How Sure Grip Roller Skates Are Made: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

Sure Grip Roller Skates have been a staple in the skating community for decades, known for their durability, comfort, and performance. But what goes into making these high-quality skates? In this blog post, we take a closer look at the craftsmanship and innovation behind Sure Grip roller skates, from the materials used to the assembly process.

1. A Legacy of Quality

Sure Grip was founded on the commitment to creating roller skates that could outperform competitors in both style and function. Over the years, the brand has maintained its reputation by focusing on superior materials and cutting-edge technology, constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern skaters.

In 1937, our founder, John Wintz, introduced what we now call our “original” wheel—an innovative product that we still manufacture today. While it’s seen some slight changes, the core materials remain the same as when it was first developed. With his deep knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, Wintz created a phenolic wheel with a unique rubber “O” ring around it. His idea was simple yet effective: as the wheel heated up during skating, the material would expand, causing the rubber ring to push outward and make contact with the floor. This provided skaters with better grip, especially around corners, and led to the name Sure-Grip.

Initially, Sure-Grip was solely a skate wheel manufacturer, but as time went on, skaters began asking for more. In response, our founder expanded the product line, developing skating plates that better met skaters’ needs. Each pair of Sure Grip skates starts with a high-quality boot, often made from leather or synthetic materials that offer both support and flexibility. These boots are designed to fit snugly around the ankle while allowing enough movement for the skater to maneuver with ease.

We’re proud of our history and our commitment to continuous innovation, just as we were back in 1937.

2. The Importance of Plates

One of the key components of Sure Grip skates is the plate—the foundation that connects the boot to the wheels. Sure Grip offers both aluminum and nylon plates, each with its own advantages. Aluminum plates, such as the Sure Grip Avenger, are more durable and provide better stability, making them ideal for competitive skaters. Nylon plates, on the other hand, are lighter and more flexible, perfect for recreational skating or beginners.

The design of the plate is crucial for balance and control. Sure Grip engineers plates to distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of injury and allowing for smooth transitions between movements.

Today, we continue to innovate, always listening to our customers. Our latest creation is the Lo-Ride Plate. 

A groundbreaking design allows skaters to adjust their hanger setup, choosing to be closer or higher from the floor—the first of its kind in skating plates.

3. Wheels That Adapt to Your Needs

Wheels are another area where Sure Grip excels. Whether you’re skating indoors or outdoors, on smooth surfaces or rough terrain, Sure Grip has a wheel designed to meet your needs. Indoor wheels are typically harder and smaller, providing more precision and speed on polished surfaces. Outdoor wheels, like the Sure Grip Aerobic, are larger and softer, allowing them to absorb shocks from uneven ground and providing a smoother ride.

Sure Grip uses high-quality urethane to manufacture their wheels, ensuring durability and optimal performance. These wheels are designed to maintain their shape over time, meaning they won’t flatten out or lose their grip, even after extensive use. Many of Sure Grip’s wheels are customizable, allowing skaters to choose different durometers (the hardness level) based on their skating preferences and terrain.

4. Bearings for Smooth Gliding

The bearings in roller skates are essential for a smooth ride, and Sure Grip spares no expense when it comes to quality. Bearings sit inside the wheel hub and allow for the wheels to spin with minimal friction. Sure Grip offers a variety of bearings, from standard ABEC-rated bearings to higher-performance models, such as ceramic bearings, which are ideal for competitive skaters who need maximum speed and precision. Our QUBE bearings are specifically designed to work with our roller skates.  

These bearings are crafted to withstand high speeds and resist dirt, dust, and moisture, ensuring that your skates glide effortlessly whether you’re skating indoors or outside. Sure Grip’s QUBE bearings are designed for easy maintenance and replacement, allowing skaters to keep their equipment in top shape for longer.

5. Hand-Assembled with Care

While many brands have shifted to fully automated manufacturing processes, Sure Grip still incorporates hand-assembly into its production to ensure each skate meets its high standards. Skilled workers inspect each component of the skate—boot, plate, wheels, and bearings—to make sure everything fits together perfectly. And this all takes place in our warehouse in Los Angeles, CA.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, Sure Grip produces roller skates that offer the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and performance. The attention to detail during the assembly process ensures that every pair of skates is of the highest quality, from the moment you lace them up to your last stride on the rink.

6. Sustainability in Skating

As the world becomes more eco-conscious, Sure Grip has taken steps toward sustainability in their production process. By sourcing materials responsibly and minimizing waste during manufacturing, they’re helping to ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible.  Our nylon plates are made in our factory using a combination of virgin material and recycled material.  During the molding process our discarded material is recycled and used again. Plus, the long-lasting nature of their skates means that fewer skates end up in landfills, reducing the overall environmental impact.

7. Innovations for the Future

Sure Grip’s legacy is built on constant innovation, and the company shows no signs of slowing down. With an eye toward the future, Sure Grip continues to push boundaries in skate design, experimenting with new materials, more efficient manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge technology that enhances the skating experience.

For example, Sure Grip has recently introduced the Boardwalk Plus, which brought in the requests and feedback our community has given us over the years as well as updated materials to recreate our classic Boardwalk in a modern era. This model allows for greater maneuverability with an ankle cut and comfort while maintaining the stability and control that Sure Grip is known for.

Conclusion

From humble beginnings in 1937 to their current status as a leader in the roller skating industry, Sure Grip has always prioritized craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. Every pair of Sure Grip roller skates is the result of decades of experience and a commitment to producing the best possible product for skaters of all levels.

Whether you’re a casual skater looking for comfort and durability or a competitive skater seeking top-tier performance, Sure Grip’s dedication to quality shines through in every component of their skates. By staying true to their roots while embracing modern technology, Sure Grip continues to be a brand that skaters trust and love. So next time you lace up your Sure Grip skates, know that you’re strapping on a piece of skating history that’s built to last.