Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25036
Name: ESCAPE Goal: To travel at high velocity Boot Material: Mesh and leather Technology: Splltframe Klop: two separate frames, one mounted to the toe and one mounted to the heel. which overlap in the middle allowing you to use all the muscles of the foot and increasing your power by 16 percent. Wheel Diameter: n .s mm Highlights: An Olympic speed skater and an Olympic cross-country skier put their heads together and came up with the technology behind this skate. Intended for advanced skaters, this is the real thing. Also comes in a version designed on a women's last for women. Cost: $399.99 From: K2. 206-463-3631 2> THE FITNESS SKATE Name: FT8 Goal: To sweat joyfully Boot Material: Combined hard and soft materials Technology: An auto fit liner automatically conforms to the foot. The Quick Lacing System, using locking eyelets provides a super-snug fit with one tug. Wheel Diameter: 76 mm Highlights: Fast and dreamy. The FT8 are incredibly light and flexible, and they breathe. At high speeds, your feet can actually feel the wind coming in the air vents located around the toe. Cost: $279 From: Salomon. 04-50-65-41-41 3> THE TRANSPORTATION SKATE Name: JUNCTION ROCK Goal: To skate and walk interchangeably in urban and wilderness environments Boot Material: Leather upper Technology: Technology derived from the worlds of both hiking and in-line skating. Anatomical shock-absorbing insoles make city streets friendly, not fierce. Wheel Diameter: 76 mm Highlights: Removable wheels allow you to skate to your destination, then slip the wheels off and continue your day on foot. Fly in the face of the NO SKATES ALLOWED signs. Cost: $259.99 From: Rossignol. 802-863-2511 4> THE AGGRESSIVE SKATE Name: ARGON LOW TOP Goal: To hit ramps, grind stairs, pull tricks, get air Boot Material: Nylon hardshell Technology: A splitframe gives a bigger surface area for grinding. Adjustable wheel position. Wheel Diameter: 54 mm. The thing about aggressive wheels is that they are flat. More concerned wilh control than speed, these wheels don't taper to a blade like regular in- line skates. Highlights: This is the first aggressive skate designed by aggressive skaters for aggres- sive skaters. Inspired by the anlics of skateboarders and snowboarders, these innovators built their ideal in-line skate. Unisex. Cost: $279 From: Oxygen. 603-880-6143 5> THE ROUGH ROAD SKATE Name: OUTBACK X Goal: To roll fast and smooth over raunchy city streets Boot Material: Cross-molded polyurethane (hard boot) Technology: Full suspension frame and trapped-air wheels dampen road buzz. Wheel Diameter: 90 mm Highlights: These skates eat asphalt. The suspension system of the frame as well as the air in the wheels serve to absorb the shocks of the road. Unisex. Cost: $249.99 From: Rollerblade. 800-328-0171 6> THE BEGINNER'S SKATE Name: OMEGA Goal: To learn what freedom feels like Boot Material: Stiff nylon shell Technology: Interlink system: different materials are CO-injected into the skate framework to provide both support and flexibility. A dynamic suspension system cuts road vibration. For both men and women. Wheel Diameter: 76 mm Highlights: Safe and reliable for fledgling skaters. Cost: $180 From: Tecnica, 800-258-3897 Many In-line skate companies design skates specifically for women. Female-specific features usually Include an adjustable heel height. a longer last and a shapelier boot liner. Given that a woman's anatomy is different than a man's, this is a smart innovation in the world of In-line skates. Check out this option before buying.