Why Your Skates Feel Slower—And 5 Quick Fixes

 

Roller Skating

Have you ever laced up your skates, hit the pavement or rink, and immediately thought: "Why do these feel so slow today?" You're not imagining things. If your skates feel like they’re dragging or not gliding as smoothly as usual, there's probably a reason—or several.


Skates, whether they’re inline skates, roller skates, or aggressive inline skates, require regular attention to stay in top condition. Just like a bike or a car, when something's off, it affects your performance. Luckily, most of these problems are easy to fix with a bit of attention and the right tools.

Your Bearings Are Dirty or Dry

Your bearings are the heart of your skate wheels. These small components allow the wheels to spin freely. When they get clogged with dirt, dust, or moisture, they lose their smoothness and cause drag.

  • Clean your bearings - Remove the wheels, take out the bearings, and clean them with isopropyl alcohol or a skate-specific cleaner.
  • Lubricate - After cleaning, add a drop or two of Bones Speed Cream or a similar bearing lubricant.
  • Upgrade if needed - If your bearings are rusted or noisy even after cleaning, consider upgrading to Bones Bearings, Roll Line Skate bearings, or MPC Wheels bearings for longer-lasting smoothness.

Regular cleaning can significantly improve speed and prevent wear over time.

Your Wheels Are Worn Out or Wrong for the Surface

All wheels eventually wear down. They can become uneven, flat-spotted, or simply lose their grip and shape. Worn wheels reduce your speed, especially when the contact patch becomes inconsistent.


Also, using the wrong type of wheel for your skating surface can drag you down.

  • Inspect your wheels - Check for signs of wear like flat spots or thinning edges.

  • Rotate regularly - Moving wheels to different positions distributes wear more evenly.

  • Upgrade your wheels - Choose wheels based on your terrain:

    • Soft wheels (78A-85A) for rough or outdoor use

    • Hard wheels (88A-101A) for indoor rinks and smooth pavement

Top picks include MPC Wheels, Bones Wheels, and Roll Line wheels, which offer superior grip and durability.

Loose or Over-Tightened Axles and Hardware

Your skate wheels spin on axles, and if these axles are too tight, they can restrict wheel movement. If they’re too loose, they might wobble, causing inefficient energy transfer and added resistance.


  • Check all screws and bolts - Use a skate tool to make sure everything is tight, but not over-tightened.

  • Spin your wheels - After tightening, give each wheel a spin to ensure it's turning freely and smoothly.

Many skaters unknowingly over-tighten their axles, thinking it will make things more stable. In reality, it just slows them down.

Improper Fit or Worn-Down Boots

If your skates are too loose or too tight, your stride won’t be efficient. This can cause energy loss, making you feel slower even when your wheels and bearings are in good shape. Over time, padding in boots can compress, reducing support.


  • Check your fit - Your skates should feel snug but not painful. Your heel should stay in place, and your toes shouldn't feel crushed.

  • Upgrade your liner - Many skates (especially Seba skates, FR Skates, and Bont skates) offer replaceable or moldable liners.

  • Replace old skates - If your boot is totally broken down or your frame is flexing too much, it may be time for a new pair.


A good fit equals better control, stronger push-offs, and more efficient skating.

You Haven't Been Skating Enough (Yes, Really)

Sometimes, the issue isn’t your skates at all—it’s your skating. If you haven’t been out regularly, your legs, core, and technique may be a bit off. Skating is highly dependent on form and muscle engagement. Sloppy posture or weak strides can make you feel sluggish.


  • Practice your form - Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and push evenly from leg to leg.

  • Warm up properly - A light jog or dynamic stretches can prep your muscles.

  • Skate regularly - Even short, consistent sessions will improve your stride and stamina.

The more you skate, the more natural and efficient your movements become—and the faster you’ll feel.


Skating should feel smooth, fast, and free. When your skates feel slow, it’s frustrating—but also fixable. Most slowdowns come from issues like dirty bearings, worn wheels, or hardware problems, not from the skaters themselves. Explore the top-quality skates and gear at Roller Skate USA, shop now, and start your skating journey today! Contact them via email or by calling 1-305-668-6001 & 1-786-252-7966.

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