THE ROLLER SKATE GLOSSARY
Toe stop, frame, powerslide, rolling part: every discipline has its own language and roller skating is no exception. This glossary brings together technical terms, basic tricks, and vocabulary specific to detachable roller skates, helping you understand product specs or follow a conversation between skaters without having to look up every word.
/QUAD ROLLER SKATING GEAR
Frame: part fixed under the shoe or plate that supports the wheels. On quad roller skates, it holds two pairs of wheels placed side by side, unlike inline skates where the wheels are aligned.
Wheels: their diameter and hardness (measured in A, on a scale from 78A to 103A) determine grip and roll. A softer wheel grips asphalt better, while a harder wheel rolls faster on smooth surfaces. Flaneurz Wheels can be replaced independently from the rest of the skate.
Bearings: balls housed in the hub of each wheel that allow them to spin. Their precision follows the ABEC rating system, graded from 1 to 9. ABEC 7 bearings offer a great balance between smoothness and cost for regular urban use.
Toe stop: rubber pad screwed to the front of the plate, used for push-offs, roller dance tricks, or stopping. Our detachable roller skates do not have a "front brake", but rather a toe stop.
Plate: rigid base between the shoe and the chassis that transfers foot pressure. On a detachable system, the plate houses the clip mechanism.
Rear brake: specific rubber pad installed at the back of the Rolling Part (compatible with our Iconic range). It allows beginners to slow down easily by simply lifting their toes to drag the pad along the ground.
/BASIC TRICKS AND TECHNIQUES
Powerslide: braking technique where the skater turns both feet sideways to slide the wheels and shed speed quickly. This is the most widely used braking technique in urban quad skating.
Crossover: crossing one foot over the other during a turn, used to maintain speed through corners without slowing down.
Slide: controlled glide on part of the frame or wheels, often used to change trajectory or pull off a stylish stop.
Transition: transfer between two surfaces of different incline, typical of skateparks and ramps.
Note: although the term also refers to ramp transitions, using our detachable skates in skateparks or for heavy impacts is strongly advised against to protect the clipping mechanism.
T-stop: technique where one foot is placed perpendicularly behind the other to generate gradual friction and slow down smoothly. This is often the first technique learned by beginners, detailed in this guide on how to brake on quad roller skates.
/SKATING STYLES AND SKATE TYPES
The term "roller skating" covers several skate families, each designed for a different use.
Quad roller skates feature two pairs of side-by-side wheels and prioritize stability, maneuverability, and style; they dominate urban skating, dance, and roller derby.
Inline skates align three to five wheels on a single axis to prioritize speed, distance, and glide; they are typically used for fitness, speed skating, and hockey.
Aggressive skating refers to a style focused on tricks, jumps, and grinds on ramps and street furniture, using specifically reinforced gear.
Freestyle skating blends slalom, jumps, and technical flatground tricks.
To find out which one matches your goals, our guide to quad roller skating disciplines breaks down every style in detail.
/FLANEURZ DETACHABLE ROLLER SKATE VOCABULARY
The Flaneurz system introduces its own vocabulary, born from the patented mechanism that separates the shoe from the rolling base. Here are the essential terms to navigate our website.
Rolling Part: the frame, wheels, and plate assembly that clips onto the shoe using the Flaneurz mechanism. It can be ordered on its own under the Rolling Parts Only category, available in Iconic or Premium lines depending on your preferred component specs.
Detachable Roller Skates: an offering that pairs a shoe equipped with the Flaneurz system with two Rolling Parts and an Unlocking Key. This is the entry point to discover the Flaneurz brand and system; check out all our Detachable Roller Skates on our online shop.
Shoes Only: an offering reserved for skaters who already own Flaneurz or Slades Rolling Parts. It lets you order a new pair equipped with the mechanical system without having to purchase a rolling base again, available in the Shoes Only category.
Collection Model: a brand-name sneaker or shoe (Veja, Puma, Dr. Martens, Adidas) whose sole has been modified to integrate the Flaneurz mechanical system. It can be ordered as a Complete Pack or as Shoes Only.
Custom: service that transforms the new pair of shoes of your choice, sent by you, by integrating our patented mechanism. Custom is available as Detachable Roller Skates or Shoes Only, with specific sole requirements detailed in the Customizable Offers category.
Slades by Flaneurz: entry-level range designed with its own rolling part, also compatible with Flaneurz Rolling Parts. Discover it in our Slades by Flaneurz collection and order it as Slades Shoes Only as well.
Unlocking Key: accessory included with every Detachable Roller Skates Pack that lets you unclip the Rolling Part from under your shoe. The Unlocking Key can also be purchased separately if lost.
For a full breakdown of the mechanism and how each component works, our article on understanding the Flaneurz mechanism details every step of the clipping process.
/FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ROLLER SKATING VOCABULARY
Rollerblade is originally a brand of inline skates that became a generic term in some English-speaking countries to describe inline skates. In France, "roller" remains the generic term covering both quad skates and inline skates.
A detachable quad skate separates the rolling part (frame, wheels, plate) from the shoe, which clips and unclips at will. The same pair of shoes is used for walking and skating, without carrying a second bag for your skates.
For a first purchase, a Complete Pack allows you to experience both walking and rolling with a single product. Our beginner guide to roller skating covers initial adjustments, posture, and mistakes to avoid during your sessions.
Cleaning your bearings and checking wheel wear determine the lifespan of a rolling part. Full details on maintenance routines are available in our article on how to maintain your roller skates.
To explore the differences between indoor and outdoor skating in more depth, discover how to choose your roller skates to round out this roller skate glossary.
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THE ROLLER SKATE GLOSSARY