Rollerblade

Overview

Rollerblade is a manufacturer of inline skates and skating gear, operating as a subsidiary within the Benetton Group portfolio. The company pioneered the modern inline skating market and remains a significant player in recreational and fitness skating equipment. Rollerblade's product range spans entry-level recreational skates to performance-oriented models, serving casual skaters, fitness enthusiasts, and recreational users across multiple age groups.

History

Scott Olson founded the company in 1980 by purchasing a single-line skate patent and began manufacturing Rollerblade skates in his parents' Minneapolis basement. The company was incorporated in 1982 as Ole's Innovative Sports and later renamed North American Training Corporation. In 1991, Nordica, the ski boot manufacturer, acquired 50 percent of the company, and subsequently became the full owner. Rollerblade is now part of Benetton Sportsystem, a division of the Italian Benetton Group.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Current manufacturing details are not specified in available sources. Historically, Rollerblade operated manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and New Jersey as part of the Benetton Sportsystem operations. The company now operates primarily from its New Hampshire headquarters with support functions, though specific production locations are not disclosed.

Notable Products

• Rollerblade Recreational Inline Skates - Core product line designed for casual skating and recreational use across all age groups
• Rollerblade Fitness Skates - Performance-focused inline skates engineered for fitness and training applications
• Rollerblade Protective Gear Sets - Comprehensive safety equipment including wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow protection

Reputation

Rollerblade maintains recognition as a foundational brand in inline skating, credited with pioneering the modern inline skate market. The brand is generally regarded as reliable for recreational and fitness skating applications. However, the company has experienced significant downsizing from its peak in the late 1990s (approximately 200 employees and $150 million in sales) to its current scale, reflecting broader market consolidation in the skating industry.