The 10 Best Men's Speed Skates
This wiki has been updated 33 times since it was first published in March of 2017. Whether you want to roll down the sidewalk with friends, race around an indoor rink, or you're looking for a calorie-burning alternative to that stationary treadmill, consider a pair of these speed skates as a way to fit the bill. Many of our options are designed for use both indoors and out, and can provide a fun experience, so long as you always wear the appropriate protective gear. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. VNLA Tuxedo
2. Crazy Skates Zoom
3. Bont Vaypor
Editor's Notes
December 18, 2020:
During this update we brought back the VNLA Carbon as they just beat out the VNLA X1 in the performance department due to their better bearings. We also added the Bont Vaypor, which, while perhaps out of the price range for the average use, are arguably one of the best pairs on the market. A testament to their quality and exclusivity is that each one is made to order, so you won't find them just sitting on the shelf at your neighborhood store. We also removed the Labeda Voodoo U7, as they were discontinued by the manufacturer.
October 16, 2019:
Speed skating isn't just fun, but it's a great source of exercise as well. For many, it also offers a sense of nostalgia, especially those that grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Of course, depending on which era you grew up in, you may lean more towards the traditional, side-by-side quad-style skates or inline rollerblades, so we have made sure to include a few options of each.
During this round of updates, we removed or replaced three models. The Epic Evolution, due to it only being available in a very limited number of sizes, and the Sure-Grip Rebel Avenger, because their longevity is questionable. Also, the Riedell R3 Patriot was replaced with the Riddel Dart simply because they both have similar specs, but the Dart has a lower price that offers more bang for your buck.
In addition to the Dart, we also added the Atom Luigino Challenge and Labeda Voodoo U7, both of which come from well-respected brands and have race-quality components, like the lightweight Striker Mark II frame in the former, and ABEC-9 bearings in the latter. The Atom Luigino Challenge can also be heat molded to your foot shape, making for a custom fit.
October 22, 2018:
Replaced VLNA Carbon with the Tuxedo for its upgraded trucks and sturdy backspin wheels. Also replaced Epic Super Nitro with Epic Evolution due to the model's upgraded bearings and plates. Added Sure-Grip Rebel Avenger for their lightweight construction and superior response.
Special Honors
Atom Competitor Falcon Featuring extruded aluminum Pilot F16 trucks, Bionic Swiss bearings, and heat-moldable premium leather boots, the Competitor Falcon will satisfy even the most die-hard speed skaters out there. Adding to their comfort is a breathable microfiber lining and a well-padded tongue. atomskates.com
4. VNLA Carbon
5. Atom Luigino Challenge
6. Riedell Dart
7. Epic Engage
8. Chicago Bullet
9. Pacer Mach-5
10. Roller Derby Viper
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.