Just as there is more than one way to roller skate, there is more than one style of skate. Each style works to enhance different skating techniques. Skate styles include those for artistic, dance and gymnastic movements, racing, hockey or roller derby and the inline skate.
Inline Skates
Inline skates were the first roller skates on the scene, making their debut in 1760, according to the National Museum of Roller Skating. Inline skates feature a single line of wheels beneath a durable skate boot. The first inline skates had three wheels while later versions feature four. Although inline skates faded in popularity after the invention of the four-wheeled skate in, they re-emerged in the 1980s with the founding of Rollerblade, Inc., which started promoting inline skating as a way to get fit. Roller hockey also uses inline skates.
Artistic Skates
Some artistic skates look very similar to ice skates, Roller Skate notes, at least from the base up. They feature a lace-up leather boot or shoe atop a four-wheeled base. Artistic skates include figure skates and dance skates, with high boots for ankle support and jam skates. Jam skates, used for routines that combine dance and gymnastics, have a lower shoe for more freedom of movement. They also have a small front toe plug rather than a large toe stop.
Roller Derby Skates
Roller derby skates are padded, low-cut and sometimes come with additional features to protect the skaters during the fast-paced, high-impact game of roller derby. Additional features can include built-in toe protection shield and prominent toe stops at the front of the skate. The idea of roller derby sprung out of a roller marathon in 1935 where skaters had little contact with each other and needed less protective skates. It quickly evolved into a contact sport, however, as soon as 1937.
Speed Skates
Speed skates come in the four-wheel and inline varieties, Roller Skates notes. Both feature a low-cut boot for increased ankle movement and little padding for a snugger fit. Speed skates are lightweight, often with lighter plates and components than other styles of skates. This ensures they don't weigh down skaters during sprints or tire them out during longer races.
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