Big Treat for Growing Feet
David A. Dodson

Rollerblade's Microblade XT Skates

As parents we only want the best for our kids. Unfortunately, the best rarely comes cheap. That makes it kind of hard to shell out bags of cash for things that the crumb-snatchers tend to quickly outgrow. Rollerblade feels your pain, and to help out they've come out with their Microblade XT, a high-end inline skate that is designed to grow with your kid. Featuring an extendable boot, the Microblades can be adjusted to cover four full shoe sizes at the push of a button, virtually eliminating the need to replace skates every time your child's feet grow.

Sounds great, but how well do they fit during the times that the foot is between sizes? Rollerblade has taken great pains to ensure that the Microblades fit snugly and securely throughout all stages of each shoe size. The Easy-Cinch lace system pulls the boot tight with a simple tug and holds it together without the hassle of knots. The ankle is also held firmly in place via an adjustable power strap. Lastly, a Velcro bootstrap takes up any extra space to ensure that the child's foot stays stable and is fully supported throughout the stride.

The Microblades also come standard with Rollerblade's trademark BioDynamic Triforce Shell, a revolutionary lightweight boot component that offers the ultimate in aerodynamics and ankle support. Furthermore, the boot has been lined with a Lycra comfort liner, so your little darlings can skate all day long without getting chaffed or achy feet. To ensure the highest levels of performance, the Microblades also come equipped with ultrafast ABEC 3 bearings, 70mm wheels and a super strong, super light aluminum wheel frame. And since they're made by Rollerblade, the original pioneer in inline skating technology, you can be sure that they will actually hold up over the years that it takes for a kid's foot to grow four sizes.

Without a doubt, Rollerblade's Microblade XT is the only skate to get if you have a child still in the growing stages. Available in three models covering sizes 12-2, 2-5 and 4-7, for about one hundred dollars (way cheaper than the cost of four pairs of replacement skates) you can grab a pair at your local skate shop or one of the retailers listed at www.Rollerblade.com. And for God's sake, don't foget the pads.