Wheels for Shoes: The Roller Evolution
The Evolution of Rollerblades Over the Years
The concept of attaching wheels to shoes dates back to the 18th century. At that time, ice skates—shoes with a blade for gliding on ice—were already known. However, there was a desire to create similar equipment that would allow movement on hard surfaces with wheeled shoes. Inspired by ice skates, the initial designs featured large wheels mounted in a single line on a metal frame, creating a single-track device. However, braking and turning proved problematic with this setup, which likely contributed to the initial lack of popularity for rollerblades. Today, single-track rollerblades for both women and men are incredibly popular. Have they undergone a complete evolution? What should we consider when choosing this equipment today?
It is said that as early as the 1760s, Joseph Merlin attempted to showcase his invention—single-track shoes with metal wheels—to a broader audience. During a masquerade ball at a London residence, Merlin played the violin while gliding on his “skaites”. The invention was not fully developed, and the user did not know how to control these rollerblade prototypes, resulting in a crash into a large, decorative mirror, shattering it to pieces. This incident, however, quickly spread the word about the existence of “skaites”. Numerous modifications followed. Reportedly, the first single-track roller skates were patented in France in the second decade of the 18th century. However, the need for greater stability and manoeuvrability led to the invention of two-track roller skates in the 1860s.
Interesting Tidbits...
There are countless examples of experimentation with the development and use of rollerblades over the years. In the American historical museum in Missouri, a ticket for a roller skating dance held on the steamboat Chas. P. Chouteau in August 1880 has been preserved. In 1923, a British film company showcased a short film featuring “cycle-skating”. French men, with shoes on their feet, had single wheels with tyres attached to the sides. In another film by British Pathe from 1956, we see a prototype of roller skis. Large wheels with rubber tyres and metal cables were attached to metal folding platforms. Fastened to trousers, they served as brakes for the skater. Using poles, they swiftly and efficiently navigated the designated route, astonishing passersby. In 1938, a roller hockey competition took place in Vienne, Italy. Even for the athletes, skating on these was quite a challenge. Traditional shoes were fitted with an aluminium frame featuring five small wheels. A brake was attached at the front.
From Word to Word: The Evolution of “Rollers”
When we think about the evolution of the term “rollers” in the Polish language, it’s fascinating to see how its meaning has expanded. The Polish Dictionary defines “rolki” as having several meanings, with the primary one being: “a cycling training device consisting of a metal frame with three rotating rollers on which a bicycle is placed”. If you look up “rolki” on Wikipedia, you’ll be redirected to “inline skates”, which are described as “single-track skates”. This online encyclopedia explains that they are “sports and recreational equipment featuring wheels permanently attached in a single line, similar to the blade of ice skates”, noting that the name derives from ice skates. The encyclopedia also refers to “roller skating”, a sport practised both recreationally and competitively on traditional two-track skates, highlighting that these are the traditional ones, while single-track skates are commonly known as rollers. It’s undeniable that rollers are single-track skates inspired by ice skates. However, looking at modern rollers—their variety and purpose—it’s clear they’ve not only dominated the professional market but have also made a significant impact on the general public, from young children to seniors.
Then and Now
Today’s rollers still draw from their most primitive designs. They are single-track, available in various configurations depending on their use. Roller skating has become a lifestyle, encompassing not just the skates themselves but also roller accessories—protective gear like wrist guards, knee pads, helmets, and socks. Attending roller schools and organising competitions has become trendy. Consequently, modern roller enthusiasts have a wide array of equipment to choose from, tailored to specific types of skating, which can sometimes be overwhelming.
For beginners, it’s best to start with recreational rollers. These are the most versatile, although they may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. There are basic guidelines in this category. Recreational rollers are typically lightweight, equipped with four wheels with a hardness of up to 84A, soft, and ranging in diameter from 82-100 mm, with an additional brake at the back of the boot. The boots have a high cuff and are soft to allow skaters to lean comfortably while skating. The bearing scale generally ranges from ABEC-5 to ABEC-7 (the higher the number, the more precisely these components are made). The aluminium frame extends proportionally to the length of the shoe, making it ideal for recreational, non-specialised skating in open areas. However, even in this category, there are some modifications. A noteworthy option is the Movino Cruzer B4 skates, featuring 80 mm wheels and top-tier ABEC-9 bearings.
In stark contrast to recreational skates are aggressive skates, designed specifically for performing tricks and overcoming obstacles. This is why the boot must be robust: hard on the outside and soft on the inside, thanks to a shock-absorbing inner liner. Aggressive skates have small (55–60 mm), hard (above 88A) wheels and precisely crafted bearings, usually ABEC-9. Their distinctive frame is also notable, featuring a replaceable blade made from highly durable plastic, with a gap between the second and third wheel to facilitate trick execution.
Speed skates also present a revolutionary design. These skates feature a very distinctive boot—low-cut to the ankle, hard yet very lightweight, and often thermoformable. They come with a long frame, four large, widely spaced wheels (ranging from 100 to 125 mm in diameter), and high-quality bearings (ranging from ABEC-7 to ABEC-9). This combination provides speed and reduces air resistance, allowing skaters to reach speeds of several dozen kilometres per hour.
A deeper analysis of the evolution of men’s and women’s skates over the years reveals a turning point: the initial, primitive concept of single-line roller skates, with wheels mounted in a single line, has been refined, improved, and modernised so effectively that millions of people worldwide are skating in the 21st century.
Are you looking for adult skates? Or perhaps you have a gift idea for your child in the form of kids’ skates? No matter your situation, visit the Movino store and choose a model tailored to your needs. We invite you to explore our selection!
