Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25238
NIKE AIR MAX N-DORPHIN 1 New from Nike (made by Bauer), the Max N-Dorphin uses the same technolo- gy as inNike running shoes. The air unit in the heel absorbes and transfers shock, making them simultaneously more smooth and efficient. The skates are made of a material (Flexposite Technology) that flexes and compresses through the full range of motion, returning the energy you put into the push. Nike, www.bauernike.com. $249 K2 CADENCE Take a good look at this skate, because what you see is what you get (make that what you don't see). This year K2 is debuting their new "Slip-Fit®" technology, a stretch panel system that takes the place of traditional laces and makes the boot fit like a glove. One of the biggest innovations to hit in-lines since the soft boot revolution abouf six years ago, this skate slips on and tightens in seconds with the quick close of a buckle and quick tug on the Velcro® strap over the forefoot. These skates were as supportive as the other skates in this review. Add a solid venting system that keeps the boot from becoming a hot-box and a nimble frame and you have a great all around skate. It is best suited for quick and nimble urban skating. TESTER'S CONCLUSION: The "Slip-Fit" -equipped Cadence took the cake for comfort. Easy entry and exit made these skates the perfect choice to throw on for a quick cross-town or round the block to the deli. The short frame, while it does have its drawbacks, lets the wearer cut around hazards like nobody's business. And don't forget the "WOW!" factor when people realize that you don't have any laces or middle buckles on your skates. The 78mm/78a wheels were a little on the slow side compared to the other advanced skates we reviewed. The frame on this skate can accommodate wheels up to 80mm though, so if you're a speed junkie looking for the latest in soft-boot tech- nology, the price leaves ample room for the buyer to upgrade the urethane components. K2, WWW.k2sports.com. $149 ROLLERBLADE CORE-XTV Comfort, durability and security are all trademarks of RB, and the Core-XTV is rio exception. Sporting 78 mm/80A wheels and decent length frame, it straddles the speed line between Salomon's TG-MG and the K2 Cadence. Rollerblade's proprietary ABT® braking system lets you apply stopping power while keeping all of the skate's wheels on the ground. ABT is helpful for controlling your velocity and maintaining control in tight situations, like crowded sidewalks in the city. The cuff supplies adequate support with a snowboard-binding-style ankle strap that ratchets down quickly, securing your foot snugly. Add RB's "Shock Eraser" suspension system and you have a smooth ride on a very solid skate. TESTER'S CONCLUSION: The boot liner (featuring Outlast'" to regulate temperature inside the boot) is comfortable, but the brake is where the Rollerblade skate really shines. Rollerblade's ABT braking system is by far the easiest on the market to use. If you 're an experienced skater but have trouble stopping or controlling your speed on skates, this is the pair for you. While the ratcheting buckle was fantastic for securing the boot upper, the laces left something to be desired. They were abrasive on the hands and we found them a little difficult to really get tight around the lower portion of the boot. Like the K2S these could also benefit from a slightly longer wheelbase. Rollerblade, www.rollerblade.com. $239 67