Skating around Safely Roller Blades Skating around Safely More than 6 million Americans of all ages skate on in-line wheels, or roller blades. This internationally popular sport is not only fun, but it can be an excellent form of aerobic exercise.
Roller blades have a rigid plastic boot, similar to the boot used in snow skiing.
Because the wheels are narrow, roller blades can reach much higher speeds than roller skates. The braking mechanism is also different. The brake pad on roller blades is on the heel of either one or both of the skates, while the brake pad on roller skates is on the toe. The number of skating-related injuries has risen with the popularity of roller blades in recent years. The most frequent injuries are bruises and broken arms and legs from falls.