What to Buy with Your Inline Skates?

Introduction

Inline skates are a fantastic way to stay active, have fun, and learn new skills. Whether you’re skating outdoors, at a rink, or just getting started, the right accessories make a big difference to safety, comfort, and performance. Some items are essential for protecting yourself and looking after your skates, while others are great extras that can enhance your skating experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the must-have inline skate accessories and some desirable extras, all of which you can find at Skates.co.uk.

The SFR Pulsar Adjustable Inline Skates - Pink are designed for beginner skaters and feature black and white boots with pink accents, complemented by four pink wheels. The boots have star designs and an adjustable strap system for a secure fit, proudly displaying the SFR brand on both the boot and wheels.

Essential Accessories for Inline Skates

Helmet and Pads

Safety should always come first. A helmet protects against serious injury, while knee, elbow, and wrist pads help guard against falls and scrapes. They’re particularly important for beginners and anyone skating outdoors.

Skate Bag

Inline skates can be bulky to carry, and blades can damage other items in your bag. A dedicated skate bag makes transport easier and keeps everything together, often with room for pads and accessories too.

Skate Tool

A multi-purpose skate tool is essential for adjusting wheels, axles, and frames. Inline skates need regular maintenance, and having the right tool ensures you can tighten or replace parts quickly and safely.

Spare Brake Pads

Most recreational inline skates come with a heel brake, but these pads wear down with use. Having a spare set ready means you won’t be caught out when you need to replace them.

Desirable Accessories for Inline Skates

Spare Wheels

Wheels wear over time, and different wheels suit different skating styles and surfaces. Softer wheels are better for outdoor use, while harder wheels are great for smooth indoor surfaces. Having spares allows you to rotate and replace them when needed.

Bearings

Upgrading bearings can make a noticeable difference to how smoothly your skates roll. For faster and more efficient skating, higher-quality bearings are a worthwhile extra.

Socks and Insoles

Specialist skate socks or cushioned insoles improve comfort, reduce blisters, and make longer sessions more enjoyable. They’re not essential, but they’re a low-cost way to enhance your ride.

Custom Laces and Straps

Adding coloured laces or replacement straps is a fun way to personalise your skates and keep them looking fresh.

Tips for Choosing Accessories

  • Always invest in safety gear and a skate tool first — they’re the most important purchases alongside your skates.
  • If you plan to skate frequently outdoors, buy spare wheels and brake pads in advance.
  • Comfort upgrades like socks and insoles make a big difference if you skate for long sessions.

Conclusion

Inline skates are a brilliant investment for fun and fitness, but the right accessories will make them safer, longer lasting, and more enjoyable. Essentials like helmets, pads, bags, tools, and brake pads should be your first purchases. Extras such as wheels, bearings, socks, and custom laces can then be added to upgrade your skates and improve performance.

At Skates.co.uk, you’ll find a full range of inline skate accessories, making it easy to get everything you need in one place.

FAQs

Do I need pads as well as a helmet for inline skating?
 Yes. Pads protect your wrists, knees, and elbows and are strongly recommended for all skaters, particularly beginners.

How often should I replace inline skate wheels?
 This depends on how often you skate and the surfaces you use. Rotating wheels regularly helps them last longer, but replacements are needed once they wear down significantly.

Are spare brake pads necessary?
 Yes. If your skates have a heel brake, the pad will wear out with use. Keeping spares ensures you can replace them as soon as needed.