Inline skating - All Subjects Matter

Inline Skating for wider feet

Remco Loup. — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 21:39:00 +0100

Introduction

Growing up, I always struggled with having wide feet, a challenge that only intensified over time. This culminated in 2023 when I underwent foot surgery to correct a bunion on my little toe. Before the surgery, wearing shoes often meant dealing with a painful pressure point caused by the bunion, a discomfort that increasingly invaded more of my footwear choices. The tipping point came when I could no longer enjoy inline skating for more than 45 minutes without experiencing significant pain.

Post-surgery, it became clear that my wide feet still posed a problem, particularly when it came to finding compatible inline skates. Despite my preference for hard-shell skates for their added support, I’ve found that they rarely accommodate wide feet comfortably. I’ve often been puzzled by claims that certain brands and models are suitable for wide feet, as none of the hard-shell skates I’ve tried have allowed me to skate without pain. Equally baffling is the industry’s oversight in not listing the width measurements of skate shells, considering that length alone doesn’t guarantee a good fit for those of us with wider feet.

If manufacturers began to include width information, it would significantly ease the process of finding skates that fit well, thereby reducing the common dilemma of purchasing ill-fitting skates. This issue often leads to people abandoning the sport altogether. Offering boots that cater to those with slightly wider feet would allow for a more comfortable skating experience.

Moreover, providing clearer sizing information could reduce the frequency of returns to online shops, benefiting both retailers and customers. Retailers would face fewer losses from having to resell returned skates at lower prices, and customers would enjoy the satisfaction of owning skates that fit from the start. This change could create a win-win situation for everyone involved in the world of inline skating.

Inline skating with wide feet

Following the surgery, I found that skating in my Roces Fifth Elements became significantly less painful in terms of the bunion. However, my feet still felt overly compressed within these skates, leading to general foot pain after skating for more than an hour. A brief respite by removing the skates for a few minutes offered some relief during longer sessions, but ultimately, I couldn’t wait to take them off at the end of the session.

The Fifth Elements are often touted as the widest shells available, with many reviews suggesting a smaller size for a better fit, only for them to still feel too loose for many. However, labeling them as exceptionally wide seems misleading. While they may be wider than most, they fall short in delivering comfort, especially in the toe box area where individuals with wide feet, like myself, face the most discomfort. Despite the extra space in the heel, the toe box of the Fifth Element is still too narrow for comfort.

Opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one.

I’ve attempted every possible modification to make my Roces Fifth Elements accommodate my wide feet better. From heat molding the shell to alleviate pressure points and widen them, to experimenting with different liners like the Roces RL2, and even trying Superfeet Carbon insoles for additional space. Despite these efforts and a significantly lighter wallet, I ended up with skates that still excessively compressed and caused too much pain in my feet.

Technical information

Delving into the technical specifics of my foot dimensions offers a clearer perspective on the challenges I’ve encountered. My feet measure approximately 11cm in width, with my right foot slightly wider at 11.5cm at its broadest point. Surprisingly, when consulting standard sizing charts, such as the one mentioned, my measurements place me within the ‘Extra Wide’ category for a size 11, despite there being eight wider categories available. This revelation underscores the fact that, according to conventional sizing, my feet aren’t exceptionally wide.

Shoe Width Measurement Chart | HealthyFeetStore.comThe shoe width measurement chart from HealthyFeetStore.com can help ensure you find the best fit for your feet. Explore our foot width chart to learn more now. HealthyFeetStore.com

This discrepancy highlights a significant issue within the design of most inline skates. Despite claims of accommodating wider feet, the reality is that many skates do not offer the comfort promised for those of us with wider foot dimensions. In contrast, my experiences with standard footwear are markedly different.

Brands like Nike, Adidas, Fila, and Globe pose no problems for me; I can comfortably wear their shoes all day. This ease of fit with regular shoes accentuates the puzzling difficulty I face with hard-shell inline skates.

The question then arises: Why is fitting into a hard shell skate so problematic compared to everyday footwear?

Adapt to the Conclusion

The final solution to my skate fitting issues came in the form of custom skates crafted by Adapt. Unfortunately, they’ve recently stopped producing the model I own, a custom Adapt Brutale size 43.5, tailored with a shell 3mm wider than their standard. These skates are a game-changer for me, fitting perfectly right out of the box. After heat molding, they became even more comfortable, as if custom-made for my feet.

These skates changed my life completely. Finally skates i could fit like a glove. After heat molding them they got even better fitting!

Reflecting on the journey, investing in these Adapt skates would have been more cost-effective than what I ended up spending on my Roces Fifth Elements. It’s a classic example of how hindsight is 20/20, but I don’t dwell on it too much. It’s all part of the learning curve that comes with pursuing a passion.

I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Adapt for their exceptional work. They continue to offer custom skates and are expected to unveil some new models soon. Their current pinnacle of custom skates is the Masterpiece collection, which I am eagerly looking forward to acquiring in the future.

For fellow skating enthusiasts, especially those with wider feet like mine, I cannot stress enough the value of investing in quality skates. It makes a world of difference in your skating experience. Support artisans and brands that exemplify true craftsmanship and passion for what they do. Your feet will thank you.

A shoutout to Adapt to keep doing what they do best! Make skating an awesome experience!

Inline skate routes Alphen aan den Rijn

Remco Loup. — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0200

Discover my personal rollerblading routes in Alphen aan den Rijn via Google My Maps. These carefully chosen paths have an excellent surface for at least 90% of the route. While I do my best to find the ideal routes, you may occasionally run into some rougher asphalt, cobbles, and cattle grids.

What you can expect from my rollerblading routes:

Distances ranging between 5 and 25 km.
New routes added regularly to complement the existing ones.
Clear start and end points with parking for both bikes and cars.

The routes

Inline Skateroutes Alphen aan den Rijn - Google My MapsRoutes die ik geskate heb en prima te doen zijn qua asfalt. Let wel op dat specifieke routes veeroosters kunnen hebben!Google My Maps

Via the link above you can find the routes I’ve rollerbladed. Use my routes as inspiration for your next rollerblading adventure in and around Alphen aan den Rijn!

Route: Rietveldse pad.

You can easily park your car or bike at the starting point, or rollerblade there yourself. We start from the parking lot as shown and end there as well. Perfect for a relaxed ride.

Route: Rietveldse pad option 2 (Watch out! Cattle grids).

There are cattle grids on this route. You’ll find at least 2 of them. They’re located between marker C and D. Parking is easy here too, and you finish where you start.

Route: Rietveldse pad to Hazerswoude.

Here too you can easily park your car or bike at the starting point, or rollerblade there yourself. We start from the well-known parking lot and end there as well.

Route: Rietveldse pad to Hazerswoude alternative.

Easy to park your car or bike at the starting point. We start from the parking lot and end there as well.

Route: Korte Ridderbuurt out and back.

Great route to do some carving and improve your skills. You can easily go back and forth multiple times :). Little car traffic and beautiful views over the farmland.

Route: Ter Aar, Korteraar and Langeraar (Watch out! Cattle grids).

You’ll find cattle grids in multiple places here! Between F and G you’ll find at least 2 cattle grids. And between H and I on the Windepad you’ll find at least 6 cattle grids. The longest route so far, and otherwise great to rollerblade.

Route: Towards Boskoop via Rietveldse pad back.

This route is still partly under exploration, but I’ve cycled it regularly and already rollerbladed parts of it. This route looks very doable and is another combination with the Rietveldse pad. The stretch towards Boskoop and along the station is all fine. The Raoul Wallenbergplein is also easy to reach by car or bike. Parking is easy in parking garage Castellum.

Keep in mind that every inline skater has different preferences. What I find ideal may not be for you at all.

Inline skating these days

Remco Loup. — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:08:23 +0200

Something totally not related to Agile or Tech but a little insight about me having found inline skating again and some history with inline skating.

The past

Rollerblading has been a big part of my life in the past, as intrinsic to my childhood as the summers I spent with skinned knees and bruised elbows. In the early-90s, when I was about 8 or 9, I started inline skating since everybody had skates back then, a hobby that quickly turned into a passion. For me, the rattle of wheels on pavement was a symphony, a celebration of youth, freedom, and daring if i look back at it.

Back then, halfpipe skating was the major thing i did when i was about 12. The adrenaline, the thrill of conquering gravity, it was addictive. I spent countless hours on that halfpipe, the metal under my wheels becoming as familiar as the back of my hand. It wasn’t just about nailing a trick, it was about the rush, the exhilarating blend of fear and anticipation that hit just before you pushed off the ramp.

Away from the halfpipe, I’d also dive into the world of streethockey. Decked out in kneepads, and my trusty Roces streets strapped on, I was ready to overcome anything that came my way. Chasing that ball across the tarmac was the best kind of chaos, and i loved every minute of it.

By the time I was 16, my passion for inline skating somehow started to fade. I don’t remember why I stopped – perhaps life got in the way, or I just got distracted by other pursuits. However, the flame was never fully extinguished, just simmering on the surface waiting for a chance to ignite again.

Me in the back with the light brown trousers (14y) september of 1998 (Roces Streets)

The present

This chance came in early 2022, when my children showed an interest in inline skating. Their curiosity rekindled my own passion, and I found myself asking: why did I ever stop? It was then that I decided to purchase the skates i always wanted as a little kid and enter the world I had left behind again.

After a visit to the ‘thisissoul’ store, where I was assisted by incredibly helpful staff who guided me through trying on various models due to my wide feet. Yet, my mind was already set on one particular model: the Roces 5th Element, the skate of my childhood dreams. Slipping into those skates again was like stepping back into my younger self, a wonderful feeling of nostalgia and renewed excitement that i now had 5th elements.

Today, my Roces are fitted with a rockered ‘Wish’ (Oysi) frame, with a 0.5mm rocker, enhancing control and agility on the skates. This technical setup harks back to my halfpipe days, yet also caters to the more rhythmic, flowing style of Wizard Skating.

The halfpipe i learned my halfpipe skating in since 1995. It is still standing strong today. 2 meters tall

Looking back, my journey with inline skating has truly come full circle. It’s a wonderful feeling to share this passion with my children, just as I did when I was their age. The joy, the freedom, the adrenaline – they’re all still there, as vivid as they were in my younger days. Inline skating has evolved, and so have I along with it. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Picking up where I left off, my return to the inline skating world has been nothing short of invigorating. Each skate session gives me a sense of joy, an eagerness to rekindle old skills and learn new ones. With my trusty Roces strapped on, it just felt like riding a bike. Once learned you never unlearn.

The best part of this journey has been sharing it with my children. Seeing them strap on their skates and navigate the world on wheels, much like I did at their age, fills me with a sense of nostalgia and pride. Their squeals of joy when they master a new skill, their determination when they stumble and get back up, it’s a beautiful reminder of why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.

Me, and my 2 little girls on inline skates.

Nostalgia

It’s strange to think about why I ever left inline skating. Maybe I needed that break to appreciate what I had missed truly. Regardless, I’m grateful for the chance to return to my roots and re-discover my love for this dynamic sport.

And so, as I glide through the streets, the wind in my face and the world rushing by, I can’t help but feel like that 10-year-old kid again, just starting on his rollerblading journey. Only now, I have the added pleasure of sharing this passion with my kids.

So here’s to the Roces 5th Elements, to the rockered ‘Wish’ (Oysi) frame, to the adrenaline of the halfpipe, and the smooth flow of Wizard Skating. Here’s to the joy of falling and getting back up, and most importantly, to the sheer love of rollerblading. Because, at the end of the day, it’s not just about the skates, the style, or the tricks. It’s about the ride, the freedom, and the lifelong memories that come with it.

Little me at the age of 11. Cruising around on my Rollerblade Zetrablades.

Utrecht Skateparade

One of the coolest things of my return to inline skating has also been participating in the Utrecht Skate Parade. The event is a celebration of skating culture, bringing together rollerbladers of all ages and skill levels from across the city and beyond. It’s a vibrant display of community, all on wheels skating a tour of around 25km.

This Parade is held every week from may till the end of september. We take the car roads through the heart of the City Utrecht. With every week a different DJ installed on the vehicle in the front of the Parade.

There’s a unique magic to the parade. The feeling of skating through the streets of Utrecht, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts with some nice beats to listen to, is hard to put into words. To me the best feeling to describe it is a very chill festival vibe.

I try to attend as many parades as I can. Every time, I’m met with the same exhilarating energy. I can’t help but be swept up in the collective spirit of hundreds of skaters, all moving together. It’s a powerful reminder of the joy that inline skating can bring.

It’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.

I can’t wait for my next skate. These are the moments that make my inline skating journey worthwhile. And each parade, each glide through the city streets, brings me closer to the core of what inline skating means to me – freedom, joy, and a sense of boundless possibility.