I absolutely LOVED my original Rollerblade skates and I cared for them like they were an extension of me. I'm embarrassed to admit that they're ten+ years old, but nothing was wrong with them and even though I used them often, they were still in excellent condition. The only thing I had to do with them over the years is replace the wheels and the break. So, you're probably wondering why I purchased a new, updated pair?
Well, on a recent considerable downsizing move, my original pair became "lost" in the shuffle. I never would've parted with them purposely, so I believe they're in the very back of a "busting at the seams" storage unit that I acquired after my move. It was winter time when I moved, but now it's summer time and I have the incredible itch to get my skates on. I contemplated removing everything from my storage unit, but that would be a task and a half and probably take an entire day. So, I decided to go looking for a replacement pair and keep my original "lost" ones as a backup. Of course, I immediately went to inlineskates.com because that's the place that you can always find whatever you need for your skating ventures. I was very particular on the pair I wanted to purchase and went looking for a style as close to my original pair as possible.
I'm not the type of skater that pines over trendy colors or useless features, simple black is fine for me. However, I'd have purchased them in any color as long as they were the style I was searching for. After reviewing many different styles of skates, I found the Rollerblade Twister 80 Women's Urban Inline Skates. They happened to be either the 2017 or 2018 Rollerblade version and are black with teal laces, which for the price, was absolutely perfect for me. (I believe the 2019 version of this same skate is approximately $100 more) .
I most of all wanted and needed a "hard shell" boot because that's what I'm used to and that's what I feel safest in. This particular style has exactly that, a hard shell boot, however, with some pretty cool updates, there are small areas along the sides of the boot that are cut out for venting and perhaps for style. After reading a lot about a lot of different skates, I realized I didn't know that much about inline skates, so I took the opportunity to learn more about them by reading dozens of reviews and watching all the great videos that inline skates has put together both on their website and YouTube. I found this to be so informative and educational.
With all that being said, I typically use my skates to skate on the cement boardwalk along the beach here in Massachusetts. I also use them on specially designed paths near the dog park. I am by no means an expert, but I love skating and I'm pretty good at it, rarely losing my balance or control and rarely taking a spill. For my needs, this hard shell boot works best as it provides unconditional support around the top of your instep as well as around the ankle. This can be adjusted by using the ratchet system in both places. There's also a full boot of lacing that helps to adjust the tension and fit of the boot. The wheels on this pair are slightly larger than I had in the past, they're 80mm wheels. I found it very easy to adjust to on my first time trying them out today. I live in a large apartment complex with very long carpeted hallways and took the opportunity to let loose in the hallways! What a blast!
The quality of Rollerblade brand skates is second to none and that's evident from the second you slip your foot into the boot. This particular style just makes you feel secure and safe. I'm 5' 7" tall and weigh 135 lbs and I wear a size 6 in almost every brand sneaker, shoe and boot. However, after reading the details, description and recommendation from inline skates, I purchased these in a 6.5. They recommended purchasing a full size larger, but I couldn't bring myself to do that. My old Rollerblade skates are a size 6, so I compromised with myself and went with the 6.5.
The fit is phenomenal and I couldn't be happier. The skates come without the break attached so you can install it on either the right or left boot. They also come with the tool necessary for changing out the wheels as well as an additional pair of laces in black. For me, I'm very satisfied that I got the size 6.5, but I also know that my regular size 6 would've also been just fine. I tend to skate barefoot, but on occasion will use a thin compression sock, so there's definitely room for that. I think a half size in either direction would be fine as the ratchet system and laces provide such a customized fit.
I'd recommend these to friends or others looking for a solid skate, made with top quality that can be used as an everyday skate. These are not skates for tricks and stunts, rather just an all around great pair of skates that move fluidly over small cracks, pebbles or other debris that you may come across in your travels. I'm like a kid at Christmas today and I can't wait to get out there tomorrow and really put them to use! Thanks inline skates for providing such quality products!
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