INLINE SKATING AND QUAD SKATING: THE TESTIMONY OF A WORLD ROLLER SKATING CHAMPION

INLINE SKATING AND QUAD SKATING: THE TESTIMONY OF A WORLD ROLLER SKATING CHAMPION

Quad skates and inline skates, you often ask us these questions: What are the differences between quad and inline skates? Can an inline skater easily switch to quad skating? Which sports disciplines are best suited to each type of skate? Why doesn’t Flaneurz produce detachable inline skates? The testimony of Maëliss Conan, a four-time world champion in inline jump will provide you with valuable insights into these two practices.

Maëliss Conan, 24 years old, has been passionate about roller skating for over a decade:

“ I started skating at the age of 10 when a roller skating club opened in my town. After a few sessions, my coach approached me to ask if I wanted to join the advanced class, as they had noticed real potential in me. ” 

Maëliss started with inline skates by practicing free jumping: “ From the moment I joined the roller skating club Dragon Riders de Méry sur Oise, I quickly participated in competitions.”

Today, she uses quad skates daily. Initially, she skated occasionally with an old pair that belonged to her aunt, but now she skates very regularly thanks to her Reebok Freestyle Flaneurz.

 

/PRACTICAL: QUAD INLINE DIFFERENCE

 

Inline skating and quad skating require different techniques and skills. Inline skates allow for easier acceleration, while quad skates are more responsive and maneuverable. For Maëliss, both types of skating are equally accessible: “I think it’s like skiing and snowboarding—the hardest part is transitioning from one to the other.” Similarly, in cycling, riding a BMX and riding a fixed-gear bike are two practices that call for different abilities.

Inline skating requires leg strength and balance, with a particular focus on the knees. The inline wheel arrangement provides longitudinal stability. A key difference between quad and inline skates lies in balance: quad skates offer lateral stability. The knees are less strained, resulting in fewer injuries, but with the same energy expenditure, you will achieve greater speed with inline skates.

The boots of inline skates and quad skates are different: “In inline skates, the ankle is very well supported since the boot features a cuff and a rigid or semi-rigid shell. Conversely, in quad skate boots, the support is lighter because the ankle is less engaged.” It’s even possible to skate es, the foot is free without losing precision or balance.

© Anthony Finocchiaro

/DISCIPLINES BASED ON ROLLERS

According to Maëliss, most roller skating disciplines can be practiced with both inline and quad skates. Training and habits then determine how easily these disciplines can be performed with one type of skate or the other.

“ Inline skating is better suited for skate cross, which requires a lot of forward and backward balance as well as strong pushes. The same goes for racing: inline skates have very long frames that allow for easier propulsion. With quad skates, much more effort is needed; you can’t stop skating if you want to maintain your speed. Quad skates are widely used in disciplines that require precision, such as rink hockey. “That said, it’s all about comfort. For example, I have a friend on the French national team who does free jump with quad skates. ”

 

/THE ORIGIN OF ROLLERS

 

You often ask us why Flaneurz doesn’t produce detachable inline skates. When we started, we felt it was important to trace the history of roller skating, as well as that of detachable skates. The first known inventor of roller skates was a Belgian, John Joseph Merlin, who designed a prototype of mechanical roller skates in 1760. In 1789, Maximiliaan Van Lede invented what he called "land skates," based on the same principle as ice skates but with wheels (inline!). He was mentioned in the Almanach de Gotha in 1790

« Mr. Vanlede, a sculptor and medallist from the Paris Academy, invented skates, which he calls "land skates," allowing one to move as quickly on flat ground as on ice with regular skates. ».

Thirty years later, the Frenchman Petibled developed a new prototype of ice skates that enjoyed brief success due to a lack of lightness and maneuverability. Double-wheeled skates (roller quads) were conceived in 1848 by Louis Legrand, designed to suit beginners as they provided better foot stability, according to him. They became very popular and were used for nearly 30 years. Yes, the first skates were inline skates—quads appeared nearly a century later!

After 1863, roller skates were revolutionized by the invention of steerable skates, ball bearings, and skating rinks. Until then, shoes were attached to skates using fastening systems like leather straps. At the beginning of the 20th century, shoes were permanently screwed onto the skate frames for better performance. Roller skating became truly popular around 1920 and again in 1945, thanks to roller catch (the precursor to roller derby). Then, in 1979, it began to spread worldwide, boosted by the rise of physical activity-based leisure, the ecological movement, and ​ launched in the United States after a period of decline for skateboards.

Contemporary detachable rollerblades appeared in the 1990s, developed with brands such as Mojo and Salomon. Their skate models in which you put your shoes are efficient but too bulky when walking (this is due to the rigid structure that provides the ankle support necessary for inline skating. Then Hypno and Rossignol entered this market around 1990-2000: they each design a model of detachable roller skates, but the shoe is too soft to roll and too stiff and warm to walk comfortably. And since 2010, the brands Doop et Xsjado also allow for inline skating and walking with the same shoe. They are made with a high frame for ankle support, which makes them too bulky for everyday use.

© Instagram : maelissconan

 

/FLANEURS AND INLINE SKATES

 

Flaneurz doesnt make detachable inline skates. Technically, it would be possible, but inline skates mounted on everyday sneakers would not be comfortable for skating: the tension in the ankles would be difficult to bear. Thus, classic sneakers could not be assembled onto inline skate plates. Thanks to their lateral stability, quad skates, on the other hand, allow for a light ankle support that adapts to shoes originally designed for walking and sports... Moreover, our goal is to produce aesthetically pleasing skates that become a full-fledged fashion accessory. Offering comfortable and stylish shoes for skating and walking is the objective we have set for ourselves in developing Flaneurz skates..

Maëliss particularly appreciated the practicality of the detachable system: “ What attracted me to Flaneurz? The style, and the fact that Flaneurz skates allow me to enjoy my passion every day. I now travel almost every day on skates, ever since I got my Flaneurz. With Flaneurz, I just have to remove the frame—it fits in my bag or can be carried over my shoulder with my leash. It saves me time when heading to the metro or tram to get to work. In my circle, it’s not very well known yet. Most people find it very stylish. I even convinced one of my colleagues to buy a pair!. ”

Have you always been an inline skater? Switch things up and discover the joy of quad skating thanks to the practicality of rollers Flaneurz.

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