In-lines that finally hit their stride

Perhaps you have a pair of those uncomfortable, ski-boots-on-wheels in-line skates of the early ‘90s sitting in your garage gathering dust. If you haven’t been skating for a while, the good news is the latest skates are plush, pliable “soft boots” that pamper your feet like slippers. With better wheels and quick-fit lacing systems, the new models make a skating workout more convenient and enjoyable. Here are four new roll models for all levels of skaters.

If there’s no need for speed

K2 Escape LS: Economy model for casual skaters.

Likes: Slips on in seconds. No laces, just a Velcro ankle strap and a ski-boot-style cuff latch. Feels secure. As soft and comfortable as a sock.

Dislikes: Slower than performance skates. Wheels have inexpensive bearings and a relatively small 78-millimeter diameter (faster skates generally have an 80-millimeter diameter). The loose fit may provide you with less-powerful push-offs than performance skates.

Price: $99. (800) 447-3824; k2sports.com

On in a flash

Rollerblades Aero 9: A high-end fitness and performance skate.

Likes: High-tech, instant lacing. One tug of a lawnmower-like ripcord on the heel tightens a web of Kevlar laces; cuff secured by ski-boot buckle. Foot feels secure and comfortable. Rubber layer between frame and boot absorbs some road shock.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $219. (800) 232-ROLL; rollerblade.com

Presto change-o

Hypno- skates Stealth: Convertible skates with removable wheels and

walkable boots.

Likes: Great for travel or around-town convenience. Skate to the movies, snap off the wheels and walk in; or fly to New York, pull the skates out of your backpack and do a loop around Central Park. Boot and wheels latch together at toe, mid-foot and heel in about five seconds; feels as solid as regular skates. Optional snap-on blade for ice skating ($60).

Dislikes: Boot’s styling won’t win awards. Too stiff for extensive walking.

Price: $199. (231) 228-7501; hypnoskates.com

Only serious need apply

Salomon TR Vitesse: A speed skate for racing.

Likes: Vroom. This five-wheel model is much faster than four-wheelers. Long wheelbase gives more glide per stride. Low-cut boot lets you lean far forward. Ideal for increasingly popular 26-mile skate-athons held in conjunction with running marathons.

Dislikes: For experts only. No brakes included. Must drag one foot to stop.

Price: $399. salomonsports.com