Miami's always a town that dances. South Florida is a natural environment for skating, from the boardwalk style walking lanes along Biscayne Bay to the wide smooth pavement in neighborhood parks in Coral Gables, Doral and Kendall. The weather is supportive for almost all of the year, the culture is social and music oriented, and a new generation of families have found quad and inline skating to be a means of exercising, making friends and having fun while out and about.
Everyone who has ever had any contact with artful figure skating or roller skating has heard of Edea. The brand history page on Edea from Roller Skate USA claims the company was born in 2000 following two years of intensive research, and its research, development, and production are in Italy. Edea only makes figure skating boots, ice skates, and roller skates. Its origin dates back to Sabrina Merlo; the founder's family ties are linked to the boot maker Risport, established by her uncle Armando Rizzo in 1972. That's an Italian lineage; Edea was developed over years of Italian know-how in skate shoes.
Edea roller boots are designed for artistic, dance, and performance skating. If you or your child are taking lessons, training for competition, or simply prefer a class with some serious ankle support and a classy fit, Edea should be on your short list. They're not the lowest-priced, and they're not for the guy who simply wants to get on the water and go for a drive. They are a pledge to discipline.
Roller Skate USA features Edea on the following lists: roller boots, skate packages, combos, bags and accessories. Some idea of the progression of the range can be gained from the pricing given on the Edea page at the time of this writing:
Roller Discovery skate packages, a couple of colorways, including ivory, black Motivo and Wave, are approximately $440, and a no-toe-stop package is approximately $470. These make for logical first steps in the Edea world.
Rondo combos are available for approximately $500, for example, Rondo Variant C and Rondo Saturno.
Combos (such as Ritmo Mistral, about $750, and Classica Mistral, about $790).
The Flamenco Dance combo (together with Flamenco Combos) is priced at approximately $999.
At the high end of the spectrum, Fly series combos start with the Fly Dance for around $1,100 and the Fly Matrix for around $1,150.
Explain the reason(s) for Chicago's devotion.
One of the most famous brands of entry-level and recreational quad skates is Chicago. For decades, the brand has been sought after by families and new skaters universally when simplicity, durability, and a straight price are desired. Whereas Edea's the performance end of the spectrum, Chicago's the gateway; the duo that gets you moving without a big investment up-front.
At the moment, there are four in-stock models of Roller Skate USA's collection for kids in Chicago, and they are priced between $39.99 and $79.99, with the most expensive at $79.99:
Chicago Skate 1900-1905 at about $59.99
The Chicago Skate 400 White is available for approximately $79.99.
The best value for the price of the early season tickets is Chicago Skate 405 Black at approximately $79.99.
The Chicago Skate Bullet B100 costs approximately $79.99.
The brand is also represented in the outdoor category that we will look at in Point 4. The Chicago page of the site covers the wider range for adult and teen skaters.
When it comes time to buy Chicago skates, who should do it?
Newbies who still aren't sure about skating stickiness.
Parents who want a reliable skate that will last for a year or more while their child grows.
Part-time skiers who play on weekends and holiday weekends, at birthday parties and family events.
Anyone who is creating a rental or multi-user collection for use in a school, camp, or backyard party.
Why children enjoy skating (and why parents should enjoy it, too!).
Skating improves balance, coordination, and leg strength, boosts confidence, and gets kids off screens and into fresh air. One of the easiest outdoor activities for kids is practicing in a safe, flat area — like Miami! It's also social; kids who skate together push each other to do new things.
Roller Skate USA's little ones are wide. This one has the kids' skates from Chicago, Pacer, Riedell, Roller Derby, and Sure-Grip, as well as inline skates. To help you get a realistic view of what you can expect to spend on a site, here's just a sample of what the site lists:
Pacer Scout ZTX Roller Kid Skates.
Roller Derby FUN ROLL Jr. Girl's Adjustable Roller Skates are approximately $57.
I think Pacer Charger Kid Roller Skates are priced at approximately $67 per pair.
Pacer APEX Kid Roller Skate is available for around $69.99.
Lilly Quad Skates for Roller Derby Girl – Approximate Price: $92.
Sure-Grip Rincon Outdoor Roller Skate: Another option is the Sure-Grip Rincon Outdoor Roller Skate, which is priced around $99.99.
Riedell R3 Roller Skate (approx. $199) and Riedell R3 Demon Speed Roller Skate (approx. $225).
This may be one area that many beginning buyers neglect, and it can be the difference maker. Indoor rink skates have harder wheels that adhere to smooth and sealed floors. Remove them from the house, and the vibration, grit, and cracks make for a rough and hard ride, and wheels may wear down easily.
Outdoor wheel skates are designed for outdoor use. They tend to be softer than other wheels and are usually larger, which helps to absorb vibration from asphalt, concrete, and rough pavement, providing a smoother, controlled drive. Also, they are made to better hold onto unevenly polished surfaces.
Seek smooth, well-kept, low-traffic areas: neighborhood park paths, permission-only empty paved parking areas, wide flat trails. Do not walk on wet roads, slabs, or packed earth. The early mornings and evenings are the best times to go in the heat, and less crowded.
At the end of each session: clean the boots and inspect for loose bolts and wheel nuts.
Monthly: inspect wheels for flat spots or cracks and rotate so they wear evenly.
Once every few months: clean and re-lubricate bearings, particularly if skating in wet conditions or near coasts.
Use: Ensure that skates are stored in a cool and dry area, and never in a hot car.
These are the skates you wear when you're lacing them for the first time, outfitting a kid who's begging you to skate like their friends, or training in a precision boot for your upcoming show – the right skate is the key to all of it. Miami is a city designed for rolling: warm weather, welcoming communities, and a wealth of rolling spots. Find time to select, prioritize safety, care for equipment during hot and humid conditions, and enjoy yourself above all. To see current styles, sizes, and prices, check out the Miami location at 7340 SW 48 Street, Unit 104, or visit the website at rollerskateusa.com