Inline Skate Brakes

Are Brakes Included with Inline Skates?

Brakes are a standard feature on fitness inline skates. These are made from a durable rubber pad placed at the back, situated behind the last wheel on the frame. Allowing skaters to come to a stop, this can be accomplished by lifting the skate's toe, which presses the rubber pad onto the surface. As they provide the simplest stopping method on inline skates, brake pads are crucial for those new to the activity.

Varieties of Inline Skate Brakes

Recreational and fitness skates are equipped with either the traditional brake system or the Advanced Braking System (ABT). Traditional brakes, as described, are rubber pads located at the rear of the skate. Usually attached to the right skate, they can be switched to the left skate for skaters who are left-foot dominant.

Traditional braking works by pointing the skate upwards, thereby pressing the heel and brake onto the ground. Conversely, ABT brakes are positioned closer to the ground than traditional pads, offering skaters better balance while braking. This type is ideal for complete novices.

Don’t Forget to Replace Your Inline Skate Brakes

In time, the initially installed brakes will wear down and require replacing. The replacement process is straightforward, needing only a new skate brake, an Allen key, and a few minutes of your time. It’s crucial to replace brakes before they’re entirely worn out, as severely worn brakes might fail to stop effectively.

For those seeking brakes for their quad skates, do explore our section on Brake Pads & Toe Stops for Roller Skates.