Cargo pants, slip dresses, scrunchies — 90s trends are having a big resurgence. But it’s not just fashion throwing it back a few decades. More and more people are slipping on Rollerblades (also known as inline skates) to exercise, to get from place to place or to just have some fun.

Whereas roller skates have two sets of side by side wheels, inline skates have wheels that are in one line. This requires a bit more balance but also allows you to go faster, says Teshia Robinson, owner and general manager of RollATL. But don’t let that scare you away if you are a beginner — Robinson says people of all ages and abilities can pick up inline skating. Factors that can influence your inline skate choice include where you’ll be skating, the type of support you’ll need and your skill level. To help you shop for inline skates, I consulted skating experts on what to look for, plus got some general skating tips and product recommendations.

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When shopping for inline skates, experts say to pay close attention to:

• The boot: Choose between a soft or hard boot — both of which have pros and cons. “Hard shell skate boots are quite a bit more supportive which typically makes them easier to balance in,” says Robinson. Alex Shulgan, a professional skater and co-owner of In Move Skates, says hard boots are better for beginners. “Soft shell boots don’t provide as much support, but they are more lightweight and breathable, which some people prefer,” says Robinson. 
• The size and number of wheels:  Most inline skates either come with three wheels per skate or four. Three wheeled options allow you to go faster, while four wheeled options feel more stable and are better for beginners, says Shulgan. The size of your wheels also matters. “A larger wheel (110mm-125mm) will be faster and smoother over cracks in the pavement. However, since they’re faster and larger, they’re a bit harder to control,” says Robinson. “Smaller wheels — such as 80mm, 84mm or 90mm — are closer to the ground and easier for control and balance.” We focused on four wheeled options with smaller wheels, but did include an option with three wheels for advanced skaters. 
• The frame material: Inline skates have plastic or aluminum frames. “Plastic frames tend to be lightweight and less expensive, but they are typically less durable,” says Robinson. “Aluminum frames on the other hand offer great durability without adding a significant amount of weight or cost.” 

Using guidance from inline skating experts, I sourced highly rated options for men and women, as well as some unisex styles from top brands like Rollerblade, K2 and more.

Rollerblade Zetrablade Skates for Men

4.7-star average from 5,353 reviews on Amazon

This option from Rollerblade has a soft boot and high cuff, which gives you ankle support and prevents them from pronating as you skate, according to the brand. These skates have four wheels, meaning they are closer to the ground and easier to balance on for beginners, according to Robinson. They also have lace closures and two buckled straps to keep your foot secure as you move, says Rollerblade.

Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Plastic

5th Element Panther XT Inline Skates for Men

4.1-star average from 310 reviews on Amazon

The soft boots of these skates are made with extra padding for ankle support and are constructed with moisture-wicking material to prevent sweaty feet, according to the brand. The frame is constructed of aluminum, which Robinson says tends to be more durable than plastic, though it is also slightly heavier. The 82mm wheels also keep you close to the ground, which helps you balance.

Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Aluminum

Roller Derby Aerio Men’s Inline Skates

4.4-star average from 2,714 reviews on Amazon

These inline skates have 80mm wheels and a soft boot with memory foam soles for comfort. The lever buckle at the tip ensures your foot stays firmly encased as you skate, while laces help you get as snug of a fit as you desire. There are also vents built into the toe to prevent your feet from getting sweaty, according to the brand.

Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Plastic

K2 Women’s Skate Kinetic 80s

4.6-star average from 585 reviews on Amazon

This soft boot style, with 80mm wheels, has what K2 calls a Speed Lacing System, which allows you to tighten and lock the laces in place with a single tug. These skates also have extra padding around the ankle for stability. K2 says that the composite plastic frames absorb vibrations from the road to provide a smoother ride.  

Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Plastic

Roller Derby Women’s V-Tech 500 Button Adjustable Inline Skate

4.4-star average from 5,171 reviews on Amazon

With a push of a button, you can shorten or lengthen these skates to fit women’s shoe sizes six through nine. They have a hard shell with a removable, washable liner and a triple buckle closure. At 76mm, these wheels are the smallest of all the skates we feature and the brand says the small wheel size makes them a good option for beginners who are still learning to balance on skates. 

Boot type: Hard | Frame material: Plastic

Liku Black Professional Unisex Inline Skates

4.2-star average from 4,029 reviews on Amazon

These hard shell boots come with 80mm wheels, and holes in the toe and heel area for ventilation and a removable lining that you can take out to clean. They have a lace-up closure and two buckles, which the brand says keep your feet securely in place, making you feel less wobbly as you skate. The frame of these skates is aluminum, which tends to be heavier and may not be ideal for long skating sessions, says Robinson.

Boot type: Hard | Frame material: Aluminum

Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Women’s Inline Skate

4.5-star average rating from 4,575 reviews

Lots of padding throughout the entire boot provides extra support, making these skates a great option for beginners. The boots have laces, along with a buckle and velcro strap to make sure your foot stays firmly in place as you move. The 80mm wheels and ABEC 7 bearings also allow for moderate speed, according to the brand. Translation: Newbies don’t have to worry about picking up too much speed. 

Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Composite

Jeuwith 3 Wheel Unisex Inline Skates

4.3-star average from 601 reviews on Amazon

These skates are better for advanced skaters, according to Shulgan. Larger wheels, like these 110mm ones, can be a bit harder to balance on, but they can also handle cracks in pavement and uneven roads if you are skating outdoors, adds Robinson. They don’t have breaks on the back. Instead, you’ll have to drag your wheels perpendicular to the road to stop. “This can help you stop faster than a heel break, but it will also wear your wheels out faster,” says Robinson.

Boot type: Soft | Frame material: Aluminum

While finding the right inline skates for your needs is essential, arming yourself with information that will help you stay safe when skating is also crucial. Our experts say these are the top safety tips beginner skaters should know:

• Wear protective gear: If you are new to inline skating, you will likely fall at some point. As a beginner skater, wearing protective gear can help keep you safe and prevent injuries, says Shulgan, who says that “a helmet is a must-have.” If you have a bike helmet, you may be tempted to just use that. While that is better than no helmet at all, a roller helmet like this one from Triple Eight, which is rounder in shape, will better serve you. It’s not uncommon to fall backwards when you skate and a skating helmet is designed to protect the back of your skull. In addition to a roller helmet, knee pads and wrist guards can cushion you if you fall forward, says Shulgan.
• Learn how to brake: “Any inline wheel size can gain momentum quickly, even on moderate downhills,” says Robinson. “So you should practice braking.” How you brake will depend on your skates. Many skates have a rubber piece near the heel that serves as a brake — some pairs have these on both skates, others on just one skate. If your skates have a built-in brake, you simply need to lean your heel back to slow to a stop. If you purchase skates without a heel brake, you’ll need to learn what is called a “T-stop.” “This is when you break by dragging the wheels of one skate behind you so they’re perpendicular to the ground,” says Robinson. 
• Practice: When it comes to being a beginner skater, practice may not make perfect but it will go a long way. You really should spend a good deal of time practicing breaking, turning and skating on a smooth, flat surface before attempting more difficult terrain, says Robinson, who notes that It’s also a good idea to skate in low traffic areas as you are starting out to avoid accidental collisions. 

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Teshia Robinson is the owner and general manager of RollATL.
• Alex Shulgan is a professional skater and co-owner of In Move Skates

I am a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed two experts to gather their guidance on what to look for when shopping for inline skates.