Rollerblade Macroblade 84 Boa W Black/Powder Blue Inline Skates

Macroblade is the main line of Rollerblade’s fitness skates. The company that has founded inline skating placed their bets on comfort, simplicity, proven solutions, attractive looks and high quality materials. The result are skates that are not only fun to use, but also “just work” without much need for maintenance.

After years of refinement, Italian brands made a step forward and introduced new Macroblade models. One of them is Macroblade 84 BOA W – a great mid-range rec/fitness option with some tricks up its sleeve.

Macroblades are typical softboots – meaning that they have a relatively soft, breathable and lightweight boot placed on stable composite base with rigid external cuff, giving the ankle a good level of support. Even though the cuff itself is fairly minimalistic, it is rigid and high enough to prevent pronation and supination. It is open at the front, allowing you to get lower on your knees while skating. A strong, plastic buckle on top provides a secure closure.

The soft part of the boot is modelled after high quality training sneakers not only when it comes to looks, but also in terms of fit and materials. The outer mesh fabric does excellent job at letting air in and moisture out. Beneath outer layer you’ll find a comfortable, anatomically shaped Performance padding. Furthermore, inner lining material is abrasion-resistant to last longer.

A huge upgrade in this version of Macroblades is reinforced tongue. Many BOA equipped skates do keep regular softboot design, however Rollerblade opted for plastic layer on top, which does not only look shockingly good, but also distributes pressure caused by BOA wire more evenly, making for a better heel lock.

When it comes to BOA dial itself, it isn’t revolutionary – you can micro-adjust the ring for precise fit – its’ placement definitely is! Because it has been positioned on the outer side, near ankle bone, it actually works as 45 degree strap/buckle in addition to lacing. Does better job than regular Velcro, too.

Last but not least – 2023 season is the first time when Rollerblade introduces double sizing. They have achieved it with Footboard sizer, which goes under the insole. You can skate without it to get more space inside, or use it to achieve tighter, more performance oriented fit and smaller size. Simple and efficient, works better than expected.

The Macroblades come with stiff, two piece fitness frame riveted to the boot. It is made out of thick aluminium sheet and embossed to give it shape which benefits rigidity. The axles are two-piece, but because of clever design with one of the parts locking in the frame, you need only single allen key to tighten them. Handy when time comes for wheel rotation!

Macroblade 84 BOA W come with 265 mm long frame. Thanks to it, you get a stable base for push and can go faster, with more confidence.

The 84A hardness 84 mm diameter wheels give you a great roll and allow to skate truly fast. The SG7 bearings are a good choice for rec and fitness skating. Overall, these are small, but welcome upgrades over lower end Macroblades which use 82A wheels and SG5 bearings.

The skates come with a brake attached on a right boot. The shorter axle comes in the box if you want to take the brake off. You can even put in on a left skate, if you prefer.

Macroblade 84 BOA W come highly recommended to those who look for comfortable, well made skates for fitness use or to serve as introduction in to the sport. If you value great fit, these are for you.