Speed Skating: Extreme Speeds and a Great Community

If running is your thing but you crave more speed and action, or if your joints and bones are starting to ache during exercise, or perhaps you already own a pair of fitness skates and want to elevate your training, speed skating might be the sport for you.

Speed skating is the fastest roller and inline-related sport. In sprint distances, speeds can reach an astonishing 60 km/h (37 mph). However, speed skating encompasses much more than just sprints - it includes time trials, elimination races, criterium races, distance and long-distance races, marathons, and ultra marathons, to name a few.

How to Get Started?

Although this might sound intimidating, speed skating has room for everyone. At a speed skating club, you'll find people aged 3 to 80 years, competing in the same races where participants are typically grouped by skill rather than age or gender.

“One of the things I love about speed skating is the social aspect. You often work towards common goals, but at the same time, it’s a sport where you can practice and compete individually,” says SkatePro team rider and former Danish champion Trine Brøns Nielsen.

If you are new to speed skating, consider joining a local club. Not only for the social benefits but also to master the technique, which can be challenging. For example, check out this video where pro speed skater Mark Horsten demonstrates the double push technique.

What Do You Need?

A few years ago, most speed skates had four or more wheels, but today, the most common setup features only three wheels on each skate. This reduces weight and wheel and bearing resistance. You'll also notice that speed skate wheels are quite hard compared to classic fitness skates, reducing friction but sacrificing comfort.

If you’ve never skated before, we recommend buying skates with mid-cut ankle support and a good liner. Otherwise, your feet might hurt, resulting in a bad experience. A skate like the one pictured above, with large 125 mm wheels, offers high speed and great acceleration. For greater maneuverability, a general rule is to choose skates with a short frame.

Choose the Right Setup

Many skilled speed skaters prefer to assemble their skates to meet personal preferences and style. The combination of boot, frame, wheels, and bearings determines a skate's performance in speed, acceleration, and maneuverability. Our experts have curated a series of high-end bundles that allow you to tailor the perfect setup for your skating style. Check out our different bundles and complete speed skates in this category.

Stay Protected

Besides skates, you'll also need the right protective gear. Experienced skaters often only wear a helmet, but this is not recommended for beginners. Thus, a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards are essential for new skaters.

Want to know more? Read our complete guide to speed skating here.