There are several brands that offer off-road skates, with Powerslide being the best known. All off-road skates are equipped with wide, large wheels and usually with pneumatic tires. The standard PU wheels of skates sink too far into the sand and are not suitable.
There are two options for mounting large wheels on off-road skates, underneath or outside. When the pneumatic tires are mounted under the skates, the center of gravity becomes a lot higher and the load on the ankle is a lot greater. Especially off-road with unexpected loads, it requires the necessary training. The skate can remain compact.
When the wheels are placed in front and behind, the center of gravity remains low, but the length increases, which reduces maneuverability. With this method of installation, the off-road skates are for longer distances.
A nice combination for outdoor activities are skates where you use your own shoe. This way you can walk difficult parts and ride the flatter parts with your all-terrain skates. Then you have a perfectly fitting shoe that must be mounted on the skate as best as possible. With this type of skate you run the risk of play between the shoe and frame, which can cause it to float a bit or skate less directly.
Cross-country off-road skates are very similar to roller skis, but are equipped with 2 pneumatic tires. The frames of these types of skates are built to be stable and can transmit a lot of power when skating. Cross-country off-road skates are also equipped with a calf or cuff brake for more safety.
The wheel diameter in off-road skates is somewhere between 125mm and 150mm, but some cross-country models have a wheel diameter up to 250mm. The inner shoe in these skates are generally heat moldable to provide better fit and comfort.
