Editing Inline skates (section)

=== Heel brakes and toe stops ===

{{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | total_width = 180
 | image1 = Heel brake.jpg
 | caption1 = New heel brake
 | image2 = Heel brake used.jpg
 | caption2 = Worn-out heel brake
}}

A hard rubber brake attached to the heel of the frame, known as a '''heel brake''', allows a skater to stop by lifting the toes of the skate and pressing the brake against the ground. Learning to use the heel brake is crucial for beginners, as it provides the easiest method to stop in emergencies and control speed on downhills. Recreational and fitness skates typically include one brake unit, which can be mounted on either the right or left skate. Most righthanded skaters choose to attach the brake to the right skate.<ref name="fried-cassorla-inline-ultimate-guide-1995"/>{{rp|25–26}}

However, heel brakes can interfere with certain skating techniques. Hockey players and speed racers, for example, rely heavily on crossover turns, where one leg crosses over the other to execute sharp turns without losing speed. In such moves, a heel brake becomes an hindrance. Similarly, heel brakes limit a skater’s ability to perform freestyle slalom tricks and aggressive grinds. For this reason, specialized skates designed for racing, hockey, slalom, and aggressive skating generally do not come equipped with a brake.<ref name="inlineskates-types-of-skates"/><ref name="powell-svensson-inline-skating"/>{{rp|30–38}}

[[File:Roller skate brakes.jpg|thumb|right|220px|worn-out brake pads can be replaced]]

Some urban skates come with a brake included in the box but left unattached, while others are not designed to accommodate a brake at all. Many intermediate and advanced skaters eventually remove the brakes from their recreational skates once they master stopping techniques that don't rely on them. Moves such as the '''T-stop''' are commonly used to slow down; one skate is placed perpendicular behind the other to form a "T" and increase friction. However, most braking maneuvers like these cause significant wear on wheels by grinding them against the ground. As a result, some skaters prefer to focus on obstacle avoidance using slalom techniques and controlled turns, which minimize wheel wear.<ref name="inlineskates-types-of-skates"/><ref name="skamidan-inline-skating-in-brief"/><ref name="powell-svensson-inline-skating"/>{{rp|87–96,101–114}}<ref name="naomi-grigg-2014"/>{{rp|24}}

[[Inline figure skating|Inline figure skates]] are unique among inline designs in that they use a '''toe stop''' instead of a heel brake. Toe stops are essential for performing many [[artistic roller skating]] moves and jumps.