Is there a weight limit for inline skates? I know why you’re asking whether inline skates have a weight limit. It’s because you’re a big boy or a large girl. And you’re wondering whether that pair of beginner inline skates you’ve been eying can support your higher-than-average weight.
In this post, I’ll answer your question so you can decide whether rollerblading can help you burn up some of those extra calories.
Inline Skates Have a Weight Limit, But….
What’s the maximum weight limit of inline skates? Rollerblade offers inline skates with an upper weight limit of 220 lbs/100kgs. Even though most inline skate brands don’t state the maximum weight limit of their rollerblades, we can safely assume it’s similar to Rollerblade’s limit. That’s because Rollerblade’s skates are created out of pretty much the same materials as other brands. But you can exceed the stated weight limit without breaking your skates. As long as you’re not doing crazy jumps, riding stairs, and performing rollerblading tricks all the time, you can exceed the limit without issues.
As a Large Person, Is it Possible to Inline Skate?
Yes, you can enjoy rollerblading as much as you want. The only thing that can stop you is that which you allow to stand in the way. Being too self-conscious can certainly be a stumbling block. But this malady only stops you if and when you allow that to happen.
Also Read: How to Carry Your Skates
I keep seeing fat guys shredding like it’s Armageddon Day all the time. These dudes ride like the wind, and if you think they have trouble hitting handrails, think again. Because they can do that — and a lot more.
I’ll now narrate Lisa’s fat-calves story. Lisa is a relatively old girl that I’m friends with. She’s like a mother to me.
The old girl skated a whole lot as a 12-year-old. She used to enjoy rollerblading — a lot. I mean, what girl that age doesn’t?
But as happens with all of us at some point, things started getting busy. Then busier, then insanely busy. And she stopped skating altogether.
There was an entire tribe of kids to take care of, you know. And her doting husband needed some attention too — he still does. Then there was upward mobility in her career to think about, and a boss who was an unrepentant taskmaster.
Lisa Gets Back into Rollerblading After a 20-Year Hiatus
It’s been years since Lisa last inline skated. Actually, she’s getting back into action after a 20-year hiatus.
So, she recently bought a pair of rollerblades from Rollerblade. The skates looked nice. But her calves are pretty fat now, way chunkier than anything they’ve ever been in two decades.
OK, she can slide into her boots, and they’re not like killing her feet. But the top of the skates ends up cutting off her circulation after 5 minutes of fun. If she decides to just grin and bear it and keep skating, all she gets is pain.
That’s how Lisa started wondering whether there were rollerblades that fit fat calves comfortably. Rollerblades that accommodate chunky calves while offering adequate support to large skaters.
She asked me that question, but I didn’t have a ready answer then. But I started digging around inline skating forums such as Reddit and all the rest of them. And I ended up putting together this short resource.
So, yes…..
Fat Folks Can Rollerblade, Too
Yes, big girls and boys can enjoy rollerblading. Well, tons of rollerblades out there discriminate against large-calved skaters. Fortunately, some inline skates are generous enough to people like that.
All you need to do is look around and find a pair of skates that’ll accommodate chunky legs. After reading around a bit, I found some big person that had bought Razor Genesys inline skates. These blades have been around for a while now, but the most important part is that they fit big calves nicely.
Now, Lisa bought these boots, and they offered a pretty wide fit, precisely what her fat wide feet needed. So, she started skating in her Genesys, and she’d never ridden in comfier rollerblades. The cuffs had enough room for her beefy calves, and they were super tough. I recently bumped into someone who’s kept their Genesys for over 10 years, and those guys are in pretty decent shape.
The downside is that Genesys aren’t the lightest rollerblades — they certainly aren’t carbon skates. Some would even say Genesys are a little clunky and don’t roll that well. But is that too huge a price to pay for boots that fit thick calves like a glove? I’ll leave that to you to decide.
Should I Size up Two Sizes If I Have Large Feet?
While researching for this post, I came across all kinds of skaters, some of whom gave advice you really shouldn’t follow. Some skaters recommended that a large, heavy person getting back into the skating world buy one or two sizes larger.
That sure sounds like good advice especially if you don’t know better. Listen to me, don’t size up unless the skates you’re looking at have a smaller than regular fit.
Rollerblades are designed to give skaters a fit similar to everyday shoes. So, unless otherwise advised, order your inline skates in your normal shoe size. Even if you’re a large person.
Why? Because if your skates are larger than they should be, they won’t offer your feet enough support. And considering that inline skates stretch as time goes on, you can expect the problem to worsen down the road.
So, what’s the fix for folks with large, fat legs?
Buy large, wide inline skates if you’re a heavy skater. If you can walk into a local skate shop and get fitted by an expert, do so. They should be able to find skates that have what it takes to support large skaters.
Have Your Feet Fitted at a Skate Shop If Possible
But what if you can’t get your feet fitted? No problem. Measure your feet and calculate the right size from a skate brand that carries skates for big rollerbladers. As mentioned above, the Genesys Razor is one of the skate models you can look at.
And if you have very large feet, go with Rollerblade XL. Whatever you do, don’t buy your skates two sizes larger than what the inline skate size chart recommends. Also, buying your rollerblades online when your feet are fat will likely end up in disappointment. If you buy from a physical skate shop, you’ll get proper advice as far as skate fitting. Plus, most skate shops have return policies that make for really easy exchanges.
Heavy and Big? Go With Hard Boots Instead of Soft Boots
If you’re a big skater, you can use soft boots if you like. But soft boots aren’t the best option when it comes to
I get it. New skates look nice and all that. But brand new skates are going to hurt your feet — at first. Whether you’re wearing soft boots or hard boots, new skates will dig into your lower shins. It doesn’t matter how accurately you sized your rollerblades.
Soft boots are somewhat easier to break in than hard boots. But that doesn’t make soft boots the skate of choice for heavy rollerbladers.
Hard boots may be tougher to break in, but they’re sturdier and more supportive than soft boots. They’re a solid option, precisely what fat feet and massive calves need.
That said, you should be able to break in your boots in a matter of days or weeks. It all depends on how often you skate.
It also depends on whether you’re helping the wearing process in some way. Wearing socks while skating and baking your inline skates in the oven are proven ways to quicken the break-in process.
Wheel Size, Durometer, and Frame Type for Large Skaters
If you’re a heavy skater, it’s best to go with harder wheels. Harder wheels have a higher durometer rating. For example, Duro 82A wheels are harder and firmer than Duro 72A wheels. Higher-durometer wheels deform less. That’s why I recommend them for big riders.
Related: Inline Skate Wheel Size, Hardness, Profile, Hub Guide
If you’re a big and tall skater, choose skates with 4-wheel aluminum frames. Aluminum frames are sturdier than plastic frames, and that means they can support heavier riders. You need longer frames for stability, but understand maneuvering and turning in longer frames can be challenging.
As for wheel size, go with the standard 80mm rollerblade wheel size. Remember, the larger the wheels, the less stability.
And are you wondering what the best heavy-rider rollerblades on the market today are? It’s hard to answer that, but lots of massive riders I’ve bumped into online like the Rollerblade Maxximum. Well, this skate sits pretty high off the ground, but that makes it perfect for off-road rollerblading.
Note: you’ll find the Rollerblade Maxximum if you click that link.
Other good skate brands for heavy skaters include SEBA, Flying Eagle, and RB skates.
Hopefully, I’ve adequately answered your question regarding whether rollerblades have a weight limit. More importantly, you’ve learned what the ideal rollerblade for big skaters looks like. Now, it’s time to order the right skate and hit the park or road.
Happy rollerblading!