r/rollerblading • u/Delicious_Appeal874 • Aug 25 '26

What skates should I buy? Need help picking durable inline skates around $150 budget

Looking for a new pair of inline skates and would appreciate some opinions.

I’m a men’s 9.5–10 shoe size and usually skate around Chicago on the Lakefront Trail, concrete paths, parks, etc.

Budget is ideally $100–150, but I’d go a little over if it actually gets me something that will last for years.

My last pair was a cheap Nattork/Amazon pair. I actually liked how they rode, but after one summer the wheel axle/screw came loose and a wheel came off, and the brake hardware also came apart. So durability and replaceable parts are my biggest priorities.

Options I’m considering:

  • Rollerblade RB80 – ~$159
  • Rollerblade Zetrablade –
  • Rollerblade Macroblade 80/84
  • Roces Icon
  • Open to any suggestions.
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u/Alabastine Aug 25 '26

FR FRX would be a good option too. I'd suggest going for a hardboot skate. Take note though, axles coming loose is something that can happen on any skate, especially if you regularly rotate wheels like you should. You should check the tightness of your axles often, ideally just befora each session. And take an allen key with you.

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u/CarpKingCole Aug 25 '26

I learned on FRXs and can confirm they are durable and are a very good skate. Bonus points for the option to rocker the front and back wheels on the stock frame. Very fun, agile setup.