Slades by Flaneurz roller skates have been making waves as a versatile and travel-friendly option for skaters who want the best of both worlds—comfortable walking shoes that transform into skates in seconds. But do they live up to the hype? This week, I tested them out firsthand, here’s my breakdown of their strengths, weaknesses, and who they’re best suited for.
Click HERE to watch the video.
Comfort & Walkability
One of Slades’ biggest selling points is that they double up as everyday trainers. The shoes themselves are well-cushioned and I found them super comfortable to walk in - making them an ideal choice for those who want to transition between skating and walking seamlessly. Whether you're commuting, travelling, or just popping into a shop mid-skate session, the ability to detach the skate plate and move around effortlessly is a major advantage.
Clipping Mechanism: A Bit Fiddly but Manageable
The clip-on skate plates take a little getting used to. Initially, attaching them felt a bit fiddly, but after a few tries, it was pretty much ok did you watch the video]. Removing them is not too much of a struggle [although still a bit fiddly until you work out the best way to wiggle the boots off of the plate], but hey--it's to be expected as their lock-in system should absolutely be the priority, right? It comes with a key that you can use to insert and unlock the plate. It's a great system.
While they’re not seamless a ‘snap-on-and-go’ experience, the transition is still quick enough to be practical for everyday use. And, to be fair, I've only had a few tries [so they’re probs easier to snap into place with a bit more experience].
Skating Experience: A Learning Curve
This is where things got interesting for me. Switching from a pretty hard artistic boot with a solid heel, I immediately noticed the difference in position and support. The Slades trainers have a completely flat sole, and even when I added my soft 0.5 cm heel inserts, I found the adjustment a tad tricky. Without the usual 1 cm heel I rely on, my weight distribution felt very off, and took some getting used to [although adding a firmer heel lift would work to greater effect]. But I recognise that that might not be the case for some of you [especially if you are used to something like Rio Roller Skates] you would pretty much be good to go from the off!
Also, the soft suede boot allows for quite a bit more flex than I’m used to, meaning edge work requires some extra effort. Unlike a stiff boot that holds its shape, Slades bend and move with your foot, which can reduce efficiency when trying to get a clean, controlled edge. This doesn’t mean you can’t skate well in them, but it does mean you might feel the difference in maintaining precision and control with your turns and corners [but nothing a bit of time couldn't solve]. Also, I wouldn’t expect a set-up like this to perform on the same level as my custom artistic skates - so fair!
Travel & Convenience
Where Slades truly shine is in their portability and practicality. They also come in a handy shoulder bag, making them easy to carry when not in use. This makes them a great choice for:
Commuters who want to skate part of their journey need to switch to walking easily. You could leave the skate plates at work or in the boot of your car so you can convert the Slade boots at a pre-decided moment.
Travellers, especially those flying abroad, as they eliminate the need to pack bulky skates. They'd be an ideal option to lower your [skate] weight limit when travelling to a skate festival. You'd only need to pack the skate plates whilst wearing the comfy boots [then convert at your destination].
Urban skaters who like to stop for coffee, run errands, or explore without lugging around an extra pair of shoes. Slades would be a perfect fit. Their also great for those spontaneous momentous as converting them only takes a minute.
Price & Alternative Convertible Roller Skate Options
Slades sit at a premium price point, and while they offer a unique convertible design, it’s worth considering whether they justify the cost for your needs. Some of their main competitors include:
Flaneurz does another higher-end convertible skate with a similar/same clip-on system and higher-end [stiffer looking ] trainer. A good option if you’re sure skating is for you [for the long term]. I've had my eye on these for a while.
Flaneurz On Wheelz offer another clip-on skate that emphasises style and versatility, with multiple shoe choices. They are the company’s custom clip-on [trainer] skate option. So you get to choose or create your convertible skate set-up [which is nice if you’re ready to meet those higher end prices!
Who Are Slades Good For?
✅ Casual skaters who want an easy, fun and very spontaneous way to access your skates for those off-the-cuff moments or break times [you never know when the sun will shine over London so...]!
✅ Entry level skaters who prioritise comfort over technical precision. If you're a casual entry-level skater who's fully here for the fun element of roller skating, you can't go too far wrong with these Slades.
✅ Urban explorers looking for a practical, hybrid skate/shoe solution. If you're surrounded by smooth streets and you're out and about most days - Slades are a good fit.
✅ Travelers & commuters who want to switch between walking and skating effortlessly. Certain scenarios would certainly be supported by a quick Slade skate conversion [if you catch my roll]!
What Slades Are NOT Good For
❌ Artistic skating – The lack of heel and soft boot structure make clean edges and controlled moves harder to execute. The precision achieved through boot rigidity isn't their top selling point!
❌ Speed skating or aggressive moves – They don’t offer the ankle support or rigidity needed for power skating. They'd also lack the support most would need for very aggressive skating [and I'm not confident that they'd hold out in these situations over time]!
❌ Advanced skaters who rely on structure – If you need precision and firm support [say for a busy rink flow or JB style], the flexible trainer design might feel pretty limiting. So if you like to get super active with quick complex transitions on your skates [jumping, JB skating, skating for hours at a time] then I'm not sure Slades convertible skates are the best choice. It really depends on your roller skating style and how active you plan to get!
Final Verdict
Slades are a fantastic innovation for urban skaters and anyone who loves the idea of blending walking and skating into one experience. They’re super comfortable, stylish, and practical, making them perfect for commuting, travelling, and casual cruising. I think they’re not bad for beginner skaters either. However, if you’re into technical skating, high level control, or precision edges, the soft trainer design may not provide the efficiency and support you need. If you travel a lot for work and need a transportable, fun and dynamic roller skate option - Slades could be the one!
I actually love the idea, but would personally only use them for spontaneous short trips [if I wasn’t 100% sure I'd be skating], a fun change [to catch an experimental skating vibe] and all overseas holidays [as you never know what kind of scene, landscape or adventure awaits]. FOMO is a real thing folks!
Would I recommend Slades? Heck Yes, but only for the right scenarios. If convenience is your top priority, they’re a game-changer. If performance matters most, you may find yourself missing the structure of a traditional hard boot. If you're up for new skating experiences, then search online, and draw for your bank card because these bad boys are a lot of fun!
Kelly
Cranial Osteopath | Wellbeing Coach | Roller Skate Instructor
Have you tried Slades? Let me know your thoughts!
