Why Old Inline Skates Can Crumble After Long Storage (and How to Stop It Happening to Yours)

Hello hello. Stephen @whataspoon here. More often than you might think, we get some lost soles coming into our store wondering why their skates that they have had hidden away in the cupboard or attic for 20+ years have fallen apart. With the help of the internet I have now found out exactly why this is happening.

So... you dig out your old inline skates from the back of the cupboard, lace them up, and head out for a nostalgic roll… only to hear a crack, feel the boot flex in a worrying way, or watch a wheel crumble beneath you.

It’s a frustrating (and sometimes dangerous) surprise, but there’s a real reason this happens but the good news is, you can avoid it.

The Science Behind Skate Deterioration

Inline skates are made from a combination of plastics, foams, rubbers, metals, and adhesives. Over time, even without use, these materials can break down:

1. Plastic Fatigue & UV Damage
   Most skate shells are made from high-impact plastics. While tough, these materials slowly lose flexibility with age. Even in darkness, chemical bonds can break down, making the shell brittle. A sudden flex when skating can cause cracks.

2. Hydrolysis in Foams & Boots
   The cushioning inside your boots contains foams and glues that can degrade over time. A process called hydrolysis — where moisture in the air reacts with the material — can make foams collapse or turn crumbly.

3. Wheel and Bearing Decay
   Polyurethane wheels harden and crack if left unused for years. Bearings can seize up from dried lubricants or corrosion. In extreme cases, wheels literally flake apart the moment you roll.

Why “Unused” Doesn’t Mean “Like New”

It’s easy to think that skates sitting in a cupboard for 10+ years will be in perfect shape because they haven’t been worn. The reality is that time and environment affect materials as much as usage does.

A pair of well-loved skates used regularly (and stored properly) can often last longer than a pair left untouched in a damp garage.

How to Prevent Skate Crumble

If you want your skates to last for years without nasty surprises, follow these tips:

1. Store in a Stable Environment

• Keep skates in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes.

• Avoid damp areas like sheds or basements, which can accelerate corrosion and hydrolysis.

2. Move Them Every Few Months

• Flex the boots gently by hand to keep the plastics from stiffening.

• Rotate the wheels and spin the bearings to keep lubricants distributed.

3. Clean and Lubricate Before Storage

• Wipe the boots down and clean dirt from bearings.

• Add a light bearing oil to prevent rust and keep them free-moving.

4. Replace Consumables Before They Fail

• Wheels and bearings are replaceable, swapping them before they crumble can keep your skates rideable even if they’re old.

5. Inspect Before You Skate

• Check for cracks in the shell, frame, or cuff.

• Press on the wheel surface, if it feels overly hard, cracked, or flakes under pressure, replace it before riding.

When to Retire Old Skates

If your skates are over a decade old and show signs of brittleness or cracking, it might be time to retire them, at least from heavy use. They could still work as a display piece or for very light indoor skating, but safety should come first.

Need Help Reviving Your Skates?

At Slick Willies, we stock a full range of replacement wheels, bearings, and parts to bring older skates back to life. If you’re unsure whether your old pair is safe to ride, pop into the store and we can give them a quick check-up.

That way, you can avoid the heartbreak (and potential injury) of the dreaded first roll crumble.