7 Best Vnla Skates of 2025

The VNLA Parfait isn’t just a pretty face in the world of roller skates—it’s a game-changer for wide-footed skaters who’ve long suffered from pinched toes and blisters. With its plush padded interior, high-top ankle support, and microfiber upper that stretches slightly over time, this skate delivers a snug yet forgiving fit straight out of the box. The aluminum plate and double-action trucks make it 20% lighter than most high-tops, turning sluggish turns into nimble pivots—perfect for rhythm skaters who value both flair and function.

Out on the pavement, the 58mm x 32mm, 78A polyurethane wheels eat up sidewalk imperfections like a pro, offering a smooth glide whether you’re cruising the boardwalk or dancing through park sessions. ABEC-7 bearings keep speeds respectable, though they won’t match elite-level sprinters—this is a skate built for endurance and comfort, not racetrack dominance. We tested it on concrete, asphalt, and smooth gym floors, and while it’s not optimized for indoor jam tricks, it holds its own with light footwork and flow skating. Where it falters is in tight turns at high speed—the high-top design adds stability but slightly dulls edge control.

Compared to the pricier VNLA Junior models at $250, the Parfait stands out as the best budget-friendly entry point without sacrificing core performance. It doesn’t have ABEC-9 bearings or pro-grade plates, but for beginners, casual skaters, or those prioritizing all-day comfort and style, it’s a no-brainer. If you’re after flashy tricks or competition-grade speed, look elsewhere—but for leisure skaters and fashion-forward riders, the Parfait earns every bit of its spotlight. It brings luxury-level comfort to a mid-tier price bracket, beating out bulkier, stiffer alternatives like the Code Red in wearability.

If you’re diving into jam skating or trick-based routines, the VNLA Junior Code Red throws down a serious challenge to high-end competitors with its pro-inspired engineering and race-ready responsiveness. The Vanilla Gorilla nylon plate with aluminum trucks delivers razor-sharp turns, while the low-profile toe stop and Jam Plug stay completely out of the way during spins and grinds—making it a trick skater’s dream. Paired with 62mm, 95A hardness indoor wheels, these skates grip gym floors with tenacity, giving you the confidence to nail complex footwork without slippage.

In real-world testing, the ABEC-9 bearings proved their worth—accelerating fast and maintaining speed through long sequences, whether we were chaining crossovers or executing tight pivot combos. The leather and denim upper offers durability without stiffness, and thanks to its no-break-in design, you can go from unboxing to full routines in under an hour. We pushed these on high-traffic rinks and found minimal wear, though the toe cap shows scuffing after repeated drag moves. The only real limitation? These are strictly indoor-focused—the hard wheels struggle outdoors, making transitions to pavement a non-starter.

When stacked against the VNLA Stealth, the Code Red feels slightly more aggressive in edge response, though both share the same plate and bearing specs. It lacks the Stealth’s dual-environment flexibility but excels in pure performance where tricks and precision matter most. For intermediate to advanced skaters focused on jam routines or derby footwork, this model is a powerhouse. It trades all-terrain versatility for uncompromised indoor dominance, outclassing the Parfait in speed and control while matching the Tuxedo in technical capability—at the same price point.

The VNLA Junior Tuxedo isn’t just a skate—it’s a statement piece with championship-level chops, inspired by pro skater Brandon Perea and built to dominate both speed and jam disciplines. Its scuff-resistant leather upper and fully stitched rubber outsole withstand aggressive skating, while the Gorilla nylon plate with 5-degree action and cone-shaped cushions delivers a crisp, responsive ride that feels alive underfoot. Whether you’re sprinting across the rink or threading intricate foot patterns, the Tuxedo offers perfect balance between stability and agility—a rare feat in one skate.

We tested it in high-speed laps and complex jam sequences, and the Backspin Tuxedo wheels paired with ABEC-9 bearings delivered laser-straight tracking and minimal drag, even during extended sessions. The adjustable toe stops are a standout—letting skaters fine-tune placement for either quick stops or clean lines in choreography. On hard gym floors, the skate shines, but we noticed slight vibration on older, uneven surfaces, suggesting it performs best on well-maintained rinks. While it handles tricks well, the slightly stiffer boot may require a short break-in for new users, unlike the “strap-and-go” Code Red.

Against the VNLA SLVR, the Tuxedo trades flashy aesthetics for superior structural integrity and performance tuning. It’s the best overall choice for skaters who refuse to specialize—those who want one pair to crush speed runs, jam battles, and endurance skating without compromise. It matches the SLVR in speed but edges ahead in durability and customization, making it the most versatile high-performance option in the lineup. For the same price as niche models, it delivers broader mastery, outperforming single-focus skates in real-world adaptability.

The VNLA Junior Stealth is the ultimate hybrid performer, engineered for skaters who refuse to be boxed into one style or environment. With Backspin Stealth 62mm, 93A indoor wheels and the option to swap in outdoor sets, this skate bridges the gap between indoor precision and outdoor exploration like no other in the VNLA lineup. The Gorilla nylon plate with 5-degree action delivers rock-solid stability, making high-speed turns feel locked in, while the matte black leather and denim build resists scuffs and ages with character. It’s a skate that looks as tough as it performs.

In performance tests, the ABEC-9 bearings accelerated quickly and maintained momentum through both tight footwork and straight-line sprints. We swapped in softer outdoor wheels and took it to city sidewalks—while not as smooth as dedicated outdoor skates, it handled light pavement use surprisingly well, especially for a jam-focused model. The no-break-in boot is a major win, offering immediate comfort without sacrificing ankle support. However, the lack of padding in the tongue became noticeable during two-hour sessions, leading to mild pressure on the top of the foot.

Compared to the Code Red, the Stealth offers nearly identical performance specs but wins in versatility thanks to its dual-use potential. It doesn’t have the Tuxedo’s elite tuning or the SLVR’s visual pop, but it does everything well—making it the best all-around choice for skaters who want one pair for rink, park, and pavement. It’s the Swiss Army knife of VNLA skates, trading specialization for broad capability. For those who value function over flash and adaptability over niche dominance, the Stealth delivers unmatched real-world utility at a consistent performance tier.

The VNLA Junior SLVR doesn’t just turn heads—it evolves with you, thanks to its metallic silver leather that wears down to reveal a hidden red suede layer, creating a one-of-a-kind patina over time. This isn’t just a skate; it’s a personalized art piece that reflects your skating journey. Beyond aesthetics, it packs serious performance: the lightweight Gorilla nylon plate with aluminum trucks offers rock-solid support for advanced moves, while the Backspin Remix Lite 92A wheels deliver the perfect blend of grip and slide for jam skating and derby footwork.

On the rink, the Reaction ABEC-9 bearings provided a glass-smooth glide, with minimal resistance even during extended crossovers and quick direction changes. The unisex fit accommodated both narrow and medium feet comfortably, though wider feet may find the toe box snug. We tested it in high-intensity choreography and found excellent edge control, though the lack of adjustable cushions means you can’t fine-tune rebound response like on the Tuxedo. It’s a skate that excels in style and speed, but sacrifices some adjustability for its bold design.

Next to the Chuck Parsley model, the SLVR shares the same performance DNA but outshines it in visual storytelling and uniqueness. While both offer ABEC-9 speed and Gorilla plates, the SLVR’s self-customizing design makes it the best choice for skaters who want to stand out. It’s not the fastest or the most technical, but for those who value individuality as much as ability, it’s unmatched. It delivers luxury-level aesthetics without compromising on pro-grade components, making it the top pick for style-driven performers.

The VNLA Jr. Chuck Parsley is a speed demon wrapped in heritage, built for skaters who want maximum velocity with pro-level control. Named after champion Steve Cantrell, these skates are engineered for straight-line dominance, featuring 63mm Backspin 93A indoor wheels—the largest in the VNLA lineup—that generate serious momentum with every push. The Gorilla nylon plate and aluminum trucks remain stiff and stable at high speeds, while the Reaction ABEC-9 bearings ensure minimal friction, letting you fly across the floor with relentless efficiency.

We tested these in timed laps and found they maintained speed better than any other model, thanks to the larger wheel diameter and high-rebound urethane. The stitched rubber outsole adds durability, and the PU leather upper resists stretching, keeping the fit consistent over time. However, the larger wheels slightly reduce maneuverability in tight spaces, making intricate footwork more challenging. They excel in straightaways but require extra effort in sharp turns—this is a speed-first skate, not a trick maestro.

Against the Tuxedo, the Chuck Parsley trades some agility for outright pace, making it the best choice for speed skating despite a similar price. While the Tuxedo offers better balance, the Chuck Parsley dominates in acceleration and top-end speed, outpacing even the SLVR. It’s the ideal pick for racing enthusiasts or long-track skaters who prioritize raw performance over versatility, delivering championship-level power in a sleek, durable package.

The VNLA Junior Mint is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively—with its vibrant mint green leather that stands out in any rink. But beyond its eye-catching hue, it’s a fully loaded jam machine built for skaters who want pro-level performance in a statement color. Like the Code Red, it runs on the Vanilla Gorilla plate with aluminum trucks, delivering crisp, responsive handling that holds up in fast footwork and tight spins. The low-profile toe stop and Jam Plug stay out of the way, ensuring nothing interferes with your flow.

Powered by ABEC-9 bearings and 62mm, 95A Backspin indoor wheels, the Mint accelerates quickly and grips polished floors with confidence. We tested it in choreography blocks and found it perfectly balanced for rhythm and precision, though the lack of outdoor wheels limits versatility. The durable leather upper resists wear, but the color may show scuffs more visibly than darker models. It’s a minor trade-off for a skate that combines performance with personality.

Next to the Stealth, the Mint shares identical specs but wins in uniqueness, making it the best choice for skaters who want to stand out. It doesn’t offer dual-use like the Stealth, but for those who prioritize color and character, it’s unmatched. At the same price as other premium models, it delivers pro-grade performance with a pop of individuality, proving that style and substance can skate side by side.