A lot of people are curious to know if you can turn ice skates into rollerblades. That is a great question indeed. Ice skates and rollerblades are technically the same brands, only one uses them for different sports. To transform ice skates into rollerblades all you have to do is remove the skates. Yes, there’s more instruction than that. Don’t go away because it is time to learn how you can turn ice skates into rollerblades.
Are Ice Skates and Rollerblades the Same?
Technically, ice skating and rollerblading have the same kind of technique when in use. Thanks to ice skating, rollerblading evolved. In actuality, rollerblading is easier to learn than ice skating. Make sure that you avoid making mistakes in your routine so that you won’t ice skate instead of rollerblade when in use. Anyone who ice skates can most definitely rollerblade. Learning how to rollerblade is easy for anyone of any age.
Contrasts Between Ice Skating and Rollerblading
Ice Skates
- Ice skates have a blade-like bottom, while rollerblades have a line of wheels
- Have a thin base, sharp
- Takes some time to learn how to balance properly
- Stopping: No built-in break. Maintain and shift weight towards middle of the skate,
- Skating on a smooth icy surface can only skate during the months of winter or at a place which has an ice skating rink
Rollerblades
- Wheelbase gives you better control
- Rollerblading is easier to learn than ice skating
- Wheels of rollerblades extend further than ice skates
- Have more stability, better balance
- Stopping: There is a mechanism blade on the end of the rollerblade
- One can rollerblade at any time of the year. Make sure that it is outside but not in a busy street
Which is Easier?
That is the apples and oranges question. It all depends on the training ability a person has when it comes to rollerblading and ice skating. The main difference when it comes to the two sports is speed. Skaters create their own pace. That means one will most likely see a difference when converting their skates back and forth.
The Difference in the Shoe
Based on studies, most people say that hockey skates should be tight around the foot. Skates are made to mold the owner’s foot to encompass no extra space. Just like rollerblades, the fit should also be snug around the foot. Why does it have to be tight, you ask? It’s just so your feet won’t have any injuries within the frame. And so your rollerblades won’t fly off.
Why So Tight?
Rollerblades and ice skates need to be tight enough so that one can bend their knees. Any blades that are too lose and your knees are in danger of having circulation cut off. It provides support. No need to worry as the straps will avoid cutting off circulation from the blood to the foot. That’s good, right? Because rollerblades and ice skates need to be tight around the foot, then you can easily make the conversion work.
Importance of Shoe Size
Most people don’t want to go out to store and search the racks for rollerblades. Why is that? Each rollerblade/ice skate that you try on will not be your Cinderella shoe. Every brand fits differently, length and width included. Instead of the size of the shoe, you should rely on how you feel about the way it fits.
Your feet are only going to swell a bit when putting in the effort to trying on these types of shoes. Make sure that there is a small margin at the toes. Most brands vary in the shape of the shoe. One element that you should not be surprised in is the model of the particular brand. As we mentioned, it’s important that these shoes feel tight.
Would the Change Work With the Frames?
That is a great question. Before you go through with turning your ice skates into rollerblades make sure that your shoe has the right dimensions to make it a rollerblade. The products are designed to work with the majority of the inline frames. All blade types work with the inline frames which are 72 mm, 76 mm, 88 mm, and 84 mm. Take measurements so that the wheels do not have any large gaps.
Why The Process May not Work
- Different rivet placements in the sole of the skate
- Don’t ever force any of the objects together. You will only damage the shoes
- If you don’t get the alignment right then it will mess up the shoe
- Expensive. Whether you are doing this on your own or by yourself, it is expensive to convert ice skates into rollerblades
- If the skates are new than it is not going to work. Only convert old boots
How Can I Damage my Shoes?
Any damage made is not permanent. Here is why you should take skates to have this surgical process to a professional. Getting the alignment right is one of the most important parts of turning skates into rollerblades and vice versa.
You may want to know that sliding nice leather booths across concrete will cause permanent damage. Look into different skates. All skates come at a different cost, along with frames. Once you inspect the right ice skate to convert into a rollerblade then you’ll be able to do all sorts of tricks, moves, and explore around your city.
What Ice Skates Can You Convert?
We are glad that you asked. Not all skates can be turned into rollerblades. Most brands of boots use rivets that can’t be removed without breaking boots. Some boots won’t work as well with the conversion, therefore becoming rusty. Here is a list of ice skates that you can convert.
- Ice Hockey Skates into Quads
- Ice Hockey Skates into Inlines
- Inline Hockey Skates into Quads
- Figure Skates into Quads
- Figure Skates into Linea Inlines
What to Watch Out For:
- Make sure that the boots are rigid and support the ankle
- Be sure that everything is in good condition, Don’t make the conversion if anything is rotten
- The blades on ice skates are sharp
Take a Look at the Shoe
On the very bottom of the shoes, after you have removed the blades, you’ll see 6-8 drill holes. With these holes, then it is safe to mount the blades and position them as needed. Look up diagrams on how to do this process.
Rollerblading Shoes
A pair of rollerblades is often designed for a specific type of practice. It’s hard to find a pair of rollerblades that meet the needs for several characteristics. For all you know, the blades make be the total opposite when you are trying to convert ice skates into rollerblades. Look around in stores for versatile pairs of rollerblades that are suitable for a wide range of practices.
Step By Step Process
You’re in luck because you’re not the only one who has thought about converting your ice skates into rollerblades. Once the ice skating season is over, what is there to do? That’s right, rollerblade!
However, converting ice skates and roller blades back and forth sometimes is not a good thing for the shoe. Make sure that you do this whole process on a smooth and flat surface Take apart all axles in the ice blade. For those who are not sure what they are doing, it is best to seek help at a skate line shop. Certain tools are needed for installation.
- Step 1: Remove the skates off the frame by unscrewing the axles.
- Step 2: Make sure that you have the blades to put on the shoes.
- Step 3: Put two of the spacers on both sides of the ice blades around the fastening hole. Fasten the first hole into the second axle from the front of the frame. Once the blades are aligned, slide in the axle for the blades and make sure that the axle is tightened.
- Step 4: From the front of the frame, tilt the blades and in two spaces on both sides. Then, align the holes and slide in the axle.
- Step 5: Fasten the front and back just like how you did previously.
- Step 6: Once you have all the axles in place, tighten them down completely. You don’t want anything coming apart on you when rollerblading.
- Step 7: Do the same process with the other blade.
Conclusion
To answer the question, yes you can turn ice skates into rollerblades. We hope that all this information will help when you think about turning your ice skates into rollerblades. To convert ice skates into rollerblades, remove the holders from the old pair, and then assemble the new screws.
The process of how to convert ice skates into rollerblades is very straightforward. However, you need to think about the factors that could ruin your ice skates/rollerblades. Go to a store to have help in the conversion.
