The 9 Best Men's Speed Skates

Distance skating on a modest budget is the idea behind the Epic Engage 125, a three-wheel inline speed skate. Its big wheels use a softer outdoor urethane, so they cope with rough pavement, and they sit on a machined aluminum frame with the common race mount. The hard-shell boot and padded liner support the ankle more than a low-cut race boot. There's no brake, the tall wheels take getting used to, and the warranty runs only 90 days.

Built by an Australian company best known for racing boots, the Bont LowCut Quadstar is a low-cut quad speed skate. Its leather upper sits on a fiberglass base that Bont says can be heat-molded to your foot, and the toe gets extra layers against scuffs. The plate and wheels can change from one package to the next, so check what's included. Sizing goes by foot length, not shoe size, so measure first.

Halfway between a fitness skate and a full race boot, the Bont Semi Race puts a carbon composite base and a high microfiber upper on three big wheels or four smaller ones. Rollerenligne, a French skating site, praised the stiff, precise boot, its comfort and its finish. Bont's own pages disagree on whether this boot can be heat-molded, so ask before counting on it. The buckles can wear quickly, the boot suits narrow feet, and it's expensive.

Long fitness and distance sessions are the job for the Roller Derby Elite Alpha, a three-wheel inline skate. A hard shell closes with laces and two buckles, and the quick-dry liner pulls out for washing. Its big wheels are made in the U.S., and quick-change axles come out with one Allen wrench, so rotating wheels is quick. There's no brake, so learn to stop before tackling hills or busy paths, and the warranty runs 90 days.

The Riedell Dart is the least expensive skate in its maker's rink and speed line. Its low-cut boot closes with laces and a hook-and-loop strap, and it rides on an aluminum plate with hard wheels that suit smooth rink floors. The toe stop adjusts, and it comes in full sizes only, in one medium width, so half sizes mean rounding up or down. The parts are basic for the price, and advanced adults will want upgrades.

Skaters who want to cover distance without a race boot can try the Rollerblade Macroblade 110 3WD, a fitness skate with a speed-style frame. Its three wheels roll faster than standard fitness wheels yet sit lower than full-size speed wheels. The knit upper has a higher cuff, an angled buckle, a strap and laces, and a brake comes in the box. It's still a fitness boot rather than a race boot, and the frame won't take bigger wheels.

A budget quad with a speed-style low boot, the Pacer GTX 500 adds a padded collar and a power strap over the laces. Its wheels are made for smooth rink floors and give a harsh ride on rough pavement. It comes in men's sizes, so women usually go one size down. Pacer has updated this skate and specs differ between versions, so check the exact one. It's a sensible way to try speed-style quads, though the parts are basic.

The Chicago Bullet has been a low-cost speed-style quad for decades, and it's still easy to find. Its low-cut vinyl boot has a padded collar, a heel pull loop and a power strap, and the trucks can be adjusted for turning feel. The wheels can feel plasticky, the bearings are basic, the toe box runs snug and sizing varies. A 2002 recall covered a batch sold through JCPenney catalogs whose wheels could break off.

At a low price, the Roller Derby STR Seven puts a speed-profile low-top boot on a quad. Foam padding and a quick-dry lining sit under laces and a power strap, and the toe stop is fixed, not adjustable. Roller Derby says it fits true to U.S. men's shoe sizes and backs the skate for 90 days. It makes a reasonable first speed-style quad for casual rink and sidewalk skating, but don't expect race-grade parts.