If you’re looking for a pair of freestyle skates, you’re spoiled for choice. Freestyle skates have become the go-to option for most inline skaters in the UK - they’re versatile, durable, and handle pretty much any terrain you throw at them.
But what makes a “freestyle skate”? For us, it comes down to two key features: a short wheelbase for tight turns and agility, and a stiff, supportive boot that’s rugged enough for urban skating.
Freestyle skates are excellent all-rounders, making them great for any experience level from beginners to advanced.
Considering new skates to old trusty favourites, let’s look at our top freestyle skates on the market for 2025-2026 to help you find the best setup.
1. FR Neo 1 Skate – High-performance Skate with Ultimate Comfort
Our pick for the best freestyle skate of 2025-2026 is the FR Neo 1. At around £400, it’s not the cheapest option on the market, but in terms of performance, it’s hard to beat. What really sets this skate apart is the frame and mount combination, which creates an exceptionally low ride height. That closer connection to the ground gives you greater stability and precision, making it a much easier to skate.
The boot itself is equally impressive. It features a unique dual-density shell, with a softer upper section that allows the laces to pull in for a snug, comfortable fit, while the lower section remains stiff and supportive for better power transfer.
Inside, the Neo 1 is fitted with an Intuition liner - widely recognised as the best liner available - which keeps the boot compact while providing comfort, avoiding foot fatigue, so you can skate for as long as you wish without aches and pains.
It’s this balance of fit, performance, and innovative design that makes the FR Neo 1 the top choice.
2. Rollerblade Twister XT Skate – Best Value for Performance
The Twister XT (find unisex version here, or women’s version here) could just as easily have taken the number one spot. It’s one of the most refined freestyle skates available today, delivering a ride that feels smooth, solid, and highly responsive.
A big part of that comes down to its anti-torsion box construction, which sits close to the wheelbase and prevents unwanted twisting. The result is a skate that feels remarkably stable and shock-absorbing, even when you’re rolling over rough terrain - it makes the ground feel far smoother than it really is.
The liner deserves just as much credit. Although it’s the standard stock Rollerblade liner, it’s so well designed that many skaters remove it and use it in other boots. The liner is cushioned, supportive, and includes reinforcement in the tongue so it doesn’t bend forward.
To top it off, the Twister XT comes fitted with Rollerblade’s premium Hydrogen wheels, which are among the best you’ll find on any skate straight out of the box.
If this ranking were based on value for money, the Twister XT would undoubtedly take the top spot.
3. Echo Sonar / Freeskates – Best Allrounder for Value
A newcomer that deserves serious credit, the Echo Freeskates (renamed Echo Sonar for 2026) launched with a completely new mould and some clever features. It has a full rockering system, a premium-feeling liner similar to the MyFit Second Skin, and most importantly, a unique new frame mount that makes it the lowest-riding skate on the market.
That low ride height gives you extra stability and control, which is a huge plus for freestyle. At around £180, it also happens to be incredible value - if you are strapped for budget, this is a great way to go.
Expect to see new colourways in the future like grey replacing the current founder’s edition.
4. FR1 Deluxe – Familiar Cult Favourite
The FR1 Deluxe is a true classic. Few years back we would have put this as the number one best skate, since it is built on one of the most popular shells ever in freestyle skating, it’s solid, reliable, and feels “right at home” as soon as you put it on.
What makes the Deluxe version stand out is the Intuition liner. It’s thinner than standard liners, which means FR can shrink the shell size. The result? A skate that’s lighter, more compact, and less bulky compared to other FR models.
And yes, unlike most skates in this category, it even comes in white if you want something other than black.
If you are stuck between FR skates, check out our handy FR skate comparison guide to help you choose.
5. Iqon ACT TR – Most Versatile Skate
The Iqon ACT TR is one of the most versatile skates out there. Thanks to its base design, it supports multiple mounting systems - Trinity, UFS, and 165 - which means you can run everything from classic frames with 90mm wheels, to wizard frames, to aggressive setups, lots of different options for just the one skate. It comes with the Nova 275 frame and a Trinity mount out the box, which brings it closest to the boot for lower riding.
But versatility isn’t the only reason it earns a spot. In its freestyle form, it performs brilliantly: responsive, low to the ground, and very comfortable on the foot. PowerSlide (the umbrella brand behind Iqon) claims it combines the best moulds and features from across their range making it the “best fitting skate possible”. Marketing hype aside, these skates do feel fantastic to ride.
How to Find What’s Best for You
At the end of the day, the “best” skate isn’t just about the spec sheet, it’s about how the boot fits your foot. The Rollerblade Twister, for example, uses individual shell sizes (6, 7, 8 etc.), while the FR Neo uses shared shells (7-8, 9-10, etc.). For some skaters, that difference can make or break the fit.
The best way to choose is to try skates on, ask for advice, and find what feels right for you.
At Loco Skates, we stock the largest range of skates in the country and test-fit every model ourselves to give real-world sizing advice, which you can spot in each product description on the site.
If you’re in the UK, just pop into our shop - we are based just south of London - and try a few on, we will help you find your perfect skates in no time!
