“Traditional” Rollerblades: Is There a Distinction Between Women’s and Men’s?

Rollerblades are more than just recreational gear; they symbolise women’s emancipation. But can a woman wear men’s rollerblades? Is there really a distinction between women’s and men’s? If so, why, and how can you tell them apart? After all, both women and men skate using various techniques and in different competitions. Finally, what should you consider when buying rollerblades for women versus men? We’ll guide you through it.

Did You Know?

 

In 1947, an 18-year-old from Zurich, Ursula Wehrli, became the first world champion in roller skating. Often referred to as the “forgotten world champion of roller skating”, the Swiss skater stole the spotlight from her American competitors during the championships in Washington. In front of thousands of spectators, she outperformed them, securing the 2nd and 3rd places, which was significant as roller skating was one of the most popular leisure activities in the USA during the mid-20th century. Ursula began skating at the age of eight with Rollerclub Zürich in 1937. During a walk with her parents, she saw a couple dancing in “moving shoes” to music and was captivated. She wanted to skate like that too. Her father, a talented figure skater, helped her realise this dream. Thanks to him, Ursula started skating. Years later, as a European and world champion and multiple Swiss champion, she only wished for her sport to become an Olympic discipline. Despite winning numerous titles in roller and figure skating, she never became a professional athlete. She worked in an insurance company office and, after her sports career, became a coach in roller and figure skating.

 

In the 20th century, roller and inline skating captured the hearts of women. Since the early 1990s, the Women’s Roller Hockey World Championships have been held—an international tournament for women’s national teams. These competitions continue to this day. Historically, rollerblades have evolved mainly based on their intended use. Today, we distinguish several types of rollerblades. The most basic and versatile are recreational rollerblades, sometimes called fitness rollerblades. There are also aggressive, speed, hockey, and children’s rollerblades. And if there are children’s rollerblades, could there also be women’s and men’s? Let’s explore this step by step.

 

Choosing Rollerblades—What To Consider?

 

Selecting the right rollerblades goes beyond simply distinguishing between women’s and men’s, or girls’ and boys’ models. If you’re a beginner just starting your rollerblading journey, it’s advisable to start with recreational or fitness rollerblades and pay attention to their technical specifications. These are the most versatile types of equipment. When making a purchase, consider the wheels, frames, boot shape, and bearings. Larger wheels accelerate faster but have less manoeuvrability, typically ranging from 78 to 100 mm. These are commonly found in recreational rollerblades. Why do these rollerblades have relatively large wheels? Because they make it easier to ride over uneven surfaces, and if they are soft enough (78-84A), they provide good shock absorption, which is crucial for beginners.

 

Rollerblade bearings are categorised according to the ABEC standard and numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. What do these numbers mean? The higher the number, the faster the bearing spins, enhancing riding comfort by allowing you to cover greater distances with less effort. This is why rollerblades with ABEC-3, ABEC-5, and ABEC-7 bearings are often used in recreational models. The first two types of bearings are typically found in entry-level models designed for the youngest skaters and those just starting out. Bearings with higher numbers are found in mid-range and higher-end rollerblades. It’s also worth noting that ABEC-1 or ABEC-3 bearings are used in both children’s and professional, aggressive rollerblades for performing tricks, as they are very durable despite spinning slower.

 

When choosing rollerblades—whether for women or men—also consider the frames. These should be selected based on the type of skating: whether you prioritise speed, want to skate slalom, or just recreationally, which will determine whether the frame is longer or shorter. Some rollerblade models allow for frame expansion, enabling you to fit larger wheels. Additionally, frames are most commonly made from aluminium. This lightweight and durable metal is ideal for both recreational and professional rollerblade frames. There are also composite frames, typically found in rollerblades with a maximum wheel size of 80-82 mm. In recreational rollerblades, you might also encounter eco-friendly bamboo frames, which are sturdy, durable, and very lightweight.

 

When considering the purchase of rollerblades, many wonder about the right size—should they match traditional shoe sizes or be larger? The correct size of rollerblade boots is crucial not only for comfort but, more importantly, for safety. The size should align with your regular shoe size, approximately half a centimetre larger than your foot. This sizing is ideal for recreational riders. In recreational and fitness rollerblades, a bit of extra room is acceptable. However, for professionals engaging in aggressive skating with specialised equipment, a precise fit is essential, often requiring a firmer boot.

 

Rollerblade Size and User Gender

 

The size of rollerblade boots is a key factor in distinguishing between women’s and men’s rollerblades. This distinction originally arose due to foot shape differences. Generally, women’s rollerblades are smaller and narrower than men’s. Women typically have smaller feet and slightly different foot shapes compared to men. Both genders enjoy rollerblading, and manufacturers have quickly recognised these differences. As a result, women’s rollerblades are available in sizes 36 to 42, while men’s range from 39 to 46, and even 47. However, there is a twist: some women wear size 42 or have wider feet, which means they might need men’s rollerblades, which often have a differently contoured sole than women’s. Men’s rollerblades are also typically heavier and more subdued in colour. An ideal compromise is adjustable rollerblades. This type of product is mainly for children and teenagers, whose feet grow with their bodies, although this is not always the case, as teenagers’ foot sizes can match those of adults. Manufacturers of adjustable rollerblades ensure that one product can accommodate size changes. In this regard, we recommend the versatile Movino Cruzer B3 rollerblades, suitable for both women and men. This product is universally adaptable and offers a four-size adjustment feature, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate users. It features an aluminium frame and hard wheels (82A) with a diameter of 76 mm (for sizes 34-37) and 80 mm (for sizes 38-41), along with top-tier ABEC-9 bearings. Although the Movino Cruzer B3 rollerblades come in classic colours—black and white—the glow-in-the-dark wheels add a captivating, magical touch.

 

Rollerblades for Everyone

 

Rollerblading is a popular and beneficial activity for both men and women of all ages. Take, for example, 78-year-old Barbara Prymakowska from Tarnów, a sports enthusiast who participates in marathons, swims and, most notably, enjoys adult rollerblading. The benefits of rollerblading have also been experienced by Jennifer Burton, a 40-year-old American who returned to the sport after a serious injury and a 12-year hiatus. Her trainer noted how rollerblading strengthened her lower body muscles, including her legs, glutes, and abdomen. Proper arm movements during training also engaged her shoulders. Regular exercise helped her shed extra pounds, improve coordination, and the endorphins released during rollerblading positively affected her mental well-being during recovery.

 

It’s important to remember that rollerblades for kids are also highly popular, as children eagerly spend their free time training and enjoying recreational activities with this type of equipment.