Speed Skating: Extreme Speeds and a Great Community

If you enjoy running but crave more speed and excitement, or if your joints and bones are feeling the strain from exercise, speed skating might be for you. Even if you already own fitness skates and want to elevate your training, speed skating offers the perfect solution.

Speed Skating is the fastest roller and inline sport available. Sprint distances can reach an astonishing 60 km/h (37 mph). However, speed skating encompasses more than just sprints – it includes time trials, elimination races, criterium races, distance and long-distance races, marathons, and ultra marathons.

How to Get Started?

Despite how intimidating it may sound, speed skating welcomes everyone. Visiting a speed skating club will reveal a diverse community with participants ranging from 3 to 80 years old, competing in skill-based groups rather than by 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're new to speed skating, consider joining a local club. The social benefits are significant, but more importantly, you'll learn proper techniques, which can be challenging. For instance, check out this video where pro speed skater Mark Horsten demonstrates the double push technique.

What Do You Need?

A few years ago, speed skates typically had four or more wheels. Nowadays, the most common setup features only three wheels per skate to reduce weight and wheel and bearing resistance. Speed skates also have harder wheels than classic fitness skates, reducing friction at the expense of comfort.

If you're new to skating, we recommend starting with skates that have mid-cut ankle support and a good liner to prevent discomfort. A skate like the one pictured above, with its large 125 mm wheels, provides high speed and excellent acceleration. For greater maneuverability, choose a skate with a short frame.

Choose the Right Setup

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

Stay Protected

In addition to skates, proper protective gear is essential. Advanced skaters often wear just a helmet, but beginners should use a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.

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