inline skate performance on roads

Question
I want to skate distance (1-3 hours) on variable pavement. What are the best choices for wheels (size/hardness) and skates to absorb maximum shock over less than perfect pavement? My current skates fit well, but my feet go numb after about an hour on anything but really smooth road.

Answer
Hi Josh,
Your main concern being shock absorbtion over an extended skate - your wheels should be 78A durometer for a soft forgiving ride.
The height of the wheels matters for duration of roll & speed - the higher the wheel - given the same bearings - the longer the roll. This said, however, I wouldn't recommend larger than 80mm, above that you sacrifice stability - the smaller the wheel the lower your center of gravity & therefore added stability but you do sacrifice speed & a longer roll.
I like 78mm & 78A durometer for comfort.
As far as your feet going numb - it could be your skates are too tight or that you are gripping with your toes from skating too far back on your heels. But that's just speculation - I'm betting on too tight though. I hope this helps.
Roll on!!!..........................Lezly (Lezly Skate School - estab. 1979)