Speed Skating: Extreme Speeds and a Great Community

If you enjoy running but crave more speed and action, or if your joints and bones ache during exercise, speed skating might be the sport for you. Perhaps you already own fitness skates and want to elevate your training? Either way, speed skating offers an exciting alternative.

Speed skating is the fastest roller and inline sport available. Sprint distances can reach breathtaking speeds of 60 km/h (37 mph). However, speed skating encompasses much more than sprints - including time trials, elimination races, criterium races, distance and long-distance races, marathons, and ultra marathons, to name a few.

How to Get Started?

While it may sound intimidating, speed skating welcomes everyone. Visit a speed skating club, and you’ll see people aged 3 to 80 years participating. Competitions typically group participants by skill level 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.

New to speed skating? Consider joining a local club to master the technique and enjoy the social benefits. Check out this video of pro speed skater Mark Horsten demonstrating the double push technique.

What Do You Need?

In the past, speed skates had four or more wheels, but today's common setup features three wheels per skate to reduce weight and wheel resistance. Speed skates also have harder wheels than classic fitness skates to minimize friction, although this sacrifices some comfort.

If you’re new to skating, we recommend skates with mid-cut ankle support and a good liner to prevent foot pain and ensure a positive experience. The skate pictured above, with its large 125 mm wheels, offers both high speed and great acceleration. For better maneuverability, opt for a skate with a short frame.

Choose the Right Setup

Many skilled speed skaters prefer to customize their skate setup to match their personal preferences and style. The combination of boot, frame, wheels, and bearings affects speed, acceleration, and maneuverability. Our experts have created high-end bundles to help you tailor the perfect setup. Explore our bundles and complete speed skates in this category.

Stay Protected

Proper protective gear is essential. While experienced skaters might only use a helmet, beginners should use a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.

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