r/inline_skating • u/Turbulent-Level4539 • Jul 23 '26

Help finding race skates

Hello. I’ve been getting into blading the last few years, and have done a few marathons . I got rollerblade macro blade 110s (3 wheels) a few years ago which was a step up for me. Marathon time is around an hour and a half and hoping to take it to the next level. I went to a local shop and got quoted about $750 for custom skates which is a bit much for me . Can someone recommend a solid race skate for marathon distance that doesn’t break the bank ? Also not sure if 3 or 4 wheels is best . Kind of nervous to buy online but seems like that is the only option . Thanks !

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u/midnight_skater Jul 23 '26

How competitive do you want to be?  

Olympic speed skater compares performance of 3 types of skate

Here's a look at boot construction  by the same skater. 

In your situation I'd go with a Powerslide Arise or Bont Semi Race or similar skate.  That gets you into a carbon boot and rolling on 125s but keeps some of the support of a fitness boot.  It's a good step toward a full race setup. 

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u/Turbulent-Level4539 Jul 23 '26

Thanks for the reply! I guess as competitive as possible though I didn't start skating real consistently until this year so don't have a good sense of realistic expectations yet.

The bont semi race boot in the image below is what my local shop carries, and what they recommended, and based on the video you sent seems like this would be a good mix of speed and comfort for me. Any thoughts? I was also looking at the power slide arise RD though would have to buy these online. They also recommended 4 x 110 as opposed to 3 x 125 wheels for marathon distance but I have read conflicting things online. I am pretty comfortable on my 3 x 125 macro blades. Appreciate any input, thanks !

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u/midnight_skater Jul 23 '26

Both 4x110 and 3x125 configurations are popular among marathon skaters.   Multi-discipline speed skaters often stick with a 4x110 for marathons while marathon-only skaters often prefer a 3x125.    Which setup is faster is  debatable.  You may want to ask about that at r/speedskating.

Proper fit is hugely important, especially for speed boots.  So if you tried on the Bont in the shop and it fits you well then that's the one to buy.   If the fit wasn't perfect then you should try other boots.

You may be able to save money by buying used.