glass-fiber reinforced plastic making the skate flexible and durable. Dual-density EVA shock soles inside the boots absorb the impact of landings.

Gawds Franky Morales 4

The Gawds Franky Morales 4 features a black and white colorway accented with blue and red highlights. The FM4 has a fully integrated liner, wide soulplate, a 45-degree strap, and a unique leather cuff strap. A Kizer Fluid IV frame comes mounted to the boot with Gawds Franky Pro 60mm 88A wheels, 45mm anti-rocker wheels, and Wicked ABEC 9 bearings.

SIZES

• US SIZES: 7 – 12
• EU SIZES: 39 – 46
• MONDO SIZES: 25 – 29.6

PROS

• The wild colorway creates a unique skate with impressive aesthetics.
• The one-piece soul plates is fast and smooth with plenty of space for soul and negative tricks.

CONS

• Velcro straps can be more challenging to tighten then ratchet buckles.
• The Kizer Fluid IV frames are designed strictly for anti-rocker, so if you prefer flat, you should use a different frame option.

Roces M12

The Roces Majestic 12 were the first proper street skate and my favorite aggressive inline skates of the 1990s. A few years ago Roces redesigned and updated the Majestic 12 as the Roces M12, which is functional, light, and simplistic. They are available in two versions, the classic Roces M12 and the Roces M12 Lo. The M12 Lo models have a slightly lower cut cuff to allow for more range of motion attached to the classic M12 boot.

All models of the M12 boots are eco-friendly, made from 47% cornstarch-based PU, and the packaging is 99% plastic-free. The liner uses recycled padding and recycled lining. The M12 Boots come with memory foam liners, Roces UFS frames, 58mm 88A Wheels (anti-rocker setup), and ABEC5 bearings.

Roces M12

The Roces M12 is the beloved classic Roces Majestic 12 aggressive inline skates of the late 90s with a modern look, updated soulplates, and UFS frames.

Roces M12 Lo pomegranate

The Roces M12 Lo Pomegranate aggressive inline skates have a calm and cool look with a marbled effect over the soul groove.

Roces M12 lo team malvA

The Roces M12 Lo Team Malva aggressive inline skates will turn heads at the skate park with bright contrasting colors on the tried and true M12 Lo Boots. Be ready to pull off some tricks as everybody will be watching.

SIZES

Runs small and narrow – It is suggested to order one full size larger than your shoe size. 

• US: 4 – 15
• EU : 36 – 49
• CM: 23 – 31.5

PROS

• Very stylish and clean, with an incredible colorway.
• Great skates at a great price!
• Available in sizes 4 – 15.
• Lightweight.
• Compact and slim with a tight performance fit all around.
• Plenty of forward flex.
• Very responsive and precise.
• Slide great.

CONS

• Not true to size.
• The M12 runs small and narrow. Stores suggest ordering one full size larger than your shoe size. Some people even recommend going two sizes up if you have a wider foot. However, if you have a wider foot, you should look at wider skates like the Razors Cult, Razors Shift, USD Sway, or Roces Fifth Element. 
• They come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels in the middle; I suggest upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels. If you want to ride flat, you must buy at least four more wheels.
• Harder to get boot down on royales
• Not for wide feet.
• Old design.

Roces Fifth Element

The Roces Fifth Element is the perfect skate for beginners and people getting back into aggressive skating. Unlike the Roces M12, which is very compact and slim, the Fifth Element is one of the widest aggressive inline skates on the market, yet it works well for any foot size. The Fifth Elements are much easier to learn tricks with than the M12s due to their wider two-piece souls, which slide incredibly well.

The low cuff offers a lot of maneuverability, and the dual-injection boots are more flexible around the lacing and thicker in areas that require more durability—allowing for a better fit when lacing up your skates without compromise. They offer a Memory Foam Liner that is very comfortable out of the box. The UFS Frames are mounted with four 60mm / 92A wheels with ABEC 5 bearings. They are very good at picking colors and seem like one of the only brands that own a Pantone Color Matching book.

Roces has joined the corporate trend of manufacturing sustainable products. The boots are made with 47% cornstarch-based plastic and high-grade polyurethane, come in 100% plastic-free packaging and have recycled liners with recycled lining and padding.

Roces Fifth Element Nils Jansons Saule Pro

The Roces Fifth Element Nils Jansons Saule Pro aggressive inline skates features an exceptional color scheme with gold details, including gold eyelets and aluminum memory buckles. The skates come with a Roces UFS Frame, 60mm 92A Wheels with 92A Wheels, and ABEC 5 Bearings.

SIZES

Roces 5th Element models are NOT true to size.

• US: 6 – 12
• EU: 39 – 46
• CM: 25 – 29.5

PROS

• A great skate for beginners or people getting back into blading.
• Easy for learning tricks.
• Very spacious and perfect for wide feet.
• Memory foam liner.
• Dual injection boot creates a better fit when lacing.
• Eye-catching colors.
• 2 piece souls slide amazingly well.
• Memory buckles.

CONS

• Heavy.
• Not true to size.
• Once the liner beaks in, the fit deteriorates.
• The frame alignment is off-center and feels slightly sketchy at first.

Razors Cult

The Razors Cult is a great skate for any skater, from beginner to advanced, at an excellent price. The Cult is one of the most iconic aggressive inline skates, having been on the market for over 20 years. They are the only skate with a replaceable backslide plate and come with Ground Control Featherlite 3 Frames (FLT3) with Ground Control Lite 57mm 92A Wheels and ABEC5 bearings.

Razors Cult Black

The Razors Cult Black aggressive inline skates come with Ground Control Featherlite 3 Frames (FLT3), Ground Control Lite 57mm 92A Wheels, anti-rocker wheels, and ABEC 5 Bearings.

Razors Cult Navy

The Razors Cult Navy aggressive inline skates come with Ground Control Featherlite 3 Frames (FLT3), Ground Control Lite 57mm 92A Wheels, anti-rocker wheels, and ABEC 5 Bearings.

SIZES

Not true to size, add .5 cm to your measurement using the size chart below.

• US: 6 – 13
• EU: 39 – 47
• CM: 24.5 – 30

PROS

• Excellent price.
• Great for any skater from beginner to advanced.
• Quality boot construction. Bolts are used instead of rivets for easy maintenance.
• Replaceable backslide plate.
• These classic skates have withstood the test of time, being on the market for almost 25 years.

CONS

• They come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels in the middle; I suggest upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels. If you want to ride flat, you must buy at least four more wheels.
• Stock liners and insoles are pretty comfortable out of the box. However, the shock absorption and overall comfort dramatically decrease once the skates have been worn in, and the tongue of the liner extends down so far that it can become scrunched up and create pressure on the toe area. I recommend upgrading both the liner and insole at some point.
• Not true to size.
• Squeaky.

Razors Shift

The Razors Shift is a unique aggressive inline skate that features the Instant Frame Change System with push-button removal of the replaceable slider plate, allowing you to quickly change from an aggressive setup to an urban setup in seconds. The frame mounts to a part of the soulplate, which clicks underneath the boot. You can make the bond more secure using one screw, but it is not required. To swap out frames, you must buy an additional set of click-on soulplate parts, attach another set of frames with wheels, and throw them into a backpack. Now you can switch between these two setups whenever you want.

Razors Shift Andrew Broom Pro

The Andrew Broom pro shift skate features a gray boot with a white cuff, soul plate, and purple highlights that looks incredible! They come mounted with purple Ground Control Featherlite 4 Frames with 60mm/99A Ground Control Wheels. Inside the v-cut glass-fiber reinforced plastic boot, you will find a Reign V3 Liner to provide that comfort you want when skating. They feature durable aluminum cuff buckles and lacing for comfortable and secure closure.

Related post -> Andrew Broom Razors Shift Pro Skate Released

Razors Shift Jeph Howard 2 Pro

The Razors Shift Jeph Howard 2 aggressive inline skates are a well-deserved pro model skated by some of my favorite skaters, like Jeph and Andrew Broom. The skates are fitted with Reign V3 Liners with “Howard” embroidered across the loop. The Howard Shift shell has an aluminum cuff buckle, and the back is adorned with a circled heptagram and various other symbols to ward off evil spirits. A big plus about buying this skate is that Jeph Howard receives a $30 royalty for each pair sold. The white Ground Control FLT4 Frames have a green h-block mounted with Ground Control Jeph Howard 60mm / 90A glow-in-the-dark wheels!

Razors Shift Camo

The Razors Shift Camo aggressive inline skates come with the new Reign Camo V3 Liners, aluminum buckles, black/moss-colored hockey-style laces, and Ground Control Army Green Featherlite 4 (FLT4) Frames with a black H-Block. The frames are mounted flat with Ground Control CM 60mm 90A Bullet Profile Wheels and ABEC 9 Bearings.

SIZES

Order a size up if you are near the cusp of the next size.

• US: 6 – 13
• EU: 39 – 47
• CM: 25.5 – 30

PROS

• A $30 Royalty goes to Jeph Howard for each skate sold.
• Unique Design allows you to quickly switch out souls and frames with a different frame setup.
• Comes as a flat setup.
• The 60mm wheels are glow-in-the-dark!
• The Ground Control FLT4 Frames are excellent.
• Good quality Reign V3 Liners.
• Wide fit.

CONS

• Not true to size.

Razors SL

The Razors SL is an excellent skate for all skill levels right out of the box. It has a lower center of gravity to help you feel balanced and in control. The Razor SL is lightweight, pleasingly shaped, and has ample room. The SL heel pads absorb shock and vibrations. The boots are also fully customizable with replaceable cuffs, aluminum buckles, soul frames, backslide plates, wheels, and Featherlite frames. It also comes with a comfortable, streamlined Razors liner, allowing more precise fit options with half sizes.

Razors SL Nico Auroux Pro

The Razors SL Pro Nico Auroux aggressive inline skates come with Ground Control Featherlite 3 Frames (FLT3), Ground Control CM 64mm 90A, and ABEC 9 Bearings.

SIZES

SL models are true to size. Order a size up if near the cusp or have wide feet.

• US: 6-13
• EU: 39-47
• CM: 24 – 31

PROS

• Comfortable liner.
• Ground Control FLT3 Frames.
• True to size.
• Fast soulplates.

CONS

• The wheels aren’t of great quality.
• They come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels in the middle; I suggest upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels. If you want to ride flat, you must buy at least four more wheels.

FR UFR

The FR UFR aggressive inline skates are an affordable plastic skate with UFR soulpates and a flat 4x65mm setup. The soulplates are compatible with any UFS mount frames. The boot provides excellent support and response, while the FR Liners are comfortable with memory foam around the ankles and lock your heels. All UFR Street models have a plastic top buckle and 45-degree strap. A beautiful thing about the FR UFR skates is that you can remove the soulplates and attach UFS frames directly to the boot to give it a more streamlined profile when skating big wheel frames or Wizard setups.

FR UFR Antony Pottier Pro

The FR UFR Antony Pottier Pro aggressive inline skates come with FLAT Aluminum UFS Frames, FR Street Antony Pottier 65mm 88A Wheels, and FR TwinCam MW9 Bearings. The Pottier boots have a large velcro power strap to keep the heel in position.

SIZES

Not true to size. Account for break-in when trying on for fit. Use foot measurement to determine size.

• US: 3 – 13
• EU: 35 – 48
• CM: 21 – 32

PROS

• Great for Oysi frames.
• Fast Soulplate
• Comfortable liner.
• FR Wheels.
• Twincam Bearings.

CONS

• Not true to size.
• The cuff is tall, stiff, and restrictive.

Related post -> Best Pads for Inline Skating of 2023

Faction Tactical

The Faction Tactical V1 is a lightweight heat moldable carbon fiber boot with a nubuck leather upper. The boot boasts the strength and responsiveness of carbon with the style and comfort of a soft boot. Available in half and full sizes with a fully removable liner to get the best fit. Injection molded glass-filled nylon soleplates with a full-figure shape provide ample space for positive and negative grinds. Faction is a skater-owned boot company founded by Clark Kirkman.

SIZES

• US: 7 – 13
• EU: 39 – 46
• CM: 25.5 – 31.5

PROS

• Carbon Fiber Boot.
• Heat-moldable.
• Removable Liner.
• Available in half and full sizes.
• The soulplate allows for plenty of space for both regular and negative tricks.
• Very responsive, with no heel lift.

CONS

• The price, they are costly for a boot only.
• Liners are heavy and don’t offer much ventilation.
• The shock absorber is built into the liner and insole. If you want to upgrade liners, the Intuition Skate Premium Liner is the aftermarket liner of choice. If you like heel lift, you will need to add a shock absorber; if you prefer a relatively flat ride adding a Superfeet Insole to the Intuition liner would be the perfect option giving you about 15mm of lift altogether.
• Have a lot of flex, so not ideal for big wheel or wizard skating.

Razors Genesys Junior

The Razors Genesys Junior is adjustable from sizes 3-6 and does so without compromising sturdiness or performance to handle anything little rippers can dish out. Two boot shells are attached to the soul frame platform allowing it to adjust to the front AND back by removing the front wheel and front frame mounting bolt. This creates a sturdy connection that ensures the balance remains unchanged. The buckle was updated from previous models, and the liners are the same construction as those used in Razors adult skates.

SIZES

• US: 3.0 – 6.0
• EU: 36 – 39

PROS

• Grows with your kid’s feet.
• Easy to take on and off.
• Comfortable.
• They roll well with a 60mm flat setup on the Ground Control Frames.
• Perfect for learning grinds and ramp skating.

CONS

• Heavy

USD Transformer

The USD Transformer Kid’s Adjustable Aggressive Inline Skates are perfect for your child to learn how to grind, jump, and skate ramps. They will discover how challenging, intense, and fun aggressive skating is. The USD Transformer has a durable boot with a supportive cuff and comfortable built-in liners to cushion jumps or gaps. These skates grow as your child does and will save you money! The boots are mounted with the Kizer Junior UFS Frames with an anti-rocker set-up using durable 57mm USD wheels on the outside and 100A grind wheels on the inside to give plenty of space for grinds like royales and frontsides while still being fast and stable.

SIZES

If your child is on the cusp of sizing, go up one size.

• US: 1.5 – 3.5 | 4.5 – 7
• EU: 33 – 36 | 37 – 40
• CM: 20.8 – 22.7 | 23.3 – 25.2

PROS

• Available in two sizes.
• Grows with your kid’s feet.
• A good option for women with small feet.
• Easy to get on and off.
• Comfortable.
• Great quality.

CONS

• Adjustable kid’s skates aren’t as rigid and sturdy as full-size adult skates, but they are the only option for kids who want to get into aggressive skating.
• They come with hard plastic anti-rocker wheels in the middle; I suggest upgrading to urethane anti-rocker wheels. If you want to ride flat, you must buy at least four more wheels.
• It does not include directions on how to adjust sizing. Watch this video on how to adjust the size.

Related post -> The 36 Best Inline Skates and Rollerblades

Recommended Accessories

Ennui Elite Helmet | $70
Inline Warehouse
The Ennui Elite Helmet with a removable peak is an accumulation of years of testing and development to create a low-volume safety certified helmet that looks and functions great. Honeycomb technology reduces the wall thickness and weight for a sleek, lightweight, revolutionary fit. Available in black or white.

Ennui Street Wrist Guard | $25
Inline Warehouse
The Ennui Street Wrist Guard features a large slider plate on the palm and an ultra-stiff splint on the back to give top-notch support. The liner features a mixture of neoprene and CoolMax fabric to increase comfort, while three velcro straps keep everything in place.

Ennui Shock Sleeve Knee Gasket | $70
Inline Warehouse
The Ennui Shock Sleeve Knee Gasket slides on and fits snugly around the knee, wrapping it in a spiderweb of ‘super foam’ that cushions impacts and saves your skin from nasty road rash. Skaters who shy away from the heavyweight protection offered by the much bulkier knee pads on the market will love these gaskets and their lack of restriction. The gasket is mostly polyester, with elastane strips inside at the top and bottom to help lock the pad in place and prevent slippage. Ennui uses MyFit SPC foam coated in thermoplastic rubber (TPR) to provide impact protection. Since this is not a genuine hard plastic cap, higher-impact skating disciplines may seek higher protection levels.

G-Form Pro-X3 Shin Guards | $50
G-Form
The G-Form Pro-X3 Shin Guards feature SmartFlex™ protection that is flexible as you skate yet hardens on impact in the event of a crash. And SmartFlex pads are fully waterproof, so machine wash them as needed.

G-Form Pro-Rugged Knee-Shin Guards | $72
G-Form
The G-Form Pro-Rugged Knee-Shin Guards are my pad of choice! I’ve been skating different versions of these for the past eight years, and I love their durability, comfort, protection, and fit. The pads are made with SmartFlex™ — body-mapped, impact-absorbing pads that offer form-fitting and lightweight protection for your knees and shins that is flexible as you ride and hardens on impact. I’ve taken some really hard falls on these and am positive that I would have cracked my knee and split my shin open on multiple occasions without these.

Rollerblade High Performance Socks | $16 – $23
Inline Warehouse | Amazon
Rollerblade High Performance Socks were the first socks I used for long-distance skating. I skated them for quite a while and was impressed by their comfort and cushioning while rollerblading. The socks are Made in Italy using Nanoglide fabric that reduces friction, minimizes pressure points, wicks away moisture, and eliminates blisters. Although they perform very well in inline skating, they do not have a warranty.

Superfeet Blue Insoles | $55
Inline Warehouse | Amazon
With Superfeet Blue Insoles in your skates, your feet feel balanced and supported. The fit of your skates will be more precise, making them more responsive and allowing you to skate your best. Superfeet™ offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee or your money back! Select the size according to your US shoe size and then trim the length for the perfect fit. Go up one size for wider feet.

Intuition Skate Premium Liners | $220
Inline Warehouse
The Intuition Skate Premium Liners were developed with partner brands and redesigned for inline skaters to have a very personalized fit. They are available in 10 individual sizes and are designed to fit any skate that comes with removable liners. They do not need to be heat molded with their high-density Genuine Intuition Foam that naturally molds to your feet after you use them.

There are plenty of little ventilation holes along the entire top of the foot area. Below are silicone grip areas along the bottom and heel of the liners. They lace all the way up with a removable cuff and j-bars on the back to support your ankle bones and joints. The tongue is placed high and reinforced to be very durable and has great energy transfer.

Athalon Everything Boot Bag | $64
Amazon
The Athalon Everything Boot Bag is the perfect backpack to keep your skates, safety gear, tools, and accessories organized. This bag is ideal for traveling and has many excellent features. I love this bag so much for my inline skates that I bought a second one for my ski boots.

Sonic Pro Inline Skate Tool | $14 – $15
Inline Warehouse | Amazon
At some point, every skater will have to do skate maintenance. The best tool for the job is the Sonic Pro Inline Skate Tool, which offers excellent leverage to change wheels, extract bearings, tighten screws, and more. The ergonomic handle of the Pro Tool is comfortable for shop technicians to use all day but compact enough to take on a roll. This latest variant features Hex and Torx bits to fit most brands of skates, as well as a bearing extractor, bearing pusher, and floating spacer aligner.

Inline Skating Guides and Gift Ideas

• The 37 Best Inline Skates and Rollerblades of 2023
• 10 Best Inline Skates for Kids
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Aggressive Inline Skates
• 50 Awesome Gift Ideas for Inline Skaters
• The Best Recreational Inline Skates for Beginners
• The 10 Best Inline Skates for Women on Amazon
• The 10 Best Inline Skates for Men on Amazon
• Best Rollerblade Brand Inline Skates
• Best K2 Brand Inline Skates
• Best Powerslide Brand Inline Skates

FAQ

What are aggressive inline skates?

Aggressive skates are for doing tricks on the street or in a skatepark. Compared to recreational skates, they are heavier and use lower frames with a short wheelbase mounted with small wheels between 56 – 62mm. Aggressive skates are used for tricks like jumps, airs, and sliding on concrete ledges and rails. They have no heel brakes and are not an alternative for recreational or distance skates. However, you can purchase various aftermarket UFS mount frames for different big wheel blading disciplines, from urban to wizard skating.

The frames on aggressive inline skates have a noticeable gap between the second and third wheels, allowing for grinds perpendicular to the wheels’ direction. The hard plastic surface of the soulplate allows grinds parallel to the wheels’ direction. The small wheels mounted inside the frames prevent the dreaded “wheel bite,” when your wheels catch onto an obstacle, you are grinding.

All the skates in this guide use the Universal Frame System (UFS) except for the USD Aeon, which is a unibody design. Many brands make aftermarket UFS frames for aggressive skating and big wheel blading. The UFS standard allows any UFS frame to fit any UFS-compatible boot allowing for more setup options.

Deciding 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 an anti-rocker setup?

An anti-rocker setup is when you have softer, larger outer wheels and small hard inner wheels so that only the outer wheels touch a flat surface. Typically most anti-rocker configurations have 58-62mm wheels on the outside and 52-46mm 100-101a n the inside. The anti-rocker option has been prevalent throughout aggressive skating’s history because it makes grinding rails and ledges easier. Another benefit of anti-rocker setups is that it makes your skates lighter. However, riding anti-rocker significantly decreases mobility, speed, and control over your skates. Riding anti-rocker will not be much fun if you are skating in areas with poor surface conditions.

All the aggressive inline skates offering anti-rocker setups in this guide use hard plastic wheels. These stock plastic wheels are a favorite of skate brands because they are cheap to produce, however they don’t spin, and they wear unevenly. I prefer a urethane anti-rocker wheel with a bearing. Urethane anti-rocker wheels wear better, spin, and last longer. I recommend the Eulugy 47mm 101a Urethane Anti-Rocker Wheels if you want to upgrade.

What is a flat setup?

A flat setup is when all four wheels in a frame are the same size and all touch the ground when on a flat surface. The benefits of a flat setup are excellent mobility, increased speed, stable landings, and more control. Riding a flat setup is the way to go if you are brand new to skating, as you’ll have much more fun just rolling around and will have better maneuverability.

Riding flat is equally beneficial for intermediate and expert skaters looking for a different feeling, wanting more speed, and potentially having trouble landing tricks on rough surfaces. The major disadvantage of riding flat is it can be more challenging to do h-block tricks like royales because the bigger wheels in the middle can stick on a ledge or rail, causing wheel bite. Wheel bite can result in you unexpectedly falling while attempting a grind.

How to 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.

Fit and Sizing

For a more precise measurement, measure the length of both feet from the heel to the end of your longest toe. You can do this by standing on a piece of paper with your heel against the wall and with your socks on, marking with a pencil your heel and toe. Measure the distance of both feet and correspond your longest measurement to the sizing chart below. For information on how to measure feet click here.

Find Your Correct Size

Most skaters select their shoe size when buying skates. However, measuring your feet is a good idea to get an accurate measure. Stand on a hard surface and place the heels against a wall for a more accurate measurement. Measure both feet and refer to the longer heel-to-toe measurement.

Check for Proper Fit

Your toes should not be pressed against the front of the skate or feel cramped. They can slightly brush against the front of the skate because the heels will settle back in the skating position to make more room for the toes.

Inline skates offer a similar fit to shoes, and you should expect some break-in time for the skates to adjust to the shape of your foot. During the break-in period, your may experience pressure points, but these will go away after skating a few times.

Health Benefits of Skating

Skating is a healthy activity for people of all ages that can improve balance, agility, strength, and endurance, all while having fun doing it. It is a perfect low-impact exercise for individuals and families who want to stay healthy and active. Medical research shows that skating ranks third among physical fitness activities. Its benefits include stamina, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, balance, weight control, muscle definition, digestion, and sleep.

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