Freestyle skates (freeskate)

Still new to the urban sliding market, freeskating has become a way of getting around town for many people. Thanks to its great versatility and manoeuvrability, this skate can be used for a variety of activities, such as sliding, slalom, classic urban tricks, or even for simple strolling...

What is freeskating?

The freeskate is the ideal equipment to tame the urban environment, and transform it into a real playground. Designed to offer maximum control, the freeskate absorbs shocks and transmits pressure for an ultra-precise and efficient glide.

The freeskate has the particularity of having a very short deck, particularly favourable for taking fast turns. And for optimal control of movement, the freeskate shell is generally rigid.

This discipline requires a basic knowledge of skating and the quality of the equipment will play a major role in the progression/performance, and especially on the pleasure!

How to choose freeskate rollerblades?

Freeskates are characterised by great manoeuvrability. In order for this to be at its best, it is essential to choose freeskates adapted to your needs.

You will find 2 families in freeskate rollerblades, the freeride rollerblade for urban movement like the FR SKATES skates and the freestyle rollerblade which is rather for slalom/jump with the SEBA rollerblades. And 3-wheeled versions, also for the 2 styles of practice. Discover

The wheels of the freeskate

As a general rule, the freeskate has 80 mm wheels, but it is possible to choose bigger or smaller wheels, with different setups (flat/rocker/banana/high-low/...). The important thing is to know that a bigger wheel will give you more speed, and will be more rolling but less manoeuvrable. Large wheels are often mounted in sets of 3, as is the case with POWERSLIDE freeskate rollerblades. Conversely, a small wheel will offer less speed, but will be more responsive, with better acceleration. They will be mounted by 4.

Regarding hardness, freeskate generally requires a wheel between 83 and 86A. Again, it is possible to choose a softer/soft wheel, in which case the grip will be better. If you choose a harder wheel, the wear will be slower and the skating will be better.

There are different choices in the number and size of wheels depending on the use and choice of the person in relation to speed and responsiveness, distance and route.

The boots of freeskates

Depending on the type of freeride or freestyle skating, there are shell boots and softboots with a soft front.

• Shell models have the advantage of being more affordable with modularity and easier replacement of socks and other parts.
• On the other hand, soft models with composite (plastic) or fibre (glass/carbon) bases, which will be more upmarket, the foot support is more precise with the liner integrated into the skate. But more sensitive to wear because the liner is not removable.

Although often equipped with a shell, the freeskate boot is still less comfortable than the fitness skate models. But this is the price to pay to avoid floating while skating. It is therefore necessary to find the freeskate boot that will hold the foot well, without compressing it too much. For this, it is recommended to choose your usual size and to follow the brand's size guide. It is now possible, on certain models, to opt for thermoforming, and thus have a perfect fit. This technology is not used by all brands. The need for comfort and support is essentially a matter of personal preference. It should be taken into account that the materials of the liner will settle with practice.

The freeskate fixing system

As you will have understood, the freeskate roller must hold the foot very well to have the best possible control. It is therefore important to attach it well. We can then turn to a model with buckles, quick to fix, with laces, offering a modular tightening.

There are generally three fastenings, buckles on the top of the ankle; strap/velcro or buckle on the instep; lace on the front which, depending on the model, can go all the way up to the top of the boot; and on some freestyle models, a strap on the toes.

Whether you're a beginner or an expert in freeskating, you'll find a wide selection of freeskate rollerblades at Nomadeshop, as well as all the equipment you need to maintain them and protect yourself during your outings and trips.